Situated on California’s Pacific coast, San Diego is home to some amazing beaches, lakes, parks, and most importantly, the warm weather. Featuring many art galleries, gardens, museums, and other notable attractions, San Diego offers a little bit of something for everyone, and this includes the locals as well. Some of the beautiful landmarks you can check out here are Balboa Park, SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Cabrillo National Monument, and Old Town among others. Although the attractions here will keep you busy during the day, the many stunning restaurants and nightlife will keep you occupied through the evenings. In this guide, we list down some of the best rooftop restaurants in Downtown San Diego, California.
What’s new in San Diego’s food scene:
According to the San Diego Magazine, Omakase-only restaurants are popping up in the city after a successful debut by John Hong in his Hidden Fish restaurant on Convoy Street. The Omakase-only experience entails a meal curated by the chef, with no a la carte menu to choose from. You can have a face-to-face interaction with the chef in a more intimate atmosphere.
Another new trend in the food scene is dry-aged fish, which is adopted from Spain. Many chefs and fishmongers in San Diego are following this method to produce delicious sushi. You can find sushi made of dry-aged fish at Oceanside’s Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub, among other places.
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1. Catania
Looking for a date spot to woo your date? Catania is the perfect place for you. Nestled atop La Plaza Center, Catania specializes in coastal Italian fare with wood-fired pizzas, duck sugo shrimp, grilled steak as well as tasty appetizers like crispy calamari and roasted cauliflower. The rooftop restaurant boasts a relaxing atmosphere with charming downtown views. You get both indoor and outdoor seating, even though outdoor takes the trophy, as guests can enjoy tasting good food while witnessing the best views. The food served here is authentic and prepared using bold flavors and seasonal ingredients. The must-try food here is the halibut crudo so don’t miss out.
Catania
Address: 7863 Girard Avenue #301 F3, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
Website: Catania
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11:30am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 9:30pm
2. The Nolen
One of the hottest bars in San Diego, The Nolen is a trendy bar sitting on the rooftop of the hotel boasting picturesque skyline views, a fire pit, and a lounge seating area. This 14-floor rooftop lounge and bar is set in a beautiful environment and includes a patio deck, as well. The bar menu has an extensive list of can’t-miss, old-school, and new-age cocktails, along with an array of food options. You can enjoy dishes like chicken skewers, meatballs, and lasagne.
The Nolen
Address: 453 Sixth Ave #7007, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Website: The Nolen
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 1am; Sun: 11am - 12am
3. Cannonball
How does sipping cocktails and eating delicious food while soaking in ocean views sound to you? Sitting on top of Draft bar and grill, Cannonball offers Asian-inspired cuisine with a twist of Baja infused to it. If you plan to grab lunch at this rooftop restaurant, then make sure to apply loads of sunscreen, carry a pair of sunnies, and enjoy the views of the Pacific Ocean and Mission Beach boardwalk. While here, try the lobster spinach dip, cannonball burger, soft shell crab sandwich, and spicy tuna roll.
Cannonball
Address: 3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
Website: Cannonball
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)
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4. The Pool House
A rooftop bar perched atop Pendry Hotel is the recent addition in rooftop restaurants that are well-loved by the locals of San Diego. This spacious eatery boasts chic interior decor and offers a range of craft cocktails and bar snacks. This rooftop lounge is available only to the hotel guests during the daytime, but post 5pm, The Pool House is open to the general public. Guests can take in the blissful views of the city while enjoying some of the bites including fish tacos, guacamole and tortilla chips, buffalo chicken wings, and BLT turkey wrap among others.
The Pool House
Address: 550 J St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Website: The Pool House
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily
5. Upper East Bar
Situated on the rooftop of Hotel Solamar, Upper East Bar was previously home to JSix Lounge, which has now been renovated with luxury furnishings. Along with the furnishings, the rooftop bar has also made a lot of changes to its cocktail menu as well which is created by chef Anthony Sinsay. Boasting sweeping views of the neighboring buildings and Petco Park, the rooftop is not the cheapest bar of the lot but bartenders here tend to make justice to the prices by serving some of the strongest drinks in town.
Upper East Bar
Address: 616 J St #101, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Website: Upper East Bar
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11:30am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 11pm
6. Altitude Sky Lounge
An exclusive open-air restaurant, Altitude Sky Lounge sits at the rooftop of Gaslamp Marriott featuring in-house DJs, fire pits, along with serene views of the city and Petco Park. Although Altitude doesn’t really have cover charges, it surely has a dress code that needs to be followed. So, let the joggers stay home for this one. The decor of the place is modern and the vibe is comfortable and chill. Try some of the bestselling dishes such as chicken wings, Soleil burger, and fancy grilled cheese among others.
Altitude Sky Lounge
Address: 660 K St #7036, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Website: Altitude Sky Lounge
Opening hours: 5pm - 1am (daily)
7. The Rooftop by STK
Sitting atop the 7th level of Andaz Hotel, The Rooftop by STK is a sky-high restaurant that will blow you away with its stunning views of the city and the regional cuisine. This restaurant specializes in breakfast, lunch, and dinner options featuring American fare with a South Californian twist. Here, you can either chill by the pool, take a sip of one the signature cocktails, devour a tasty dish in the private cabana, or all of the above. All the items on the menu are prepared using fresh, organic, and locally sourced produce.
Enjoy dishes like filet mignon, pulled pork sammy, buffalo cauliflower, and pizza in generous amounts. Chill with friends and family at the bar and enjoy a wide variety of drinks like beer, wines, and spirits, all at a reasonable price. Don’t be held back from visiting the establishment on a chilly day as there’s a fireplace in the large outdoor area to keep you warm. They also have a private section where you can hold events like a birthday celebration.
The Rooftop by STK
Address: 600 F St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Website: The Rooftop by STK
Opening hours: 6:30am - 11pm (daily)
8. Rustic Root
A modern rooftop restaurant that is a perfect escape in San Diego, Rustic Root is specialized in craft cocktails and local and seasonal fares in a stylish setting. The restaurant features charming decor with tables and couches set throughout, which exudes a relaxing and chilled-out vibe. Ahi poke tacos, rustic fried chicken salad, flat iron steak frites, and firecracker shrimp are some of the must-try dishes here.
You’ll find tasty foods like pancakes, burgers, Sunday brunch, fried rice, and chicken that are served in generous amounts, and in a nice presentation.
Rustic Root
Address: 535 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Website: Rustic Root
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 4pm - 2am; Sat - Sun: 9am - 2am
9. Level Four Pool Deck & Lounge
2 is better than 1. ? #palomarsd #kimpton . . . #happyhour #thirstythursday #drinks #sandiego #downtown #delicious #boutiquehotel
Posted by Kimpton Hotel Palomar San Diego on Thursday, 16 August 2018
The open-air restaurant sits on the fourth floor of Kimpton Hotel Palomar, featuring a swimming pool in the center of the whole place with a bar placed on the side. Although most of the views are of the skyscrapers and other buildings, you can check out the street views down below by leaning over the ledge. The restaurant serves creative dishes and craft cocktails in a fancy setting.
Level Four Pool Deck & Lounge
Address: 1047 Fifth Ave #101, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Website: Level Four Pool Deck & Lounge
Opening hours: Fri: 1pm - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 6pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
10. Kettner Exchange
Kettner Exchange is situated in a hip neighborhood, Little Italy. And the best part of Little Italy is this rooftop patio bar. The eatery serves a range of innovative cocktails and specializes in old-school and new American fares, along with some global cuisine. It also features curtained cabanas with amenities like the wet bar and flat-screen TV that makes it perfect to host or organize private parties. But, if you aren’t looking for anything fancy and want to mingle with the locals or your friends, then sit by the bar counter or at the table.
Kettner Exchange
Address: 2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Website: Kettner Exchange
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 5pm - 12am; Thu - Fri: 5pm - 2am; Sat: 11am - 2am; Sun: 11am - 12am
11. Topside Terrace Kitchen & Bar
As we continue to enjoy the season of bubbles... did you know Prosecco is actually a village in Italy, just outside of Trieste. Cin cin!
Posted by Topside Terrace Kitchen and Bar on Friday, 14 December 2018
Topside Terrace Kitchen & Bar serves tasty American foods like hominy grits, avocado fritters, octopus, and burgers at their restaurant, and drinks like tequilas, craft beers, and wine at the bar. They also prepare a variety of soups like tomato soup, poblano corn soup, and taco soup, and appetizers like buffalo meatball appetizer. As for vegetarian options, they have foods like spaghetti squash burrito bowls and classic minestrone soup. You’ll be entertained by a live band as you experience the panoramic views of the city. With heaters and fireplaces, a chilly night will not hinder you from merrymaking.
Topside Terrace Kitchen & Bar
Address: 421 W B St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Website: Topside Terrace Kitchen & Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 11pm; Fri: 4pm - 12am; Sat: 10am - 12am; Sun: 10am - 3pm
12. Glass Door
It’s a great day to try new things! We’ve updated our menu with new Fall dishes, give us a visit today and let us know what you think.
Posted by Glass Door SD on Friday, 11 October 2019
Located at Posta Vista Hotel, this restaurant is home to tasty food and cocktails, as well as magnificent views of the city. You’ll find foods like burgers, pizza, fish tacos, salmon, and kung pao wings, and decent drinks like beers and creatively made cocktails. They also have unique appetizers like bacon-wrapped dates that you should try out. Their dining area is decent and accommodating, perfect for a family or social event. Take advantage of the happy hour twice daily for discounted prices.
Glass Door
Address: 1835 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Website: Glass Door
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 3pm - 12am; Fri: 3pm - 1am; Sat: 11am - 1am; Sun: 11am - 10pm
13. Top of the Hyatt
Sunsets at Top mean light fare and malt whiskey. Enjoy wonderfully.
Posted by Top of the Hyatt on Friday, 29 March 2019
This place is ideal for a romantic getaway or a meeting spot for friends and family for people looking to enjoy the city’s eye-catching views. In the restaurant’s outdoor area, you’ll have spectacular views of San Diego Harbor as well as the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy meals like potato chips and Sunday brunch as well as appetizers like Caesar salad spears in an accommodating and great ambiance. You’ll be served by kind and attentive staff as the restaurant guarantees great customer service.
Top of the Hyatt
Address: 1 Market Pl, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Website: Top of the Hyatt
Opening hours: 3pm - 1am (daily)
Nearby rooftop restaurants in San Diego
1. Prado
Woo hoo! We made OpenTable's list of the 100 best al fresco dining restaurants in America (2016)! #BalboaPark #SanDiego
Posted by The Prado Restaurant on Friday, 3 June 2016
Prado is a restaurant in Balboa Park that has a Latin-influenced vibe. For tasty delicacies like shrimp tostadas, visit this restaurant and enjoy, whether for lunch or dinner. Other than tasty food and drinks, there is also a variety of soups like chicken tortilla soup and black bean soup, and appetizers like roasted salsa and shrimp dip. Their happy hour menu has a variety of tasty foods and drinks to try out at a discounted price.
Prado
Address: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Website: Prado
Opening hours: Mon: 11:30am - 5:30pm; Tue - Thu: 11:30am - 9pm; Fri: 11:30am - 9:30pm; Sat: 11am - 9:30pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm
2. Mister A's
Special occasions are better with a view like this. Entertain family, friends and guests from out of town in one of our...
Posted by Mister A's Restaurant on Friday, 29 June 2018
Found in Manchester Financial Center, this cozy restaurant is ideal for a fun casual meeting with friends and family. With its great outdoor dining experience are spectacular views of downtown San Diego. You’ll also see the planes landing at San Diego International Airport. Enjoy tasty foods like mushrooms, lobsters, beef, fries, octopus, and polenta, as well as a variety of drinks like craft beers, wines, and spirits, all served in generous amounts. Their service is prompt and courteous, making you feel valued and appreciated.
Mister A's
Address: 2550 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, United States
Website: Mister A’s
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:30am - 9:30pm; Sat: 5pm - 9:30pm; Sun: 10am - 9:30pm
Enjoy the views of San Diego
No matter where you are, having a meal with a view is one of the best experiences you can get. Some good company, tasty food, and a great view are all you need to have an amazing time. And these rooftop restaurants in downtown San Diego provide you with just that.
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