Starlite
Gastropub · San Diego
3175 India St, San Diego, CA 92103
Highlights
Stylish eatery with craft cocktails & elevated American eats
Stylish eatery with craft cocktails & elevated American eats
"A rooftop near Union Square presenting a Pride drag show on Sunday, June 8; $25 tickets include drag performances, DJ sets, bites from the menu, cocktails and Champagne, and a special Pride cocktail called the Rosey Cheeks will donate a percentage of sales to the Horizon Foundation." - Dianne de Guzman
"Starlite has been a San Diego emblem for decades and it’s now even fresher following a mega remodel: Arsalun Tafazoli, owner of Consortium Holdings Projects (The Lafayette Hotel, Born and Raised, Seneca, among many others), took the reigns following the death of Starlite’s founder, Matt Hoyt, in 2021 and completely reimagined its interior. The decor may have changed but the burger, thankfully, remains the same. The restaurant’s namesake burger, a $17 dish, comes with a half-pound pasture-raised beef patty, melted gruyere, caramelized onions, and dijonnaise on a sesame seed bun with a dill pickle and french fries on the side. As you eat, bask in the low lights from the star-studded interior or head to the patio for a futuristic desert-like experience. Hot tip: Pair the burger with a Starlite Mule, which is mixed with homemade ginger beer." - Roxana Becerril
"Starlite reopened in late March 2025 with a refreshed covered patio area veritably dripping in green plants. The chic outdoor space could get away with just vibes alone, but actually supports a solid menu that includes tangy buffalo cauliflower, roasted bone marrow, and a pan-seared Jidori chicken with chicken-fat mashed potatoes, peas, and Madeira jus. This is one of the most head-turning dining areas in San Diego, so be sure to book a reservation before you go." - Helen I. Hwang
"Meeting with Bells & Whistles, the original designers of Starlite who are helping CH to update the landmark San Diego restaurant that will reopen in May." - Candice Woo
"Starlite, located on India Street in San Diego, is a pioneering bar and restaurant founded in 2007 by a group including Casbah owner Tim Mays, musician Steve Poltz, and local filmmaker and director Matt Hoyt. It helped propel the craft cocktail scene in San Diego. Despite the challenges faced, particularly the passing of Matt Hoyt in August 2021, Starlite remains popular and fully booked most nights. It has been sold to CH Projects, who will preserve its legacy and refresh the space in March 2023. The venue will keep its iconic entryway and sunken bar, update its offerings with a vintage steakhouse vibe, and retain popular items like the burger and the mule." - Candice Woo
