Dining Alone Restaurants

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 »

Osteria Romantica provides a chic, casual, and relaxing atmosphere for enjoying wonderful company, cuisine, and drink. This restaurant was designed to reflect the osterias of Italy, where locals commune around fresh food and good wine; indeed, La Jolla Shores locals and visitors alike raise their glasses—and forks—to the common goal of enjoying authentic cuisine and company. As the likes of Pavarotti and other legends woo you with their crooning, Romantica’s sophisticated décor invites you into an intimate setting punctuated by nostalgic accent pieces and mementos. Similarly, the refined yet hearty menu of Italian specialties is both familiar and intriguing. The … 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 »

It is the very presence of charismatic Master Chef Roberto Bernardoni and his lovely wife, Chef Patrizia Branchi that sets Operacaffe apart from the countless “authentic” Italian eateries downtown. The first ingredient in all of Chef Bernadoni’s dishes is his "cuore", his heart and passion for his trade. This is splendidly reflected in the careful presentations, wistful aromas, and creative tastes of their traditional dishes. Allow your taste buds to be transported to Italy by thin crust pizzas, salads, featuring fresh Italian cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, and herby and flavorful pasta and second course dishes. Chef Bernardoni will be delighted … Learn More »

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. Learn More »

No shirt, no shoes, no problem! Recognized by CNN as one of the US’s top 5 burger joints, Hodad’s burgers are known by fans as the best in the west. Opened in 1969 in the laid-back Ocean Beach district of San Diego, Hodad’s has now expanded into a burger empire by serving their own signature but simple baskets of burgers, fries, onion rings and milk shakes. Their uncompromising commitment to quality and service has elevated this burger joint into the top spots. Located right off the beach near the infamous Ocean Beach Pier, Hodad’s is a fast food paradise within … 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 »

Salvucci’s is more than just a name. It’s food, rooted in our culture and traditions. It’s recipes, passed down from generation to generation; each adding their own unique touch while still honoring the integrity of the original flavors. It’s community, where neighbors are family and bonds are built and strengthened around the kitchen table. Salvucci's Ristorante brings delicious, homemade meals, pairing traditional Italian recipes with locally-sourced ingredients. The menu includes daily homemade pastas, hand tossed wood-fired pizzas, fresh seasonal salads, and fresh baked breads. Learn More »

Kitchen 4140 owner Chef Kurt Metzger is a trail blazer in San Diego’s organic dining scene, purchasing products from local farms and using ingredients from his onsite garden. He uses this plentiful bounty to provide diners with a fusion of Italian, Mexican, and French cuisine. Taste these truly fresh ingredients in signature dishes such as Steak Hash with wild mushrooms, red onion, fire roasted peppers, two poached eggs, chive-chervil crème fraiche or the Kitchen Pasta-- linguini with tomatoes from the garden, basil garlic and shrimp. Dine here for a satisfying meal made with good old fashioned TLC-- tender love and … Learn More »

Gluten-free, egg-free, or dairy-free? No problem! At Stephanie’s Bakery, Ocean Beach’s healthy baking epicenter, hungry guests can find a large assortment of cakes, pastries, cookies, and much more. Whether you have a food allergy, a dietary restriction, or are craving something new, Stephanie’s offers treats made fresh from scratch using only local and organic ingredients. Started as a cake company, Stephanie’s has expanded their menu, and now features new and unique items such as Spinach Herb and Cherry Cream Cheese Strudels, plus vegan sandwiches, salads and pizzas. They even make special wedding cakes! Enjoy a hot sandwich on their outside … 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 »

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 »

Luc’s Bistro offers guests an authentic taste of down-home Southern cuisine. Try dishes like Crispy Crab Cakes with Avocado Cilantro, which take Southern flare and meld it with a California twist. Ongoing specials pop up daily to switch the mood for returning visitors while allowing newcomers to sample unique creations from Luc’s talented chefs. Cozy and casual, the “bistro-esque” dining room invites guests to dine with friends, family, or their significant other. Who says that a bistro has to serve only French cuisine? Luc’s Bistro shows patrons that a restaurant can create its own flare by taking different styles and … Learn More »

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 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 »

Carlsbad Beach Grill is a charming addition to Carlsbad Village with its relaxed atmosphere and family friendly cuisine. Serving a selection of signature soups, salads, sandwiches and hamburgers, simplicity has never been more satisfying or more affordable. Although light on the wallet, there is no skimping on homemade ingredients with hand crafted soups, fresh catch of the day fish tacos, and house-roasted whole fresh turkey. When craving American cuisine with a distinctly Southern Californian twist, make sure to head on over to Carlsbad Beach Grill and experience coastal casual dining. Learn More »

Rei Do Gado isn’t your typical buffet—it’s an experience. This traditional Brazilian steakhouse and restaurant boasts 40 different menu options, including slow roasted cooked meats, salads, and side additions. Rei Do Gado is more specifically known for their meats, and each table is assigned a passador, or “meat waiter,” who slices the meat directly off of the skewer and on to your plate. Located in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, this unconventional buffet is an upscale eatery with traditional options that are equally as savory. Learn More »

For an authentic taste of New Jersey style cheese steaks without having to travel outside of San Diego, Pop’s Jersey Style Cheesesteaks offers traditional east coast steak sandwiches for those hungry west coasters. The menu offers simple selections of their house specialties, but their main attraction is the cheese steak, topped with lots of melted cheese as well as diced peppers and onions. This local attraction in the heart of Pacific Beach keeps locals and tourists alike coming back for some New Jersey flavor. Learn More »