$50 - $75 Restaurants

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 »

Fiddler's Green on Shelter Island is a great place for steaks, fresh seafood, and pasta due to the wide variety of selections available. All are offered nightly in one of the world's most renowned sailing ports. Surrounded by model boats, the eclectic charm of Fiddler’s Green is family-friendly and warrants long stays to absorb its allure and atmosphere. The restaurant serves a wide selection of fresh catches and features its house specialty Coconut Tempura Prawns and Calamari Steaks. The cocktail lounge and outdoor terrace offer a special menu with lighter fare where anyone can take in the views of Shelter … 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 »

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 »

Jake’s Del Mar is a classic waterfront grill, situated right on the beach in the picturesque town of Del Mar, and has become one of San Diego's best loved restaurants. Floor to ceiling windows provide dramatic panoramas of the breaking surf. Lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunches all showcase California coastal cuisine and Chef Dustin Anselm remains focused on serving classic dishes prepared with a creative twist. The restaurant’s genuine, friendly service and delicious menu makes for a relaxed atmosphere that is a favorite among locals and tourists alike . The bar offers a special bistro menu specializing in more casual … 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 »

Italian rusticity meets modern sophistication at Baci Ristorante, where an Old World appreciation for quality and service marries seamlessly with contemporary style and warmth. The rich, mahogany bar sets an elegant yet unassuming tone, while the classic Italian cuisine menu showcases the brilliance of fresh seafood, succulent meat, and rich accompaniments. Dine in the subtly modern dining room surrounded by art deco accents and crisp white linens, or dine al fresco on the romantic patio. No matter where you sit, a decadent and satisfying meal is sure to be had. Learn More »

Nestled just above the scenic ocean bluffs of La Jolla, A.R. Valentien inside The Lodge at Torrey Pines features innovative California cuisine in a truly spectacular setting. Executive Chef Jeff Jackson conveys his market driven approach with seasonal ingredients from organic farms, orchards, and local fisherman. Wine lovers will rejoice in the extensive wine list boasting a vast collection of regional varietals from a string of California wineries. Just beyond the entrance, with its charming overhanging foliage, the interior of the restaurant showcases American Craftsman design with features like beautiful exposed beams and stained-glass lanterns, as well as selected artwork … Learn More »

Since opening in 1998, Tapenade has established itself as a La Jolla institution. Diners frequent the sophisticated establishment for acclaimed chef Jean-Michel Diot’s Provençal-style French cooking. Diot, who comes to San Diego after a successful career in Paris and New York, offers a consistently award-winning menu, while Tapenade’s welcoming atmosphere and excellent service complement the cuisine. For an exceptional experience, Diot offers a five-course tasting menu with wine pairings, offered daily. Learn More »

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 … Learn More »

Roy’s, a Hawaiian fusion restaurant, is based on the technique using “new directions,” blending freely the European techniques with ingredients of Asia and the Pacific. The first Roy's Restaurant was opened in1988 in Honolulu, Hawaii, and its La Jolla location maintains the fine dining mantra with innovative and flavorful dishes. Using the freshest ingredients of any locale, Roy’s exemplifies the same sense of fun and freedom found in the original restaurants in Hawaii. At Roy’s, you can get a taste of paradise without having to fly across the Pacific. Learn More »

Beyond the heavy glass doors of De Medici lies a wonderland of delight and extravagance. Once inside, wrapped in the cozy embrace of one of the booths, guests are welcomed to linger over an amazing meal and absorb an evening of tantalizing experiences. Under the insistence of owner Salavatore Vitale, many of the signature dishes are still created table-side. The soft rosy glow and intimate ambiance of the dining room is punctuated by the bright flashes of flambéing Bananas Foster and Steak Diane. Specializing in both Northern and Southern Italian cuisine, Chef Ricardo Macias charms the palates of many with … Learn More »

While it may be physically impossible to bring a Florentine trattoria to San Diego, Chef and Owner Martin Gonzalez has come remarkably close. Acqua Al 2 is the sister restaurant of the original Acqua Al 2, located on the Via della Vigna Vecchia in Florence. Using the same menu, recipes, and cooking techniques, Acqua Al 2 offers authentic Tuscan-style dining right in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp district. The charming ambiance hints of old world Italy, while the aromatic and flavorful dishes exude authenticity. Anyone considering an escape to Italy should first pay a visit to this local favorite. Learn More »

Situated on the upper floor of the Fish Market, Top of the Market, serves up the catch of the day in style. Paneled with soft dark wood and accented with crisp white table linens, the chipper dining room is outshined only by the beautiful scene it overlooks. The ocean gleams bright through the large open windows that stretch the length of the restaurant. So while some guests may enjoy watching the preparation of their meal in the airy exhibition kitchen, others are encouraged to soak up the California sunshine and dine on the covered patio. By using the best the … Learn More »

Blue Point was the first seafood and oyster bar to open in the Gaslamp over a decade ago, and it remains one of the very best. The restaurant pays special attention to interpreting seafood classics in fresh ways that delight all the senses. Specialties extend to a selection of steak and chops, so that both the menu and interior call to mind an old fashioned supper club with nautical flair. A striking and impressively well-stocked antique bar completes the relaxed elegance that keeps Blue Point on the Gaslamp’s favored list. Learn More »

It’s often hard to choose a restaurant on 5th Avenue in the Gaslamp. There are many enticing hostesses with even more enticing menus on display out front, but with so many options, it can still be a difficult choice to make. Luckily, there’s one restaurant on 5th that emits a radiant glow of friendly service, quality food, and reasonable prices. Chianti has been a 5th Avenue mainstay for nearly a decade for many reasons, including the knowledgeable staff and fresh, delicious, authentic Italian food. The décor is elegant and relaxing, with paintings of the Italian countryside adorning the walls and … 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 »

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 »

Nestled on cozy India Street in picturesque Little Italy, Indigo Grill has been a gem of San Diego’s culinary scene for years. While many diners may be familiar with one of the Cohn Family’s finest restaurants, they haven’t seen anything like the recent transformation that has elevated the grill to the next plateau of dining experiences. Head Chef Deborah Scott, one of the finest chefs in all of San Diego, finally has a spectacular venue in which to showcase her phenomenal dishes that combine old world charm with modern culinary flare. Close to the Gaslamp, Convention Center, Seaport Village, and … Learn More »

Dining and dancing in downtown San Diego isn’t hard to find. Deco's, located in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, is a fine dining restaurant and night club with class and elegance. Their interior is a take on 1930’s art deco décor, with modern plush touches, brilliant chandeliers, and deep red tones accentuating the fine dining style of Deco's. Featuring an eclectic menu, Decos is a great place for a meal, a place to dance, or just a drink. Learn More »