I happened to make it to San Diego during Restaurant Week. I caught the last few days of it while I was staying in Downtown at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. It has a charm of its own with a naval theme that is complemented by bay and marina views. Although none were participating in Restaurant Week, the hotel itself has several dining options.
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina Eateries
Harbor’s Edge
Harbor’s Edge is the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina’s signature restaurant and lounge, which offers a breathtaking view of the Marina serving contemporary American cuisine. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Quinn’s Ale House
Unless you are heading to the Gaslamp District, the only late night option is Quinn’s Ale House. As America’s Capital of Craft Beer, Quinn’s Ale House showcases locally crafted world-class beer and award winning breweries. Their beer taps change constantly, and Quinn’s Ale House will designate four taps, exclusively to local craft brewery every two months.
Harbor and Vine
Harbor and Vine specializes in 90 point wines and artisanal signature flatbreads made fresh to order.
Shoreline
Shoreline is a seasonal restaurant offering “South of the Border” Baja-influenced cuisine along with refreshing cocktails, specialty tequila and draft beers. Located next to the Marina Tower’s Lagoon Pool and the Marina, you can enjoy breath taking views and bask in the sun while you munch.
Bay Tower Lounge
Enjoy the essence of San Diego’s striking views on the Bay Tower Lounge Patio with a light breakfast in the morning or in the afternoon, enjoy comfort food and a specialty cocktails. Bay Tower Lounge is open until 1 am and you can enjoy an al fresco dinner.
Marina Market & Café
If you are on the go this modern coffee house is perfect. Grab your Starbucks coffee or stay and enjoy gourmet snacks. Marina Market & Café also serves a selection of wines and your favorite import, domestic and locally crafted beer.
Link@Sheraton Café
Link@Sheraton Café is located in the Bay Tower and will provide guests with a warm and inviting environment to relax, check emails, research San Diego’s must-see attractions, print boarding passes or connect with family and friends. Guests can get their day started with freshly baked goods, Starbucks coffee and other grab-and-go items.
I will admit that I did not get to enjoy all the dining options with limited time and Club Level Access. With a Club Room reservation, I was able to enjoy free breakfast and cocktail hours during my stay at the lounge that sits atop of the hotel with 360 degree views of the marina.
However, I didn’t want to miss out on San Diego’s Restaurant Week, so I made it over to the Gaslamp Quarter a few times for dinner and brunch.
Restaurant Week in San Diego’s Gaslamp District
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
After the 2016 Olympics I discovered one of Brazil’s own, Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse. Fogo de Chão is an authentic Brazilian Steakhouse (Churrascaria) that has been setting the standard in Brazil for the past 36 years. Now in San Diego, this Brazilian Churrascaria was offering a $40 deal on what is usually $53 along with dessert.
Your experience begins with the gourmet Market Table & Feijoada Bar featuring seasonal salads, soup, fresh vegetables, feijoada (traditional black bean stew with rice, fresh orange and yucca flour. The menu includes a wealth of savory, fire-roasted meats cooked to perfection over an open fire, including house specialties like Picanha (signature sirloin), Filet Mignon, Ribeye, Fraldinha, Cordeiro (lamb) and more carved tableside by Brazilian trained gaucho chefs.
In addition to the main dishes, a variety of traditional Brazilian side dishes are served tableside, such as the world famous pão de queijo (warm cheese bread). To further complement the dining experience, the restaurant offers an award-winning wine list, tempting dessert menu, and creative and classic cocktails. Guests can also choose to enjoy lighter seafood selections or enjoy the gourmet Market Table only option. We ordered a Shrimp Cocktail that was served on ice in the most royal manner.
Café 21
Café 21 is a Boho-Chic Farm to Table Restaurant in the Gaslamp District. I had forgotten how much of San Diego’s Downtown architecture reflects the bygone era, but this down to earth eatery takes you back to the good old days when food was pure and fresh.
If you’re looking for a delicious, gluten free & organic restaurant in San Diego, then Café 21 is the right choice. As a champion of sustainable farming, they only use locally grown organic ingredients for a socially conscious farm-to-table dining experience. Their meats are hormone-free meats and yeast-free bread accommodates all dietary restrictions.
Café 21 offers live local music 7 days a week, a soothing atmosphere, and the best happy hour in downtown San Diego. They have amazing Sangria made in house, but don’t miss the mimosa flight for brunch.
