Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in San Diego

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants 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!

Tsuruhashi Japanese BBQ - San Diego

4.9

4.9 (6)

$50 and over

Japanese

Kearny Mesa

About the restaurant

Immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of Japanese BBQ at Tsuruhashi, a hidden gem in San Diego. Experience a unique dining adventure as you savor the finest cuts of meat grilled to perfection at your table.

At Tsuruhashi, you become the chef, grilling premium meats right at your table. Choose from melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu beef, succulent pork belly, and flavorful chicken, with attentive staff guiding you to ensure each bite is cooked just right.

Enhance your BBQ feast with traditional Japanese appetizers, soups, and side dishes. Enjoy vibrant kimchi, comforting beef tail soup, and refreshing assorted vegetables.

Tsuruhashi offers a cozy atmosphere, perfect for gatherings with friends and family. The intimate booths and warm lighting create a sense of privacy and relaxation, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience. More than just a meal, Tsuruhashi is a culinary journey into the heart of Japan.

Top review

DanielVIP

Dined on May 21, 2025

High quality meat, great service, amazing food all around

Fleming's Steakhouse - San Diego

4.8

4.8 (2213)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Downtown

About the restaurant

Your San Diego Fleming's in downtown San Diego can be found in the historical Gaslamp District, just a few blocks from Petco Park. Fleming's in San Diego is an outstanding choice to enjoy an exceptional Prime steak, glass of wine or handcrafted cocktail. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, hosting a business dinner or simply wanting to enjoy a night out - we will create a safe and memorable evening in our Dining Room. If you prefer to enjoy your fine dining experience at home, you can order and pay for lunch or dinner online and then pick up curbside or select from one of our delivery partners.

Top review

Ryan

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

Great! Absolutely loved everything and couldn’t have asked for more

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Popular dish

Chocolate Lava Cake

Popular dish

Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake

Popular dish

Main Filet Mignon

Lilian's Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (262)

$30 and under

Unspecified

Rancho Santa Fe

About the restaurant

Welcome to the Lilian's Blog - a culinary diary and a rendezvous with history. Here, we chronicle our adventures in gastronomy, share behind-the-scenes glimpses, and delve deeper into the legacy of Lilian Rice. Whether you're a food aficionado, a history enthusiast, or someone seeking to uncover the stories behind Rancho Santa Fe's best new restaurant, you're in the right place. Dive into our articles and let Lilian's spirit guide your journey through taste and time.

Top review

FionaVIP

Dined on Jun 10, 2025

Excellent lunch Mateo was the best waiter giving us great recommendations and attention. Patio was perfect Was thanked for coming in I’ll be back !

Room56

4.8

4.8 (8)

$50 and over

Speakeasy

Downtown

About the restaurant

Room 56 is a premier speakeasy nestled in the Gaslamp Quarter, offering some of the best craft cocktails in San Diego in an intimate setting.

We do not serve food

Top review

Carmela

Dined 7 days ago

What an experience we had. The ambiance, the service and the drinks. Superb! We will definitely come back.

Savoie Italian Eatery

4.7

4.7 (154)

$30 and under

Italian

Chula Vista / Bonita

About the restaurant

Welcome to the first and only Italian eatery in Chula Vista. Finely crafted Italian cuisine. Enjoy Sunday Brunch, Happy Hour Specials Daily, Cocktails, live entertainment and more at Savoie. Savoie’s striking dining rooms, stunning bar, and beautiful patios make it the perfect place to enjoy lunch, dinner, special celebrations, cocktails, or a fine glass of wine.

Offering an enticing menu of handcrafted Italian cuisine prepared by a talented team of skilled culinary experts, Savoie features a mouthwatering selection of pastas, salads, pizzas, seafood, poultry and steaks.

Conveniently located in Otay Ranch Town Center across from the AMC movie theater, we offer a delicious selection of Italian inspired dishes and handcrafted cocktails along with Happy Hour specials daily, Sunday Brunch, Live Music Wednesday through Saturday, a late night menu on weekends, DJ entertainment Wednesday through Saturday + Sunday Brunch, and unique indoor and outdoor private dining options.

Top review

joe

Dined on Jun 14, 2025

Wonderful and delicious food. The owner visited our table adding to the special experience.

Camino Riviera

4.7

4.7 (51)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Mexican

Little Italy

About the restaurant

Join us for a full sensory journey through the Yucatán in our sultry dining room and open air lounge. SDCM Corporate Executive Chef, Brian Redzikowski has curated an eclectic menu that integrates his unique style with Mexican cuisine. The bar program is built on classic cocktails while celebrating the spirits and flavors from all over Latin America. We source rare expressions of mezcal and tequila from some of the most revered producers in Mexico.

We accept requests for both environments but cannot guarantee the ability to accommodate all requests.

Top review

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

Tasty tapas style plates. Little pricey. Service started off good as we went early in the evening but as we neared the end of our meal, took some time to find out server for the bill. Seemed like there may have been a large party outside so not a big deal, just seemed a little understaffed as there were barely any tables inside. Would go back for drinks!

The Melting Pot - Gaslamp Quarter

4.6

4.6 (2612)

$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

NikkiVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Thai place is amazing! Definitely an experience and a family fav!!

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Popular dish

Pure Chocolate Fondue

Popular dish

Yin & Yang Chocolate Fondue

Popular dish

Chocolate Fondue Dessert Plate

Texas de Brazil - Carlsbad

4.6

4.6 (1713)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Carlsbad

About the restaurant

Texas de Brazil, is a Brazilian steakhouse, or churrascaria, that features endless servings of flame-grilled beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and Brazilian sausage as well as an extravagant salad area with a wide array of seasonal chef-crafted items.

Top review

Delaney

Dined 6 days ago

Our experience at Texas de Brazil was FANTASTIC. We were celebrating my boyfriend’s birthday and had a fairly large group of 11. Our server, Tiago, was attentive and extremely personable. The food was delicious, and the servers came out consistently with different meats to try. The last few times we’ve tried Brazilian steakhouses, they had stopped coming by with meats at about 30-40 minutes in. This was no issue here! They sang happy birthday to my boyfriend is Portuguese, and really made the night special. The hostess with curly hair (sorry I forgot her name!) was also very sweet and helpful in getting our table ready and notifying our large party. Very clean restaurant as well. Overall it was a great time and we will definitely be back!

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Experience

HAPPY HOUR Mon-Fri

Harlow's Lounge

4.6

4.6 (270)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Bonsall

About the restaurant

Harlow's Cocktail Lounge is a unique restaurant focused on traditional classics with modern reinvention. Through the use of specialized ingredients and techniques, international influence and attention to detail, Harlow's offers adventurous creations rooted in comforting familiarity. Our shareable menu and bar selections are crafted for our guests enjoy on any occasion or outing. Come enjoy the lounge, bar, restaurant and private dining areas with friends and family. Harlow's stage features weekly live music showcasing local talent. Call or visit harlowslounge.com for more details

Top review

KERRY

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

I love a restaurant/bar with a theme, and this one delivers. Food and service were also great. Will be back!

Jalisco Cantina - Carlsbad

4.6

4.6 (43)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Oceanside

About the restaurant

¡Bienvenido a Jalisco Cantina!

Inspired by the rich culture of Jalisco, Mexico—a region famous for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and birthplace of the world’s finest tequilas—we bring this spirit to every dish and drink we serve.
Our scratch kitchen uses the freshest ingredients to craft flavorful, authentic dishes like birria tacos, carnitas, and made-to-order guacamole.

Pair your meal with our extensive selection of premium tequilas and handcrafted cocktails, carefully curated to reflect the essence of Jalisco. Join us at Jalisco Cantina for a dining experience that’s as vibrant and welcoming as the Mexican sun. ¡Salud!

Top review

SamVIP

Dined on Jun 20, 2025

The restaurant has a great atmosphere and ambiance. The food and drinks were very good. The chicken flautas on the seasonal menu were so light and tasty, hope they add to the menu permanently. Would definitely recommend!

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Experience

Taco Tuesdays

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