Special Occasion Restaurants

For a fresh take on authentic Mexican Food, Rancho’s features healthier alternatives with options for meat eaters, vegetarians, vegans, and those with food allergies. Located just a few blocks up from Ocean Beach, Rancho’s is a Mexican Natural Foods restaurant where any diet restriction can be met with ease. With meals priced between $4-$12, Rancho’s has something for everybody—including flavorful, large portioned dishes like Enchiladas Verdes and Seafood Chile Relleno. Any dish can be substituted for a vegan-friendly option, meaning everyone has a chance to indulge. They even serve breakfast all day, and patrons love their Shrimp and Mushroom Omelet …

The Studio Diner is a true local’s paradise; conveniently located in the Kearney Mesa Business District, this deliciously nostalgic eatery serves up heaping helpings of classic American fare with a gourmet twist 24-hours-a-day. Clad in chrome and gleaming with 1940s charm, film-making equipment graces the dining area and celebrates the restaurant’s ongoing relationship with television. The only thing that can steal the spotlight from the Diner’s cool décor is its impressively lengthy and satisfying menu. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner can be savored any time – from omelets to East Coast classics, the Diner aims to please. Menu favorites include the …

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 …

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 …

For a unique blend of Italian cuisine fused with the flavors of California, Cucina Urbana is a one-of-a-kind fine dining destination in the heart of Banker’s Hill. The interior is reminiscent of an old farm house and a modernized kitchen, with bold abstract paintings on the wall and rich accents of rustic wood. The cuisine is predominantly Italian, such as gourmet pizzas and handmade pastas, but the inspiration from California comes from the subtle flavors, the cooking style, and the stresses of using local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Cucina Urbana is also a Wine Shop-- and the possibilities of …

For a classic seafood experience with a laid-back attitude, look no further then The Fish Market—San Diego’s premiere destination for seafood. Located on Shelter Island below the Top of the Market Restaurant, The Fish Market features options for several types of seafood faire, including seafood cocktails, oysters, fresh filets, and sushi. You can dine while overlooking the breathtaking San Diego bay for either lunch or dinner. Since 1989, The Fish Market has been enchanting and comforting their guests with premium seafood choices and a dazzling waterfront view.

Amidst a sea of Italian restaurants, Asti Ristorante in San Diego’s Gaslamp District is one that should not be overlooked. Specializing in Northern Italian cuisine, Asti does not disappoint. Whether you stop in for lunch or for dinner, Asti’s extensive selection of hand-made pastas, fresh seafood or traditional chicken, beef or veal entrees are sure to please even the pickiest diners. The restaurant offers outdoor seating overlooking the Gaslamp’s bustling 5th Avenue, as well as indoor dining in the restaurant’s meticulously decorated dining room. Asti Ristorante is one of the few restaurants in downtown San Diego that can please both …

Among one of the original locations, The Broken Yolk Café in Pacific Beach is a local favorite for San Diegans. Open since 1979, The Broken Yolk’s brand of home-cooked comfort food is famous for their generous portions. With over 20 omelets available and a casual atmosphere to boot, make sure you come around for lunch as well. Fans of the Broken Yolk rave about their burgers and sandwiches. It’s a great place to people watch, and the scenic view from their outdoor rooftop patio isn’t so bad either. The Broken Yolk Café is located along the coastal line, so if …

Searching for an event venue that will transport you to a European Villa? Check out Darlington House tucked away in the heart of La Jolla. This combination French, Spanish, and Italian style villa hosts special events such as weddings, receptions, parties, and other private events. This beautiful venue provides catering and event planning services that will create a package directly tailored to your wants and needs. Darlington House possesses a certain old world elegance, grace, and romance that enhance any event occurring in the space.

Known and loved by many as a charming restaurant and bakery, The French Gourmet also boasts impressive credentials as a full-service catering business. This San Diego favorite has been conjuring up decadent and flavorful delicacies from scratch in its kitchen, and then serving them to loyal patrons inside and out of the dining room since 1979. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner become casual yet decadent holidays at The French Gourmet, where fresh pastries, classic hors d’oeuvres, and house-made specialties mingle with award-winning wines. Set in an intimate space bathed in natural light during the day and a romantic glow in the …

Heaven Sent Desserts in San Diego’s North Park district is legitimately a slice of heaven right here in California. It’s fresh in house made desserts are imaginative and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening for two, a group celebration, or just feel like curling up on one of their plush couches with a book, a slice of chocolate decadence or a fruity tart and some coffee, you are in store for a fabulous time. The staff is friendly and welcoming, as is the ambiance. Heaven Sent also caters and loves enhancing any celebration you may be having …

Anthology is not only one of San Diego’s premier music venues, but it is also one of the city’s hot-spots for great dining and drinks. Some of the country’s finest Jazz, Rock, Blues, Latin, and Indie musicians grace the Anthology stage on a regular basis; and the restaurant’s farm-fresh fare is enjoyed on all three levels of the main room. This chic and contemporary space entertains many social outlets, and multitasks brilliantly: from the state-of-the-art system and unparalleled attention to acoustics, to the fresh and invigorating California cuisine menu, Anthology is the place to go for an experience that satisfies …

Since 1976, Armstrong Catering has been a San Diego institution. Providing top-notch, professional, and affordable services throughout the county, this family-owned company is dedicated to the cause of giving you the event of your dreams – maybe one better than you could imagine. Weddings turn magical, themed parties are unforgettable, and corporate events reflect impeccable taste under the expert eye of Armstrong Catering. They even offer their own historic facility that boasts grand architectural details, along with scenic surroundings and an outdoor patio to suit all your event-hosting needs.

Working under the motto: “Some people cater… we indulge,” Indulge Contemporary Catering prides itself on accommodating all your needs. From capturing your unique style and theme in the event’s décor and atmosphere to crafting each gourmet event menu around the highest quality ingredients, no touch is overlooked. Indulge offers referrals to services like musicians, photographers, hair stylists, and event venues to ensure everything lives up to their high standards. Enjoy your event knowing that you’re in the expert care of Indulge Contemporary Catering.

Italian rusticity meets modern sophistication at Baci Ristorante, where an Old World appreciation for quality and service marries seamlessly with contemporary style and warmth. The rich, mahogany bar sets an elegant yet unassuming tone, while the classic Italian cuisine menu showcases the brilliance of fresh seafood, succulent meat, and rich accompaniments. Dine in the subtly modern dining room surrounded by art deco accents and crisp white linens, or dine al fresco on the romantic patio. No matter where you sit, a decadent and satisfying meal is sure to be had.

The minute you step into The Prado you know you’ve entered into a world like no other. Located in the historic House of Hospitality in Balboa Park, the restaurant offers four main dining areas. Each has its own distinctive décor and ambiance: the Terrace features outdoor seating, the Courtyard room overlooks the courtyard and fountain, the Solarium overlooks the Terrace and features skylights, and the Lounge serves up two happy hours with several signature drinks. The California cuisine is expertly prepared, and includes Pan Roasted Sea Bass with cauliflower and truffle puree and Braised Beef Boneless Shortrib with Point Reyes …

Nestled on cozy India Street in picturesque Little Italy, Indigo Grill has been a gem of San Diego’s culinary scene for years. While many diners may be familiar with one of the Cohn Family’s finest restaurants, they haven’t seen anything like the recent transformation that has elevated the grill to the next plateau of dining experiences. Head Chef Deborah Scott, one of the finest chefs in all of San Diego, finally has a spectacular venue in which to showcase her phenomenal dishes that combine old world charm with modern culinary flare. Close to the Gaslamp, Convention Center, Seaport Village, and …

Located at the eastern tip of Shelter Island, with a boat dock stretching from the back door, it is no surprise water is the predominant theme at Bali Hai. Taking cues from Island cultures from Tahiti to Polynesia, the historic Tiki-themed restaurant invites diners to a sensual escape of island pleasures. The menu is filled with rich and exotic dishes including Lobster Wontons, Chicken of the Gods, and Kailua Pork Loin, and the bar offers—what else?—famously authentic Mai Tai’s. Sunday Champagne Brunch attracts such a large crowd that the dock out back is often packed while eager boaters dine inside.

McFadden’s Saloon proves that St. Patrick’s Day is a year-round celebration. Already a staple on the East Coast, the “Wildest Irish Pub on Earth” brings the luck of the Irish out west. The fun never stops at this Gaslamp Quarter locale with its expansive main tavern, HD TVs playing every sporting event imaginable, and oversized mahogany bar. McFadden’s is host to a variety of special affairs from Board Game Night to nightly Karaoke. Step outside the vibrant interior onto McFadden’s 2,200 square foot patio and relax under the sun at the separate private bar. A selection of semi- private rooms …

Perched atop an ocean bluff, Crab Catcher in La Jolla overlooks Seals Beach, a little sublet that thousands of tourists come by to visit annually. With a spectacular view and sensational food that is procured straight from the sea, Crab Catcher serves only the best fresh dishes. Keeping to the 100-mile radius philosophy, Chef Jon Burwell hires local commercial fishermen and harvests only the freshest ingredients from local farms and farmers markets to create the kind of dishes that will project surprise and wonder onto diner’s faces. With that in mind, the relaxed and quiet ambiance of Crab Catcher creates …