Romantic Dining Restaurants

George's California Modern is the fine dining restaurant located inside the beloved George’s at the Cove, in La Jolla. Featuring a sophisticated yet relaxed space with a modern aesthetic, an international wine list and seasonal cocktails by mixologist Frankie Thaheld, California Modern prides itself on being both welcoming and intriguing. Executive Chef and partner Trey Foshee's fearlessly diverse menu continues to celebrate fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients while incorporating worldly influences—The Chef’s masterful touch is one reason the California Modern dining experience has been called the best in San Diego. If you haven't been to George's California Modern, you haven't … 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 »

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 »

The seaside city of Del Mar holds an array of charms, but until you’ve experienced a meal at Sbicca, you’ll not know how charming it can be. Owned and run by husband-and-wife team Dan and Susan Sbicca, the seaside restaurant is a quintessential neighborhood bistro. The restaurant proper offers an open, airy setting and comfortable vibe, while a separate bistro bar is a gathering place for locals, with an outstanding wine selection and a renowned happy hour. While Dan manages the front of the house, Susan runs the kitchen, putting together an array of refreshing, modern American cuisine that melds … Learn More »

At this family-run Italian restaurant, Chef-owner Stefano Ceresoli has transported the essence of his Milan birthplace to the beautiful setting of Pacific Beach. As a native who knows the niceties of Mediterranean dining, Chef Stefano prides himself in the bona fide Italian ambiance of his restaurant, accenting the space with mood lighting and decorative gold metalwork. His Northern Italian cuisine includes a variety of homemade pastas, complemented by rich sauces such as Saffron and Creamy Tomato. With scrumptious signature entrees, over thirty selections of wood-fired pizza, and a superb wine list with over 70 bottles, Caffe Bella Italia is a … 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 »

Not only does Candelas on the Bay have a prime location with a beautiful view of Downtown San Diego, it has inventive Mexican cuisine that promises guests an interesting and special dining experience. One of the best parts of Candelas on the Bay is the exciting scene of Coronado beachgoers and the San Diego Bay that can be seen from every seat in the house. This restaurant is the sister restaurant of Candelas Downtown and carries over the same creative “Mexico City” style dishes created by Executive Chef Eduardo Baeza. This restaurant is brilliantly suited for those eager to test … Learn More »

Sushi Ota, located on the outskirts of Pacific Beach on Mission Bay Drive and Bunker Hill Street, has been serving handcrafted sushi and seafood preparations for years. As word spread about the freshness of their fish and the quality of the food, Sushi Ota became one of the best places to satisfy a seafood craving. This neighborhood Japanese restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner, offering a great selection of sushi and seafood for both meals. Ordering a Sushi Combo gives guests a good sampling of the fresh fish expertly prepared by the sushi chefs. For patrons craving cooked … Learn More »

Unassuming elegance is paired with striking attention to detail at Bernard’O Restaurant, in Rancho Bernardo. The main dining room provides a cosmopolitan space lit with the glow of an Italian-tile fireplace. The patio that affords views of glistening stars most nights also has a fireplace to keep diners comfortable. The menu is a toast to fine French fare, and Chef Alain Delahaye plates dishes that are both complex in flavor and refreshingly direct in vision. The Californian Bouillabaisse is an ode to the ocean with seabass, scallops, shrimp, mussels, clams, and potatoes, in a Rouille lobster sauce. Stop by for … Learn More »

Named after the six-sided shape of France, Hexagone offers one of the largest French menus in San Diego with twenty appetizers and twenty entrees. Soft jazz croons its way lazily across a dimly lit L-shaped dining room adorned with crisp white linens, floor-to-ceiling windows, and rambunctious Art Nouveau prints. The Beef Bourguignon alone is reason enough to visit, as the rich wine-infused dish braises for a total of three days. This new addition to Banker’s Hill has been competing—and holding its own— against the likes of neighboring Laurel and Bertrand at Mister A’s, a sure indication of the quality of … Learn More »

Literally meaning “New Bridge,” Shimbashi Izakaya brings precision to its meaning by offering an elevated taste of classic Japanese cuisine. Located in Del Mar amongst eye-catching scenic views of the waterfront, Shimbashi Izakaya prides itself on being a casual place where one can easily unwind, similar to the Izakaya-style bars found in Tokyo, Japan. For those who enjoy fresh sushi and sashimi, Shimbashi Izakaya offers a multi-faceted selection that pairs perfectly with their fine array of sake. Shimbashi Izakaya also offers full lunch and dinner entrees that embody Japanese cuisine with a contemporary finesse. Learn More »

Truluck’s, nestled in University City, is always fresh on the dining scene with an edge not many can counter. Renowned for their seafood, they operate a crabbing fleet of no less than sixteen boats off the coast of Naples, Florida. Armed with this advantage, the crab is delivered fresh to your table within twenty-four hours of being caught. Those searching for an alternative to seafood can choose from a selection of seven steaks and chops roasted or grilled to a level of precision unmatched by most steakhouses. For recreational wine drinkers or connoisseurs alike, Truluck’s offers a hundred wines by … Learn More »

Located in the newly renovated Paseo de Mission Hills is Olivetto Ristorante & Wine Bar. Specializing in modern Italian fare and utilizing only the freshest seasonal ingredients, guests can revel in Olivetto’s cozy ambiance of exposed brick, dark wood, and rustic toned décor. Serving both lunch and dinner seven days a week, patrons can experience a complete Italian meal day and night, or just stop in to enjoy a glass of wine after a long day. The inviting atmosphere is the perfect setting to enjoy a meal, whether as a night out on the town with friends, or a romantic … Learn More »

Tucked into a building on Fourth Avenue, Gourmet India is a culinary jewel distinguished by a father-son team serving authentic Indian cuisine. Savory aromas, layers of flavor and extraordinary textures take you abroad without leaving the comfort of your cushions and pillows or more traditional table and chair. Life-size murals, maroon walls and draperies, and sconces of stained glass and mosaics provide an exotic ambience, but the real story is the food. Begin your culinary journey with samosas and sangrias or succulent chicken tikki masala, and you'll soon find yourself at the junction of foreign and delicious. Learn More »

Tucked away in the heart of Adams Avenue- the famous strip in the neighborhood of Normal Heights- you will find Tao. Offering healthy Vietnamese/Japanese cuisine with an extensive vegetarian selection, Chef Hung “Eric” Tao also features his homemade tofu and soy milk, which he makes fresh daily. His specialty is his Mango “Chicken” Rice: soy based mock “chicken” pieces sautéed with sweet, juicy mango, and the Tofu Rice Pot, tofu, and stir fry vegetables atop rice served in an iron rice pot. With such popular selections, this casual hotspot will satisfy vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Learn More »

KITCHEN 1540, our signature restaurant, highlights the feel and flavors of our Southern California roots. The seamless flow from the bar to the dining room and outdoor patio spaces offer guests the perfect mix of experiences. KITCHEN 1540's cuisine highlights locally-sourced ingredients that capture bright, seasonal tastes of Del Mar, California. Served amongst an open presentation kitchen. A private dining room wrapped in wine-encased walls is the ideal setting for a special event, or choose the romance of an outdoor private cabana and enjoy the lights, the stars, and the ocean breezes. KITCHEN 1540 has garnered numerous awards including such … Learn More »

The Melting Pot is a one-of-a-kind restaurant giving guests the opportunity to dip to their hearts’ content – in fondue, that is. Boasting an unbelievably decadent menu of cheese, broth, and chocolate-based fondue options, diners are armed with everything they need to satisfy that certain craving for something sweet or savory. Home in the Gaslamp Quarter’s very first skyscraper, The Melting Pot’s chic décor hearkens back to a golden era of opulence, while maintaining a contemporary air of casual elegance. Join family and friends around the Melting Pot table and partake in the joyous style of dining that is fondue. Learn More »

‘High quality’ is the first thing you think of when hearing the name Bentley’s. Located in Encinitas, the restaurant serves beautifully cured and braised meats, with some of the freshest seafood and poultry along the coast. The Bentley’s dining room and outdoor patio have space between tables so that guests can have a private conversation or romantic evening. The restaurant’s ambiance and décor is that of a “classic” steakhouse; they provide a kids menu, and can accommodate up to 50 guests for a private event. Bentley’s cuisine mixes flavors and textures that excite palates and offers the option of creating … 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 »

Opened in 1999, Fresco Trattoria in Carlsbad is just a few blocks from the beach and offers traditional Italian cuisine seven days a week for both lunch and dinner. Owner Leone D’Arcangelo is from a small town on the west coast of Italy, very similar to the restaurant's location in North County. When it comes to seafood, pasta, steaks, veal, chicken, pizza or appetizers, Fresco has every base covered. A very encompassing wine menu provides the perfect pairing for your meal whether sitting in the elegant dining room with a bubbling fountain or lounging under the stars on the patio … Learn More »