Nothing compares to a great night out, enjoying the flavors of decadent foods, delicious wines and the good company of friends and family. San Diego hosts a multitude of incredible dining experiences from Downtown city nightlife to the North Coast communities, you’ll be sure to find your next elegant evening from this list of favorites:
Animae
Where: 969 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
Region: Downtown
Region: Downtown
Animae sits atop this list as a luxury fine dining experience that rivals bougee Las Vegas, sheek Hollywood and Miami Beach. The dining room is a futurist’s interpretation of Art Deco design, elegant beyond compare - with its floor-to-ceiling drapes, soft chairs and velvety booths, at Animae - all your senses become awakened… it a place that suspends time and space you can spend hours sitting with the company of family and friends enjoying the family-style Asian infused cuisine and phenomenal service. Delicate drinks presented beautifully with bursts of flavor. No dish will disappoint. San Diego culinary maverick Brian Malarkey went all-in on Animae. Worth your every while and drive to downtown. Enjoy the beauty of the harbor and views of the nightlife.
Born and Raised
Where: 1909 India St, San Diego, CA 92101Region: Downtown/Little Italy
Dry-aged beef, tableside carts and other vintage touches abound at this airy, multilevel steakhouse in Little Italy it is bougee and opulent in all the right ways. The popular spot — created by Michelin-starred chef Jason McLeod — boasts a rooftop bar with stunning views of the neighborhood Little Italy and city skyline. Dinner and a view?! We think yes. Devilishly delicious cocktails from a tableside cart, in-house aged prime cuts and an over-the-top, atmosphere keeps Born and Raised firmly in the ranks of San Diego’s must-go's.
“Top of the Market” - Fish Market
Where: 750 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101Region: Downtown/ Del Mar
Fresh. Fresh. Fresh. This on-the-water eatery is a must-visit for fans of fine seafood fare, after all San Diego is right on the coast? So you would expect great seafood. Feast on the freshest seafood while taking in the expansive views of the picturesque San Diego Bay.
Addison
Where: 5200 Grand Del Mar Way, Del Mar, CA 92014Region: Del Mar
Southern California’s first and only three-star Michelin restaurant in the heart of San Diego, showcases the beauty and allure of California Gastronomy. Chef William Bradley offers his distinct culinary perspective through an experience that celebrates regional ingredients and Southern California influences. The ten-course tasting menu evolves with the seasons.
Mister A's
Where: 2550 5th Ave Unit 12, San Diego, CA 92103Region: 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. The elevated vistas of the skyline, the bay and the glittering Pacific Ocean remain one of the most amazing spots for a night out.
The Westgate Room
Where: 1055 Second Ave, San Diego, CA 92101Region: Downtown
European elegance informs the atmosphere and cuisine at this gourmet dining destination in downtown's landmark Westgate Hotel. The Westgate Room's new Veranda, an outdoor oasis where you can take in a jazz performed by such San Diego musical luminaries as Gilbert Castellanos and Rob Thorsen four evenings a week. Be entertained and enjoy the finer things in life.
Lumi
Where: 366 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Region: Downtown
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.
Vistal Bar + Restaurant
Where: 901 Bayfront Ct, San Diego, CA 92101Region: 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 cuisines.
Eddie V's Prime Seafood
Where: 789 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101Regions: 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. Enjoy the expansive wine selection of over 200 wines curated by a Master Sommelier. The perfect pairing.
George's at the Cove
Where: 1250 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037Region: 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 of an unforgettable night. The restaurant offers an eight-course Chef's Tasting Menu that's a foodies dream.
Marine Room
Where: 2000 Spindrift Dr, San Diego, CA 92037Region: 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. Truly it is a Marine Room.
Steak 48
Where: 12995 El Camino Real, Del Mar Heights Town Center, CA 92130Region: Del Mar
James Beard-nominated brothers Jeffrey and Michael Mastro are excited to bring Steak 48 to Del Mar. The chain restaraunt is expanding its presence for a reason - it’s incredible. The timeless aesthetic and delicious food impress - no doubt. Specializing in Prime steaks, world-class Wagyu selections, and the finest fresh shellfish and seafood from around the world, Steak 48 offers luxury and personal service. Set within a warm contemporary environment that is a collection of intimate spaces offering a variety of dining experiences ranging from energized to more private.
Pamplemousse Grille
Where: 514 Via De La Valle #100, Solana Beach, CA 92075Region: Del Mar
Chef/Owner Jeffrey Strauss has a flair for presentation and unquestionable talent for taste that has delighted the palates of the worlds most powerful business brokers and socialites, United States presidents, and scores of American and foreign dignitaries. Since 1996 Pamplemousse Grille has been a staple in Del Mar and Solana Beach for both locals and tourists alike.
Market
Where: 3702 Via De La Valle Del Mar, CA 92014Region: A celebrated bar, lounge and dining space. Many locals enjoy The Market as place to take a pause from the busy day-to-day, sit back, relax and sip on one of their delicious cocktails.
Mille Fleurs
Where: 6009 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067Region: North Coastal/Rancho Santa Fe - Right by the office of Laura Barry and Jim Graves
Long celebrated as one of San Diego's top restaurants, Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe boasts true French haute cuisine, elegant décor, top-notch service and an intimate hacienda setting. Enjoy the warm climate, safe, quiet community of the village… Tucked off a tree-lined lane in San Diego's toniest neighborhood, the place is exclusive, expensive and worth every cent.
Campfire
Where: 2725 State Street, Carlsbad, CA, 92008Region: North Coastal/Carlsbad
Campfire offers a rustic chic decor with spacious seating. Serving a lavish menu, they offer an essence of local food culture. You can try out some of their house specials like Campfire bowl or Seafood Pozole Verde. Drop by for a delicious brunch or sip some of their alluring, house made cocktails. The service is top notch with eloquent descriptions of the items they serve you. The Charred Broccoli and Smore’s to end the night… refreshingly comforting. They also offer party meal menu for bigger groups with scrumptious food choices. Try the neighboring restaurant too, French - June Et Jolie.
Valle
Where: 222 North Pacific Street, Oceanside, CA, 92054Region: North Coastal/Oceanside
Michelin Star restaurant Valle sources only the freshest and finest ingredients from California, and fuses together favorites from Baja Mexico’s Guadalupe Valley wine region. Guests can experience Chef Roberto Alcocer’s seasonal prix-fixe eight course tasting menu paired with the best of Valle’s robust wine collections. For an unforgettable evening of culinary exploration and personal interactions with Valle’s esteemed kitchen talent, join Chef Roberto for his Chef’s Table dining experience, hosted in the heart of Valle’s kitchen on Friday and Saturday evenings. With oceanfront views and a warm atmosphere, the Valle family invites you to unwind, dine and drink around the table. Authentic and approachable, yet elevated and one-of-a-kind; a culinary homage to Baja cuisine awaits you at Valle in Oceanside, San Diego County.
