Comic-Con Restaurant Guide - 2025

Elizabeth Bickford
May 30
5 min read

Updated: Jun 9

Check out my Comic-Con Restaurant guide for Downtown San Diego. I am featuring places to grab a great bite and locations offering specials for Comic-Con 2025.

Gaslamp Quarter

This area is located directly outside of the San Deigo convention center. It is marked by the well-known Gaslamp sign.

Greystone

Greystone Steakhouse is a great option for a steak in the Gaslamp area. They have a beautiful space and a fantastic bar! If you can get a reservation here, you will want to try their tomahawk steak. It is done very nicely. Their mashed potatoes are divine! The space is an upscale location, and it will be great to unwind and relax here after Comic-Con. They also have a full bar and knowledge bartenders.

The Melt

Yes, I’m adding the Melt here because it is a reliable and dependable location! This is a spot that you can stop in and grab a bite to eat, and it will be consistent! No reservations needed, go ahead and dive in and get yourself a bite to eat. There is additional seating on the second floor of this restaurant as well.

Lumi

Lumi Rooftop sushi bar is not to be missed! If you can get a reservation here, and even if you can’t it’s worth the wait. I highly recommend checking out their brunch! There’s live music and a great mix of Japanese fusion. I recommend ube pancakes. Every time I’ve been here, I’ve heard rumors of many Comic-Con industry parties going on, so it is a great place too possibly run into a celebrity!

Mary Janes

Mary Janes is a great breakfast spot! I recommend checking out this location because it is connected to the Hard Rock. The Hard Rock is notorious for being a celebrity studded space during Comic-Con. I recommend getting a reservation if you want to secure time at a table. You can also order food to go here. I’ve done this several times while I have been waiting in line for a Comic-Con activation. It’s also right next-door to the closest Gaslamp Starbucks so it makes a nice pairing.

Ghirardelli Ice Cream

I must mention Ghirardelli because I am an absolute sucker for ice cream! I highly recommend checking out their sundaes. You can also pick up some great souvenirs to take home to those who cannot attend Comic-Con! Everyone loves their chocolates!

Little Italy

Little Italy is small, yet flourishing part of Downtown San Diego filled with a vibrant and eclectic food scene.

Born and Raised

One of my favorite restaurants in downtown San Diego is Born and Raised. This restaurant done by the Consortium Holding Group will not disappoint. If you cannot snag a reservation, I highly recommend getting to this location when it opens at 4:30 to grab a seat at the bar. They offer some happy hour bites Monday-Friday which are incredible! I suggest trying the Dirty Hashbrowns and you cannot go wrong with their table-side Caesar Salad.

Roman Wolves

Roman Wolves is a newer restaurant in Little Italy. This Italian restaurant serves up Roman cuisine. I can honestly say this was the best cheese pasta I’ve ever had. Cheese Wheel pasta is extremely popular in Little Italy, but I highly recommend going to this location if you want to give it a try. They also offer happy hour options as well. I recommend the Limoncello Spritz if you are looking for a refreshing drink, I find it less bitter than an Aperol Spritz. As always, I recommend making reservations during Comic-Con, but this location does have a large bar so you might be able to sneak in without.

Filippis Pizza Grotto

For pizza, I highly recommend Filippis in Little Italy! It has a very classic feel and a lot of seating! There are some parking spaces here because they have their own lot, which is extremely rare for this area. You can order a giant salad and lots of pizza and just hang out and spend a lovely evening here.

Civico 1845

Civico 1845 is currently celebrating their 10th anniversary in Little Italy. Their celebration includes a chef collaboration featuring 5 specialty dishes in the Calabrifornia style. A style that is blending the fresh and bright cooking style of Southern Italy with the local ingredients of California. Be sure to visit this this summer to try a collection of dishes from chefs all over San Diego. It's a great way to experience San Diego cuisine while at Comic-Con.

Kettner Exchange

Kettner Exchange is a great option in Little Italy. They have an American cuisine menu and a rooftop bar. That is a great and lively place to hang out. I recommend making a reservation if you want to grab a table otherwise check in at the bar and see if there is space. I absolutely love throwing some complex drink orders at their bartenders and they 100% nail it each time!

Wolfies

For unique experience, I recommend heading to Wolfies. Inside the restaurant you will find a gorgeous fully lit rotating carousel bar! The location has photo opportunities galore! This is an American French fusion restaurant, and you will not be disappointed by the cheese on these entrées! I recommend the cheeseburger here, yes, the cheeseburger! Their French fries are also a wonderful addition to any meal and I always add a glass of bubbles.

Morning Glory

Morning Glory is also a Consortium Holding restaurant. This delight for the senses is also home to some of the most fabulous fluffy pancakes! They do not take reservations and you will need to have a commitment to wait for a table, but it is worth it if you don’t already have plans or a badge for the day. Their morning cocktails are very delicious, and you can also find the dirty hashbrowns here which are perfect to start off your morning!

East Village

The East Village is a quickly growing neighborhood with many foodie options!

Hinar

Hinar is a beautiful pastry shop in the East Village. This is a bit off the beaten path, but it is so worth the trip! They have delicious cakes and fantastic coffees! You can even get a well-made tea here. The space is gorgeous, and you will not be disappointed! You can check out my video on it here.

Callie

Callie is in the East Village and has received several Michelin nods. They typically have space at the bar, but I do really recommend reservations here as well. If you are looking for something light, I highly recommend the hummus or Labneh. Always make certain you have enough pita bread for each person. Their cocktails are also exceptional, and their specials are very noteworthy!

The Neighborhood

If you can get into the Neighborhood, I absolutely recommend it! The burgers here are exceptional, and the atmosphere is very fun. Youngblood is located inside of this location, it is a speakeasy that offers a curated cocktail experience. It has a preset menu that includes an apple cocktail and three subsequent cocktail courses. Everything is designed to your taste and specifications, and it is a beautiful and exceptional experience. You can see my video on it here.