Special Occasion Restaurants

Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill is a far cry from your average run-of-the-mill pizza joint. This elegant yet comfortable gourmet restaurant introduces a whole new interpretation to the art of pizza-making, offering innovative menu items such as Brie and Truffle Pizza, Garlic Shrimp Pizza, and Organic Arugula and Pear Pizza. Sammy’s of Mission Valley is centrally located in close proximity to the I-15, I-805, and I-8 directly adjacent to the Mission Valley mall, allowing easy access to the perfect combination of shopping and dining. Don’t miss the Happy Hour specials from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day, when you … 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 »

Each one of McCormick & Schmick’s restaurants throughout the United States is designed to create an environment that is unique and welcoming; the one in Downtown San Diego is no different. Located in the Omni Hotel on the corner of L and 7th Street the restaurant is connected via skybridge to Petco Park. The ever-changing menu features the highest quality of steak, like the tender aged Filet Mignon as well as seafood choices from the Pacific Rim, Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Also, the award winning bar food is just as satisfying as the main entrees. Indulge in classic … Learn More »

Is this a movie set or restaurant? While dining at The Beach House in Cardiff, the shore is just inches from you. Dine on abundant seafood, steak or chops. The wine list is extensive, cocktails priced reasonably, and happy hour is every day. Diners of all ages fill this restaurant because the menu offers new twists on classics, contemporary flavors and fresh ingredients. Dine on dishes like Herb Roasted Half Chicken, Lobster Tail & Filet Mignon, Pacific Mahi Mahi, or Baby Back Ribs. They also feature small plates, a children's menu, home made desserts, and a weekend champagne brunch. But … Learn More »

Step into the main dining room of Humphreys Restaurant and understand how opulence is mastered. The large multileveled room is bathed in soft light and flowing panels of pale gray and ice blue upholstery. Juxtaposed against the whimsical softness of the colors are massive exposed beams that lend an anchor to a bay-side view that threatens to draw you in completely. The menu is thoughtful and inventive in the way it continues this balance between the ethereal and masculine – the Mirin Sesame Shrimp appetizer positions two large shrimp atop a bed of mango-mint relish that is refreshingly cool against … Learn More »

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 … Learn More »

A melding of Latin and Mediterranean flavors along with the use of local ingredients inspires San Diego native Chef Matt Richman within the walls of Table 926. The place setting puts you in north Pacific Beach while walking inside the clean, soft neon-lit dining room. Some of the unique dishes that quickly go from table to tongue are the Oxtail Ragu with a Bucatini sauce with a lemon-mint ricotta or the Glazed Pork Cheeks with a guajillo-tamarind glaze, braised greens and polenta, while the Bistro Burger and the 14 oz. Grilled Ribeye might be more familiar flavors to a less … Learn More »

Set on San Diego's beautiful Shelter Island, Vessel features a robust menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in a unique, contemporary setting. Diners flock for the spectacular panoramic marina view, in addition to the casual, informal atmosphere and great food. The menu offers a wide range of entrées inspired by Californian, American, and Polynesian cuisines. Fresh fish and seafood are their specialty; flying in buttery scallops from Maine and cooking locally caught Mahi-Mahi. Take in the mild sea breezes on the waterfront patio during breakfast or relax while the sun sets in the comfortable, inviting, and fun atmosphere. Learn More »

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 … Learn More »

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 … Learn More »

Since 1976, Armstrong Catering has been a San Diego institution. Providing top-notch, professional, and affordable services throughout the county, this family-owned company is dedicated to the cause of giving you the event of your dreams – maybe one better than you could imagine. Weddings turn magical, themed parties are unforgettable, and corporate events reflect impeccable taste under the expert eye of Armstrong Catering. They even offer their own historic facility that boasts grand architectural details, along with scenic surroundings and an outdoor patio to suit all your event-hosting needs. Learn More »

A contemporary, uber-cool interior and décor mirror a chic California-coastal inspired kitchen in Point Loma at the Restaurant at The Pearl. Chef Todd Bencivenni combines his passion for local ingredients with an diverse culinary background to create flavorful, memorable dishes. Eclectic dishes come from a variety of regions across the U.S including a magnificent Mac & Cheese appetizer made with Spring Hill Cheddar and a Grilled Pork Chop with potatoes, apple chutney and fresh farmers market veggies for a solid main course. Whether you’re dining inside or by the pool, in a cabana or beach chair, weekly movies from The … Learn More »

Andiamo! Ristorante is a delightful northern Italian restaurant in Tierrasanta. We have been serving San Diego for 21 years in a comfortable, elegant atmosphere that caters to every occasion. Our servers and cooks are all 'family' here, and we want you to have a magnifico experience on every visit. Andiamo! means "Let's go! in Italian. With our wonderful selection of mouth watering entrees at reasonable prices, soon you'll be shouting "Andiamo!" to bring the whole family too. We provide family-friendly service with a bambino (kid) menu, comfotable booths, high-chairs and booster seats. 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 »

The Pamplemousse Grille offers the delectable creations of Chef Jeffrey Strauss in a casually elegant setting. Aiming to offer a thoroughly sensual dining experience, Strauss melds continental and Asian influences with fresh ingredients, resulting in diverse dishes such as Stilton-crusted Rack of Lamb with Truffled Mashed Potatoes and Nori-crusted Ahi with Green Tea Noodles in Coconut Red Curry Sauce. Diners will be delighted with the extensive menu as well as the equally stunning wine list that together offer a truly worldly dining experience. Learn More »

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 … Learn More »

Full Moon is a kaizen style kitchen featuring fine Japanese delicacies. "Kaizen" means "change for the better," which illuminates Chef Sung's non-traditional Japanese cuisine. Enjoy an intimate group setting in the plush lounge seating, or settle at the bar to relish at the highly regarded sushi chefs. With menu items ranging from hot entrees alongside traditional sushi rolls to an exotic fish menu changed daily; Full Moon sushi has a wide range of food options for everyone. All food items pair well with the large sake menu - most imported from Japan. Learn More »

It’s not hard to find eateries boasting “ocean views” in San Diego, but it is rare to find a noteworthy restaurant that happens to claim such prime oceanfront real-estate as Chart House. Picturesquely positioned along the South Coast Highway 101 (with the San Elijo Lagoon to the east), Chart House’s expansive dining room faces the Pacific Ocean and plates up some of the finest sunsets around. As the waves lap upon the rocky shore before you, settle in and savor Chart House’s array of hot and cold appetizers, signature seafood entrees, prime steaks, and luscious desserts. Pair the evening with … Learn More »

Located at the eastern tip of Shelter Island, with a boat dock stretching from the back door, it is no surprise water is the predominant theme at Bali Hai. Taking cues from Island cultures from Tahiti to Polynesia, the historic Tiki-themed restaurant invites diners to a sensual escape of island pleasures. The menu is filled with rich and exotic dishes including Lobster Wontons, Chicken of the Gods, and Kailua Pork Loin, and the bar offers—what else?—famously authentic Mai Tai’s. Sunday Champagne Brunch attracts such a large crowd that the dock out back is often packed while eager boaters dine inside. 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 »