Grab a bite before the opera
Stay Close - at the Civic Theatre
We offer food vendors and cocktails right on the Civic Theatre concourse.* Beginning at 5:00pm on evenings or 12:00pm on Sundays. Our outdoor café has heaters and several belly-up tables for your convenience. Vendors include:
- La Creperie featuring sweet and savory crepes like the Pacific Catch, Vegetarian Knock-Out, Summer Blush or Nutella Crepe.
- Red Oven Pizza features many various pizza options (gluten free available) and lasagnas.
- Signature Cocktails: The Civic Theatre will serve a unique signature cocktail for each opera in the season. And, you can bring your beverage in the theatre with you, so no need to rush.
*Food vendors will be set up on the Civic Theatre Concourse pending any severe weather issues. All vendors accept cash and credit cards.
DOWNTOWN RESTAURANTS
For other downtown dining options, please visit these San Diego dining guides:
► SAN DIEGO RESTAURANTS.COM► OPEN TABLE
► SAN DIEGO EATER
Grant Grill
Grant Grill
326 Broadway San Diego, Ca 92101
Cuisine/Atmosphere
Contemporary, glamorous ambiance with a nod to historical significance. Guests will revel in the palate of flavors that is part of our California cuisine. 1.5 blocks from the Civic Theatre.
Complimentary Valet Parking for Lunch and $10 Valet for Dinner
Hours Mon-Fri Lunch – 11:30am to 2:30pm Dinner – 5:30pm to 10:00pm
Fri Dinner – 5:30pm to 10:30pm
Sat Brunch – 11:30am to 2:30pm Dinner – 5:30pm to 10:30pm
Sun Brunch – 11:30am to 2:30pm Dinner – 5:30pm to 10:00pm
Currant
Currant
American Brasserie
140 West Broadway; San Diego, CA 92101
Cuisine/Atmosphere
A modernized version of a French bistro. Here you will find the essence of French cuisine combined with American ingenuity and soul. Our mantra here is fresh seasonal food with uncompromising quality. 4 blocks from the Civic Theatre.
Hours
Breakfast Mon - Fri 7:30am – 9:30am
Lunch Mon - Fri 11:30am – 2:30pm
Dinner Daily 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Location/Parking
140 West Broadway; San Diego, CA 92101; (Inside The Sofia Hotel) Street parking or Valet on corner of Front & Broadway ($5 for 3 hours with validation from Currant)
Dobson's
Reservations:
(619) 231-6771
Dinner daily
Mon – Fri: 4:00-11:00pm
Sat: 5-11pm
Sun: Closed
Website »
Map »
Dobson's
Bar & Restaurant
956 Broadway Circle, San Diego, CA 92101
Cuisine/Atmosphere
Dobson's Bar and Restaurant is a hidden treasure in the heart of Downtown San Diego/Gaslamp Quarter. The food is California cuisine with a touch of Italian, French, Spanish and Asian cuisine. One thing that both local San Diegans and Zagat can agree on is that this is one of the top restaurants in San Diego. Due to the limited seating and popularity, reservations are highly recommended. 2 blocks from the Civic Theatre.
Location/Parking
956 Broadway Circle, San Diego, CA 92101
Across from the NBC Building
Street parking/ Horton Plaza
Bristol Hotel
Bristol Hotel
1055 First Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Cuisine/Atmosphere
Daisy's Bistro, inside the Bristol Hotel, is a contemporary and casual downtown San Diego restaurant emphasizing hearty portions of amazing California cuisine. A delicious array of dishes is sure to please every palate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Stylish yet relaxed and casual. 2 blocks from the Civic Theatre.
Location/Parking
1055 First Avenue, San Diego, Ca 92101. Valet parking, at competitive prices, with in and out privileges.
$35.95 per person
Includes Valet Parking, a glass of our house wine, Tax, and Gratuity.
This menu is offered nightly from 5pm to 7pm
Reservations are recommended (619)232-6141
First Course
Choice of Caesar or Bristol House Salad or Cup of Baja Seafood Soup or a cup of Cream of Mushroom Sherry Soup
Second Course
Petit Filet Mignon with Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Chicken Romano with Fettuccine Noodles or Fish of the day with Seasonal Vegetables
Dessert
Chef’s selection of the day
Al Teatro
Al Teatro
Panini Grill
1254 3rd Ave. San Diego, Ca 92101
Cuisine/Atmosphere
Italian, authentic and fresh in a casual café atmosphere. Delicious freshly made Panini’s, Salads, Pasta’s and Sauces. Great Italian espresso bar and incredible homemade pastries and desserts. 1 block from the Civic Theatre.
Panera Bread
Panera
225 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101, Suite 160
(in the NBC building, next to Horton Plaza)
Cuisine/Atmosphere
A fast, casual restaurant/café that offers freshly baked breads, as well as sandwiches, soups, salads, bakery items, organic foods, smoothies, coffee and specialty coffee drinks. A perfect casual place to meet before the opera, it is only a four-minute walk. 3 blocks from the Civic Theatre.
Hours
Mon-Fri 6:00am – 9:00pm
Sat-Sun 7:00am – 9:00pm
Location/Parking
225 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101, Suite 160
Three hours of free parking with validation. *Regular parking fees apply beyond the three free (with validation) hours. You must validate parking previous to 9PM.
Osetra The Fishhouse
Osetra The Fishhouse
904 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Cuisine/Atmosphere
Osetra The Fish House has undergone extensive renovation to become San Diego’s premiere destination for fresh, gourmet seafood, aged meats, and handmade pastas. When guests walk in the door they are awestruck by the showcase three-story wine tower which houses our award-winning selection of wines retrieved by “Wine Angels” flying through the air. 4 blocks from the Civic Theatre.
Location/Parking
904 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Valet Parking – available across the street non-validated (street parking available as well)
Reservations
(619) 239-1800
Bandar
Reservations:
Behrooz Farahani or Kamille Madeira
(619) 238-0101
Hours:
Daily
11:30am-10:00pm
Website »
Map »
Bandar
845 4th Avenue San Diego, CA 92101
Cuisine/Atmosphere
Experience a world of award winning distinction. Bandar offers exotic Persian cuisine, meticulously prepared and beautifully presented. 1 block from the Civic Theatre.
Operacaffe
Operacaffe
835 4th Ave, San Diego, Ca 92101
Cuisine/Atmosphere
Authentic Tuscan cuisine. A reputation for excellent cuisine and the freshest of ingredients paired with an elegant yet casually rustic atmosphere are the reasons we are so proud of our new restaurant! 3 blocks from the Civic Theatre.
Hours
Lunch: Mon-Sat 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Dinner: Mon-Sat 3:00 pm to 10:30 or 11:00 pm
Sun 3:00 pm to 10:30 or 11:00 pm
Location/Parking
835 4th Ave San Diego, Ca 92101
We suggest parking in the Horton Plaza parking lot. Be sure to get your 3 hours free at a validation station. (regular parking fees apply beyond the 3 hours free)
Reservations
(619)234-6538
For large parties call Peter (619) 807-5551
Panda Inn
Panda Inn
506 Horton Plaza San Diego, Ca 92101 Horton Plaza, Level 5
Cuisine/Atmosphere
Gourmet Mandarin cuisine in the tradition of the Chinese art of balancing taste with texture. 2.5 blocks from the Civic Theatre.
Hours
Mon - Thu 11:00am - 10:00pm
Fri - Sat 11:00am – 10:30 pm
Sun 11:00am – 10:00pm
Location/Parking
506 Horton Plaza San Diego, Ca 92101 Horton Plaza, Level 5. Four hours free parking with validation.*Regular parking fees apply beyond the four free (with validation) hours. You must validate parking previous to 9:00pm.
Flemings
Reservations:
(619) 237-1155
Hours:
Sunday - Thursday 5pm - 10pm
Friday & Saturday 5pm - 11pm
Website »
Map »
Flemings
380 K St, San Diego, CA 92101-6959
Cuisine/Atmosphere
Welcome to Fleming's Downtown San Diego, in the historical Gaslamp District. Chef Partner Matt Renstrom's innovative dishes are a contemporary compliment to the traditional steakhouse, and our sommelier, Casey Eades, can guide you through our 100 wines by the glass — boasting awards 5 years in a row from Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator. We look forward to the pleasure of your company. Cheers!
Currently at Fleming’s: Discover our “5 For $6 ’Til 7” bar menu, featuring 5 tempting appetizers, 5 premium cocktails and 5 distinctive wines by the glass — each priced at $6 and served nightly until 7 pm. View Menu. 9 blocks from the Civic Theatre.
Distinctions
- Award of Excellence - Wine Spectator, July 2008
- Award of Distinction - Wine Enthusiast, 2009
The Palm Restaurant
Reservations:
(619)702-6500
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday & Saturday, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Lounge/Bar open at 4:00 PM daily
Website »
Map »
Palm Restaurant
615 J Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Cuisine/Atmosphere
Lively, family-owned, white tablecloth Italian restaurant famous for prime beef, jumbo lobster and Italian entrees. 11 blocks from the Civic Theatre.
Greystone
Reservations:
(619) 232-0225
Hours:
Dinner daily
Sun – Thu: 5-10pm
Fri & Sat: 5-11pm
Website »
Map »
Greystone
658 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Cuisine/Atmosphere
Situated in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, in an historic theatre, resides one of southern California’s premiere independently owned and operated steakhouses. Greystone the Steakhouse has been the destination for aged meats, fresh seafood, and delectable pastas for the past decade. All entrees are prepared with the finest ingredients from the culinary traditions of Europe, America, and the Pacific Rim. 6 blocks from the Civic Theatre.
Location/Parking
658 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Valet Parking – discount in price with restaurant validation (street parking available as well)
Promotion
VIP
Donate $100 or more to San Diego Opera Membership and receive dining certificates to this restaurant.
Osteria Panevino
Osteria Panevino
722 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Cuisine/Atmosphere
Authentic Tuscan cooking and old-world charm has made Osteria Panevino a San Diego favorite for Italian cuisine in the historic Gaslamp Quarter for over 15 years. An in-house pastry chef prepares all the breads, pastas, and desserts fresh daily. Panevino brings the atmosphere of the small trattorias and osterias you find in the hill towns of Firenze and all around the Tuscan region. 4 blocks from the Civic Theatre.
Hours
Lunch
Daily – 11am-4pm
Dinner
Sun-Thu – 5pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat – 5pm - midnight
Location/Parking
722 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Valet Parking available – discount in price with validation at the restaurant
Promotion
VIP
Donate $100 or more to San Diego Opera Membership and receive dining certificates to this restaurant.
Hexagone
Hexagone
495 Laurel Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Cuisine/Atmosphere
With a name reflecting the six-sided shape of France, Hexagone will take a you on a culinary tour of that country with an extensive menu that blends traditional French dishes with updated California cuisine.
Promotion
VIP
Donate $100 or more to San Diego Opera Membership and receive dining certificates to this restaurant.
La Puerta
Reservations:
No reservations, but call-ahead seating available.
(619) 696-3466
Hours:
Mon-Fri
11:00am to 1:00am
Sat-Sun
10:00am to 1:00am
Website »
Map »
La Puerta
530 4th Avenue San Diego, CA 92101
Cuisine/Atmosphere
Clever takes on classic Mexican dishes include TJ Dogs, carne asada fries and street-style tacos all amongst a spirited, rock ‘n’ roll atmosphere and a tequila selection that is unrivaled in Downtown. 7.5 blocks from the Civic Theatre.
The Wellington Steak and Martini Lounge
The Wellington
Steak and Martini Lounge
729 West Washington Street, San Diego, CA 92103
Cuisine/Atmosphere
The Wellington Steak and Martini Lounge is a contemporary and intimate supper club located in the historic neighborhood of Mission Hills. Their menu features exquisite sauces as a compliment to traditional steaks, chops, fish and their signature dish, beef Wellington. The Wellington has an extensive martini menu with choices ranging from the traditional to the exotic, as well as a wine list with an international emphasis.
Hours
Sun-Thu – 5pm – 9:30pm
Fri & Sat – 5pm - 10pm
Happy Hour - 5pm - 6pm Daily
Dinner Service at 5:30pm
Location/Parking
729 West Washington Street, San Diego, CA 92103
Promotion
VIP
Donate $100 or more to San Diego Opera Membership and receive dining certificates to this restaurant.