Central San Diego Dining

 Bayou Bar & Grill
 Award-winning Creole/Cajun cuisine, lunch daily, Sun. champagne Jazz brunch, dinner nightly, private dining room available, entertainment, res. accepted, banquets for 20-75. 329 Market St. San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 696-8747 FAX (619) 696-6667

 Buffalo Joe's
 Casual American cuisine: fresh seafood, pasta, steaks, and award-winning ribs. Live music seven nights. Full bar. Banquets for 10-300. 600 Fifth Ave. (Downtown) San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 236-1616 FAX (619) 236-1983

 Canyon Cafe
 Award-winning Southwestern specialties including steaks, seafood, pastas, and more, Blood Mary bar during Sun. brunch, patio dining, res. accepted for 8 or more only, banquet facilities for 10-100. 1640 Camino Del Rio N., #341 San Diego, CA 92108 (619) 296-2600 FAX (619) 296-2680

 Croce's
 Address: 802 Fifth Ave. San Diego, CA 92101-6108 619-232-4338 Description: Croce's has it all — it offers several different dining experiences to excellent food coupled with live music. You can choose either outdoor dining to watch the Gaslamp scene up close, or a table indoors, either in the main dining room or the "loft" upstairs. Croce's is owned and operated by the musician's widow, Ingrid, and you'll feel Jim Croce's presence as you dine, from photos of the late singer/songwriter on the wall to his music playing in the background. Dinner at Croce's gives you free admission to the jazz bar nextdoor, where you can sit at the bar or at tables where food is served as well. There's music nightly, but there's no dance floor per se; it's an atmosphere that encourages listening to who's performing rather than shaking your wild thing.

 Croce's Restaurants and Bars
 Established by Ingrid Croce 15 years ago as a tribute to her husband, Jim Croce. Two restaurants and three bars offer both American and Southwest cuisine. Live jazz and R&B nightly. Parties for 12-400. 802 Fifth Ave. San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 233-4355 FAX (619) 232-9836

 Crocodile Cafe
 Eclectic California cuisine featuring oakwood grill, woodfired gourmet pizzas, fresh pastas, burgers and international wines and liquors, banquets for 15-40. 70007 Fashion Valley., #394 San Diego, CA 92108 (619) 297-3247 FAX (619) 297-1359

 Sam Choy's Hawaii at the Bali Hai
 Fabulous harbor and downtown skyline view, features Sam Choy's Hawaiian Cuisine, fresh fish, steaks, and Cantonese specialties. Sun. brunch, res. accepted, banquets for 25-500. 2230 Shelter Island Dr. (Shelter Island) San Diego, CA 92106 (619) 222-1181, (619) 222-4081

 The Grant Grill-U.S. Grant Hotel
 In town since 1910, dine where the presidents meet when in San Diego, entertainment, banquets for 10-700, res. accepted. 326 Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 239-6806
 

 Benihana
 Steaks, chicken and seafood prepared right before your eyes by a master chef, open Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Sun.-Fri., 5-10 p.m., Sat., 5-11 p.m., res. accepted, banquets. 477 Camino Del Rio S. (Mission Valley) San Diego, CA 92108 (619) 298-4666, (619) 298-1164

 China Camp
 Specializing in authentic Cantonese, Szechuan and Mandarin cuisine in a rustic, early California setting, located in Fat City building, entertainment, res. accepted, banquets for up to 60. 2137 Pacific Hwy. San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 232-0686 FAX (619) 232-0629

 Hayama Restaurant
 One of San Diego's finest Japanese restaurants, specializing in seafood, sushi, steak and chicken, res. accepted, banquets for up to 80. 911 Camino Del Rio S. (Mission Valley) San Diego, CA 92108 (619) 692-1152

 Kiyo's Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar
 Near Horton Plaza, karaoke, open 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m., beer and wine only, res. accepted, closed Sun. 531 F St. San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 238-1726

 Panda Inn
 Award-winning Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine, "best Chinese" San Diego People's Choice 1990-1995, catering, walking distance from Convention Center, res. accepted, banquets for 15-100. 506 Horton Plaza San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 233-7800 FAX (619) 233-5632

 Royal Thai Cuisine
 Award-winning Thai food, Sun. brunch, res. accepted, banquets for 10-100. 467 Fifth Ave. (Downtown) San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 230-THAI (8424)

 Taka Restaurant
 Gaslamp Quarter's upscale "White Glove-World Class" sushi bar and gourmet restaurant, creatively combining Chinese, Japanese, and continental cuisine, res. accepted, banquets for 10-20. 555 Fifth Ave. (Downtown) San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 338-0555 FAX (619) 238-2333
 

 El Bizcocho-Rancho Bernardo Inn
 Award-winning French and continental cuisine, more than 750 premium wines, piano entertainment, Sun. brunch, banquets, jackets required, res. accepted. 17550 Bernardo Oaks (Rancho Bernardo) San Diego, CA 92128 (619) 675-8555 FAX (619) 675-8443

 First Avenue Bar & Grill-The Bristol Court Hotel
 Continental cuisine in an intimate setting for business or personal dining, daily specials, happy hour Mon.-Fri., 4-6 p.m., valet parking, res. accepted. 1055 First Ave. San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 232-6141

 Laurel Restaurant & Bar
 Southern French cuisine with a distinct Mediterranean influence, served in an atmosphere of simple elegance. Res. accepted, banquets for 10-150. 505 Laurel St. (Downtown) San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 239-2222 FAX (619) 239-6822

 Salvatore's
 Authentic continental Italian cuisine in a subtly elegant dining room. Many award-winning veal and pasta dishes and voted best seafood restaurant. Full bar, open nightly from 5 p.m. 750 Front St. San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 544-1865
 

 Asti Ristorante
 Chef Emanuele Daniele, Federation Italian Chef award. "Best Chefs of America" 1997 award. 30 years awards, northern Italian cuisine and California's freshest seafood dishes. 728 Fifth Ave. San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 232-8844 FAX (619) 232-9898

 Bella Luna Restaurant
 Authentic regional Italian cuisine in the Gaslamp Quarter, homemade pastas, carpaccios, seafood and veal dishes, res. accepted. 748 Fifth Ave. San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 239-3222

 Cavatappi-San Diego Hilton Beach & Tennis Resort
 A new contemporary Italian restaurant serving creative dinner entrees including pasta, fresh fish, and wood-fired gourmet pizzas, plus a variety of fine wines. Sun. brunch, res. accepted. 1775 E. Mission Bay Dr. (Mission Bay) San Diego, CA 92109 (619) 276-4010

 Edgewater Grill
 Waterfront location on San Diego Bay, featuring veal, fresh pastas, pizza, seafood and steaks, pizzeria features moderately priced entrees, banquets for up to 150, res. accepted. 861 W. Harbor Dr. (Seaport Village) San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 232-7581, (619) 232-7981

 Filippi's Pizza Grotto
 Italian delicatessen and restaurant since 1950, located in Little Italy, San Diego Union-Tribune Readers Choice award, open 11 a.m.-11 p.m., deli open at 8 a.m., beer and wine only. 1747 India St. San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 232-5094 FAX (619) 232-2120

 Old Trieste Restaurant
 New York-style award winner, original owner for 32 years, Northern Italian cuisine featuring fresh fish, veal, filet mignon, scampi, coats for gentlemen at dinner, res. accepted. 2335 Morena Blvd. (Mission Bay) San Diego, CA 92110 (619) 276-1841

 The Old Spaghetti Factory
 Family dining in a real trolley car decorated with antiques, open daily, banquets for 25-300. 275 Fifth Ave. (Downtown) San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 233-4323, (619) 233-4614
 

 Anthony's
 San Diego's award-winning seafood restaurants for the past 49 years. Fresh seafood prepared in Mama Catherine Ghio's Old World recipes. 6 locations to serve you, most with waterfront views. Banquets, retail fish markets and full bar. Call for hours and pr 11666 Avena Pl. (Rancho Bernardo) San Diego, CA 92128 (619) 451-2070, (619) 451-8529

 Bay Club Bar & Grill-Bay Club Hotel & Marina
 Marina view featuring fresh seafood, pasta, steaks, salads and sandwiches, breakfast buffet daily, open 7 a.m.-10 p.m., bar open 11 a.m., banquets for 10-100, res. accepted. 2131 Shelter Island Dr. (Shelter Island) San Diego, CA 92106 (619) 224-8888

 Blue Point Coastal Cuisine
 1996 critically acclaimed winner of San Diego's Best New Restaurant and the only seafood restaurant in San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter. 565 Fifth Ave. San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 233-6623 FAX (619) 233-1931

 Boathouse Harbor Island
 Specializing in fresh fish, seafood, steaks and pasta from around the world, Sun. brunch, harbor and marina views, res. accepted, banquets for 10-200. 2040 Harbor Island Dr. (Harbor Island) San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 291-8011 FAX (619) 291-4822

 Charlie's Harbor Island
 Enjoy beautiful indoor and patio harbor view dining. Fresh seafood, steaks, chicken and pastas. Minutes from downtown and the airport. Sun. Brunch, bay view, res. accepted, banquets for 10-65. 1880 Harbor Island Dr. San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 297-1673 FAX (619) 297-0125

 The Brigantine
 Exceptionally prepared seafood, steaks, pasta, and chicken served in a comfortable, nautical atmosphere. Enjoy lighter dining in our Oyster Bar. Happy Hour daily. 2444 San Diego Ave. (Old Town) San Diego, CA 92110 (619) 298-9840
 

 Acapulco Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
 Featuring authentic Mexican cuisine. Located in historic Old Town, panoramic city views. Bay view, Sun. brunch, res. accepted, banquets for 20-125. 2467 Juan St. (Old Town) San Diego, CA 92110 (619) 260-8124 FAX (619) 260-8468

 Anita's Mexican Restaurant
 13211 Black Mountain Rd. San Diego, CA 92129 (619) 484-5789 Popular spot for enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas and other basic Mexican food. Karaoke Thurs-Sat. Takeout available. (in Rancho Penasquitos).

 Baja Brewing Company
 First Mexican brew pub in the United States, steps from Convention Center, in historic Gaslamp Quarter, private party space, outdoor patio, entertainment, Sun. brunch, res. accepted, banquets for 20-800. 203 Fifth Ave. San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 231-9279

 Cafe Coyote
 Southwestern and Mexican cuisine in the Old Town Esplanade (17 shops and galleries), only fresh ingredients used, tortillas made daily, outdoor dining, happy hour Mon.-Fri., open Sun.-Thurs., 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. 2461 San Diego Ave. (Old Town) San Diego, CA 92110 (619) 291-HOWL (4695)

 Cafe Sevilla
 Food from Southern Spain, live entertainment, dancing and international atmosphere, flamenco dinner show, voted best ambiance in the Gaslamp, open 5 p.m.-2 a.m. daily, res. accepted, banquets for up to 200. 555 Fourth Ave. San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 233-5979 FAX (619) 234-8889

 Casa de Bandini-Bazaar del Mundo
 Historic hacienda offers traditional Mexican food and award-winning seafood specialties, garden patio dining, mariachi entertainment, famous margaritas, open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily, Fri. and Sat. till 10 p.m., banquets for 10-100. 2660 Calhoun St. (Old Town) San Diego, CA 92110 (619) 297-8211 FAX (619) 297-2557

 Dona Maria's Restaurant
 Atmosphere of Mexico with bay view, casual dining, family-owned since 1981, located in world famous Mission Beach. 850 W. Mission Bay Dr., (Mission Beach) San Diego, CA 92109 (619) 488-1414 FAX (619) 286-0100