3 1/2 Stars Restaurants

A fine-tailored décor of rustic design elements and nautical themed details sets the Lighthouse Bar and Grill apart, creating a smart and artistic dining space. The thoughtful and subtly whimsical ambiance complements the menu, which reflects an equal degree of inspiration and care. The nightly dinner menu is international in scope and speaks a language we can all understand. Pizzas and burgers mingle with tantalizing salads and seafood dishes, ensuring guests can humor their culinary fancy. And for those more adventurous guests, the restaurant’s knowledgeable staff is ready and willing to take the helm and steer your meal toward complete … Learn More »

Located across the street from UTC shopping center, Apollonia Greek Bistro offers diners authentic Greek cuisine. Upon entering, guests are greeted not only by a friendly hostess, but also by a very elegantly designed dining room. A variety of statues of Greek mythical figures line the walls, while a high ceiling and walls lined with murals of more mythology complete the décor. Seating is also available on the patio where diners can benefit from cushioned benches and the fresh breeze, making it the perfect place to enjoy lunch on a sunny afternoon. A long list of appetizers offers patrons a … Learn More »

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 »

The Wa Dining Okan motto is “welcome home”, providing guests a space that is equally warm and cozy, just like home. Its dining room is decorated with Japanese traditional art and furniture that transports guests to a rural location of Japan, far from modern day problems and worries. The menu offers guests a traditional take on Japanese cuisine that utilizes simple flavors and seasonal ingredients that are prepared with kindness, which is definitely hard to find these days. Indulge in Okan's signature grilled dishes like the Roasted Duck with Green Onions or the Chicken Wings: seasoned with special spices and … Learn More »

BiCE Ristorante skillfully fuses the elegance and trend-setting gusto of modern Europe in the historic San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, while introducing patrons to contemporary Italian cuisine melded with California ingredients. Executive Chef Mario Cassineri has created a menu that entices palates with amazing flavor combinations as his attention to detail and presentation mesmerize guests. Start off the night with the Prosciutto con Burrata, 24-month aged prosciutto paired with creamy burrata cheese that will surely tantalize taste buds with its perfected meat-and-cheese combination. Indulge in the Orzotto all’Aragosta e Burratina: “risotto style” barley with Maine Lobster, fresh tomato and burrata cheese, … Learn More »

Himalayan Cuisine, nestled in the east county city of La Mesa, offers authentic Indian, Nepalese, and Himalayan cuisine. The warm earth colored walls and traditional Hindu and Buddhist decorations accentuate the overall exotic mood. Specialties include various momos (stuffed dumplings) and vegetarian tarkaris (spicy vegetable curries) prepared in an array of distinct options. Carnivores and seafood lovers alike are sure to delight in the abundance of chicken, lamb, and seafood selections that are available for both lunch and dinner. The atmosphere is both casual and inviting: Guests feel as though they are delighting in the traditional homemade meals found in … 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 »

Woody’s Solana Beach is Southern California dining in a nutshell. Featuring a variety of seating options, from the sleek dining room to the relaxing wine lounge, Woody’s Solana Beach provides the ideal location for any event. Open for dinner nightly and lunch Tuesday through Saturday, Woody’s serves a vast collection of American cuisine in the form of steaks, seafood, pasta, chops, chicken, and more. Menu standouts include the Fresh Catch selection and Seafood Paella, as well as beefy options like Baby Back Ribs and Prime New York Steak. Located on Highway 101, just a short distance away from the Pacific … Learn More »

Situated in the quiet village of Bird Rock in La Jolla, Voce Del Mare offers a serene, casual setting to enjoy fairly-priced, traditional Italian fare. Just minutes from the coast near the corner of La Jolla Blvd. and Bird Rock Avenue, the familiar smells of ocean breezes set the mood for a relaxing meal. On Saturdays and Sundays, choose from a variety of lunch offerings including fresh salads and delicious panino sandwiches. Or arrive for dinner, served seven nights a week, to experience a larger display of specialty pastas, fresh seafood dishes, steak, chicken, and veal. Local favorites include the … Learn More »

The WineSellar & Brasserie offers a unique experience in French cuisine and premium international wine. Whether searching for a new place to find a fantastic power lunch, stopping by during Happy Hour, or enjoying a special evening over an impeccable dinner, a meal at The Brasserie is a memory in the making. The WineSellar, a fun play on words, offers a vast selection of wines from around the world, and because of the connection between the wine shop and the restaurant, everyone can enjoy reasonable retail pricing and minimal corkage fees for all bottles. And, with classic starters like Tartare … Learn More »

Nestled just one block south of University Avenue in Hillcrest is Crest Café, a haven of fresh and organic American cuisine with a southwestern twist. While it may seem like a surfside diner plucked from the past, the food here is far superior to most cafes or diners you’re liable to find. Along with the food, the bright and fun décor and extremely friendly servers have given the restaurant an extremely loyal and diverse group of regulars that just can’t get enough. Crest Café is open until midnight every day and serves an all-day breakfast menu, so diners can enjoy … 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 »

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 »

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 »

What started off with an Eric Clapton Fender guitar being hung up in a quirky London bar to “hold” his table, turned into a world-wide phenomenon where food, memorabilia and music mix. Downtown in the heart of the Gaslamp District, the Hard Rock Café covers its walls in clothing from Elvis Presley, Stevie Nicks and Gwen Stefani while whisking out American fare from the kitchen. Familiar rock acoustics are pumped out of the reasonably priced restaurant’s speaker system and the exceptional appetizers are a good lead into classic entrees. The openers at the Café are Hickory Smoked Chicken Wings, Potato … 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 »

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 »

Step inside Il Fornaio and take a culinary journey through Italy. Early mornings bring rustic, crisp crusted bread hot from the oven accompanied by the scent of fresh brewed espresso. During lunch and dinner hours, pastas and flavorful sauces simmer while meats and vegetables roast over hot coals. 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 »

Sit at a table at Firenze Trattoria and let yourself be transported to Italy. The quaint Italian restaurant, tucked in the hills of Encinitas, seems worlds away from the bustle of San Diego. Whether you choose to dine on the soothing outdoor patio or calm, or inside the elegant interior dining room, you are sure to feel at ease. The cuisine is as authentic as the space, with an extensive menu of savory Italian fare including alluring pastas and risottos, fresh, flavorful fish, and tempting house specialties such as Veal Scaloppini, Chicken Piccata, and Eggplant Parmesan. An extensive, Italian-centric wine … Learn More »