Diners' Choice: Romantic restaurants in San Diego

OpenTable

Updated June 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!

Mister A's

4.9

4.9 (8986)

$50 and over

Contemporary French / American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Mister A's is the penthouse, fine-dining destination of San Diego, and has been for over 50 years. Located just a few minutes from downtown, you will take the elevator to the top floor and look back out over jetliners sweeping past at eye level, the San Diego skyline, bay and Pacific, while enjoying Modern American cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails, and one of Wine Spectator's top-rated wine lists in the country. The culinary staff hand-selects local farm produce and the highest quality ingredients in every category to offer you selections that are made from scratch in house for brunch, lunch, dinner.. or simply the finest rooftop drinks and appetizers in town.

Please visit our website for specific dress code guidelines: https://www.asrestaurant.com/contact/
(Guests not in dress code will be turned away)

Top review

Don

Dined 3 days ago

Amazing dinner, wine suggestions and outstanding service from Nico, Ryan and George. Highly recommend it. Thank you, Team A's.

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Popular dish

Dubai Chocolate Baked Alaska

4.9

4.9 (25)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Downtown

About the restaurant

Welcome to Roma Norte, San Diego's premier cocktail bar inspired by Mexico City's iconic neighborhood. Created by the team behind Puesto and Marisi, Roma Norte offers technique-driven, slow and low cocktails crafted by expert bartenders Beau du Bois and Derek Cram. Experience a unique blend of craft, culture, and hospitality with timeless classics and innovative drinks.

Top review

RossVIP

Dined 6 days ago

We always have a great experience at RN! The servers are attentive and pleasant. Food is consistently very good and the drinks are excellent. Don’t hesitate to make a reservation and try it…you won’t be disappointed.

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Experience

Roma Norte Sessions: CJ Posada

Experience

Roma Norte Sessions: RYY

Experience

Roma Norte Sessions: Blue Jade

Manhattan of La Jolla

4.8

4.8 (1812)

$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

julie

Dined 6 days ago

Brian and Nancy are the best, I always go to Manhattans, due to they treat me like a Queen, and the food is amazing, also the staff, Tad has so much energy and is funny, so talented and treats me like family, Love Tad!

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4.8

4.8 (679)

$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

Matt

Dined 4 days ago

Love sitting outside at La Jolla Shores and having a great dinner. Excellent as always.

The Marine Room

4.7

4.7 (8505)

$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

CaronVIP

Dined 1 day ago

A must do when visiting San Diego! The service, food and view are top notch.

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4.7

4.7 (3236)

$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

Liliana

Dined 2 days ago

Came in for dinner with my daughter’s, we absolutely love this place. Service and food were excellent.

Veranda

4.7

4.7 (52)

$31 to $50

American

Coronado

About the restaurant

The quintessential al fresco dining experience with spectacular ocean views, Veranda is a journey of familiarity rediscovered. The menu of exceptionally prepared American favorites is inspired by The Del’s Southern California roots, elevating clean, fresh flavors and regional produce, while classic cocktails and a California-forward wine list provide the finishing touch.

In the spirit of the hotel’s original wraparound veranda where guests strolled, mingled, and lounged to take in the sea air, Veranda invites you to gather with family and friends and enjoy delicious food, rich conversation, and a remarkable oceanside setting. All the ingredients of an exceptional dining experience are delivered with effortless charm and authenticity.

Top review

lorraine

Dined 3 days ago

Beautiful outdoor, seaside local. Food was amazing and wait staff was attentive.

The Melting Pot - Gaslamp Quarter

4.6

4.6 (2611)

$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

Brian

Dined on Jun 17, 2025

Amazing, they did a great job on our 13 wedding anniversary

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Popular dish

Pure Chocolate Fondue

Popular dish

Yin & Yang Chocolate Fondue

Popular dish

Chocolate Fondue Dessert Plate

Brigantine - Imperial Beach

4.5

4.5 (33)

$30 and under

Seafood

Imperial Beach

About the restaurant

A San Diego tradition since 1969, the Brigantine has received numerous accolades during our 40+ year history: "BEST SEAFOOD", "BEST CASUAL SEAFOOD", "BEST HAPPY HOUR", and even "BEST SWORDFISH IN THE WORLD", according to USA Today - just to name a few.

Located across the street from the Imperial Beach Pier, this Brigantine features a casual yet intimate open-air concept with indoor and outdoor seats. Catch the sunset from almost any seat.

Seafood and Steak. Great Happy Hour Sunday thru Friday 3-6pm.

Top review

Sharon

Dined on Jun 20, 2025

I’ve been a fan of Briantine fish tacos for years- primarily at the Del Mar location (outside of Fair and Racing seasons, lol). I was meeting friends for lunch: one who lives in Imperial Beach 1 Bay Park- me in Carlsbad. It is a smaller location than Del Mar- but right across the street from the IB plexi surfboard sculpture, the beach and the Ocean. I had a passionfruit spicy margarita. We made a rsvp for noon and sat on the patio out front. The wait staff was great, the food was great, and it was not too warm. Since I live and work around North County- I often pass by IB on my way to the Border and CBX and think about how I used to visit often- because I was a chamber rep for my organization at the time. Last Friday the space and this old school beach city reminded me of summers as a teen. It even smelled like summer. I totally enjoyed everything about the lunch ! As is my habit- I totally forgot to take pics of the food and drink- but trust me- it was perfect!

Topside Terrace

4.3

4.3 (405)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Downtown

About the restaurant

A quintessential San Diego open-air terrace, Topside Terrace takes advantage of the San Diego climate while marrying the sites and sounds of downtown. Inspired by coastal living, we specialize in evening fare and weekend brunch serving Baja California and Classic American Fare paired with contemporary cocktails and draft beer.

Happy hour every Tuesday to Friday from 4pm to 5pm!

Live Music every Friday & Saturday night 7pm-10pm

Top review

RebeccaVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Happy hour was lovely. Shrimp tacos, fries, and Sauvignon blanc. The server on July 1 was great- wished I could remember her name. Beautiful day. The food was good and ambience perfect.

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