Romantic Dining Restaurants

Tucked away in the back corner of one of Convoy’s many Korean restaurant filled plazas, is Nozomi, a quaint Japanese sushi, noodles, and teriyaki eatery. Nozomi’s menu showcases an almost overwhelming variety of fresh sushi, specialty rolls, bento boxes, combo plates, and hot pots. Their specials change daily and they even offer an “all you can eat” deal. Nozomi rolls arrive in style on huge plates in a flower like or animal shaped presentations that come decorated with various sauces and an orchid. Dishes are colorful and fresh and portion sizes are generous and can easily be shared. The décor …

As the latest incarnation of the Cohn Restaurant Group’s business prowess and eye for culinary excellence, BO-beau Kitchen is a French retreat ready to be discovered by all. This strikingly elegant yet refreshingly casual Ocean Beach neighborhood bistro serves up a lavish array of classic French dishes. 100 Wines' Executive Chef masterfully strikes that oh-so tasty balance between sophisticated and approachable cuisine by marrying decadent ingredients with rustic familiarity; specialties like the Moules au Roquefort (mussels in cream and bleu cheese crumbles) and the Chicken Fricasse take guests on a French holiday for the palate. This is a definite must …

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 …

Hunting for a “little piece of Europe by the sea”, then look no further than Del Mar’s cozy restaurant wine bar, Crepes & Corks. Located along Camino Del Mar, this bistro stays open from early morning to night. The ambiance is that of romance and simplicity and be detected throughout their food and customer service. Crepes & Corks offers an extensive list of delightfully full bodied, smooth, and buttery wines. They also have dessert wines and beers and offer wine tastings! Crepes & Corks provides patrons with a little taste of Europe in the heart of this coastal town and …

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 …

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 …

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 …

George’s Ocean Terrace reminds us all that there’s a big difference between eating outside and dining seaside. Occupying prime rooftop real estate upstairs from George’s California Modern, Ocean Terrace invites guests to settle in for a casual yet inspired experience of breathtaking views, invigorating libations, off-the-docks fresh seafood, and from the farm tantalizing entrees. Executive Chef and partner Trey Foshee handles his menu with care and discretion, emphasizing fresh and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that each ingredient complements the overall flavor profile of the dish. Given that La Jolla boasts practically picture-perfect weather all year long, it makes sense that …

Osteria Romantica provides a chic, casual, and relaxing atmosphere for enjoying wonderful company, cuisine, and drink. This restaurant was designed to reflect the osterias of Italy, where locals commune around fresh food and good wine; indeed, La Jolla Shores locals and visitors alike raise their glasses—and forks—to the common goal of enjoying authentic cuisine and company. As the likes of Pavarotti and other legends woo you with their crooning, Romantica’s sophisticated décor invites you into an intimate setting punctuated by nostalgic accent pieces and mementos. Similarly, the refined yet hearty menu of Italian specialties is both familiar and intriguing. The …

Taking inspiration from a primary ingredient, Pomodoro Ristorante boasts a décor that features more than one nod to that master fruit, the tomato. With curtains hanging over the dining room’s large windows and accent pieces that could have come from Grandmother’s home, Pomodoro is both casual and comfortable. Fresh, house-made pastas and sauces drive in that home-away-from-home feeling, while the full menu of sumptuous Italian specialties confirms you’re in a special place. The heated patio makes dining al fresco a possibility any time, especially with the Point Loma breezes beckoning us out to play.

A fine-tailored décor of rustic design elements and nautical themed details sets the Lighthouse Bar and Grill apart, creating a smart and artistic dining space. The thoughtful and subtly whimsical ambiance complements the menu, which reflects an equal degree of inspiration and care. The nightly dinner menu is international in scope and speaks a language we can all understand. Pizzas and burgers mingle with tantalizing salads and seafood dishes, ensuring guests can humor their culinary fancy. And for those more adventurous guests, the restaurant’s knowledgeable staff is ready and willing to take the helm and steer your meal toward complete …

Solana Beach CRUSH is equally urban and inviting, marrying a chic and contemporary aesthetic with a welcoming menu of Italian-inspired specialties. The outdoor patio features a table-top fire pit that encourages guests to cozy up with a glass from CRUSH’s collection of more than 160 bottles of international wines, and their plush lounge provides an ideal backdrop for dining while mingling. Your night on the town will pair brilliantly with the restaurant’s Late Night Happy Hour and weekly live entertainment events. In addition to a simple and hearty selection of warm sandwiches and pastas, the CRUSH Lunch Menu also presents …

Whether you want a wide assortment of small plates to share, farm-fresh salads, exotic entrées or unique pasta dishes, Romesco’s Bistro in Bonita has it covered, with a Baja-Mediterranean blanket that leaves you with a familiar, foodie feeling. Chef Javier Plasencias rolls out hot and cold tapas from octopus to Jamon Serrano (dry-cured Spanish Ham). He creates distinct dishes such as Beef Cheek Tacos and Crab Mac and Cheese, along with an assortment of fondues to extinguish any craving one might have. Plasencias’ Mediterranean techniques and recipes mix superbly with local Mexican flavors to complement the warm ambiance of this …

Visit the heart of Kensington for a taste of France with Owner and Chef Ken Irvine’s Bleu Boheme. Designed to reflect the traditional French eatery of a bygone era, the Bleu Boheme dining room is rustic and inviting. Exposed beam ceilings and pale stone walls are complemented by simple furnishings and understated accent pieces. The ever-evolving daily menu serves as an art installation of sorts, as it is scribed on a wall-sized chalk board. Guests cozy up in the intimate dining room and peruse the classic menu that includes such specialties as Coq au Vin, Escargot a la Portugaise, and …

A melding of Latin and Mediterranean flavors along with the use of local ingredients inspires San Diego native Chef Matt Richman within the walls of Table 926. The place setting puts you in north Pacific Beach while walking inside the clean, soft neon-lit dining room. Some of the unique dishes that quickly go from table to tongue are the Oxtail Ragu with a Bucatini sauce with a lemon-mint ricotta or the Glazed Pork Cheeks with a guajillo-tamarind glaze, braised greens and polenta, while the Bistro Burger and the 14 oz. Grilled Ribeye might be more familiar flavors to a less …

A contemporary, uber-cool interior and décor mirror a chic California-coastal inspired kitchen in Point Loma at the Restaurant at The Pearl. Chef Todd Bencivenni combines his passion for local ingredients with an diverse culinary background to create flavorful, memorable dishes. Eclectic dishes come from a variety of regions across the U.S including a magnificent Mac & Cheese appetizer made with Spring Hill Cheddar and a Grilled Pork Chop with potatoes, apple chutney and fresh farmers market veggies for a solid main course. Whether you’re dining inside or by the pool, in a cabana or beach chair, weekly movies from The …

In a contemporary, cozy, and calming atmosphere, Robata Ya Oton offers patrons traditional Japanese fare that some Japanese restaurants have strayed away from. Located in Kearny Mesa, Robata Ya Oton specializes in the art of “Robatayaki”: the original Japanese barbecue, cooked in front of customers and served direct, similar to the style of sushi. The chef sits in plain view of the customers and surrounds himself with selected ingredients he has on display for all. This offers a lively setting and one-on-one interaction with the chef to help him create the quintessential dish for each guest. Delve into traditional Yakimono …

BiCE Ristorante skillfully fuses the elegance and trend-setting gusto of modern Europe in the historic San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, while introducing patrons to contemporary Italian cuisine melded with California ingredients. Executive Chef Mario Cassineri has created a menu that entices palates with amazing flavor combinations as his attention to detail and presentation mesmerize guests. Start off the night with the Prosciutto con Burrata, 24-month aged prosciutto paired with creamy burrata cheese that will surely tantalize taste buds with its perfected meat-and-cheese combination. Indulge in the Orzotto all’Aragosta e Burratina: “risotto style” barley with Maine Lobster, fresh tomato and burrata cheese, …