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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in San Diego

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65 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Javier's - La Jolla restaurant
1. Javier's - La Jolla
4.6
Exceptional(3853)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Jolla
Booked 150 times today
JAVIER'S presents a rich heritage of elevated Mexican cuisine in a friendly, captivating ambiance. Enjoy hand-shaken margaritas, rare tequilas, craft cocktails and a vast selection of beer and fine wines. Dine with us in the main dining room, al fresco patios, one of our semi private dining rooms, or at the exquisite bar surrounded by one of the West Coast's largest selection of the world's finest tequilas. We at JAVIER'S consider all our wonderful customers a part of our family and thank them for their support and sharing in the success and joy that is JAVIER'S. Come experience the freshness of our original Mexican cuisine in a warm, friendly environment at one of our five locations.Please be advised we don't allow strollers. If you bring your stroller we have a designated area to store your stroller while you dine.
A photo of The Amalfi Llama - San Diego restaurant
2. The Amalfi Llama - San Diego
4.5
Awesome(525)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • University City/Golden Triangle
Booked 37 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.
A photo of Lucrezia restaurant
3. Lucrezia
4.5
Awesome(704)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 57 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 ! :)
A photo of RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla restaurant
4. RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla
4.4
Awesome(2801)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • La Jolla
Booked 46 times today
Dining at RED O is an experience like no other that offers a unique combination of Prime Steak and Seafood with Rick Bayless’ signature Mexican inspired influences. With sustainably sourced and local ingredients, RED O creates flavorful dishes true to the authentic flavors of Mexico. RED O’s team of friendly employees creates a welcoming atmosphere that parallels the luxury resort interior of the restaurant. RED O also features an impressive bar and lounge where you’ll find specialty cocktails, an extensive tequila list and an award winning wine list. The bar also offers Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m. daily and Late Night Happy Hour from 9-11pm Friday-Saturday.
A photo of The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines restaurant
5. The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
4.6
Exceptional(2467)
Price: Moderate
• American • La Jolla
Booked 43 times today
The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines is a restaurant that offers an exclusive view of the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course. Guests can enjoy wood-fired dishes, craft beer choices, and an expanded patio. The restaurant is known for its decadent Drugstore Hamburger, but it also offers a variety of other dishes, including salads, seafood, and steaks. The Grill is committed to using local ingredients and sound craftsmanship. The restaurant's ambiance is welcoming and thoughtful, and the team is dedicated to providing a memorable experience for guests.
A photo of Piatti - La Jolla restaurant
6. Piatti - La Jolla
4.8
Exceptional(5192)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 51 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
7. Seasons 52 - San Diego - UTC
4.7
Exceptional(5137)
Price: Expensive
• American • University City/Golden Triangle
Booked 54 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 North Italia San Diego - One Paseo restaurant
8. North Italia San Diego - One Paseo
4.5
Awesome(1653)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Del Mar
Booked 67 times today
North Italia San Diego is the perfect spot for special occasions. With its modern Italia experience and seasonal flavors, it's a hit for celebrations, business meetings, and romantic dates. Reviewers rave about the delicious food, great service, and beautiful ambiance. One reviewer even celebrated their mom's birthday here and loved the food, wine, and service. It's the perfect place to enjoy the best of Italy in a modern and stylish setting.
A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Del Mar restaurant
9. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Del Mar
4.7
Exceptional(3711)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Del Mar
Booked 47 times today
Ruth's Chris Steak House in Del Mar is a prime choice for special occasions. Reviewers consistently praise the excellent food, top-notch service, and warm ambiance. It's a favorite for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and other special events. The staff is friendly and accommodating, making every visit a memorable one. As one reviewer put it, 'Ruth Chris' is our special occasion restaurant.'
A photo of Grand Social at Fairmont Grand Del Mar restaurant
10. Grand Social at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
4.3
Awesome(93)
Price: Moderate
• American • Carmel Valley
Booked 1 time today
The fine unwinds into the fun across three distinct levels at Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s outdoor lounge, Grand Social. Relax over a late afternoon apéritif and spirited games of bocce on our new courts situated on the second level. As evening unfolds, venture to our newly installed ground-level lawn to savor irresistible wood-fired dishes and skillfully crafted cocktails.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Valeria
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    The food is good. Especially the steak, is very tender.
    More info
    RED O Taste of Mexico - La JollaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• La Jolla
    •
    4.4
  • Conie
    San Diego •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had an amazing experience at this restaurant! From the moment I walked in, the customer service was outstanding—warm, welcoming, and incredibly attentive. The staff truly went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed. Thanks to our server George! The food was absolutely delicious—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Every dish we ordered was cooked to perfection, and you can really tell they take pride in their menu. The ambiance of the restaurant was just as impressive. It’s spotlessly clean, stylishly decorated, and offers a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere that made the entire meal even more enjoyable. Top-notch service, incredible food, and a beautiful, well-kept environment—what more could you ask for? Highly recommend and definitely looking forward to coming back
    More info
    The Amalfi Llama - San DiegoPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• University City/Golden Triangle
    •
    4.5
  • JCVIP
    San Diego •36 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The tablita was great, the ambiance fun and Salma was awesome!
    More info
    Javier's - La JollaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Jolla
    •
    4.6
  • Nicholas
    New York City •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The food and service was fantastic and the venue is absolutely spectacular! It was a bucket list item for me and it delivered.
    More info
    The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey PinesPrice: Moderate• American• La Jolla
    •
    4.6
  • Jose
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Restaurant is now open for LUNCH and it was perfect. Had lunch with a client and everyone was happy with the food and environment. Service was outstanding and honestly felt as if we were away from our world for a bit. Rigoberto and Gabriel topped it off with great service and made sure that we will definitely be coming back again. Definitely recommend for anyone to give them a shot.
    More info
    LucreziaPrice: Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
    •
    4.5

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