Quiet Conversation Restaurants

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 »

Nestled in the heart of the exciting Gaslamp District, and just minutes away from the San Diego Convention Center, is The Oceanaire Seafood Room – a stylish and upscale seafood restaurant famed for its oyster bar and fresh fish flown in daily. Its menu offers a daily changing selection of snapper, swordfish and rare seasonal items like Alaska Weathervane Scallops, in addition to chops, steaks and poultry. Its sophisticated décor, large open dining room and award-winning service only add to its appeal, making it the ideal setting for special occasions, date night and corporate functions. Visit the bar area during … Learn More »

Veg N Out offers juicy burgers, loaded hot dogs, and gourmet sandwiches, all created vegetarian. This unique North Park establishment was opened by Rachael Fogg, who yearned to show meat-eaters that vegetarian doesn’t have to mean salads and tasteless garden burgers. Among menu choices are the popular Western Burger, Island Girl pineapple and teriyaki burger, and the I Love Rach’y cucumber, cream cheese, and "bologna" sandwich, which was created by Rachael at age eleven. So if you want to go out for something fresh, give Veg-N-Out a try and experience a truly satisfying vegetarian meal. Learn More »

Blue Wave Bar and Grill, tucked inside the Best Western Island Palms Hotel, boasts of all the delights coastal San Diego has to offer. Providing waterfront dining on picturesque Shelter Island, it serves as a tropically inspired destination with all the fitting accommodations. While selecting from any of the restaurant’s stunning breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, or visiting for its popular happy hour, diners can take in the pleasures of the restaurant’s lovely outdoor patio and views of the hotel’s private marina. Executive Chef Marc Brislin crafts a menu ranging from macadamia-crusted halibut to oven roasted Filet Mignon with shitake … Learn More »

Bali Thai Cafe offers an eclectic mix of regional specialties from Thailand and Indonesia in a casual, intimate setting. The friendly service and relaxed atmosphere portrays a commitment to quality that is the cornerstone of this family-owned restaurant. Centrally located in Mission Valley, Bali Thai Café transports your taste buds to the Pacific for a fusion of exotic flavors with an extensive menu offering an assortment of vegetarian, meat, noodle, and seafood dishes that pack a punch of tasty satisfaction. Learn More »

Peohe’s captures the essence of Southern California dining with its stunning bay front views, Pacific Rim cuisine menu, and chic tropical vibe. This Coronado Island destination is ideally situated just steps from the Ferry Landing and offers picture-perfect views of the Downtown San Diego skyline, as well as an endless parade of passing boats. Peohe’s menu celebrates the sea by showcasing the flavors of the Pacific; island cooking techniques are married with tropical accents for dishes that are bold in flavor and freshness. Sushi enthusiasts appreciate Peohe’s selection of fresh nigiri, sashimi, specialty rolls, and platters. Likewise, meat lovers rejoice … Learn More »

In India, Masala literally translates to “spice.” You’ll get that and much more at this Indian-inspired restaurant on Fifth Avenue. As you enter from the chaotic streets of downtown, you are instantly transported to a far away place. The space exudes warmth with its lighting, and delectable colors that mimic India’s traditional dishes such as Mango Chutney, Saffron Rice, and of course, Curry. On the menu is a Spicy Mango Salad which comes with perfectly sliced slivers of mango with greens, onions, tomatoes, and cucumber. You’ll also want to try their Masala Mix which marries the spices of India with … Learn More »

Boasting fresh sushi and an oyster bar overlooking an open kitchen, Ocean Room also offers fresh seafood including shellfish cooked to perfection using a kettle steaming technique. This is something that is rarely seen here on the west coast as it is a technique utilized more in the southern region of the United States, particularly Louisiana. Located in the center of Fifth Avenue in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego, Ocean Room’s contemporary décor, friendly staff, and flavorful seafood creations - headed up by Chef Felix Frias - will be a sure bet to indulge in … Learn More »

Supper Club Nostalgia in The Modern Era The Cuvée Club at Covo is a revival of the supper club, a classic concept for a dining establishment dating back to the 1930s, where patrons could retire for an evening of mixed drinks and upscale dining and entertainment. We pride ourselves in continuing this nostalgic tradition by keeping all the meaningful elements that make a supper club while adding a touch of Southern California culture. Learn More »

Following the success of its flagship La Jolla location, Donovan’s has opened a new outpost downtown. Now the renowned service, quality, and setting that put Donovan’s of La Jolla on the map can be found just steps away from the convention center, the ballpark, and the Gaslamp Quarter. As with its La Jolla counterpart, the menu showcases a variety of cuts of succulent USDA Prime steak, while offering an array of other options such as Australian rack of lamb and North Atlantic Salmon. Appetizers and salads are available to tantalize the palate before the main course, and potatoes and vegetables … Learn More »

Whisknladle is the ultimate destination when in need of some culinary comfort. Boasting eclectic ingredients and bold flavors, patrons will be hard pressed to try only one dish. With California comfort food that eases your mind and uplifts your spirit, Whisknladle is the place to recuperate and excite your taste buds. With inventive dishes like Charred Bone Marrow and Crispy Sweetbreads, there is plenty of variety to challenge and delight the palate. Cooking dishes that are satisfying to the core, it is no surprise that the chefs at Whisknladle take their ingredients very seriously. The executive chef even visits local … Learn More »

Mario Medina Executive Chef Spending many childhood days in the kitchen with his mother in Mexico City, Mario Medina developed a deep passion for food that inspired his journey of becoming an executive chef. After finishing culinary school in his hometown, Mario came to the United States to follow his dream. Working and learning in some of the finer kitchens on the west coast, Mario quickly established a reputation for great food and hospitality, driven by his desire to please every guest. His dream was soon realized when, in less than a year as Sous Chef at Chateau La Jolla … Learn More »

While far from the urban bustle of downtown San Diego, Via Lago exudes cosmopolitan charm. Located at the Village Walk at Eastlake, the restaurant is well worth the short drive from central San Diego, thanks to a modern, elegant atmosphere, spot-on professional service, and a menu of Sicilian favorites that will redefine your notion of Italian cuisine. Overseen by Joe Busalacchi, the kitchen turns out dish after mouthwatering dish using fresh ingredients and inventive combinations, such as Ramigna Alla Contadina, pasta with artichokes, chicken, zucchini, eggplant, tomato, garlic, basil, and ricotta salata, or Pasta Palermitana, rigatoni with spicy Italian sausage, … 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 »

Cohn Restaurant fans take note: the San Diego restaurateur powerhouse has brought their fine dining expertise to Oceanside with their restaurant, 333 Pacific. It is an ode to Southern California, with breath-taking views of its seaside setting, innovative California cuisine, and a faultlessly stylish design aesthetic. Located on the first floor of the Wyndham Oceanfront Pier Resort, diners can feast on clever creations like Bleu Cheese Crusted Kobe Beef Meatloaf and Maine Diver Scallops seared in apple cider, while enjoying a stunning, panoramic view of the Oceanside Pier and beach. 333 Pacific promises a welcome invigoration of the North County … 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 »