San Diego has many exceptional fine dining restaurants to celebrate milestone events, entertain clients or savor an evening of romance with first-rate cuisine, stellar service and enchanting ambiance.
Whether you're in the mood for oceanfront coastal cuisine, the flavors of France, white tablecloth experiences with buttoned-up service, steakhouse extravaganzas or fireside rendezvous, make sure to book your reservation at these upscale establishments.
Where: 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Region: La Jolla
Dazzling cuisine, much of it in the California/contemporary vein, is the main draw at A.R. Valentien's gorgeous dining room overlooking the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course at The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla. Seafood, duck, veal; even the vegetables shine at this destination for gold-card business travelers and couples seeking a special night out.
Where: 5200 Grand del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130
Region: North Coastal
In 2022, the Michelin organization — which confers the world’s most-recognized and coveted dining honors — awarded an exceedingly rare third star to Addison at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego’s Carmel Valley. The honor comes after Addison earned its first Michelin star in 2019 and its second in 2021. With that distinction, Addison becomes one of just seven restaurants in the state to boast three stars, and the only one in all of Southern California. Addison specializes in California gastronomy under the guidance of the acclaimed Chef William Bradley, a four-time James Beard Award nominee.
Where: 2550 5th Ave Unit 12, San Diego, CA 92103
Region: Hillcrest
Few restaurants can match the San Diego pedigree of this venerable Bankers Hill icon, which for decades served as the city's go-to destination for fine dining and priceless views. While Mister A's may have a bit more competition now, its elevated vistas of the skyline, the bay and the glittering Pacific remain amazing. And in 2022, the restaurant was treated to a $2 million re-envisioning under new owner Ryan Thorsen, lending a more modern look and attitude (plus an updated menu) to complement the ever-gorgeous setting.
Where: 366 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Region: Downtown
The celebrated Akira Back, the Michelin-starred chef who made his name with top restaurants in Seoul and Las Vegas, presides over this elegant rooftop oasis. Lumi features adventurous Japanese fare influenced by Korean cuisine and incorporating local ingredients.
Where: 901 Bayfront Ct, San Diego, CA 92101
Region: Downtown
Sweeping city and bay views are very much on the menu at this seafood-centric restaurant, tucked into the InterContinental San Diego hotel. So are San Diego and cross-border flavors: Vistal calls itself "a tribute to our city’s colorful cooking traditions," and you can see it in menu items from the pan-roasted local fish to the Mexican-style cioppino.
Where: 789 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Regions: Downtown
With an ideal location at the Headquarters at Seaport Village, Eddie V's offers prime hand cut steaks, fresh seafood and live jazz in an elegant setting. Also available is a comfortable lounge and fresh oyster bar and over 200 wines curated by a Master Sommelier.
Where: 1250 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037
Region: La Jolla
Executive chef/partner Trey Foshee serves "California Modern" cuisine from George's at The Cove's beautifully appointed dining room with stunning views of the La Jolla shoreline. Locally sourced ingredients such as Chino Farms produce and Pacific seafood are just the start. The restaurant offers an eight-course Chef's Tasting Menu that's a foodies dream and other delicious dishes that change daily.
Where: 1055 Second Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Region: Downtown
European elegance informs the atmosphere and cuisine at this gourmet dining destination in downtown's landmark Westgate Hotel. Executive Chef Fabrice Hardel puts a California twist on classic French flavors, in such dishes as the day-boat scallop and Baja prawn with arroz bomba and summer squash. Dine al fresco on The Westgate Room's new Veranda, an outdoor oasis where you can take in jazz performed by such San Diego musical luminaries as Gilbert Castellanos and Rob Thorsen four evenings a week.
Where: 2000 Spindrift Dr, San Diego, CA 92037
Region: La Jolla
Right on the beach at La Jolla Shores, the Marine Room pairs an incredible location with expertly prepared French, Mediterranean and California cuisine. Most tables offer views of surf and sky; during the winter, the restaurant hosts special High Tide Breakfasts, with the waves pounding right against the windows.
Where: 750 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Region: Downtown
This on-the-water eatery is a must-visit for fans of fine seafood fare. Feast on the freshest seafood around while enjoying expansive views of the picturesque San Diego Bay. Popular dishes that can be found on Top of the Market's classic menu include Alaskan halibut, wild sea bass and a chilled seafood platter featuring lobster, prawns, crab, clams and oysters.
Where: 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr, San Diego, CA 92128
Region: North Inland
Set amid the rolling hills of Rancho Bernardo, this indoor/outdoor restaurant at the Rancho Bernardo Inn focuses on sumptuous seasonal flavors. Chef Chris Gentile's Avant menu includes such specialties as charcoal-grilled kanpachi and 21-day aged duck breast, and an imaginative lineup of hand-crafted cocktails complement the generous wine list.
Where: 6009 Pasea Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
Region: North Coastal
Long celebrated as one of San Diego's top restaurants, Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe boasts haute cuisine, elegant décor, top-notch service and an intimate hacienda setting. Tucked off a tree-lined lane in San Diego's toniest neighborhood, the place is exclusive, expensive and worth every cent. A courtyard offers divine outdoor dining and the piano bar is a perfect place for a nightcap.
Where: 969 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
Region: Downtown
San Diego culinary maverick Brian Malarkey went all-in on the plush stylings with this Marina District steakhouse, which draws deeply on Asian influences and specializes in fine Japanese wagyu beef. Executive chef Tara Monsod's cooking is powered by Animae's coal-fired oven and Japanese robata grill.
Where: 1909 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
Region: Little Italy
Dry-aged beef, tableside carts and other vintage touches abound at this airy, multilevel steakhouse in Little Italy. The popular spot — the brainchild of Michelin-starred chef Jason McLeod, a Chicago import — boasts a rooftop bar with views of the neighborhood and city skyline.
Are you attending a conference, meeting, or convention? Show us your same-day Convention Center badge and experience all day happy hour deals at Swing Social every Sunday-Thursday! With...
Stop in for a quick bite at Bronze Bird® Food Wine & Spirits, located a short walk from the Convention Center. Enjoy So-Cal comfort fare including shareable creations plus your choice of...
Experience the ultimate date night in downtown San Diego at Osteria Panevino! Our new couples menu features cheese wheel pastas starting at just $79 per couple plus a delightful appetizer, and a...
Ring in the new year in style and countdown to midnight with a San Diego New Year's Eve Premier Dinner Cruise on the San Diego Bay. Enjoy a unique dinner cruise celebration...
Brothels, Bites, and Booze is a fun and innovative tour that lets you explore the Gaslamp Quarter, the heart of America’s finest city. Experience what makes this city one of the top destinations...
Gather with family and friends around the fire at a rink-side or ocean-side lounge at Frostbite Lounge – A Place to Chill. Enjoy plush seating with options for 4-8 people around a roaring fire...
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