Special Occasion Restaurants

Mistral, located in the luxurious Loews Resort on Coronado Bay, features award-winning dining attracting locals and resort guests alike. Accomplished Chef de Cuisine Patrick Ponsaty offers fine French cuisine infused with Mediterranean flavors set to serene ocean views. Take in the ocean breeze on the patio or dine indoors next to one of the many large windows and bask in the sophisticated and elegant décor. Mistral allows guests to indulge in a variety of ways: choose the more casual bar bites offered in the lounge, the classic but seasonal-inspired dinner menu or the seasonal tasting menu— no matter what you … 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 »

It’s not hard to find eateries boasting “ocean views” in San Diego, but it is rare to find a noteworthy restaurant that happens to claim such prime oceanfront real-estate as Chart House. Picturesquely positioned along the South Coast Highway 101 (with the San Elijo Lagoon to the east), Chart House’s expansive dining room faces the Pacific Ocean and plates up some of the finest sunsets around. As the waves lap upon the rocky shore before you, settle in and savor Chart House’s array of hot and cold appetizers, signature seafood entrees, prime steaks, and luscious desserts. Pair the evening with … 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 »

Honey’s Bistro and Bakery is surely one of San Diego’s hidden treasures. The restaurant, noted only by its burgundy red onning and forest green umbrellas sits nestled between some of Encinitas’ most eclectic boutiques on Highway 101. The café is open from 5:30am until 3:00pm daily and provides an outrageous menu of mouthwatering selections including everything from a mug of their fresh coffee and an in house baked scone, to their signature soups, salads, omelets, and other various breakfast and lunch entrees. Honey’s offers something delectable for all customers and is a delightful place to bring “out of towners”. The … 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 of Carlsbad sits minutes from the ocean, just across the way from the Carlsbad By The Sea Resort and Carlsbad Premium Outlets. Whether returning from a day at the beach or searching for lunch during a busy day of shopping, Sammy's Woodfired Pizza & Grill is available to fulfill your needs. Pizza is the obvious specialty here, with unique favorites like the Organic Arugula & Pear topped with prosciutto, gorgonzola cheese, and organic arugula salad tossed in balsamic basil dressing or the savory LaDou’s BBQ Chicken featuring smoked gouda, BBQ sauce, red onion and cilantro with premium chunks of … Learn More »

Situated just north of Lake Miramar on the corner of Scripps Poway Parkway and Spring Canyon Road, Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill provides a laid back environment with attentive service and a menu full of delicious, fresh creations. Start off with some signature Tapas out on the covered patio, which are all half price during the daily Happy Hours. They’re the perfect size for sharing around the table, and you’re sure to find new flavors to savor with options like the vegetarian approved Parmesan Crusted Artichokes, Crispy Tofu, and Wok’d Sesame Shishito Peppers, as well as Japanese Style Chicken Meatballs, … 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 »

Always seem to be in a time crunch when it comes to preparing and eating a meal? Let Brio, a Personal Chef Service LLC, help you out! Kyle Marie Wesendorf, the owner and professionally trained chef of Brio, has an exceptional passion for nurturing people through food. Chef Wesendorf is a graduate of the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts and specializes in everyday gourmet as well as vegetarian and vegan dishes. Her menu spans a wide variety of culinary traditions and cuisines and her service is founded on professionalism, kindness, freshness, and creativity. Her company even offers gift certificates and … 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 »

Come out and experience something exotic. Enjoy delicious Mediterranean cuisine with a So-Cal twist in an atmosphere full of authentic Moroccan decor at Mediterranean Cafe in Carlsbad. With both lunch and dinner available daily, as well as catering services for special occasions, Mediterranean Cafe can accommodate the needs of any diner, any day. Whether you wish to go out to the restaurant and enjoy delicious Southern-European delicacies in an authentic setting with live belly dancers, or you would rather entertain your friends with an impressive feast at your own private party, Mediterranean Cafe is ready to serve you. With an … Learn More »