When Nothing But the Best Will Do

Featured Restaurants

1. A.R. Valentien - The Lodge at Torrey Pines

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.

2. Addison

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.

3. Mister A's

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.

4. Lumi

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.

5. Vistal Bar + Restaurant

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.

6. Eddie V's Prime Seafood

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.

7. George's at The Cove

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.

8. The Westgate Room

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.

9. Marine Room

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.

10. Top of the Market - Fish Market

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.

11. Avant

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.

More Fine Dining Restaurants

12. Mille Fleurs

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.

13. Animae

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.

14. Born and Raised

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.

Map of Fine Dining Restaurants