Dining Alone Restaurants

Comfortably situated right in the middle of Old Town in a converted wooden house, 25 Forty Bistro and Bakehouse offers an intimate, relaxing atmosphere for friends and couples alike. Chef Mark Peliccia of New York opened the restaurant with the intent to use fresh, seasonal produce to create innovative dishes inspired by the various cooking traditions he studied abroad. He is exceptionally passionate about pastries and desserts, which are offered throughout the day, including the Vanilla Custard Crepe and Warm Chocolate Cake. Boasting an indoor dining room and an outdoor patio for warmer evenings, the restaurant has a modern vibe …

Ikiru Japanese Restaurant is tucked into the historic Liberty Station in Point Loma, offering quality sushi and Japanese fare in a casual and quiet setting. Just beyond the sometimes chaotic scene of San Diego’s beach communities, Ikiru is a choice destination for both creative and more traditional sushi rolls, along with authentic seafood and meat dishes. Ikiru’s enticing lunch specials are always reason enough to stop in, and their full bar featuring a palate-warming variety of sake Japanese beers can turn a meal into an experience.

Whimsically whisking guests off to a sweet oasis of tasty times is Babycakes, in Hillcrest. This chic uptown eatery is located in a handsome craftsman-style home characteristic of the neighborhood’s charming architecture, and boasts a large front and back patio. Inside, visitors enjoy a home-away-from-home vibe complemented by antiques, cozy couches, the brick fireplace, and open-beamed ceilings. Sweet dreams meet saccharine-scented fantasies with Babycakes’ luscious dessert cocktails, cupcakes, pastries, and savory delights. Celebrate the weekend with a Babycakes brunch (the Red Velvet Hot Cakes are a hit) or meet up with friends for a proper Monday night nightcap: pair the …

Kitchen 4140 owner Chef Kurt Metzger is a trail blazer in San Diego’s organic dining scene, purchasing products from local farms and using ingredients from his onsite garden. He uses this plentiful bounty to provide diners with a fusion of Italian, Mexican, and French cuisine. Taste these truly fresh ingredients in signature dishes such as Steak Hash with wild mushrooms, red onion, fire roasted peppers, two poached eggs, chive-chervil crème fraiche or the Kitchen Pasta-- linguini with tomatoes from the garden, basil garlic and shrimp. Dine here for a satisfying meal made with good old fashioned TLC-- tender love and …

Directly across the street from Petco Park, The Dragon’s Den is the East Village’s answer to reasonably priced, quality Asian cuisine and sushi. Relax on The Dragon’s Den patio in any of their comfy upholstered chairs as you enjoy the outdoor fire pit and prime views of the ballpark. Inside, a warm color palette of earth tones provides a sophisticated backdrop for original design pieces to shine. The restaurant’s stand-alone raw bar features a number of traditional Japanese sushi favorites, while the full service drink bar showcases original cocktails, craft beers, and fine sakes. Their weekday happy hour specials are …

Trattoria Ponte Vecchio is a culinary escape located in scenic Del Mar where diners can experience the flavors of Northern Italy in a cozy neighborhood setting. Born and raised in Milan, Italy, Chef Daniel Nobili infuses his passion for Italian cuisine in all of his creations including the Linguine Alle Vongole-- fresh Manila clams sautéed in a white wine or red sauce or the Vitello Del Tassista-- veal scaloppini in gorgonzola cheese sauce topped with fresh pears. The menu also includes an assortment of Appetizers, Salads, Pizzas, and Chicken Entrees. Your taste buds deserve a vacation— taste the delicious cuisine …

Literally meaning “New Bridge,” Shimbashi Izakaya brings precision to its meaning by offering an elevated taste of classic Japanese cuisine. Located in Del Mar amongst eye-catching scenic views of the waterfront, Shimbashi Izakaya prides itself on being a casual place where one can easily unwind, similar to the Izakaya-style bars found in Tokyo, Japan. For those who enjoy fresh sushi and sashimi, Shimbashi Izakaya offers a multi-faceted selection that pairs perfectly with their fine array of sake. Shimbashi Izakaya also offers full lunch and dinner entrees that embody Japanese cuisine with a contemporary finesse.

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 …

Where Guinness flows, good times follow; and Dublin Square serves up both in abundance. Built in Ireland and transplanted to the Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego, this authentic Irish pub satisfies appetites and souls with the warm and welcoming spread of Irish culture and fare. If food and drink is what you’re pining for, look to Dublin Square’s menu any time of day. Come for their daily breakfast and enjoy dishes like the Corned Beef Hash and Eggs or the All Day Irish Breakfast that includes black and white pudding. For lunch, dinner, and everything in between, many crave …

Sushi Yaro, literally translating to, “Let’s do sushi,” is an appropriate name for this local gem tucked away in the backstreets of Kearny Mesa. Chef and owner Sam Cha discovered his culinary passion for sushi while stationed in Japan. In a traditional style sushi bar, Sushi Yaro boasts the expected large sushi bar where patrons can sit back and marvel at Chef Cha’s distinctive style and see his personality come alive through his edible artwork. Accents of Japanese culture subtlety show themselves through artwork and details along the bar. This menu is home to conventional Japanese cuisine of fresh hand …

Each one of McCormick & Schmick’s restaurants throughout the United States is designed to create an environment that is unique and welcoming; the one in Downtown San Diego is no different. Located in the Omni Hotel on the corner of L and 7th Street the restaurant is connected via skybridge to Petco Park. The ever-changing menu features the highest quality of steak, like the tender aged Filet Mignon as well as seafood choices from the Pacific Rim, Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Also, the award winning bar food is just as satisfying as the main entrees. Indulge in classic …

North Park’s already noteworthy dining scene got a little tastier since Street Side Thai Kitchen opened its doors. This eatery is a destination for both locals that know their way around the neighborhood’s top stops and for Thai food enthusiasts that know their way around a proper menu. Street Side satisfies midday diners with a lunch menu that caters to the appetite as well as the wallet: lunch selections are served with a salad, soup, egg roll, and steamed rice. Later in the day, dinner guests indulge in a menu that features meat and seafood delicacies, along with authentic curry …

Looking for the perfect restaurant for a casual night out? Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill in La Mesa is the place to be, offering a comfortable dining experience and quality cuisine that everyone can delight in. This family-friendly restaurant is located a block away from Grossmont Center’s shops and movie theater, so feel free to unwind after a day of shopping, enjoy a relaxing dinner and a movie with someone special, or bring the family by for a wholesome get together. Peruse the selections of wine and craft beers and order half-priced tapas during Happy Hour, every day from 3:00 …

San Diego’s renowned Gaslamp Quarter is a hot spot for casual dining, and Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill occupies a prime piece of real estate on the edge of Horton Plaza’s enormous shopping mall, just minutes from Petco Park, the San Diego Convention Center, and the historic Balboa Theatre. Open since 1994, this location is no stranger to the constant motion of Downtown, and the vibrant menu showcases simple flavor combinations and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Specializing in traditional woodfired and artisan thin crust pizzas, but diverse enough to include mini burgers, Hawaiian ono tacos, and healthy wraps, Sammy’s Downtown …

Immerse yourself in the beautiful historic architecture of Point Loma and savor the fresh tastes of Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill inside Liberty Station. From hand-crafted pizza to farm fresh salads and extraordinary tapas selections, Sammy’s has everything you need to experience a satisfying meal in a comfortable, casual environment suitable for occasions of all kinds. Many come just for Happy Hour, when all tapas are half price between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. every day. Others bring the family and order from tantalizing pizza choices like the Margherita with tomatoes, garlic and fresh basil, Prosciutto with artichoke, scallion, garlic …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Woody’s Solana Beach is Southern California dining in a nutshell. Featuring a variety of seating options, from the sleek dining room to the relaxing wine lounge, Woody’s Solana Beach provides the ideal location for any event. Open for dinner nightly and lunch Tuesday through Saturday, Woody’s serves a vast collection of American cuisine in the form of steaks, seafood, pasta, chops, chicken, and more. Menu standouts include the Fresh Catch selection and Seafood Paella, as well as beefy options like Baby Back Ribs and Prime New York Steak. Located on Highway 101, just a short distance away from the Pacific …