Romantic Dining Restaurants

Brio - A Personal Chef Service LLC

Address: Post Office Box 508, Solana Beach, CA 92705
Brio - A Personal Chef Service LLC
$$$
Always seem to be in a time crunch when it comes to preparing and eating a meal? Let Brio, a Personal Chef Service LLC, help you out! Kyle Marie Wesendorf, the owner and professionally trained chef of Brio, has an exceptional passion for nurturing people through food. Chef Wesendorf is a graduate of the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts and specializes in everyday gourmet as well as vegetarian and vegan dishes. Her menu spans a wide variety of culinary traditions and cuisines and her service is founded on professionalism, kindness, freshness, and creativity. Her company even offers gift certificates and …

BO-beau kitchen + bar - Ocean Beach

Address: 4996 West Point Loma Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107
BO-beau kitchen + bar - Ocean Beach
$$ Recommended New Special Offer
As the latest incarnation of the Cohn Restaurant Group’s business prowess and eye for culinary excellence, BO-beau Kitchen is a French retreat ready to be discovered by all. This strikingly elegant yet refreshingly casual Ocean Beach neighborhood bistro serves up a lavish array of classic French dishes. 100 Wines' Executive Chef masterfully strikes that oh-so tasty balance between sophisticated and approachable cuisine by marrying decadent ingredients with rustic familiarity; specialties like the Moules au Roquefort (mussels in cream and bleu cheese crumbles) and the Chicken Fricasse take guests on a French holiday for the palate. This is a definite must …

Nozomi Noodles and Teriyaki

Address: 4637 Convoy Street #104, San Diego, CA 92111
Nozomi Noodles and Teriyaki
$
Tucked away in the back corner of one of Convoy’s many Korean restaurant filled plazas, is Nozomi, a quaint Japanese sushi, noodles, and teriyaki eatery. Nozomi’s menu showcases an almost overwhelming variety of fresh sushi, specialty rolls, bento boxes, combo plates, and hot pots. Their specials change daily and they even offer an “all you can eat” deal. Nozomi rolls arrive in style on huge plates in a flower like or animal shaped presentations that come decorated with various sauces and an orchid. Dishes are colorful and fresh and portion sizes are generous and can easily be shared. The décor …

Toast Enoteca & Cucina

Address: 927 J Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Toast Enoteca & Cucina
$$ Special Offer
In need of a relaxing moment and a glass of wine or want to sample varietals in a chic, intimate, and sophisticated environment? Come relax and unwind at Toast Enoteca & Cucina in San Diego’s East Village. This combination restaurant and wine bar features around 400 different bottles of wine to sample and purchase. By the glass sales are available as well. Toast offers an extensive and authentic Italian menu complete with antipasti, insalante, primi, pizze, secondi, and Panini courses. This downtown landmark is yet another culinary creation by Martin Gonzalez, the owner and executive chef of Acqua Al 2, …

Firefly Restaurant and Bar

Address: 1710 W. Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
Firefly Restaurant and Bar
$$ Recommended New Special Offer
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, …

Cucina Urbana

Address: 505 Laurel Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Cucina Urbana
$$$$ New
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 …

Mistral

Address: 4000 Coronado Bay Road, San Diego, CA 92118
Mistral
$$$ Top 10 Recommended New Editor's Pick Special Offer Private Room View
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 …

KITCHEN 1540

Address: 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014
KITCHEN 1540
$$$ Top 10 Recommended Editor's Pick Private Room View Outdoor Seating
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 …

Gourmet India

Address: 810 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
$$ New Special Offer
Tucked into a building on Fourth Avenue, Gourmet India is a culinary jewel distinguished by a father-son team serving authentic Indian cuisine. Savory aromas, layers of flavor and extraordinary textures take you abroad without leaving the comfort of your cushions and pillows or more traditional table and chair. Life-size murals, maroon walls and draperies, and sconces of stained glass and mosaics provide an exotic ambience, but the real story is the food. Begin your culinary journey with samosas and sangrias or succulent chicken tikki masala, and you'll soon find yourself at the junction of foreign and delicious.

Tao Vietnamese Japanese Cuisine

Address: 3332 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116
Tao Vietnamese Japanese Cuisine
$
Tucked away in the heart of Adams Avenue- the famous strip in the neighborhood of Normal Heights- you will find Tao. Offering healthy Vietnamese/Japanese cuisine with an extensive vegetarian selection, Chef Hung “Eric” Tao also features his homemade tofu and soy milk, which he makes fresh daily. His specialty is his Mango “Chicken” Rice: soy based mock “chicken” pieces sautéed with sweet, juicy mango, and the Tofu Rice Pot, tofu, and stir fry vegetables atop rice served in an iron rice pot. With such popular selections, this casual hotspot will satisfy vegetarians and meat eaters alike.

Asti Ristorante

Address: 728 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Asti Ristorante
$$$ Special Offer
Amidst a sea of Italian restaurants, Asti Ristorante in San Diego’s Gaslamp District is one that should not be overlooked. Specializing in Northern Italian cuisine, Asti does not disappoint. Whether you stop in for lunch or for dinner, Asti’s extensive selection of hand-made pastas, fresh seafood or traditional chicken, beef or veal entrees are sure to please even the pickiest diners. The restaurant offers outdoor seating overlooking the Gaslamp’s bustling 5th Avenue, as well as indoor dining in the restaurant’s meticulously decorated dining room. Asti Ristorante is one of the few restaurants in downtown San Diego that can please both …

The Melting Pot - Gaslamp

Address: 901 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
The Melting Pot - Gaslamp
$$ Top 10 Recommended New Editor's Pick Special Offer Private Room Gift Certificates Outdoor Seating
The Melting Pot is a one-of-a-kind restaurant giving guests the opportunity to dip to their hearts’ content – in fondue, that is. Boasting an unbelievably decadent menu of cheese, broth, and chocolate-based fondue options, diners are armed with everything they need to satisfy that certain craving for something sweet or savory. Home in the Gaslamp Quarter’s very first skyscraper, The Melting Pot’s chic décor hearkens back to a golden era of opulence, while maintaining a contemporary air of casual elegance. Join family and friends around the Melting Pot table and partake in the joyous style of dining that is fondue.

Bentley's Steak and Chop

Address: 162 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd Suite C-10, Encinitas, CA 92024
Bentley's Steak and Chop
$$$$
‘High quality’ is the first thing you think of when hearing the name Bentley’s. Located in Encinitas, the restaurant serves beautifully cured and braised meats, with some of the freshest seafood and poultry along the coast. The Bentley’s dining room and outdoor patio have space between tables so that guests can have a private conversation or romantic evening. The restaurant’s ambiance and décor is that of a “classic” steakhouse; they provide a kids menu, and can accommodate up to 50 guests for a private event. Bentley’s cuisine mixes flavors and textures that excite palates and offers the option of creating …

Honey's Bistro & Bakery

Address: 632 S. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Honey's Bistro & Bakery
$
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 …

Indulge Contemporary Catering

Address: 5131 Santa Fe Street Suite A, San Diego, CA 92109
Indulge Contemporary Catering
$$
Working under the motto: “Some people cater… we indulge,” Indulge Contemporary Catering prides itself on accommodating all your needs. From capturing your unique style and theme in the event’s décor and atmosphere to crafting each gourmet event menu around the highest quality ingredients, no touch is overlooked. Indulge offers referrals to services like musicians, photographers, hair stylists, and event venues to ensure everything lives up to their high standards. Enjoy your event knowing that you’re in the expert care of Indulge Contemporary Catering.

Darlington House

Address: 7441 Olivetas Avenue, San Diego, CA 92037
Darlington House
$$$$
Searching for an event venue that will transport you to a European Villa? Check out Darlington House tucked away in the heart of La Jolla. This combination French, Spanish, and Italian style villa hosts special events such as weddings, receptions, parties, and other private events. This beautiful venue provides catering and event planning services that will create a package directly tailored to your wants and needs. Darlington House possesses a certain old world elegance, grace, and romance that enhance any event occurring in the space.

The French Gourmet

Address: 960 Turquoise Street, San Diego, CA 92109
The French Gourmet
$$$ Special Offer
Known and loved by many as a charming restaurant and bakery, The French Gourmet also boasts impressive credentials as a full-service catering business. This San Diego favorite has been conjuring up decadent and flavorful delicacies from scratch in its kitchen, and then serving them to loyal patrons inside and out of the dining room since 1979. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner become casual yet decadent holidays at The French Gourmet, where fresh pastries, classic hors d’oeuvres, and house-made specialties mingle with award-winning wines. Set in an intimate space bathed in natural light during the day and a romantic glow in the …

Heaven Sent Desserts

Address: 3001 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92104
Heaven Sent Desserts
$
Heaven Sent Desserts in San Diego’s North Park district is legitimately a slice of heaven right here in California. It’s fresh in house made desserts are imaginative and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening for two, a group celebration, or just feel like curling up on one of their plush couches with a book, a slice of chocolate decadence or a fruity tart and some coffee, you are in store for a fabulous time. The staff is friendly and welcoming, as is the ambiance. Heaven Sent also caters and loves enhancing any celebration you may be having …

The Fish Market

Address: 750 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
The Fish Market
$$$
For a classic seafood experience with a laid-back attitude, look no further then The Fish Market—San Diego’s premiere destination for seafood. Located on Shelter Island below the Top of the Market Restaurant, The Fish Market features options for several types of seafood faire, including seafood cocktails, oysters, fresh filets, and sushi. You can dine while overlooking the breathtaking San Diego bay for either lunch or dinner. Since 1989, The Fish Market has been enchanting and comforting their guests with premium seafood choices and a dazzling waterfront view.

Fresco Trattoria

Address: 264 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Fresco Trattoria
$$$ Special Offer
Opened in 1999, Fresco Trattoria in Carlsbad is just a few blocks from the beach and offers traditional Italian cuisine seven days a week for both lunch and dinner. Owner Leone D’Arcangelo is from a small town on the west coast of Italy, very similar to the restaurant's location in North County. When it comes to seafood, pasta, steaks, veal, chicken, pizza or appetizers, Fresco has every base covered. A very encompassing wine menu provides the perfect pairing for your meal whether sitting in the elegant dining room with a bubbling fountain or lounging under the stars on the patio …