Special Occasion Restaurants

‘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 »

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 »

If you are looking for a taste of Germany in San Diego, Kaiserhof Restaurant should be your destination. At this Ocean Beach restaurant, everything from the atmosphere to the beers on tap boasts German authenticity. The cuisine is hearty and comforting, from homemade Bratwurst to Beef Stroganoff, complete with side orders of sauerkraut and spatzle. The rotating selection of 14 beers on tap offer a range of weiss beers and pilsners, and may be one of the best selections of German beers in the city. And of course, as you are savoring your meal, don’t forget to leave room for … Learn More »

Serving fresh seafood since 1973, the Brigantine Coronado is nestled in the heart of Coronado across from the Hotel Del. While it is one of six Brigantine Seafood restaurants in the San Diego, this particular island location offers a unique ambiance, with historical photographs of Coronado adorning the walls of the three dining rooms. In addition to the signature Grilled Marinated Swordfish, which made the Brigantine famous, the restaurant serves inspired seafood creations such as Pepita-Crusted Mahi Mahi, as well as treats from the land such as Blue Cheese-stuffed Top Sirloin with toasted hazelnuts. Also of note are the oyster … Learn More »

With its intimate, reserved, and romantic ambiance and soft floral palette décor, Primavera strives to provide each guest with a sense of being on vacation while dining. Situated between shops and cafes on Coronado’s Orange Avenue, Primavera brings a little bit of Italian culinary heaven to us right here in San Diego. The restaurant’s menu is loaded with color and flavor from appetizers to desserts. They also have nightly seafood specials along with an extensive menu of entrées and a great selection of pastas, salads, chicken, and meat. Primavera’s extensive wine list contains an assortment of choices suited to pair … Learn More »

Sapori, located on the beautiful Coronado Island, offers traditional Italian fare using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create the food connoisseur’s dream. Since 2010, owners Raffaele and Laura Petrazzuolo have worked together to provide the ultimate dining experience for locals and visitors alike, with Laura overseeing the kitchen and her husband Raffaele providing exceptional service. Enjoy the outdoor patio, where you can take in views of Downtown San Diego from across the bay or take advantage of the perfect location for people-watching. Sapori offers an extensive variety of Italian wines to pair with mouthwatering entrees, such as the Steamed Black Mussels … 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 »

Impeccable service, excellent cuisine, and an extensive wine list are to be expected at any Bertrand Hug establishment, and Bertrand at Mr. A’s lives up to the highest of expectations. Perched atop a skyscraper on the brink of downtown, the restaurant offers one of the most outstanding dining experiences in San Diego. Modern American cuisine elegantly complements the cosmopolitan backdrop, with a menu that offers awe-inspiring “glimpses” of both land and sea. The seasonal menu incorporates the utmost quality meats, fish, and accompaniments, resulting in a fresh and tantalizing selection of dishes. The main dining room offers a premier dining … Learn More »

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar La Jolla is a continuing gala of extraordinary food and wine. Patrons can pamper their appetites with the highest quality aged prime beef and discern new flavors with its award-winning wine list, comprised of 100 wines by the glass and a first-rate Reserve List. Famous for its, warm alluring atmosphere and the highest consideration to detail, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar La Jolla features a luxurious dining area constructed around an exhibition kitchen and extensive bar. Adjoining the central dining area are private dining rooms that can comfortably accommodate small or large parties. … 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 »

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 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 »

CLOSED - This location has closed. Please visit the Gaslamp location. After the recent move from its UTC location, La Jolla's premier steakhouse is now overlooking the famous La Jolla Cove. In addition to picturesque views, Donovan’s Steak and Chop house offers a refined setting filled with upscale class and elegance. The menu showcases a variety of cuts of succulent USDA Prime steak, while offering a variety of other options from Australian rack of lamb to North Atlantic Salmon. Appetizers and salads tantalize the palate before the main course, while potatoes and vegetables—always complimentary—accompany each entrée. An award-winning wine list … Learn More »

Perched atop an ocean bluff, Crab Catcher in La Jolla overlooks Seals Beach, a little sublet that thousands of tourists come by to visit annually. With a spectacular view and sensational food that is procured straight from the sea, Crab Catcher serves only the best fresh dishes. Keeping to the 100-mile radius philosophy, Chef Jon Burwell hires local commercial fishermen and harvests only the freshest ingredients from local farms and farmers markets to create the kind of dishes that will project surprise and wonder onto diner’s faces. With that in mind, the relaxed and quiet ambiance of Crab Catcher creates … Learn More »

McFadden’s Saloon proves that St. Patrick’s Day is a year-round celebration. Already a staple on the East Coast, the “Wildest Irish Pub on Earth” brings the luck of the Irish out west. The fun never stops at this Gaslamp Quarter locale with its expansive main tavern, HD TVs playing every sporting event imaginable, and oversized mahogany bar. McFadden’s is host to a variety of special affairs from Board Game Night to nightly Karaoke. Step outside the vibrant interior onto McFadden’s 2,200 square foot patio and relax under the sun at the separate private bar. A selection of semi- private rooms … Learn More »

Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill is a far cry from your average run-of-the-mill pizza joint. This elegant yet comfortable gourmet restaurant introduces a whole new interpretation to the art of pizza-making, offering innovative menu items such as Brie and Truffle Pizza, Garlic Shrimp Pizza, and Organic Arugula and Pear Pizza. Sammy’s of Mission Valley is centrally located in close proximity to the I-15, I-805, and I-8 directly adjacent to the Mission Valley mall, allowing easy access to the perfect combination of shopping and dining. Don’t miss the Happy Hour specials from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day, when you … 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 »