San Diego gaslamp dist. restaurant suggestions
 

Hi all, I am seeking recommendations for a nice restaurant, seafood or Italian, in the gaslamp district or Seashore Villiage. We are staying at the Manchester Hyatt and want something within walking distance.

Thanks,

Lynnie

I had an excellent meal at Currents in the Sofia Hotel. Outstanding halibut the night I dined there.

Croce's is not exclusively seafood or Italian, but has a varied, creative menu that's always excellent quality. Most nights has an enjoyable jazz band in the bar.

There are a couple of Italian restaurants in the vicinity. Hopefully a local will advise. I've been to some places in Gas Lamp that I wish I had missed.

Ms. Bear and I had a delightful lunch at Aqua Blu (734 Fifth Avenue) in the Gaslamp last week. It has a lot of seafood.

The Fish Market/Top of the Market offer two price points right on the bay (750 North Harbor Drive) at Tuna Pier.

All of them are an easy walk from your hotel.

Hi Lynnie - we love that Hyatt and have enjoyed a number of stays there. Walking into the gaslamp is not super close (totally doable but not right there) - make sure you have on walking shoes. It ahs been my experience you cannot really go wrong in the gaslamp. Sounds vague but it is true. One resturant that we loved in Florence Italy also has a sister resturant in San Diego - I have to try to remember the name.. ugh... It is Italian of course.

When are you headed down?

Another vote for Croces. Great food and wonderful jazz.

Deb

Thanks all for the suggestions.

Dawn, we are going down on the 18th for a golf tourney somewhere in that area, Syuacan Resort? We don't golf but DH's firm is somehow involved. Checking into the Hyatt (scored on Priceline for $135.00) for 1 night and meeting some clients of his.

Someone recommended Asti so I made a reservation there. Has anyone heard of it? Maybe the one you're thinking of.

Lynnie

Asti is good - enjoy. San Diego is what I consider my "home" town - moved there when I was around 9 or so... and still love "going home".

Great score on the hotel The Casino is out east - I have actually never been there. You can always take the ped-bikes back to the hotel - I have done that - big fun :-)

It is Aqa Ali 2. The first one was right across from our apartment in Florence. :-)

The other one that we have always enjoyed is La Strada.

WOW, that is quite a deal for the Manchester Hyatt---good bidding job!

Thanks, my 2nd priceline experience and it turned out great.
I'm going to look up Aqa Ali 2, Dawn, Is it in the hotel area?

Yes, it is actually very close - I believe closer then Asti (which you cannot go wrong with either). The cool thing about the resturants in downtown is something someone pointed out to me - if they are not good - they will not stay in business - the competition is too much. It is fun to just walk down 5th avenue - look at all the different menus - it has a very Europe feel. Enjoy.

also Lynnie - not sure if you have been there - but bring your walking shoes and in the am - it is nice to take a walk around the seaport.

LynnieD--

The restaurant is "Ristorante Acqua Al 2," and it is located at 322 Fifth Avenue. Asti is at 728 Fifth Avenue, so it is 4 blocks farther away from the Convention Center end of Fifth Avenue. We have been to both of them and prefer Buon Appetito in Little Italy (a slightly longer walk from your hotel).

We also ate at Acqua Al 2, both in Florence and San Diego. The one in Florence is better, of course. But the one in San Diego is good, too.

Peaceout - kind of cool right? Our apartment was on the street in Florence... I love the city. :-)

MomDDTravel, my daughter had studied in Florence a semester, and I went over to travel two weeks with her in May. She recommended Acqua Al 2, and we had a very memorable meal there.

LynnieD, I don't know if you like The Palm restaurants, but the one near Gaslamp is very good. They have fresh grilled fish. And huge portions, so one side dish is plenty for two people.

The restaurant in the Omni hotel is also very good, just across from the convention center.

Any of the Cohn's chain of restaurants are always a good choice

I second La Strada in the gaslamp at 702 5th Ave. This restaurant has been around for at least a dozen years. The owners are from Florence and had a restaurant there too. In fact their family still has a couple restaurants in and around Florence. The tiramisu is light as a feather, delicious. The bruschetta is to die for. The chef, Patrizia and I were talking (I love to practice Italian when I can) and I told her how much I love grilled veggies so she whipped me up a plate. Great food, service and nice atmosphere. Have fun in SD.