You’ll leave San Diego feeling full and frisky thanks to aphrodisiac atmospheres, well-crafted cocktails, captivating landscapes, and memorable cuisine. We’ve compiled a list of the top 7 romantic restaurants in San Diego in this article.
1. Mister A’s
The outstanding outlook of the skyline and landing planes from this Bankers Hill landmark can make you feel like your head is in the clouds, much like love can. That’s perhaps why, since it started years ago and especially since it was reinvented by owner Bertrand Hug in 2000, it’s been the site of so many marriage proposals, Valentine’s dates, and special festivities. The sophisticated American cuisine includes classics like pork chops and duck breasts, as well as innovative interpretations of dishes like swordfish and lamb with smoked date jam.
Hot Tip: Make reservations as soon as possible, especially for tables 50 and 52, which are notoriously difficult to come by.
2. The Marine Room
While the food at the Marine Room is excellent (think Paramount Imperial Osetra caviar, lobster bisque, and elk medallions), the real draw at this white-tablecloth La Jolla institution—which has attracted many celebrities, public figures, visiting dignitaries, and people celebrating milestones since 1941—is the proximity to the beach. During high tide, the waves can crash against the picture windows of the sunken dining room, or they can pass gently below, giving the impression that you’re floating on the sea. The area is also ideal for watching the sunset.
3. A.R. Valentien
The trademark restaurant at the splurge-worthy Lodge at Torrey Pines, with its craftsman-inspired interior design, beamed ceiling, live music Wednesdays through Fridays, warming ornate fireplace, three kinds of pate, and deck overlooking the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course, is a tried-and-true choice for a romantic night on the town. As a result of the chef’s commitment to working with local purveyors, the menu changes with the seasons. The elaborate plating is as artistic as the paintings on the walls by the restaurant’s namesake, a 20th-century California artist.
4. Jeune et Jolie
It’s simple to locate oneself tickled pink in the rosy velvet booths of this year-old nouvelle French café in Carlsbad, thanks to music played on a vintage reel-to-reel. The 80-seat location reimagines across-the-pond mainstays like frog legs and rabbits through a Golden State perspective, which includes Asian and Mexican influences and more fish and veggies. It was named one of America’s greatest new restaurants in 2019 by an Esquire writer who discovered it on date night. A tower of absinthe and oysters from a magnificent raw bar also contributes to the romantic ambiance.
5. Bo-beau Kitchen and Bar
Dinner at this quaint California-French restaurant in Ocean Beach should be a no-brainer. Stone walls, caramel wood furnishings, and a terracotta tiled ceiling take couples to the south of France. Even on a cold night, the tiny open-air patio will keep you warm thanks to ceiling heaters, a wood-burning oven, and a warm fire in the hearth. Finish your meal with a decadent Ménage a Trois (flourless chocolate cake, macaroon, and semifreddo) and one of the three Goodnight Kisses drinks.
6. The Prado
Animal magnetism attracts romantics to Prado’s gorgeous terrace. Perhaps it’s the proximity to the zoo, or perhaps it’s Balboa Park’s glittering lights, gurgling fountains, charming front courtyard, and surrounding lush greenery and striking old architecture. It also doesn’t hurt if you know how to make red wine-braised short ribs and paella.
7. Animae
Money can’t buy class but might purchase a delicious meal for you and your loved someone. -Korean fried chicken, 45-day dry-aged rib eye, Ora king salmon with pomegranate ponzu, or a range of delectable crudos at “Top Chef” contestant Brian Malarkey’s newest entry in the San Diego fine dining scene. From the beautiful chandeliers to the handcrafted carpets, the $5.5 million areas are drenched in lush tones of gold, chartreuse, and coral. Both can be enjoyed while sipping from the high-end Japanese whisky collection.
