Starlite

3175 India St, San Diego, CA 92103, United States
+1 619-358-9766
$$$ Gastropub , Bar , Bar & grill , Cocktail bar , Lounge
(850 Reviews)

Starlite is a gastropub and cocktail lounge tucked into San Diego’s vibrant India Street neighborhood, offering an experience that balances creative comfort food with carefully crafted drinks and an inviting atmosphere. This spot draws in both locals and visitors looking for a lively yet cozy night out, especially on weekend evenings when the mood shifts into something more electric.

The venue features multiple distinct seating areas, including a notably dynamic “disco cave” with a waterfall and immersive music, which can amp up the energy for groups or date nights that thrive on an upbeat vibe. For a more intimate evening, the first floor offers dim lighting beneath a ceiling designed to look like a starlit night—perfect for quieter gatherings or small celebrations.

Food here leans into bold, shareable plates and elevated bar classics. The menu ranges from hearty bites like the Starlite Burger and Mac & Cheese to more adventurous selections such as roasted bone marrow and duck poutine. Complementing these are options like buffalo fried cauliflower and a salami and cheese board featuring homemade sausage, balancing indulgence with approachable flavors. For those with a sweet tooth, desserts like the ice cream sandwich with pistachios and lemon ricotta cake offer a satisfying finish.

The drink program receives particular attention, highlighted by standout cocktails such as the Salted Maple Old Fashioned and an inventive Kentucky Colonel, alongside carefully curated mocktails that cater to non-drinkers without feeling like an afterthought. The bartenders are known for being attentive and willing to guide guests through the menu, enhancing the experience beyond just food and drink.

  • Best for: Groups celebrating special occasions, couples on a date night, or anyone seeking a gastropub with personality and diverse atmospheres.
  • Who will enjoy it most: Those who appreciate crafted cocktails paired with a menu that flirts with upscale comfort food and small plates for sharing.
  • Best time to visit: Evening hours, particularly on weekends, when the lights and music create a vibrant setting; quieter moments can be found at dinner time on weekdays.
  • Atmosphere: A mix of cozy and energized—whether you’re nestled under the starlit ceiling or surrounded by the more electric sounds and visuals of the disco cave.

With attentive service often mentioned by patrons, including servers who make strong menu recommendations and managers who engage personally with guests, Starlite feels like a spot that pays attention to the details that turn a night out into a memorable occasion. Its location on India Street roots it in a bustling yet approachable part of San Diego, making it a versatile choice for both locals and visitors looking for a mix of atmosphere and taste-driven discovery.

Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Has great wine list
Has rooftop seating
Popular for
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves food at bar
Serves halal food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves late-night food
Serves organic dishes
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Best for
Serves brunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

5:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Tuesday

5:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Wednesday

5:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Thursday

5:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Friday

5:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Saturday

5:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Sunday

5:00 PM - 2:00 AM

850 Reviews
Brooks Daigle

06 Jan 2026

I visited Starlite with two of my girlfriends and it was an absolutely lovely experience. We made reservations with a request to be in the disco cave, which was fabulous. I might note that the waterfall itself and music makes this a bit of a louder space for dinner, but perfect for date night if you choose to sit next to each other! The design elements in all three rooms are thoughtful and impactful, and the food and cocktails matched the above and beyond visual aesthetic of the dining experience. I enjoyed a filet alongside the wedge salad and their house margarita. Adored the small plates (which somehow looked like Moscow mule mug material?!) and our server was great. Highly recommend for girls night out or date night! Truly a one-of-a-kind spot.

T Lewis

05 Jan 2026

I celebrated my birthday at Starlite last weekend and it did not disappoint! We were seated on the first floor, dimly lit, super cozy under the starlit ceiling. Allie was our server and she was the sweetest- super friendly and made us feel right at home. She encouraged us to check out the second floor, but we never made it, so we’ll have to come back. The cocktails were a hit (the Beretta & New Wave- yum!). Our Wagyu steak was cooked perfectly and their mac & cheese was probably one of the best I’ve ever had. Soooo creamy and al dente, I’m still thinking about it a couple days later. Allie recommended the broccolini and I would say that is a must when you visit Starlite. They brought out a darling little funfetti cake for my birthday, and we also indulged in the chocolate mousse. Everything was superb. I highly recommend!

Vanessa G

15 Dec 2025

What a night! My boyfriend booked us reservations for my 40th birthday and it did not disappoint. Delicious mocktails, super friendly staff, Pablo is the man and answered all our questions about the menu and was very attentive and on point with service. Nathan the manager stopped by and wished me a happy birthday and was super kind and made us feel very welcome. I can’t even begin to describe the vibes here. It’s fun and fancy but not at all stuffy or off putting. Everywhere I looked, people were truly enjoying themselves and enjoying the food and ambiance. It was sooo much fun I strongly suggest checking out Starlite for a date night or special occasion. Thanks Starlite for making my birthday so memorable!!

Brandon Smithson

03 Dec 2025

This place looked enticing from the social media posts, but in person, was so much cooler. Outside and inside are two totally different vibes so you will want to come back more than once to experience the different settings. The drinks wete Great too. Loved their version of the espresso martini. Very good old fashioned as well. The food was what really got us though. It was so much better than we were expecting and we dont mean that in a bad way. Truly knocked it out of the park with their menu. Cant wait to come back!

Brandi Bird

02 Dec 2025

First and foremost, shout out to our server Justin! From the service & staff, to the atmosphere, the drinks, the food - all around quality. Absolutely worth the trip to this unassuming place. - Mozzarella Sticks: caviar, creme fresh. - Sausage plate: served fresh with fermented veggies, bread and mustard. - filet, pichana with Mac n cheese + broccoli sides. - ice cream sandwich dessert Everything was absolutely delicious - we were prepared to have something to take home, but everything was too delicious and we finished every plate. All three rooms of the establishment are unique. Highly recommend.

Quality Queen

08 Nov 2025

Starlite is super popular and you need to make reservations well in advance. I had never been here and it did not disappoint! We sat upstairs near the waterfall, I was glad that I brought my coat since it was raining on New Year's Eve. We only ordered the oysters because we had dinner reservations following this experience. In hindsight I wish we had eaten here! The oysters were delicious (Kumiai and Stringrays from VA that I cannot remember thr name). We have another reservation here on Sunday so I'm looking forward to trying some other dishes and cocktails. Such a fun experience. Highly recommend

Kellen Brown

23 Oct 2025

CH knows interior design and I’d put this one in top 5 CH restaurant. Interesting area between little Italy and mission hills but with Aero/Dyno bar 2 block walk down the street it gives a fun local vibe. $100 steak was nothing special. But the $17 burger was divine for the price. Speciality cocktails were very good space cadet being my favorite sweet delight. Overall you can get out of this place for 30$ a person but with some apps a steak and drinks it was $120 a person for us.

Tania Diaz

21 Sep 2025

Absolutely love this place! Went for a girls night out, and let's just say it was worth it. From the moment you walk in you feel the cozy vibes bit sexy at the same time. We requested to sit by the water and so worth it. We stated with the caviar and OMG i crave this daily. We also ordered the wagyu it was food the twice baked potato amazing and we'll seasoned. The macaroni and cheese was so creamy.

Join the Starlite Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.