Food and Drink

Located in the heart of Downtown, the Wyndham has many nearby opportunities for food, drinks and entertainment.

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There are two restaurants on the Wyndham grounds , Claim Jumper and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, as well as the Hazelwoods Deli & Cafe. There is also a Starbucks at the back of the Wyndham lobby.

Three blocks east of the hotel, at W Ash & India St, is the south end of San Diego’s Little Italy. There you will find a variety of cafes, galleries, restaurants, and a Rite-Aid on the corner of W. Ash & Kettner.

Check out our Things To Do and Map pages too.

Little Italy

There are too many great Italian restaurants in nearby Little Italy to list here. Because competition between restaurants here is so fierce, if the place you wanted to go is too crowded, the nearest place with seating will be just as good. These are a few of our favorites.

Buon Appetito
An intimate trattoria with rustic, old-world charm and Italian ex-pat staff. Amazing wine selection. The same family runs Solunto next door if youare just interested in something light or sweet.
0.5 miles 1609 India St.

Mimmo’s
Casual Italian comfort food. Indoor seating set in a faux Italian village (known snce the 1960’s as “Mimmo’s Italian Village”). Groups rooms for large parties.
0.5 miles1743 India St.

Filippi’s Pizza Grotto
Like visiting the Italian family you never grew up in! This affordable, casual local chain slings enormous helpings of traditional fare.
0.6 miles1747 India St.

Bencotto
Chic bi-level eatery famed for artisanal Italian eats, including handmade organic pasta & classic desserts.
0.6 miles750 W Fir St. #103

Monello
Bencotto’s brother next door.
0.6 miles750 W Fir St.

Mona Lisa Italian Foods
An old school Italian market and deli. Also serving lasagna, pizza & Italian comfort food.
0.7 miles2061 India St.

Little Italy, San Diego

Coffee

Starbucks
There is a kiosk that serves Starbucks coffee near the elevators at the east end of the Wyndham lobby. If that is not open, the closest Starbucks to the Wyndham is located at 1450 Columbia St near the corner of Ash and Columbia.

Portal Coffee
Less than a block from the main ballroom, this cafe offers great coffee drinks in a friendly, squeaky clean environment.
0.2 miles
1495 Pacific Hwy

Cafe Italia
Vibrant coffee shop with a pet-friendly patio boasts Italian cafe fare, gelato & free WiFi.
0.5 miles1704 India St.

Lofty Coffee Co.
Local cafe chain and coffee roasting facility, offering high-quality coffee and tea, cafe fare and house-made pastries, with industrial decor and a dog-friendly patios.
0.5 miles444 W. Cedar St.

Influx
Breakfast, lunch, pastries, deserts and coffee drinks. Free Wi-Fi available.
0.6 miles750 West Fir St. (north-west corner of India & W Fir).

James Coffee Co.
Locally owned, artisan coffee roasters serving espresso drinks, coffee, teas, and a selection pastries and quiches. Housed in a converted warehouse with an eclectic mix from gift-shop to barbershop.
0.9 miles2355 India St.

Casual Dining & Breakfast Spots

Claim Jumper
Casual chain restaurant.
0 milesWyndham Lobby.

Craft & Commerce
Taxidermy & old books line the walls of this hip gastropub, serving seasonal eats & craft cocktails. There is also a speakeasy Tiki Bar hidden within.
0.3 miles675 W. Beech St.

Burger Lounge
Grass-fed beef burgers, turkey burgers, Alaskan cod fish sandwiches, gluten-free options available.
0.5 miles1608 India St.

Morning Glory
Despite their minimalist web site design, this breakfast spot was designed to overwhelm all your senses. Flamboyant decor, decadent breakfasts, boozy beverages (including a table-side Bloody-Mary cart to shorten the distance from the making of the booze to your table). Very busy; expect long lines. But there is a relaxing courtyard to wait in once you get your name on the waiting list.
0.5 miles550 West Date St.

Little Italy Mercato
Saturday 8am – 2pm only. San Diego County’s largest Farmers’ Market, is located on Cedar Street between Kettner Blvd and Front Street. Featuring fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat, poultry and cheese from local farmers. Plus artisan foods including seafood, olive oil, sauces, fresh bread, and chocolate. Find crafts and gifts too! 200+ booths every Saturday!
0.5 milesCedar Street between Kettner and Front.

The Crack Shack
Hip hangout for chicken & egg dishes with stylish outdoor seating, a full bar & bocce court.
0.7 miles2266 Kettner Blvd.

Wet Stone Wine Bar & Cafe
Serving an eclectic mix of Latin and Asian dishes. Lunch, dinner, wines from around the world, and craft beers.
1.1 miles1927 4th Ave.

Gaslamp Breakfast Club
Just about every decadently American breakfast you can think of.
1.6 miles551 J St.

breakfast

Brew Pubs

Queenstown Public House
Whimsical New Zealand-themed pub serving upscale bar fare & a large selection of draft beers.
0.5 miles1557 Columbia St.

Karl Strauss Brewing
Chain brewpub offering American bar food with a gourmet twist alongside in-house-brewed craft ales.
0.5 miles1157 Columbia St.

Ballast Point Brewing and Spirits
Kid-friendly brewery & pub providing acclaimed beers, refined bar fare & to-go kegs.
0.7 miles2215 India St.

Argentine

Puerto La Boca
Argentine specialties, including empanadas, hearty steaks & Malbecs at this warm, refined eatery. Vegetarian options are available. Serving lunch and dinner. Happy Hour is 4:30PM – 7PM Monday through Saturday, and all day on Sunday.
0.6 miles2060 India St.

Asian

Shino Sushi + Kappo
Laid-back Japanese eatery serving sushi & rolls in simple, contemporary surrounds.
0.2 miles838 West Ash St.

Aaharn
Do you miss Sopanee near the Kona Kai? No worries, Aaharn has excellent Thai cuisine close by.
0.4 miles1202 Kettner Blvd.

Animae
Asian fusion cuisine and Waygu steakhouse.
0.4 miles969 Pacific Hwy

Underbelly
Snug counter for hearty bowls of ramen, Japanese comfort grub and craft beer in an industrial-chic setting.
0.6 miles750 W Fir St.

Lumi Rooftop
Rooftop Japanese sushi by Michelin-starred chef Akira Back. Seafood and meat plates, cocktails and sake.
1.5 miles366 5th Ave.

French

Zinqué
San Diego outpost of the trendy French Bistro that Emmanuel Dossetti started in Los Angeles. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner served. Fancy pastries, coffee & cocktails, and a covered patio to enjoy the San Diego weather with all of it.
0.7 miles2101 Kettner Bvld.

Fontainebleau at the Westgate Hotel
Old school hotel restaurant serving Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Try the Sunday Brunch or Afternoon Tea in an elegant salon with vintage décor.
0.9 miles1055 2nd Ave.

Mister A’s
Perched high atop an example of mid-60’s brutalist architecture you will find fine dining in this French restaurant with excellent views of San Diego bay and surrounding areas. Although the restaurant is expensive, there is also an outdoor balcony where you can enjoy cocktails and appetizers without breaking the bank, and watch one of San Diego’s spectacular sunsets at no additional charge. Reservations for indoor dining are recommend. Please review and follow the dress code or you might be turned away.|
1.5 miles2550 5th Ave.

Mexican

La Puerta
Tacos, Tunes, and Tequilla. Sinaloa-inspired family recipes demand made fresh daily.
1.4 miles560 4th Ave.

Pokez
Yes, of course San Diego has a vegan skate-punk Mexican restaurant. Serving classic Mexican fare, as well as breakfast served all day. Many vegetarian & vegan menu items available.
1.4 miles947 E St.

Karina’s Cantina
Seafood dishes, ceviche, tacos and other Mexican dishes, served in stylish surroundings.
1.4 miles755 5th Ave.

Spanish

Cafe Sevilla
Cafe Sevilla offers authentic Spanish ambiance in their tapas bar, restaurant and nightclub. Thirty award-winning tapas, traditional paellas, fresh seafood and savory meat dishes. They also have a large variety of Spanish wines, refreshing sangrias and craft cocktails. Enjoy one of their Flamenco Dinner Shows on the weekend.
1.6 miles353 5th Ave

Steak & Seafood

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Outpost of upmarket steakhouse chain known for sizzling, butter-topped beef in an elegant setting.
0 miles1355 N Harbor Dr.

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
Lunch and dinner, bay views, outdoor seating and private group rooms are available. Many gluten-free options on the menus. Check out their dry-aged steaks, Wagyu steak tastings, and their award-winning wine selections. There is a dress code, and it is expensive.
0.4 miles901 Bayfront Ct. #105

Animae
Asian fusion cuisine and Waygu steakhouse.
0.4 miles969 Pacific Hwy

Ironside Fish & Oyster Bar
Lots and lots of oysters and seafood. All sourced from local fishermen in San Diego — as fresh as it gets.
0.4 miles1654 India St.

Puerto La Boca
Argentine specialties, including empanadas, hearty steaks & Malbecs at this warm, refined eatery.
0.6 miles2060 India St.

Dobson’s Bar & Restaurant
Cozy little steak and seafood restaurant near Horton Plaza. Fairly priced for a fine dining establishment with excellent service.
0.8 miles956 Broadway Circle

Karina’s Cantina
Seafood dishes, ceviche, tacos and other Mexican dishes, served in stylish surroundings.
1.4 miles755 5th Ave.

Huntress
Modern steakhouse with a huge selection of Japanese whisky brands available.
1.5 miles376 5th Ave.

Water Grill San Diego
Seafood galore! Serving lunch and dinner, with private rooms available that seat from 18 to 45 people. Check out the raw oyster bar. Steaks available too.
1.6 miles615 J St.

Seafood

Vegetarian & Vegan

Civico 1845
Health-conscious Italian food. Many vegan and gluten-free options available on the menu.
0.6 miles1845 India St..

Pokez
Yes, of course San Diego has a vegan skate-punk Mexican restaurant. Serving classic Mexican fare, as well as breakfast served all day. Many vegetarian & vegan menu items available.
1.4 miles947 E St.

Desserts

Solunto
Italian gelato, a dazzling array of Italian desserts, and espresso drinks. Also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
0.5 miles1643 India St

Extraordinary Desserts
Patisserie / restaurant in Little Italy serving lavish cakes, tortes, pastries and ice creams. They also have a selection of savory dishes such as paninis, salads, artisan cheeses and more. Gluten-free and vegan fare as well. Small batch roasted organic coffees and tea blends, a collection of boutique wines, all organic or sustainably produced, and unique beers from San Diego craft brewers.
0.5 miles1430 Union St.

Salt & Straw
San Diego outlet of the popular Oregon ice cream chain. Don’t be surprised if there is a line out the door and around the block.
0.5 miles1670 India St

Cafe Zucchero
This classic Italian sweet shop, inside of Nonna’s, has got you covered with a big selection of cakes, pastries, desserts, and gelatos made in-house.
0.5 miles1731 India St

Old Town San Diego

Old Town San Diego is the historic heart of San Diego, with many historic buildings, museums, and restaurants. We recommend using your favorite transportation service to get there as it can be difficult to find parking on weekends in Old Town. Another option is the Trolley to Old Town, which leaves every 15 minutes from the County Center/Little Italy Station just east of the hotel. It arrives at the Old Town Transit Center in about 8 minutes, and will cost about $2.50 per person.

El Agave Restaurant and Tequileria
Serves Mexico City nouvelle cuisine, and they boast a selection of over 2,000 tequilas. They have a private party room that can accommodate up to 28 people. Located on the southern outskirts of Old Town.
3.1 miles2304 San Diego Ave.

Casa Guadalajara
Casa Guadalajara makes their tortillas fresh, right before your eyes. They have dining indoors, in the bar, and on an outdoor patio under the shade of a giant pepper tree. Try some of the Mexican seafood dishes. Located on the north-western edge of Old Town.
3.7 miles4105 Taylor St.

Casa de Reyes
Located in the heart of Old Town San Diego. This is what drinking margaritas and savoring some antojitos on the patio of a hacienda is all about. Live mariachi music and folklorico dance shows on the weekends.
3.7 miles2754 Calhoun St.

North Park, San Diego

For the more adventurous foodies that don’t mind going a bit out of the way, North Park is fast becoming the foodie/Brewpub destination of San Diego. There are literally too many great places to eat and drink to list here. The center of activity is around the intersection of University and 30th St, far from tourist areas and among the locals. If you are driving, we suggest you use the public parking structure just south of the intersection, on the west side of 30th St, because finding parking on the street can be difficult.

Speakeasies

During Prohibition, San Diego being so close to Mexico became a way-point for celebrities and revelers on their way to bull fights and drinking establishments in Tijuana. Speakeasies, and blind-pigs, proliferated in San Diego at that time. Today, speakeasies have made a comeback, but you didn’t hear it from us. Entrances are hidden, but using the contact info in the web sites below should help. Decor is often in 1930’s style.

False Idol
A speakeasy Tiki Bar hidden inside Craft & Commerce.
0.3 miles675 W. Beech St.

Noble Experiment
The entrance is hidden inside the Neighborhood eatery. You must call ahead for reservations and instructions for finding the door.
1.4 miles777 G St.

Prohibition Lounge
Look for the door marked “Law Office – Eddie O’Hare”
1.5 miles548 5th Ave.