Best Date Night Restaurants in San Diego

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

North San DiegoSan Diego

Neighborhoods

Bay ParkCardiff By The SeaCarmel ValleyDel MarHillcrestKearny Mesa

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

126 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of California English restaurant

1. California English

4.7

Exceptional(576)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Sorrento Mesa

Booked 17 times today

Located in the Sorrento Valley, California English is the newest culinary creation from celebrity chef, Richard Blais. Blais is creating an all-day menu for California English that’ll interpret classic British dishes through the lens of Southern California ingredients.The idea is a fusion of sorts: the laid-back California lifestyle that makes San Diego so unique, mixed with a cozy pub convivial atmosphere where you can meet friends (or mates) for a pint after work, set up a client lunch with fresh oysters on the menu or have a cozy family dinner over a Sunday roast. Everything on the menu is made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients that make for fresh and flavorful dishes. The effortless vibe of casual yet stylish makes for the perfect place to celebrate the joy of the unexpected coming together to make the perfect culinary match.

A photo of Javier's - La Jolla restaurant

2. Javier's - La Jolla

4.6

Exceptional(3773)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Jolla

Booked 259 times today

Javier's in La Jolla is a fantastic spot for date night. Reviews rave about its 'romantic' ambiance and 'fantastic atmosphere'. The 'authentic' Mexican cuisine, rich in flavors, is a bonus. The place is described as 'inviting', 'sophisticated', and 'setting the stage for an extraordinary meal'. It's the perfect setting for any special occasion, making it a top pick for a memorable date night.

A photo of The Amalfi Llama - San Diego restaurant

3. The Amalfi Llama - San Diego

4.5

Awesome(489)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • University City/Golden Triangle

Booked 77 times today

The Amalfi Llama reimagines the culinary landscape by seamlessly merging the allure of a rustic live-fire steakhouse with the flavors of Italian cuisine, a culinary haven where genuine cooking, down-to-earth cuisine and stylish flair intertwine. Guests embark on a journey from Southern Patagonia to the Mediterranean coast of Italy as they indulge in a multisensory experience that transcends boundaries – from the soothing cream decor to the intimate ambiance of crackling embers accompanied by the melodies of vintage Italian vinyls. Embracing the essence of a modern farmhouse, The Amalfi Llama revolves around an open parrilla grill and wood-burning oven, harnessing fire, smoke, coals and embers to craft dishes. The restaurant’s ethos also meets design with Latin American and Mediterranean influences, resulting in an inviting environment adorned with light woods, natural light and subtly elegant finishes, defying traditional steakhouse and Italian restaurant conventions.

4. Lucrezia

4.5

Awesome(676)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • La Jolla

Booked 104 times today

A contemporary twist on Italian cuisine, Lucrezia is a culinary delight. Located in the heart of La Jolla in San Diego, we offer unique culinary experiences that transport our guests to a sunny terrace overlooking the Amalfi Coast. Join us for the next voyage.The ingredients and combinations found in our kitchen evoke the very mystique of Italian summers. We are curators of fine ingredients – the way they translate beautifully into our dishes is what makes us unique. Our dishes were carefully crafted to transport our guests to the most beautiful regions of the land. Travel the Italian countryside through our menu, and select your dish for the evening.La Nostra Famiglia: Passionate about food and good service, Grupo Hunan was born in 1993 in Mexico City to create unique experiences that become part of the best moments of your life. As an expert in over five different gastronomies, Grupo Hunan is set to satisfy all senses.Looking forward to welcoming you soon ! :)

5. Barbarella

4.4

Awesome(875)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• European • La Jolla

Booked 22 times today

Barbarella is a restaurant and full bar located on Avenida De La Playa in La Jolla Shores. Adorned with an eclectic mix of art and boasting plenty of outdoor seating, Barbarella a one-of-a-kind culinary gem with executive Chef Lynn Crawford!

6. Forbidden Cove

4.6

Exceptional(84)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Speakeasy • Kearny Mesa

Booked 22 times today

Enter the Forbidden Cove by unlocking a hidden rum barrel door using your wooden idol key where an island Tiki inspired paradise serving handcrafted cocktails awaits you. Once inside, traverse the Infinity Mirror Bridge and be welcomed by the island's inhabitants to explore the mysteries, culinary pleasures and enchanted elixirs of the Forbidden Cove. Find this tropical escape by entering Kilowatt Brewing located in the Kearny Mesa and Convoy District neighborhoods and kindly asking for a Key to The Cove!Reservations offer a 90-minute experience.WALK-INS WELCOME - Reservations not available? We always set aside space to accommodate walk-ins, first come, first served. And before or after your experience at Forbidden Cove you're welcome to join us at Kilowatt Brewing for our award winning craft beers, hard seltzers, adult slushies, and a bite to eat!

A photo of Culinary Dropout - Del Mar restaurant

7. Culinary Dropout - Del Mar

new

4.7

Exceptional(35)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Carmel Valley

Booked 101 times today

At Culinary Dropout, it’s all about raising a glass to good friends and even better vibes. A spot where flavor and music fuel the soul, kick off happy hour with ice-cold beer and our famous soft pretzels and provolone fondue. Staying for dinner? Dig into our handcrafted cocktails and 36-hour slow-braised pork ribs. Did we mention you won’t want to leave when the band starts? Come hang out and stay a while. We’re always serving damn good food for damn good people.

8. Piatti - La Jolla

4.7

Exceptional(5153)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Jolla

Booked 82 times today

Established in 1987, Piatti offers finely crafted fresh Italian cuisine. The soul of the menu is our housemade pasta that we roll, cut and cook by hand everyday. Offering a fresh take on the neighborhood Italian trattoria, Piatti combines a warm, inviting atmosphere, seamless service and an immersive market experience so you can enjoy Piatti at home. Whether dining in or taking home, Piatti brings friends and family together.

A photo of Seasons 52 - San Diego - UTC restaurant

9. Seasons 52 - San Diego - UTC

4.8

Exceptional(5109)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • University City/Golden Triangle

Booked 96 times today

Seasons 52 is a Fresh Grill and Wine Bar offering a seasonal menu that is naturally lighter and always flavorful. Our seasonal menus feature ingredients at their peak of freshness, oak-fire grilled or brick oven roasted (without a fryer in sight) to be naturally lighter and more flavorful. We also offer an extensive list of wines by the glass and bottle. Here, you'll always feel free to enjoy every bite, every sip, every moment. Lunch and dinner daily with happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-6PM.

A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Del Mar restaurant

10. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Del Mar

4.7

Exceptional(3693)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Del Mar

Booked 69 times today

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Del Mar is a perfect spot for date night or special occasions. Known for its 'excellent steakhouse menu' and 'wonderful for special occasions', the restaurant is frequently praised for its 'amazing food and service'. One reviewer even said it's 'great for date night or a special occasion'. Plus, it's a favorite for anniversaries, as one customer mentioned, 'We had a great time celebrating our anniversary here!'

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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