Top Best French Restaurants in Old Town

"Located on the 12th floor in a penthouse setting, the iconic, award-winning Bertrand at Mr. A’s is a special occasion dining venue. For over 50 years, the historic dining establishment has been serving American cuisine at its finest. Despite its sweeping skyline with bay and Pacific views, there’s an absolute thrill of excitement when huge descending jetliners roar past diners, practically at eye level."

"Earlier, we mentioned The Nolen was honored as the second-best urban view in San Diego. It was second to the one and only, Mister A’s. Mister A’s has a famous lineage dating back to 1965, when the renowned entrepreneur and restaurant owner, John Alessio, or Mr. A, decided to open this rooftop restaurant and bar."

"A little ways outside of downtown, there’s nothing that compares to the view of Mister A’s. Big ol’ jet airliners will ride past on approach and departure, using the ocean as backdrop with the city skyline showing off its wares. The hype is real, with the food and drinks perfecting the tableau."

"With a farm-to-table approach, Whisknladle succeeds in making simple food taste extraordinary. The menu changes with the season and is void of fuss. Everything is made from scratch, including the tonics and purees for the artisanal cocktails."

"This hip eatery has won national acclaim for its combination of casual comfort and a menu of ever-changing local fare. In nice weather, request...Read More"

"With a killer selection of fresh pastries, croissants, and scones – plus bistro classics like charcuterie and pâté plates – Tartine has been a staple for islanders since 2001. And while it’s a cozy café by day, come evening it’s the perfect place to BYOB (although the boutique wine list here is stellar), and relax on the patio with one of the daily specials, which can range from beef stroganoff to a pan-roasted sea bass."

"Tartine serves varied bistro fare in a European style cafe setting that welcomes dogs on the outdoor patio. Favorite menu choices include fresh-baked pastries, quiche, curried chicken salad, ham and brie tartine, grilled eggplant paninis, and pan-seared flat iron steak. Open 6am to 10pm daily."

"This charming, modest-sized, all-day bistro is big on authentic Parisian touches and flavors. Diners are immediately greeted at the entryway with France’s two major food groups: a French/California cheese “altar” and an over-sized ice bucket filled with chilled Champagne. The bright, beach-meets-Left-Bank dining room is lined with white marble tables, a red leather banquette and traditional wicker-style bistro chairs."

"A Coronado Island treasure inspired by a classic Parisian bistro, Little Frenchie is a lovely spot for lunch. Chef Matt Sramek looks to Paris for culinary inspiration but to Califo..."

"This French bakery serves classic pastries and light café fair. If you need another Instagram-worthy dessert, this place should definitely be on your list. Check out the map below for directions:"

"956 Broadway Cir, San Diego, CA(619) 231-6771Reserve a Table at Dobson’s Here$$$ | Historic | Reservations Recommended. Dobson’s Bar and Restaurant is an institution. Right in the heart of downtown, next to Horton Plaza, Dobson’s has been open since the early 80s."

"One of the most historic dining spots in San Diego, Dobson's is a prime spot downtown for some cheap local eats. Around the corner from the famous Balboa Theater, this colorful and..."

"My family and I stayed in the gaslamp district recently and were dissappointed with the many tourist trap restaurant settings..."

"Why go: You’re at the Children’s Pool and would like to step out on the sand to explore a different beach. South Casa Beach is located directly south of the Children’s Pool (which is also referred to as Casa Beach). In fact, it’s just on the other side of the Children’s Pool lifeguard station, which also services South Casa Beach."

"South Casa Beach is a small triangle-shaped cove just south of Children’s Pool Beach in La Jolla. Children’s Pool is also known as Casa Beach so this beach got the […]"

"Located underneath the Coronado Bridge, Chicano Park is an inspiring collection of installations, murals and community gardens. The explosion of form and color is overwhelming, and it’s not uncommon to see other artists and filmmakers working in the park because of the inspirational and powerful messages that adorn views in every direction. You won’t find any chain stores or coffee shops in this area because the surrounding neighborhood of Barrio Logan has made great efforts to keep small businesses by local residents."

"Chicano Park is not your typical tourist destination but it is home to some rich Latino history in San Diego. The park is located underneath the Coronado Bay Bridge and it has some of the most beautiful murals and art that are painted on the pillars and sides of the freeway. The murals are constantly being changed by local artist and they tell some amazing stories."

"Chicano park is a small park with incredible murals from renowned Latin-American artists. It’s a national historic landmark that few know about in San Diego and worth visiting. You can read more about the stories behind the murals here."

"Los Peñasquitos (“little cliffs”) is a great beginners’ trail for those who want to enjoy mountain-feel views without having to hire an expedition crew. There are two approaches (east and west), and the trailheads offer a trek of either 6.5, or 5.5 miles, respectively. The terrain is gradual and level, but the trails are surrounded by the sort of views that gave the area its name: scenic rocky outcroppings, and stony formations that ripple with rubble."

"Silver Strand State Beach is made up of beaches lining both the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. The beaches are connected by pedestrian tunnels under the busy street. Popular activities include camping, swimming, surfing, boating, water-skiing, volleyball, and picnicking."

"Veterans Museum at Balboa Park honors the memories of the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States as well as the Wartime Merchant Marine. The museum houses permanent, rotating and visiting collections of patriotic, military and war-related artifacts and memorabilia. *Small donation requested."

"Located in the historic Old Navy Chapel, the museum preserves and honors the memory of men and women of the Armed Forces, Coast Guard, and Wartime Merchant Marine. The collection contains artifacts, documents, photographs, memorabilia, and artwork from the Civil War to the present."

"Therefore, it’s possible to walk into this museum to learn about California’s mission history (the museum sits on the first European settlement site in California) for free. If you did enjoy your visit and feel compelled to donated upon exit, this is possible. (Location: Presidio Park / Old Town)"

"Within Old Town don’t miss Casa de Estudillo, which is one of the few original buildings (many are reproductions), Whaley House and Museum, which is believed to be haunted and Junípero Serra Museum, literally the place where California began. You can get more information here."

"The San Diego Asian Pacific Historic District, San Diego’s historic Chinatown, is an eight-block district adjacent to and in part overlapping with the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District. The San Diego Chinatown is bounded by Market Street on the north, 2nd Ave. on the west, 6th ave. on the east and J st. on the south. 22 structures are considered historically contributing."

"The Chinese Historical Museum displays Chinese-American art, culture and history. Housed in a restored mission-style building, exhibits include miniature models, historic photographs and rare artifacts related to the heritage of San Diego’s Chinese community. *Small donation requested."