Situated on California’s Pacific coast, San Diego is home to some of the 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 evenings. In this guide, we list down some of the best rooftop restaurants in Downtown San Diego, California.
1. 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)
2. 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
3. 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 and more. 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
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4. 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
5. 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)
6. 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.
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
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.
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.
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
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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