California Restaurants

An evening at Nine-Ten is not just a meal but a culinary adventure. Tucked into the ground floor of the historic Grande Colonial Hotel in downtown La Jolla, the contemporary restaurant takes fine dining to new heights. Chef Jason Knibb’s innovative menu finds inspiration in fresh ingredients from local farms, transforming the essence of seasonal offerings into creative concoctions such as white truffle emulsion and potato foam. Each dish is a meditation on flavor, expertly and creatively intertwining pure, fresh ingredients into elegant and delightfully surprising combinations. With an equally talented pastry chef and sommelier (not to mention a most …

Whisknladle is the ultimate destination when in need of some culinary comfort. Boasting eclectic ingredients and bold flavors, patrons will be hard pressed to try only one dish. With California comfort food that eases your mind and uplifts your spirit, Whisknladle is the place to recuperate and excite your taste buds. With inventive dishes like Charred Bone Marrow and Crispy Sweetbreads, there is plenty of variety to challenge and delight the palate. Cooking dishes that are satisfying to the core, it is no surprise that the chefs at Whisknladle take their ingredients very seriously. The executive chef even visits local …

The minute you step into The Prado you know you’ve entered into a world like no other. Located in the historic House of Hospitality in Balboa Park, the restaurant offers four main dining areas. Each has its own distinctive décor and ambiance: the Terrace features outdoor seating, the Courtyard room overlooks the courtyard and fountain, the Solarium overlooks the Terrace and features skylights, and the Lounge serves up two happy hours with several signature drinks. The California cuisine is expertly prepared, and includes Pan Roasted Sea Bass with cauliflower and truffle puree and Braised Beef Boneless Shortrib with Point Reyes …

Delicias is a charming hidden gem in Rancho Santa Fe that offers incredible California Fresh cuisine at its finest. Just a mile and a half away from the Delicias kitchen is Chino Farms, supplying the extremely fresh produce that Executive Chef Michael Knowles finds daily to inspire his creative and delicious daily specials and classic favorites. The dining room serves as a warm, dimly lit home away from home with beautiful black chandeliers, a brick fireplace, and various seating options both inside and outside. Accompanying the menu full of fresh innovative options is an extensive wine list, as well as …

Picture a romantic retreat in the French countryside where days conclude with glowing fireplaces and elegant meals, and you will have the essence of Mille Fleurs. The restaurant, which is located on a small estate off a windy road in Rancho Santa Fe, offers a warm and charming atmosphere that plays host to stunning haute cuisine. Chef Martin Wosele’s menu, which changes daily, delicately melds European culinary traditions with local California ingredients. The result is sensational and exquisite fine dining which, as evidenced by numerous awards and national recognition, makes Mille Fleurs one of the most significant dining establishments in …

A contemporary, glamorous place to dine, the Grant Grill presents an extraordinary display of modern cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and an elegance that permeates the restaurant’s décor and atmosphere. Originally opened in 1951, the Grant Grill’s historical significance as a “Power Lunch” spot is well-known throughout San Diego. A must-have at this legendary establishment is the Mock Turtle Soup, a staple since the doors opened. The creative California cuisine created by Chef de Cuisine, John Duran, features innovative and seasonal selections. A 3, 4, or 5 Course Tasting Menu with an optional wine pairing is available for those looking to sample …

Terra calls the East College District of La Mesa home. Chef and Owner Jeff Rossman brings quality to the table (literally) by stocking the Terra kitchen, bar, and menu with locally sourced and sustainable produce and ingredients. Brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks reflect the best the seasons have to offer, and often highlight the rich bounty of San Diego and Riverside County agriculture. From the fresh fruit-infused libations to the “New American Cuisine” menu featuring preparation styles unique to the Americas, Terra serves up a thoughtful dining experience that celebrates the joy of community and communal eating.

With one of the most extensive menus in town, sure to please even the pickiest of palates, The Cheesecake Factory genuinely has something for everyone at your table. This landmark restaurant prides itself on hospitality and delectable menu items that are both sweet and savory. The restaurant has established itself as the go-to spot for large parties and big celebrations as well as a romantic date for two. Cheesecake Factory’s ambiance combines the hustle and bustle of the city with the quiet intimacy of a corner bistro. Ultimately renowned for their long list of signature cheesecakes, generous portions, and comfortably …

With its prime location, Azul La Jolla offers innovative California coastal cuisine with a magnificent view of the Pacific. Chef Orion Balliet offers fittingly elegant dishes, with a menu that changes daily, emphasizes fresh seafood and local ingredients, and incorporates culinary styles from Cajun to Japanese. Enchanting creations such as Lavender Mustard-Crusted Lamb Loin Medallions with cinnamon-honey carrot mash and hazelnut foam; and Oak-Roasted White Sea Bass with sambal polenta skillet cake, lime-cilantro jicama salad and roasted pepper marmalade demonstrate the range of culinary styles, traditions, and ingredients that Balliet employs. Open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, Azul also …

Impeccable service, excellent cuisine, and an extensive wine list are to be expected at any Bertrand Hug establishment, and Bertrand at Mr. A’s lives up to the highest of expectations. Perched atop a skyscraper on the brink of downtown, the restaurant offers one of the most outstanding dining experiences in San Diego. Modern American cuisine elegantly complements the cosmopolitan backdrop, with a menu that offers awe-inspiring “glimpses” of both land and sea. The seasonal menu incorporates the utmost quality meats, fish, and accompaniments, resulting in a fresh and tantalizing selection of dishes. The main dining room offers a premier dining …

For a unique blend of Italian cuisine fused with the flavors of California, Cucina Urbana is a one-of-a-kind fine dining destination in the heart of Banker’s Hill. The interior is reminiscent of an old farm house and a modernized kitchen, with bold abstract paintings on the wall and rich accents of rustic wood. The cuisine is predominantly Italian, such as gourmet pizzas and handmade pastas, but the inspiration from California comes from the subtle flavors, the cooking style, and the stresses of using local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Cucina Urbana is also a Wine Shop-- and the possibilities of …

Anthology is not only one of San Diego’s premier music venues, but it is also one of the city’s hot-spots for great dining and drinks. Some of the country’s finest Jazz, Rock, Blues, Latin, and Indie musicians grace the Anthology stage on a regular basis; and the restaurant’s farm-fresh fare is enjoyed on all three levels of the main room. This chic and contemporary space entertains many social outlets, and multitasks brilliantly: from the state-of-the-art system and unparalleled attention to acoustics, to the fresh and invigorating California cuisine menu, Anthology is the place to go for an experience that satisfies …

Cohn Restaurant fans take note: the San Diego restaurateur powerhouse has brought their fine dining expertise to Oceanside with their restaurant, 333 Pacific. It is an ode to Southern California, with breath-taking views of its seaside setting, innovative California cuisine, and a faultlessly stylish design aesthetic. Located on the first floor of the Wyndham Oceanfront Pier Resort, diners can feast on clever creations like Bleu Cheese Crusted Kobe Beef Meatloaf and Maine Diver Scallops seared in apple cider, while enjoying a stunning, panoramic view of the Oceanside Pier and beach. 333 Pacific promises a welcome invigoration of the North County …

Unassuming elegance is paired with striking attention to detail at Bernard’O Restaurant, in Rancho Bernardo. The main dining room provides a cosmopolitan space lit with the glow of an Italian-tile fireplace. The patio that affords views of glistening stars most nights also has a fireplace to keep diners comfortable. The menu is a toast to fine French fare, and Chef Alain Delahaye plates dishes that are both complex in flavor and refreshingly direct in vision. The Californian Bouillabaisse is an ode to the ocean with seabass, scallops, shrimp, mussels, clams, and potatoes, in a Rouille lobster sauce. Stop by for …

Mistral, located in the luxurious Loews Resort on Coronado Bay, features award-winning dining attracting locals and resort guests alike. Accomplished Chef de Cuisine Patrick Ponsaty offers fine French cuisine infused with Mediterranean flavors set to serene ocean views. Take in the ocean breeze on the patio or dine indoors next to one of the many large windows and bask in the sophisticated and elegant décor. Mistral allows guests to indulge in a variety of ways: choose the more casual bar bites offered in the lounge, the classic but seasonal-inspired dinner menu or the seasonal tasting menu— no matter what you …

Honey’s Bistro and Bakery is surely one of San Diego’s hidden treasures. The restaurant, noted only by its burgundy red onning and forest green umbrellas sits nestled between some of Encinitas’ most eclectic boutiques on Highway 101. The café is open from 5:30am until 3:00pm daily and provides an outrageous menu of mouthwatering selections including everything from a mug of their fresh coffee and an in house baked scone, to their signature soups, salads, omelets, and other various breakfast and lunch entrees. Honey’s offers something delectable for all customers and is a delightful place to bring “out of towners”. The …

KITCHEN 1540, our signature restaurant, highlights the feel and flavors of our Southern California roots. The seamless flow from the bar to the dining room and outdoor patio spaces offer guests the perfect mix of experiences. KITCHEN 1540's cuisine highlights locally-sourced ingredients that capture bright, seasonal tastes of Del Mar, California. Served amongst an open presentation kitchen. A private dining room wrapped in wine-encased walls is the ideal setting for a special event, or choose the romance of an outdoor private cabana and enjoy the lights, the stars, and the ocean breezes. KITCHEN 1540 has garnered numerous awards including such …

If you’re in the Mission Bay area, be sure you visit The Firefly Restaurant and Bar located inside The Dana Hotel. Facing the bay, Firefly has fantastic views, creating a dining experience that will impact your senses in a major way. As one of San Diego’s premier dining spots, Firefly offers a contemporary atmosphere imbued with the kind of ambiance that is just right for a romantic dinner for two. If you’re looking for a quick meal, the happy hour menu offers great specials. Chef Eric Manuel is a native to San Diego, and his dishes are created with fresh, …

Truluck’s, nestled in University City, is always fresh on the dining scene with an edge not many can counter. Renowned for their seafood, they operate a crabbing fleet of no less than sixteen boats off the coast of Naples, Florida. Armed with this advantage, the crab is delivered fresh to your table within twenty-four hours of being caught. Those searching for an alternative to seafood can choose from a selection of seven steaks and chops roasted or grilled to a level of precision unmatched by most steakhouses. For recreational wine drinkers or connoisseurs alike, Truluck’s offers a hundred wines by …