The Most Romantic Restaurants in San Diego

Anyone who enjoys a laid-back life filled with fun, sun and surf will feel right at home in California’s southernmost big city! San Diego sits right above the Mexico border in Southern California, which makes it a prime destination for sun-seekers on vacation! Outdoor enthusiasts can hike along the sandstone cliffs of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, surf the waves at Coronado Beach or take in the beautiful vista views at La Jolla Cove. Visitors of all ages can enjoy Balboa Park, the city’s cultural hub, and take in the many museums, theaters, and gardens. Military and maritime museums attract history buffs. San Diego also has a thriving restaurant scene, from candle-lit Italian meals to outdoor venues by the ocean. But where do the smartest, savviest couples consider the most romantic restaurants in San Diego? Welcome to the Tastemaker Lists. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. Book a table today!

The OpenTable Team

17 Restaurants

Updated 04 February 2020

Restaurants:	La Bonne Table, Baci Restaurant - San Diego, Cesarina…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	French, Italian…
Neighborhoods:	Hillcrest, Old Town, Ocean Beach…

La Bonne Table

$$$$

French

Hillcrest

4.9

1201 reviews

Hillcrest’s Voyou Wine Bar recently re-opened as La Bonne Table after a lovely makeover. Where Voyou aimed for a modern look, the new place looks to evoke a kind of French country bistro effect, with darker cozier effects. Hardwood tables and chairs replace the white sofas, and candlelight replaces reflected sunlight. It’s definitely one of the most romantic restaurants in San Diego and the perfect place for a special date. The menu consists of classic French dishes, a modest but excellent selection that reflects the seasons.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Baci Restaurant - San Diego

$$$$

Italian

Old Town

4.9

1631 reviews

Baci Restaurant is beloved by locals and definitely one of the most famous restaurants in San Diego. It offers diners a hint of old-world Italian charm, with cozy booths, white tablecloths and gracious servers dressed in tuxedos. It’s the kind of place you want to take friends and family who are visiting from out of town to show them the best of San Diego! The decor is modern but the menu is classic, featuring Northern and Southern Italian cuisine. They serve specialty classic pasta dishes, veal, fresh seafood and tempting daily specials by Executive Chef Domenico Alioto.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Cesarina

$$$$

Italian

Ocean Beach

4.9

4013 reviews

Cesarina is San Diego’s newest fresh pasta oasis and locals are already in love with it. Located in Point Loma, it features an open-air pastifico - an all-day fresh pasta-making exhibition station. It has super high ceilings and an 18-foot wine bar topped with white marble. The space also features rows of large mason jars holding colorful pickled vegetables on the wall and a garden patio for outside dining. They have a simple recipe for fresh pasta and a knack for creating delicious, mouth-watering sauces.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Island Prime

$$$$

Steakhouse

Downtown / Gaslamp

4.6

7290 reviews

Located on Harbor Island, just a close drive from the airport, Island Prime is one of the most romantic restaurants in San Diego. It sits on a stilt-supported structure that stretches out over the bay, so diners feel as though they are floating along on a dinner cruise. Chef Deborah Scott's sophisticated menu features metro steaks, seafood, and other diversely decadent dishes that will make your jaw drop. Between the nostalgic cuisine and the breath-taking view, Island Prime will keep you coming back for more.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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The Marine Room

$$$$

Seafood

La Jolla

4.6

7029 reviews

For a fine dining experience filled with romance, head to The Marine Room in La Jolla. Located right on the coastline with a glorious beachfront setting, it’s a perfect place to dine when you are in the mood for a romantic night out. Opened in 1941, The Marine Room quickly became popular due to their amazing food and the gorgeous ocean views. Celebrities, world figures, residents and visitors all frequent this historic landmark. Dinner items include their signature dishes like the Marigold Pepitas Dusted Wild Prawns.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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Bleu Boheme

$$$$

French

Kensington

4.7

3165 reviews

Located in Kensington, right across from the Ward Canyon Neighborhood Park, Bleu Boheme is a casual elegant French restaurant that locals love. The design sparks a feeling of France’s past generations and the restaurant evokes all the old world charm of a bygone era. It mixes the Bohemian and artistic free-spirited left bank of Paris with the roots and tradition of the quiet, rural areas. This neighborhood restaurant always has delicious, affordable and comforting French cuisine.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Butcher Shop Steakhouse - San Diego

$$$$

Steak

Kearny Mesa

4.3

2318 reviews

The Butcher Shop Steakhouse has the look and feel of a classic Chicago-style steakhouse. It features only the finest quality midwestern aged steaks and chops, charbroiled over a mesquite wood-fired grill for a perfect meal every time. Highlights on the menu include the Angus Prime Rib, slow-roasted until its extra tender, as well as veal, chicken, lobster tail, crab legs and more. It definitely qualifies as one of the most romantic restaurants in San Diego and they offer amazing desserts to share with your date. They also have a full bar and a fantastic wine list!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

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Addison Restaurant

$$$$

Unspecified

Del Mar

4.9

1889 reviews

Addison Restaurant is a truly classy establishment with a focus on authenticity and grandeur. It’s a setting where anything is possible, which makes it a wonderfully romantic place to bring a date. Chef William Bradley uses a meticulous approach to the craft of cooking and the menu exemplifies the purity of contemporary haute cuisine in San Diego. Diners can choose from the Chef’s Menu Decouverte in five or ten courses. It’s an ever-shifting feast for the senses and dishes feature all the locally-grown seasonal produce available with recipes to reflect the freshest ingredients.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The WineSellar & Brasserie

$$$$

French

Sorrento Mesa

4.8

892 reviews

Consistently ranked among OpenTable’s Top 10 local restaurants, The Brasserie is also one of the most famous restaurants in San Diego. Established in 1988, The WineSellar and Brasserie is the city’s premier destination for fine wine and exquisitely crafted, locally-sourced, organic fare. Diners can enjoy a bottle of wine from the adjoining WineSellar boutique wine shop or choose a glass or bottle from their extensive list. The menu features decadent French cuisine, including everything from Duck Two Ways to a Beef Tenderloin to a Leg of Lamb Salad.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Manhattan of La Jolla

$$$$

Italian

La Jolla

4.7

1445 reviews

Manhattan of La Joya is an elegant, casual and classy place offering delicious Italian cuisine and a beautiful, romantic atmosphere. The bar here offers classic cocktails that get you into that New York swing--and the entrees are as good as it gets. The flavors here are all about traditional Italian ingredients that make dishes like the veal chop, steaks and seafood extra special. 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!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

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Carvers Steaks & Chops

$$$$

Steak

Poway / Rancho Bernardo

4.7

2332 reviews

Carvers Steaks and Chops is a San Diego restaurant offering a big-city steakhouse experience without the big-city price! Located in the community of Rancho Bernardo, Carvers is the perfect stop for one of the most romantic restaurants in San Diego. Whether it's stopping in to enjoy a hand-shaken martini after work or bringing the family in to sample some of our award-winning prime rib, choice steaks, seafood options, and plenty more, they have it all. And they have a great wine list and beer selection to complement your meal.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Operacaffe

$$$$

Italian

Downtown / Gaslamp

4.6

1131 reviews

For a truly romantic night out in San Diego, head to Operacaffe, a warm and intimate spot located on 4th Avenue in the Gaslight District. Here they are passionate about their culinary business and customers and have a reputation for excellent cuisine, amazing service, and the quality and freshness of all their ingredients. Come in and enjoy the decadent\ thin-crust pizzas, salads, featuring fresh Italian cheese. They also have a wonderful wine list.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Mister A's

$$$$

Contemporary French / American

Downtown / Gaslamp

4.8

7355 reviews

Looking to spice up the night with a little romance? Look no further than Mister A’s, one of the most romantic restaurants in San Diego! It is the penthouse, fine-dining destination of San Diego, and has been for over 50 years. Located just a few minutes from downtown, it’s a convenient location to enjoy delicious Contemporary French fare. Take an elevator to the top floor and look back out over the skyline, Bay and the great Pacific! The views are as stunning as the food! Every dish here features local farm produce and high-quality ingredients - try the Grilled Octopus or the Maple Leaf Farm Duck Breast.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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AR Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines

$$$$

Farm-to-table

La Jolla

4.8

2061 reviews

Located at the exquisite Lodge at Torrey Pines, the AAA Five Diamond resort in La Jolla, AR Valentien is one of the most romantic restaurants in San Diego. Executive Chef Jeff Jackson is a force behind the farm-to-table movement in San Diego and their menu features fresh market-driven seafood, meats, produce and dairy products. Popular dishes include the chicken liver pate, Artichoke soup, Pan-Roasted Swordfish and the Roasted Liberty Duck Breast and Confit Leg! You and your date can sit in the elegant dining room or on the outdoor terrace with gorgeous views of the golf course.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Stake Chophouse & Bar

$$$$

Steakhouse

Coronado

4.8

1384 reviews

Stake Chophouse and Bar is a modern steakhouse located on Orange Avenue in Coronado. The prominent location right in the heart of the village makes it a favorite spot for locals and visitors and many think it’s the most romantic restaurant in San Diego. It features a modern take on the classic chophouse of decades past with the chef-driven menu and highest-quality ingredients. Try some of the share-friendly filets, chops and dry-aged prime steak to nosh on with your date. They also have a fantastic, award-winning wine list.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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Takeout available

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Humphreys SoCal Dining and Music

$$$$

American

Point Loma

4.1

1520 reviews

Humphrey’s SoCal Dining and Music, located on Shelter Island Drive in Point Loma, is a casually elegant place that many locals think is the most romantic restaurant in San Diego. It forges the connection between the city’s culture and authentic Southern California cuisine. They serve a delicious menu of American and Contemporary American food under the direction of Executive Chef Jason Gethin. Known for pioneering fresh, modern SoCal dining through globally inspired flavors, locally sourced ingredients and crisp seasonal produce, he creates some of the area’s most exquisite dishes.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

La Pastaia

$$$$

Italian

Bay Park

4.0

1014 reviews

Farmer’s Table is a farm-to-fork focused restaurant with an established name in the community. It’s also one of the most romantic restaurants in San Diego! It occupies a sweet spot in Little Italy with a cozy interior and plenty of outdoor seating at stools along the sidewalk. It’s a great place for locals and visitors to come together to enjoy locally sourced organic eats! They focus on time-tested family recipes with Sicilian roots and features dishes like delicious Napoli pizza, organic egg plates and local, seasonal vegetables to round out every meal.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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The Most Romantic Restaurants