Best Romantic Restaurants in Mission Bay

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

East CountyNorth San DiegoSan DiegoTemecula / Wine CountyTijuana

Neighborhoods

AlpineBanker's HillBarrio LoganBay ParkBonsallCardiff By The Sea

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

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

351 restaurants available nearby

1. Cesarina

4.8

Exceptional(5739)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Ocean Beach

Booked 187 times today

Cesarina is a grandmother, a mother, a daughter—our personification of a nurturer who feeds and cares for her community. From meticulous attention to detail and fresh ingredients to the warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a celebration of the power of food and family.

2. Coasterra

4.7

Exceptional(7715)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Harbor Island

Booked 121 times today

Coasterra is San Diego's premier bay front dining destination! We are an innovative and modern restaurant, lounge and floating event center, featuring Mexican cuisine.

3. Juniper & Ivy

4.6

Exceptional(8172)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Unspecified • Little Italy

Booked 75 times today

Juniper & Ivy is the perfect spot for a romantic evening. With its cozy, inviting ambiance and excellent service, it creates a warm and welcoming environment for couples. As one reviewer put it, it's 'very good for romantic dinners' and another noted the 'great ambience and very romantic' setting. The high-quality, innovative food and award-winning wine list also contribute to the romantic atmosphere, making it a popular choice for special occasions.

4. Island Prime

4.7

Exceptional(8478)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 62 times today

Resting on stilts atop San Diego Bay, Island Prime overlooks the city skyline and Coronado.

5. Herb & Wood

4.7

Exceptional(6608)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Little Italy

Booked 88 times today

A timeless, sought-after dining escape, celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey opened Herb & Wood to instant acclaim over four years ago. In that time, the restaurant has become an icon, a dining destination that has helped to propel San Diego's culinary reputation to new heights. By focusing on rustic, wood-fired dishes, Chef Malarkey's menu elevates humble ingredients such as carrots, beets, and chicken, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability.

6. Tidal

4.3

Awesome(1161)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • Mission Bay

Booked 17 times today

Join us at our Tidal Waterfront Restaurant for a seafood focused Sothern California dinning experience! Enjoy locally sourced ingredients and beautiful views on our outdoor Tidal Deck or pick up dinner and take it with you back to your bungalow guest room.For parties of 13 or more please visit our website www.tidalsd.com

7. Cannonball

4.5

Awesome(1184)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Sushi • Mission Bay

Booked 78 times today

Refreshing craft cocktails, seriously tasty sushi, and California cuisine are just the start of what you’ll savor at Cannonball. Whether you choose to get cozy within our intimate cocktail lounge or out on the rooftop terrace, you’ll be treated to truly spectacular Mission Beach views every bite and sip. Dive into culinary creativity at Cannonball—there’s nothing quite like it!For larger parties, please contact us directly at info@cannonballsd.com

8. Elvira

4.9

Exceptional(507)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Ocean Beach

Booked 69 times today

Benvenuti Nella Mia Cucina, Belli De Nonna! Before we dive into the delicious feast prepared for you, let me give you a little taste of my vita. I was born in the heart of Rome, and I've been cooking up a storm my entire life! My cucina has always been the center of the universe for my 3 daughters, 5 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, their friends, loved ones, and acquaintances – everyone was always Benvenuto!Now, we've brought that same love and flavor right here to San Diego. My beloved grandson, Niccolo', and his amore, Cesarina, are opening the doors of my Cucina with the same warm heart and passion.Wondering how I made it to 95? Well, it's simple: I ate everything that's served here and filled my life with amore! So, Benvenuti! Don't hesitate to indulge in "Scarpetta" - dip that bread into the sauce, just like my grandchildren used to do at the stove when they thought I wasn't looking.Here, Belli De Nonna, it’s all about food, family, and creating beautiful memories!

9. C-Level

4.7

Exceptional(5115)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Booked 100 times today

Resting on stilts atop San Diego By C Level Lounge, is an upscale-casual lounge on the waterfront overlooking the city skyline and Coronado.

10. ARLO San Diego

4.3

Awesome(797)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Mission Valley

Booked 11 times today

ARLO is an award-winning restaurant known for its scratch-made dishes, crafted from fresh local ingredients. Serving breakfast, weekend DJ brunch, and dinner, ARLO offers a fun and quirky environment. Highlights include a sweeping outdoor patio, swaying palm trees, and a giant outdoor fireplace. The experience is rounded out by an inventive cocktail program, an extensive wine list, and local craft beers on tap. Recently, ARLO won Best Hotel Restaurant and Best Restaurant for Big Groups in the San Diego Magazine Best of 2024 awards. Free parking is available.

‘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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
Los Angeles •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Fantastic meal and great service. Always a great experience.
More info
CoasterraPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Harbor Island
•
4.7
R
Roger
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We had a fantastic experience at Herb and Wood! The service was excellent—attentive and friendly from start to finish. The food was a total flavor bomb, every bite packed with deliciousness. We’re already looking forward to our next visit—I can’t recommend it enough!
More info
Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
•
4.7
A
Amy
San Diego •3 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
The sourdough was exceptional and we had an enjoyable evening.
More info
Juniper & IvyPrice: Expensive• Unspecified• Little Italy
•
4.6
C
Colby
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Absolutely outstanding house made pasta with wonderful service and wine selection.
More info
CesarinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Ocean Beach
•
4.8
LD
LynnD
London •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 12, 2025
Great seafood, great service and a spectacular view of downtown San Diego. I had grilled swordfish and my husband had the halibut dish, both excellent. I will definitely return to this restaurant next time I am in town.
More info
Island PrimePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.7

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