Foodies in town for a few days, where to eat?

[mrsphud]

Will be attending a large conference at the convention center with my husband at the end of July. We'll have a few business dinners, and dinner with another couple who also enjoy good food. We spouses will also have some free time for lunches and breakfasts. We love local cuisine, loath most chains, like seafood (but not sushi) don't mind spending money on really good food, but wouldn't pass up an exceptional greasy spoon either. We are staying at the Hilton near the convention center. Not sure if we will have a car yet. I haven't been in San Diego in 25 years, so I am open to anything. Suggestions?

[Beach Chick]

I would add to mcgraths great list..
Bali Hai
Point Loma Seafoods
Grant Grill
Dobson's
Fish Market...do not dine at the resto downstairs..only oyster bar/sushi bar or Top of the Market upstairs..they have a great bayfront patio for drinks and apps
Island Prime for happy hour on the patio

Take the water taxi over from the Gaslamp to Coronado to Candelas and Hotel Del

www.sdhe.com

[mrsphud]

I love the Del. As a meeting planner, I have stayed over once or twice and had tours (with lots of stories about famous guests). I love the romance of the old part of the hotel, especially around Xmas time.

[mcgrath]

Let's start with places within walking distance of your hotel, meaning within a mile. (There are actually 2 Hiltons near the Convention Center; I assume you're in the big one.)

Cafe Chloe

Cowboy Star (mostly for steak)

JSix

The Fish Market (maybe a touch over a mile but a nice walk)

Basic Pizza

Red Light District
Bice (No. Italian)

[DiningDiva]

And a little ways past The Fish Market (agree upstairs, not down) and just past the Hyatt Manchester is The Lion's Share.

Small, interesting cocktails, unusual menu items including odd (i.e. not commonly served in SD) game items. http://lionssharesd.com/menu.html

[mcgrath]

I just heard about this place day before yesterday, even though I live just a 5 minute walk away. In fact, I didn't believe the person who told me about it, thinking I knew every eatery in my neighborhood. It certainly sounds Chow worthy. I'll try it very soon.

[DiningDiva]

I've been and enjoyed it quite a lot, definitely worth a visit. The cocktails are really good.

[mrsphud]

actually, I think we are at the Hilton Garden Inn. Does this make a difference in your recs?

[mcgrath]

Huge difference. The only Hilton Garden Inns are in Del Mar and Rancho Bernardo, both 25+ miles from the Convention Center. Your orig. post says you're at a Hilton near the Convention Center. That would mean either the Bayfront Hilton or the Gaslamp Hilton.

[mrsphud]

Gaslamp HIlton. My bad. We are travelling to a jillion meetings this summer (okay 5, plus 2 family visits) so I am getting a little confused. Any way, we do have a car, so can travel quite a bit.