Quiet Conversation Restaurants

Visit the heart of Kensington for a taste of France with Owner and Chef Ken Irvine’s Bleu Boheme. Designed to reflect the traditional French eatery of a bygone era, the Bleu Boheme dining room is rustic and inviting. Exposed beam ceilings and pale stone walls are complemented by simple furnishings and understated accent pieces. The ever-evolving daily menu serves as an art installation of sorts, as it is scribed on a wall-sized chalk board. Guests cozy up in the intimate dining room and peruse the classic menu that includes such specialties as Coq au Vin, Escargot a la Portugaise, and … Learn More »

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. Learn More »

From the rustic stone exterior to the expansive and colorful interior, Little Italy’s hidden treasure, La Villa Restaurant & Bar, blends urban and rural life together seamlessly. Seated at wooden tables, reminiscent of the farmers’ tables in years past, diners enjoy fresh, sustainable Italian delights. La Villa’s seasonal menu emphasizes the “farm to table” concept by incorporating neighborhood farmers’ products and locally caught seafood in every dish. From the handmade mozzarella found on the Naples inspired pizzas, to the oysters, so fresh that the remnant flavors of the ocean are still present, La Villa pleases the palate time after time. … Learn More »

Pacifica Del Mar reflects the soothing calm of its ocean location. Perched high atop the Del Mar Plaza, the sophisticated restaurant offers a stunning visual Pacific feast to accompany Chef Christopher Idso’s delightful gastronomic feats. The menu features elegant California-inspired creations that manage to be both light and clean, while still imparting a deep satisfaction. Mouthwatering options like the Barbecued Sugar-Spiced Salmon with Chinese beans and mustard sauce, Moroccan Spiced Prawns, and Filet Mignon with potato-white cheddar gratin, make for delightful dining dilemmas. Sample from Pacifica Del Mar’s Wine Spectator-distinguished wine list to help make the decision-making process that much … Learn More »

Seaside P&G is about serving up fresh and exquisite flavors of traditional and modern Vietnamese dishes with a wide selection of craft beers and fine wines. Our vision is to infuse authentic recipes with modern cooking technique using fresh local and organic ingredients to create a dazzling balance of flavorful meals. Influenced by China, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and France, our cuisine is a fusion of the best flavors and ingredients from Southeast Asia and France. We invite you to come, relax with friends and colleagues over cold drinks, delicious hearty food, and comforting atmosphere. Our happy hour menu offers a … Learn More »

All selections are made on the premises and feature traditional italian dishes as well as innovative specialties. Whether your mood is for spicy apple cider sausage pork loin in cinnamon, garlic and whiskey sauce halibut in florentine sauce or the more traditional Italian fare of pastas and pizza, For finale, share a tiramisu or cappuccino. Learn More »

Red Tracton’s is a delightful return to the vintage class and swanky sophistication of an iconic American steakhouse. The restaurant draws on the romance and nostalgia of the neighboring Del Mar Racetrack, with maroon walls, horse prints, and dark, moody lighting recalling Gatsby-era frivolity and luxury. Portions are similarly hedonistic, with thick cut steaks, such as the Del Mar Cut— a 25 oz. Prime Rib that is sure to be tomorrow’s lunch. Offering colossal baked potatoes dripping with sour cream and butter, giant lobster tails, and jumbo shrimp on ice, diners should be prepared to bring their appetite! An evening … Learn More »

Trattoria Ponte Vecchio is a culinary escape located in scenic Del Mar where diners can experience the flavors of Northern Italy in a cozy neighborhood setting. Born and raised in Milan, Italy, Chef Daniel Nobili infuses his passion for Italian cuisine in all of his creations including the Linguine Alle Vongole-- fresh Manila clams sautéed in a white wine or red sauce or the Vitello Del Tassista-- veal scaloppini in gorgonzola cheese sauce topped with fresh pears. The menu also includes an assortment of Appetizers, Salads, Pizzas, and Chicken Entrees. Your taste buds deserve a vacation— taste the delicious cuisine … Learn More »

Cafe Athena specializes in Greek and vegetarian cuisine and has been serving exceptional food at reasonable prices for over 10 years. This family restaurant has three rooms each decorated tastefully and differently to create a wonderful Grecian islands motif. The atmosphere is casual and pleasant. Beer and wine are served. Banquets, outside catering and take-outs are available as well. Most notably, guests can enjoy a simple meal that is packed with flavors that evoke both traditional and contemporary dishes. Recognized by San Diego Magazine, City Beat, and the Zagat Survey as being the best Greek Restaurant in San Diego, Cafe … Learn More »

While hidden from the road in the La Jolla UTC area, Cafe Japengo should not be missed. The upscale restaurant offers what is consistently dubbed the best sushi in San Diego as well as inventive Pacific Rim Cuisine. Executive Chef Jay Payne excels in crafting fresh, often exotic ingredients in innovative ways, with tantalizing dishes that almost threaten to overshadow the sushi. However, with Sushi Chef Jerry Warner’s 17-year tenure, and unrivaled creativity, the fresh, inspired sushi offerings more than hold their own. Guests looking for an especially unique experience should sit at the sushi bar, where Chef Warner crafts … Learn More »

Boasting exceptionally fresh and authentic Japanese cuisine, a unique sake list, and international beer and wine, Sushi Mura at Liberty Station in Point Loma is one of San Diego’s finest sushi destinations. Sushi Mura is dedicated to integrating seasonal ingredients into the regularly evolving menu, in the company of the delectable house made soy sauce. Patrons will savor sushi classics like the beloved Spicy Tuna Roll or California Roll, or more unique offerings like the Hurricane Roll with in-snow crab, cucumber, avocado, jalepeno, albacore, and crispy onion with garlic ponzu. Other mouth watering menu selections include the Hamachi Jalapeno, Teriyaki … Learn More »

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 … Learn More »

Tio Leo’s has provided San Diego with quality Mexican food since 1979. The family owned and run restaurant started with one location and expanded to four, by consistently sticking with their motto of “Great Food, Great Service, and Generous Portions.” Tio Leo’s menu offers a wide range of traditional Mexican dishes, as well as some unique specialties. The health-conscious will love Tio Leo’s “Healthy Choice” selections, such as Grilled Eggplant Tacos and Pollo Asado Rice Bowl; the ravenous will appreciate Tio Leo’s Ole’, a platter with a taco, chile relleno, tostada, enchilada, carne asada, beans, rice, sour cream and guacamole. … Learn More »

Located in the newly renovated Paseo de Mission Hills is Olivetto Ristorante & Wine Bar. Specializing in modern Italian fare and utilizing only the freshest seasonal ingredients, guests can revel in Olivetto’s cozy ambiance of exposed brick, dark wood, and rustic toned décor. Serving both lunch and dinner seven days a week, patrons can experience a complete Italian meal day and night, or just stop in to enjoy a glass of wine after a long day. The inviting atmosphere is the perfect setting to enjoy a meal, whether as a night out on the town with friends, or a romantic … Learn More »

A hidden gem nestled inside the Coast Walk in La Jolla features authentic Italian cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Filippo Piccini. Homemade pasta, fresh ravioli delicious risotto and a unique selection of wines accompanied by amazing ocean views in a romantic, yet relaxed rustic dining room emphasized by a contemporary décor is just the beginning of your new Italian experience. Learn More »

A fanciful curtain of monsoon rain, visible through floor-to-ceiling glass doors, is a friendly greeting as guests enter the spacious and elegant dining room at Bombay restaurant. Aromas of exotic spices promise a feast of flavors. Having won awards for the “Best Vegetarian Restaurant” and “Best Indian Restaurant in San Diego”, from AOL City Guide and San Diego Magazine respectively, one can remain assured they will enjoy an authentic culinary adventure. The kitchen serves to satisfy expectations and the attentive wait staff ensures a delectable dining experience that you’ll want to repeat over and over again. Flavorful, mysterious fruit drinks … Learn More »

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 … Learn More »

Whether you want a wide assortment of small plates to share, farm-fresh salads, exotic entrées or unique pasta dishes, Romesco’s Bistro in Bonita has it covered, with a Baja-Mediterranean blanket that leaves you with a familiar, foodie feeling. Chef Javier Plasencias rolls out hot and cold tapas from octopus to Jamon Serrano (dry-cured Spanish Ham). He creates distinct dishes such as Beef Cheek Tacos and Crab Mac and Cheese, along with an assortment of fondues to extinguish any craving one might have. Plasencias’ Mediterranean techniques and recipes mix superbly with local Mexican flavors to complement the warm ambiance of this … Learn More »

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 … Learn More »

Located on the edge of Harbor Island, just out of earshot of the airport, Island Prime’s stilt-supported structure extends out over the bay, giving diners the sense that they are floating along on a dinner cruise. Chef Deborah Scott's retro, yet sophisticated menu features metro steaks, seafood, and other diversely decadent dishes that will make your jaw drop. Between the nostalgic cuisine and the breath-taking view, Island Prime will keep you coming back for more. Learn More »