Classic steakhouses across the street from the convention centre, Michelin-listed kitchens in Little Italy a short cab ride north, and big group rooms on the bay.
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$36.00 USD for dinner: the US federal (GSA) dinner allowance for San Diego, FY2027 (part of the $86 daily meals rate). Many companies use government rates as their benchmark. None of our dinner picks typically fit it, so plan on the company covering the difference or choosing a set menu.
Fit is based on our price estimates, before tax and tip. Rate source ↗
285 J St, Gaslamp Quarter edge · about 5 min walk from the convention centre
A classic steakhouse in the Harbor Club building, right across from the convention centre. Three private rooms combine for client dinners from 12 to 95.
326 Broadway, in The US Grant, Gaslamp Quarter · about 15 min walk from the convention centre
The US Grant hotel's dining room has served downtown since 1951 and holds a AAA Four Diamond rating. The seasonal menu draws on California produce and Pacific seafood.
901 Bayfront Ct, below the InterContinental, Embarcadero · a short walk along the bay from the convention centre
A steak and seafood house that opened on the Embarcadero in July 2025, in the two-level space under the InterContinental. Eight private rooms cover client dinners of almost any size.
2228 Kettner Blvd, Little Italy · a short cab ride from the convention centre
A Michelin-listed Californian restaurant in a 1920s warehouse, with a changing menu that mixes Latin and Asian flavours. A private room upstairs looks over the bar.
969 Pacific Hwy, in Pacific Gate, Embarcadero / Marina · a short cab ride from the convention centre
An art deco room from the Puffer Malarkey group, listed in the Michelin Guide, serving Asian fusion plates to share. Velvet curtains close off a private room and semi-private tables.
333 W Harbor Dr, by the Marriott Marquis, Marina · about 5 min walk from the convention centre
Roy Yamaguchi's Hawaiian fusion restaurant sits next door to the convention centre on the bay. Its Big Island Room seats a whole show crew.
600 F St, in the Andaz, Gaslamp Quarter · about 15 min walk from the convention centre
A modern steakhouse in the Andaz hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter. Two private rooms, a mezzanine and an open-air courtyard take larger groups.
2210 Kettner Blvd, Little Italy · a short cab ride from the convention centre
The Puffer Malarkey group's Michelin-listed Californian restaurant fills a multilevel former warehouse, with wood-fired plates and pizzas. Its private Gallery seats over 100.
232 Fifth Ave, Gaslamp Quarter · about 5 min walk from the convention centre
Five themed, hour-long escape rooms, such as Prison Break and Gold Rush, a few blocks from the convention centre. Large groups play several rooms at once with matched start times.
910 N Harbor Dr, Navy Pier, Embarcadero
A decommissioned aircraft carrier turned museum on Navy Pier, with aircraft on the flight deck. Groups can book a private docent tour or hire the ship for an evening event.
990 N Harbor Dr, Embarcadero
A family-owned cruise company with one-hour narrated tours of the north or south bay and four yachts for private charter. Groups of 20 or more get special rates on public cruises.
Nothing matches that combination yet. Try a different group size.
Enter your dates to see the games, conferences and holidays happening while you're in San Diego. Schedules go as far ahead as teams and organizers have published them, and we add more daily.
Nothing we track is happening on those dates. Your evenings are wide open.
Our rule of thumb for groups. Individual venues vary, so confirm when you call.
Morton's The Steakhouse (285 J St, Gaslamp Quarter edge): Room A 12; Room B 32; Room C 45; A and B 48; B and C 80; all three 95; main dining room 144 (own site and San Diego Tourism Authority). Grant Grill (326 Broadway, in The US Grant, Gaslamp Quarter): Private Dining Room 12, beside the wine vault; Upper Lounge up to 40; main dining room 25 at one boardroom table, 55 at rounds, 110 in all (San Diego Tourism Authority). Mastro's Ocean Club (901 Bayfront Ct, below the InterContinental, Embarcadero): Coronado Room 12; Balboa and Pacific Rooms 20 each; Napa Room 20 to 24; California Room 40; Harbor Room 49 to 56; San Diego Room 70 to 80; Seaside Patio 32 semi-private (own site and OpenTable). Juniper & Ivy (2228 Kettner Blvd, Little Italy): The Green Room 36 seated (private, upstairs); Chef's Table 14; Boardroom Table 13; Lion's Den curtained cubes 6 to 85 (own site); semi-private area 20 to 60 (San Diego Tourism Authority). Animae (969 Pacific Hwy, in Pacific Gate, Embarcadero / Marina): Semi-private table 22; semi-private Heart 45; NIMA private room 60 seated, 100 reception; buyout 170 seated (San Diego Tourism Authority Meeting Planner's Guide 2026-27).
The Escape Game San Diego: Five themed, hour-long escape rooms, such as Prison Break and Gold Rush, a few blocks from the convention centre. Large groups play several rooms at once with matched start times. USS Midway Museum: A decommissioned aircraft carrier turned museum on Navy Pier, with aircraft on the flight deck. Groups can book a private docent tour or hire the ship for an evening event. Flagship Cruises & Events: A family-owned cruise company with one-hour narrated tours of the north or south bay and four yachts for private charter. Groups of 20 or more get special rates on public cruises.
Morton's The Steakhouse (285 J St, Gaslamp Quarter edge · about 5 min walk from the convention centre). Grant Grill (326 Broadway, in The US Grant, Gaslamp Quarter · about 15 min walk from the convention centre). Mastro's Ocean Club (901 Bayfront Ct, below the InterContinental, Embarcadero · a short walk along the bay from the convention centre). Juniper & Ivy (2228 Kettner Blvd, Little Italy · a short cab ride from the convention centre).
Upcoming home games: San Diego FC vs Sporting KC, Sat Nov 7 at 4:00 PM (Snapdragon Stadium); San Diego FC vs Real Salt Lake, Sat Feb 27 at 7:00 PM (Snapdragon Stadium). The San Diego page lists every home game for the next six months.
WEST 2027 (AFCEA International and U.S. Naval Institute): Feb 16–18, 2027 at San Diego Convention Center, 111 W Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101. Our advice is to book private rooms by December 22, 2026. AANS 2027 Annual Scientific Meeting: Apr 9–12, 2027 at San Diego Convention Center, 111 W Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101. Our advice is to book private rooms by February 26, 2027.
Groups of 10 or more: book a private room 3 to 4 weeks ahead in a normal week. Conference weeks: book as soon as your dates are set. Each conference guide shows our book-by date. Game nights near the arena: book pregame dinners at least a week ahead. Holidays: many restaurants close or switch to set menus, so confirm hours before you book.