The Top List of Romantic Restaurants - San Diego, CA
Looking for a spectacular, fantastic and above all romantic dining location? Try one of the below locations. by Jennifer Bengen & Chris Faust
Ahhh! Dedicate a day to romance and l'amour (love), and show your special someone how much you care. Plan ahead, save your pennies and take your special someone to one of the most romantic restaurants you can find. The below list will make it easier for you to pick the perfect destination.
DELIRIO'S 5721 La Jolla Blvd. La Jolla, CA 92037 Hours: (Tues-Thurs) 5:00pm – 9:30pm; (Fri & Sat) 5:00pm – 10:00pm; (Sun) 5:00pm – 9:30pm
Imagine an intimate space softly lit with candles and subtle spotlights that create a warm glow. In the back, a single brick wall grounds the ethereal restaurant with a touch of homeliness.
Delirio’s is a cozy, romantic restaurant well off the main path La Jolla’s downtown. While the menu is usually on the smaller side, the choices are all exquisitely prepared and presented. The fare is Mexican fusion with a healthy dose of Asian influence. A varied and interesting wine list is offered, and a small beer list is also available.
Delirio’s is a lovely location where the meal and the company are meant to be savored.
Cuisine Type: Mexican and Asian Fusion
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 - $55
GREYSTONE, THE STEAKHOUSE 658 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 232-0225 Hours: (Mon-Sun) 5 pm-midnight Greystone The Steak House is on a mission to bring the elegant sophistication of San Francisco style restaurants to San Diego. In doing so Alesandro Minutello, General Director, Vincenzo Lo Verso, Executive Chef and Kevin Ward, ex-San Diego Padre and Mater of Wine at Greystone, (winner of the Wine Spectators "Award of Excellence") have created one of the most sophisticated and romantic restaurants in San Diego, or for that matter, San Francisco. Building the interior from scratch out of the shell of a 1930's era movie theater, they have utilized the slope of the theater to create a sunken dining room with an encircling mezzanine and balcony. There is private dinning for up to 14 people behind the two-sided fireplace on the mezzanine level. Exciting people watching, under the former theater marquee, comes with dinner on the outdoor patio facing the vibrant main street of the Gaslamp District's 5th Avenue. The menu features all prime grade meats prepared on a special ultra-high temperature grill to sear in the juices and natural flavors of the meats. The fine a la carte menu also features pasta, poultry and seafood. Diners can customize their steak selection by choosing from six different sauces and three mustard choices. The sauces include Bernaise, Six Peppercorn, Mushroom Shallot, Bordelaise, Rosemary Garlic and Butter and Sage. The three mustards available are Horseradish, Whole Grain and Green Peppercorn Dijon. Likewise the seafood and fresh fish choices come with you choice of sauces including, Citrus Vinaigrette, Champagne Sauce, Herbed Aioli, Anchovie Butter, Lemon Capers or Buerre Blanc.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $50 - $60
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
PARALLEL 33 741 West Washington Street, San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 260-0033 Hours: (Mon-Sat) from 5:30 pm With her eclectic flair for pairing foods and sauces, Amiko Gubbins has created one of the most original restaurants in San Diego. A clean and simple motif with an Asian flair automatically relaxes you upon entering into Amiko's culinary world. Located in Mission Hills, Parallel 33 is a must visit for the true foodie who is less concerned with being in the "hip" part of town as enjoying what a truly gifted chef can do with food. Amiko's inspiration comes from the cuisines of the countries located on the 33rd parallel. Morocco, Israel, Lebanon, China, Japan and San Diego are all alumni of this imaginary line around the world. Amiko has cooked on two occasions at the prestigious James Beard House. That alone will tell the true seeker of fine cuisine what you can expect from this creative soul. Amiko has a worldview of food and even the experienced world traveler will not be disappointed.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $25 - $35
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
MORTON'S OF CHICAGO 285 J Street, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 696-3369 Hours: (Mon-Sat) 5:30 pm-11 pm; (Sun) till 10 pm Morton's is the restaurant that reinvigorated the steakhouse restaurant concept. It has done so by paying attention to every detail of service, quality and sophistication expected from true fine dinning. Morton's interior is reminiscent of the leather-tufted booths and dark wood interiors of the glory days of Film Noir. Large format bottles of fine wines in glass cases and fresh vegetables and fruits throughout the restaurant decorate this venerable institution. There are no menus at Morton's. All entrée choices and side dishes are presented on carts and described in delicious detail by your waiter. All the steak selections are prime grade corn fed beef. Try their signature 24-ounce Porterhouse steak chargrilled to mouthwatering perfection. Choose your side dishes from a wide variety of fresh vegetables, mushrooms and potatoes. Dessert soufflés are a specialty with chocolate, raspberry, grand marnier or lemon at your whim. Traditional dessert fans can select from Godiva chocolate cake, real New York cheesecake or key lime pie. Morton's in San Diego is a place to see and be seen. Many of San Diego's luminaries make Morton's a regular stop while entertaining. Morton's has private temperature and humidity controlled wine lockers where many fine private collections are stored.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $45 - $55
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
BERTRAND AT MISTER A's 2550 Fifth Avenue, 12th Floor, San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 239-1377 Hours: (Mon-Fri) 11:30 am-2:30 pm; (Mon-Sun) from 5:30 pm Originally opened in 1965 as Mister A's, the well-known Bertrand Hug of Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe recently purchased this venerable institution from its original owners. Before re-opening Bertrand set about with a total transformation of the interior of the restaurant. Located on Bankers Hill just east of Lindbergh Field, San Diego's international airport, this 12th floor penthouse restaurant boasts a 360-degree view of the entire city of San Diego including the downtown and San Diego's bustling harbor. There is not a bad seat in the house. With his well-known continental flair Bertrand and Chef de Cuisine Todd Davis have created a visually pleasing and palate-teasing menu beyond compare. Re-opened on June 1, 2000, Bertrand's at Mister A's has already made the "A list" of destinations in San Diego. President Bill Clinton held a fundraising banquet soon after the opening. The reviews have been through the roof with comments like "zillion dollar views on display outside the floor to ceiling glass walls", David Nelson of San Diego magazine and "Hug's food lives up to the view. He has created a restaurant that San Diego can be proud of," Max Nash of San Diego Reader. Appetizers act as the teasers for this well thought out and abundant menu including luscious choices like Lobster Bisque with Riesling and American Sturgeon Caviar or Chilled Malpeque Oysters on the Half Shell with Champagne-Shallot Mignonette. The piece de resistance is Czar Nicholai Caviar, traditional service with Toasted Brioche, with Osetra Caviar or with Beluga Caviar. Up to twelve main courses with additional nightly specials adorn this rich and varied menu. Sautéed Day Boat Scallops with Herbed Gnocchi in Red Pepper-Fennel broth is a special favorite. Try the Sky Hill Farm Goat Cheese raviolis with Pesto and Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Roasted Sonoma Duck Breast and Duck Leg Confit with Fresh Local Corn and Armagnac Cherries. Dessert options include varied and creative selections such as Cranberry Soufflé, with Chestnut Crème Anglaise and Lavender Tuile or Meyer Lemon Meringue Tart with Hachiya Persimmon in Italian Meringue.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $75 - $100
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
THEE BUNGALOW 4996 West Point Loma Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92107 (619) 224-2884 Hours: (Mon-Thur) 5:30 pm-9:30 pm; (Fri & Sat) till 10 pm Another venerable institution in San Diego is Ed Moore's, Thee Bungalow. Ed started his restaurant career as a prep cook later moving up to bus boy. After deciding that restaurant life was for him, Ed attended the prestigious Cordon Blue cooking school in Paris, France. Upon his return he worked as a chef in San Diego until he earned enough money to purchase Thee Bungalow in 1986. In the 14 years since, The Bungalow has won every possible award including The Wine Spectators "Award of Excellence" for his 12,000-bottle wine cellar. Ed is into wine, Ed is into food and Ed is into making new friends and keeping his legions of regular customers happy with his sublime culinary creations. Thee Bungalow is located on an out of the way street which means unless you are going there you wouldn't just stumble upon it. Thee Bungalow is situated in an old house and Ed has maintained the charm and warmth one would expect to find if visiting a friend for dinner. And what could be more romantic than a candle lit dinner for two on a white tablecloth appointed dining table in front of a blazing fireplace in your living room. The answer of course is nothing. And that is what you will find in Thee Bungalow's dining room. A cozy fireplace and an attentive wait staff anticipating your every need yet never intruding so much as to break the romantic mood.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $30 - $40
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Open, New Years Eve-Open
SALLY'S 1 Market Place (Hyatt Regency), San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 687-6080 Hours: (Mon-Fri) 11:30 am-2:30 pm; (Sat & Sun) 11:30 am-3 pm; (Sun-Thur) 5 pm-10 pm; (Fri & Sat) 5 pm-11 pm One of the finest "hotel" restaurants anywhere, both in terms of ambiance, with its free standing location next to the prestigious San Diego Yacht Club Marina. And in terms of its chef, Stephan Voitzwinkler, trained at the Ecole Hoteliere Guevwiller in Alsace, France. Sally's is a testament to good taste and sophistication. In a modern interior replete with 17 contiguous sets of glass doors open to the marina and boardwalk, this airy and well-appointed dining room is appropriate for any occasion. If you really want to impress, you can reserve the chef's table for up to 12 persons situated right inside the floor to ceiling glass walled kitchen. There Stephan and his crew will pamper you with the special attention deserving of you and your special guests. Sally's specializes in fresh seafood and in the summer has and outdoor seafood barbeque buffet hosted by Stephan.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 - $45
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
PEOHE'S RESTAURANT 1201 First Street, Coronado, CA 92118 (619) 437-4474 Hours: (Mon-Sun) 11:30 am-2:30 pm/5:30 pm-10 pm; (Fri & Sat) till 11 pm While technically not in San Diego, Peohe's Restaurant is located on the tiny island of Coronado across the bay from downtown San Diego. Peohe's is definitely the most romantic restaurant in Southern California. Peohe's interior creates a tropical island under its three story interior ceiling. There is 5,000 gallons of salt-water tropical fish ponds and pools meandering throughout the restaurant with waterfalls, exotic palm trees and live orchids of every description and color. As a beautiful hostess dressed in a Hawaiian Muu Muu leads you through the restaurant, you travel down a winding footpath through three levels of the dining room and onto the patio or into the main dining room. You will love this interior but once seated that vision will pale in comparison to the view. Looking out the 2 story high windows, which surround this 12-sided dining room across the mirrored reflection of the bay, you see the storied skyline of downtown San Diego. Reflected on the bay is the San Diego Convention Center with its trademark architecture including the world's largest tented ceiling. Standing regally to the left and behind the convention center is a skyline of modern skyscrapers of every size and shape imaginable. Most of these modern buildings have been built since 1985 so there is a continuity and elegance about them. Stars overhead, the greatest view you have ever seen and a eclectic menu including dishes like New York Steak in Mushroom Merlot Sauce served on a red hot metal platter where the steak, Merlot sauce and mushrooms are mixed and sizzling table side. Owing to its tropical theme, Peohe's presents the best selection of Polynesian fresh fish available this side of Hawaii. Ono, real Hawaiian Mahi Mahi, Opakapaka, Hawaiian Ahi and more are combined with more traditional fare such as Live Maine Lobster, Cajun spiced Shark or Halibut Mai'a which is wonderfully flavored with a Frangelico cream sauce.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $40 - $50
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
LAUREL RESTAURANT & BAR 505 Laurel Street, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 239-2222 Hours: (Mon-Thur) from 5:30 pm; (Fri & Sat) from 5 pm Chef Doug Organ and partner Gary Parker have created a gorgeous and satisfying restaurant destination. A lively bar and solo jazz guitarist or pianist compliment this well appointed dining room which sits ten feet below street level. Large picture windows wash this bastion of fine dining in the soft evening light. There is seating for any size party from 2 to 22 and more. The wine list is voluminous with wines from just about every appellation throughout the world. The menu is a fine combination of French Provencal and Mediterranean cuisine executed with professional aplomb. Start with a Crisp Brandade Stuffed Squash Blossom with Rock Crab, Gazpacho Vinaigrette, Ruille and Arugula. Then, try the Pan Seared Columbia River Sturgeon with Ragout of fresh Cranberry Beans and Chanterelles with Parsley emulsion. Is your mouth watering yet? Doug's menus are ever changing and never disappointing, so do what the locals aficionados do, visit Laurel and enjoy fine cuisine.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 - $45
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
Estimated cost per person for dinner is based upon one entrée, one beverage, and 20% gratuity.
The Top List of Romantic Restaurants - San Diego, CA