Diners' Choice: Romantic restaurants in San Diego

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the most romantic in San Diego? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Parma Cucina Italiana

4.9

4.9 (128)

$30 and under

Italian

Hillcrest

About the restaurant

Known for the Best Lasagna in San Diego, Parma Cucina Italiana is a charming and cozy family run Italian restaurant in the heart of Historic Hillcrest.

Our traditional Italian cuisine is inspired by generations of home cooking, fresh ingredients, and simple presentations. Our specialties originate from Northern Italy. The must try lasagna is decadent layers of Bolognese and béchamel sauce. Or try our tortellini with cream and prosciutto, or our pappardelle pasta tossed with slow braised short rib and porcini mushrooms.

We have an extensive wine collection with wines from the best regions of Italy. And an Italian meal wouldn’t be complete without our homemade desserts. We suggest tiramisu and profiteroles alla nutella.

Top review

Curt

Dined 1 day ago

It was our 35th wedding anniversary and i wanted somewhere nice but without a lot of noise or fanfare. We had not previously been to Parma and the description and previous reviews made it sound like what i was hoping for. It was by all accounts! My wife had the lasagna, of course, which we also share as tonight’s leftovers and I had seafood linguine. Delicious food, friendly while appropriately attentive and reasonably priced, Leonardo and Francesca offer a wonderful dining experience.

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4.9

4.9 (1462)

$30 and under

French

Hillcrest

About the restaurant

LA BONNE TABLE is a cozy and intimate restaurant in the heart of the bustling neighborhood of Hillcrest. We serve country french food in a bistro fashion. Our menu consists of classic french dishes, a modest but excellent selection that will change with the seasons. We offer a romantic atmosphere and elegant setting, full bar and french beer on tap. Reservations are recommended as seating is very limited in this exclusive restaurant. Bon Appetit!

Top review

DeborahVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Fabulous food and great service. Our waiter, Yo, was very attentive. An over all lovely person. This is one of our favorite things. Give it a try. I think you’ll like it.

Alexander's on 30th

4.8

4.8 (3186)

$31 to $50

Italian

North Park

About the restaurant

Neighborhood gem located in the heart of the Historic North Park District, adjoining Balboa Park and the world famous San Diego Zoo. Specializing in homestyle Italian with Gourmet Flair. Hand made Pastas, Award Winning Pizza and Voted Best of Restaurants by San Diego Magazine "Most Romantic". Listed as Top 25 Places to Eat in San Diego "Before You Die" by San Diego Union Tribune.

Make memorable celebrations on our beautiful patio, the perfect ambiance for any occasion. Remember to try our diners favorites, The Theodore's Fix Pizza and Baked Vodka Bolognese.

Look forward to serving you soon!

Top review

Melissa

Dined 7 days ago

Food was fantastic! The ambiance is a very intimate setting. Our server was the best. Second Tuesday in a row. We love it here.

The Marine Room

4.7

4.7 (8411)

$50 and over

Seafood

La Jolla

About the restaurant

For generations of San Diegans, the “Seahorse” symbol of The Marine Room has long stood for its dramatic on-the-surf location and California coastal cuisine. Considering this rare blend of culinary excellence, uncompromising service and beachfront setting, it’s no wonder The Marine Room has become a true San Diego landmark. We invite you to San Diego's iconic dining destination and experience how each tide brings something new to The Marine Room. You’re not reserving a table – you’re joining a 80-year tradition.

Top review

Sean

Dined 5 days ago

Great food relaxing environment great staff ambience so nice

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Manhattan of La Jolla

4.7

4.7 (1786)

$31 to $50

Italian

La Jolla

About the restaurant

Manhattan of La Jolla transports you to the best of New York via the cozy, upscale village of La Jolla. Located in the Empress Hotel on Fay Avenue, it is an elegant, casual and classy place where you would expect to see Old Blue Eyes or Danny Ocean romancing a beautiful woman while she sips her Cosmo over dinner. With quality Italian charm, Manhattan offers classic cocktails that get you into that New York swing--and the entrees are as good as it gets. Liberal olive oil, garlic, lemon and pepper complement the Zagat Award winning veal chop, steaks and seafood. Signature scampi, classic cannelloni, pasta al dente, and other succulent dishes, plus professional service and decor make this a terrific spot for a romantic dinner or mixing business and pleasure. Manhattan in La Jolla gets you the best of both worlds. Manhattan is an award winning La Jolla favorite, celebrating its 36th year.

Top review

Scott

Dined 3 days ago

Another terrific experience. This is our "go to" place for special occasions. The staff is friendly and professional, the food is very good, and the ambiance with the piano bar is lively.

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4.7

4.7 (674)

$30 and under

Italian

La Jolla

About the restaurant

We are located in the heart of la Jolla shores, a short walk from the beach. The Shores area has one short main street with a few stores and restaurants. It has the look and feel of a town square. In this simple but wonderfully comfortable setting, Osteria Romantica generates good feelings as one dines on its good food. The voices of Pavarotti and other famous singers emerge from the background, filling the room softly with operatic melodies. An outside patio provides seating for diners who wish to enjoy the sunny afternoons and cool La Jolla evenings. The restaurant was opened by Fabio Speziali and Antonio Mastellone in 2004. Speziali grew up in the Lake Como region of northern Italy. Mastellone, who also owns several other local restaurants, grew up in Sorrento, Italy. Speziali said, "and we are from different regions of Italy. But we create together and offer dishes from all of Italy. We have our regular menu and daily specials. Our breads and pasta are always fresh and homemade."

Top review

CarolynnVIP

Dined on Apr 22, 2025

Always a lovely place, staff and food! Thank you for being there for us all these many many years!!!!

P.F. Chang's - Chula Vista

4.6

4.6 (233)

$30 and under

Chinese

Chula Vista / Bonita

About the restaurant

We are an Asian & Chinese restaurant offering dine-in, takeout, to-go, delivery, and catering. Make a reservation online to dine in. Order Asian and Chinese food delivery, takeout, and catering online or through the P.F. Chang's mobile app. Let us cater the perfect feast for you - corporate office catering menus are also available. P.F. Chang's offers a variety of signature Asian, Thai, Korean, Japanese, Mongolian, and Chinese food dishes including Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Chicken Pad Thai, Signature Lo Mein, Fried Rice, Mongolian Beef, Chang's Spicy Chicken, and Pork and Shrimp Dumplings. Order online for sushi delivery and takeout. Many gluten-free and vegetarian menu items are available. Try our seasonal cocktails and seasonal menu items.

Top review

DavidVIP

Dined on Apr 6, 2025

Service was good and the food was ok. Teriyaki chicken was a bunch of tiny bits of deep fried chicken. Only 2 real chunks of chicken. Almost like we got the left overs at the bottom of the bag. It was like popcorn chicken and all batter.

Roma Norte

4.6

4.6 (22)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Downtown

About the restaurant

Roma Norte is the newest venture from the expert beverage team behind Puesto and Marisi, set to redefine the cocktail scene in downtown San Diego. Inspired by the vibrant cocktail culture of Mexico City's Roma Norte neighborhood, Roma Norte promises a technique-driven cocktail experience paired with light, refreshing Mexico City-style bites.

Please note that we have limited availability on Opentable. We recommend you check for reservations on our website, https://www.romanorte.bar!

Top review

Adolfo

Dined on Apr 19, 2025

I just moved to San Diego and this was a first for me. The ambiance is impeccable. Everything from the music to the food and drinks was incredible. Our bartender was very attentive and provided us with a list of places to visit while in town. If you’re ever in San Diego, this is a MUST visit place. I’ll be back!

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Experience

Roma Norte Sessions: Stevie & Barrio Jazz Club

Experience

Roma Norte Sessions: Sammy Donado

Experience

Roma Norte Sessions: DJ FLIGHTplan

The Melting Pot - Gaslamp Quarter

4.5

4.5 (2602)

$50 and over

Fondue

Downtown

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Melting Pot San Diego Gaslamp. Located on 5th Ave & E St in the historic Gaslamp Plaza Suites, the San Diego - Gaslamp Melting Pot Restaurant brings a truly unique, romantic and interactive four-course fondue dining experience to San Diego's vibrant downtown dining scene!

Top review

JanelVIP

Dined 1 day ago

It was a nice out. Our server was considerate and accommodating. The food was okay, I was impressed with the quality of freshness of the fruits and veggies.

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Popular dish

Pure Chocolate Fondue

A photo of Lavender & Blueberry White Chocolate Fondue of a restaurant

Experience

Ultimate Romance Dinner for Two- $239

Trattoria Don Pietro

3.9

3.9 (829)

$30 and under

Italian

Old Town

About the restaurant

Thanks to Trattoria Don Pietro, there is finally something new and fresh happening in Old Town. After spending a lifetime of cooking Italian food and a few years in LA learning from the best restaurants in the industry, Pietro is finally ready to roll up his sleeves and show San Diego his take on traditional Italian cuisine with a trendy twist. Between our groundbreaking Italian menu, wisteria garden patio ambiance, and over-the-top cocktails, we stand alone as the most instagrammable restaurant in San Diego. Come stop by today and experience our delicate balance of tradition and trend.

Top review

joyVIP

Dined on Apr 7, 2025

We celebrated our beautiful bride to be and this place was perfect ...decors were chic and perfect for photo ops .food was delish and drinks were the yummiest! Thank you for the A++ service ..we will be back!

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Popular dish

Calamari

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