sembach

First visit and will be staying downtown near Gas Lamp District for five nights without a car. Like Italian, Thai, Greek, Spanish and seafood. One splurge dinner and the others at about $25-30 per person. Appreciate a nice view at sunset, not too loud, and without large groups or kids.

Have just started research, initial list below, looking for feedback on it and other suggestions.

THE FIELD IRISH PUB: GAS LAMP
CAFE SEVILLA: GAS LAMP

FILIPPI’S PIZZA GROTTO: LITTLE ITALY
ISOLA PIZZA BAR: LITTLE ITALY
BENCOTTO ITALIAN KITCHEN: LITTLE ITALY
BUON APPETITO: LITTLE ITALY

C-LEVEL: HAPPY HOUR/VIEWS
CROCE’S RESTAURANT AND JAZZ BAR
THE FISH MARKET:750 NORTH HARBOR DRIVE

Thanks for your help

beechbum

You really can't go wrong in San Diego, it's such a beautiful place. We always go to happy hour at C-Level.
Bertrand at Mr. A's patio is a great place for happy hour and it gives you a different view since you're up in one of the highrise buildings.
Altitude Sky Lounge also has a fun view especially if the Padres are playing.
You can also take the ferry across to Coronado, Peohe's is right there, the food isn't all that exciting but the view is incredible.
Have fun!

DebitNM

We like Filippi's for really solid, traditional NY style red sauced Italian food and pizza. Nothing fancy, but good food at great prices. Easy to get to without car.

CROCE'S is no longer in the Gas Lamp. We have enjoyed the food and music when it was, so I am guessing that part hasn't changed.

Bertrand's at Mr. A's is likely your splurge meal. Great views - ask for a window table when you reserve.

The Fish Market has great views, but it think their food is just ok. I am in the minority on that but what can I say?

Thai Basil in The Gas Lamp has great food.

Great gelato can be found in The Gas Lamp at http://www.chocolatsandiego.com

I agree about Altitude - fun place!

Fodorite018

We were in San Diego a few months ago and the places that we had good or great meals include:

Cafe Sevilla (a bit loud, but not bad and a lot of fun)
Toscana Cafe (also in the Gaslamp)
Tin Fish (super casual in the Gaslamp, fish tacos)
Bencotto (excellent!)
Zia's Bistro (excellent!)

Tomsd

The Prado at Balboa Park - part of the well respected Cohn Group (as is C Level/Island Prime) has two happy hours, and in Little Italy - we like Buon Appetino - but there are about 10+ good places to dine (just walk around a few blocks) - and another authentic one - is Mona Lisa - similiar to Filippi's - not the newer/high end type but good food/fun/old style.

You can also find good gelato up a side street - or at my second favorite coffee place - Cafe Italia - across from Filippis.

And if you want to splurge - go upstairs to the Fish Market's - Top of the Market - gourmet for sure with a great right on the water/bay view - and Bertrand Hug's place has a great view - above it all - at Mr. A's.

Now I think the Fish Market itself has good fish - and is a fun place to look at pics, etc and they also have a good Sushi bar and fresh fish case/selling fish to go.

And for a neighborhood - primo food place - check out Carnitas Snack Shack - at 23rd and University.

Tomsd

And for Thai and many other Asian choices - try going to Convoy Street - dozens of them and almost all are good.

sembach

Thank you all for the feedback