Located on the brink of the San Diego shore, The Marine Room serves contemporary surf'n'turf cuisine in its stately dining hall, with enchanting views of the ocean to keep company. Along with its divinely crafted cuisine, this 1941 culinary stalwart boasts of a well-heeled clientele that includes several celebs and world figures. Award-winning Executive Chef Bernard Guillas along with his stellar team leads the kitchen, whipping up specialties such as the Skuna Bay Salmon, Angus Beef Filet Mignon and Cervena Elk Loin. The elegant confines of this establishment also include an elevated seating area that lets its guests enjoy the azure waves gently crashing against the window.
The Shores Steak & Seafood restaurant combines classic steakhouse favorites and innovative coastal cuisine with spectacular oceanfront views. Their focus is on exceptional quality and fresh local ingredients. The restaurant's surf-side views and inviting atmosphere make for a dining experience you won't soon forget. The restaurant is located at the Sea Lodge Hotel on La Jolla Shores. Call or visit their website for menus and reservations.
Fresco Trattoria & Bar at Carlsbad is an upscale Italian restaurant with an extensive menu of pasta, pizza, soup and salads. The restaurant is cozy and charming with its cream and coffee hues, dark wooden furniture, hand painted murals, lovely outdoor patios and its close proximity to the ocean. You can just hear the waves calling out to you if you are dining at the patio. The food is a work of love, deliciously hearty and soul warming such as the Rigatoni Salsiccia alla Siciliana, Veal Milanese, Pizza Rustica and Linguine Mare Mosso. And a delightful end with desserts like chocolate souffle, raspberry sorbet and pastries. Fresco has an amazing wine list, so whether you are a wine aficionado or a newbie, you will have plenty to choose from. The restaurant has got two patios while one is by the sidewalk with a lot of tables laid in front, the other is wonderfully landscaped. Fresco is ideal for a memorable evening of romance.
Visit Vigilucci's Seafood & Steakhouse if you want to indulge yourselves. From magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean, to the sublime prime steaks and seafood with the heartiness of Italian cooking, will just make you want for more. Their full bar features an impressive wine list. The Seafood & Steakhouse is a great place for parties and special events with an awe inspiring ocean backdrop or just dine in their grand private dining room for an atmosphere of the classic Italian charm. Godere!
This wildly popular establishment has three levels to suit your taste. For fine dining with excellent gourmet cuisine, choose the main floor. This formal dining room offers cream pillars, colorful art and large window views of the Pacific. For a more social climate, consider cocktails on the second floor. Yet another option is the rooftop terrace, featuring gigantic umbrellas and a spectacular ocean view. Try the Pacific Red Snapper, complete with squid ink gnocchi, calamari, oven-dried tomatoes and fava beans. Another favorite is Roasted Veal Loin, served with pearl onions and vegetables.
You may not see this restaurant's name plastered on many La Jolla tour guides, but this cozy spot is a favorite among long-time La Jolla residents. In fact, the restaurant is one of those well-kept secrets that locals have known about for years, but tour guides have yet to discover. This adorable restaurant hosts outdoor patio dining, as well as indoor seating by the fireplace. Try the Filet Mignon, served with Prosciutto potatoes and leek fondue. Northern Halibut is another customer favorite, complete with potato croquettes and herb salad. Wine is available by the glass or bottle.
Bobboi Natural Gelato is well-known for using organic ingredients that offer a fresh and seasonal surprise. Uniquely flavored gelatos are made everyday at their premises using organic Californian milk, organic sugar and organically grown seasonal fruits to ensure freshness.
Named after an ancient port city on Sicily’s east coast, Catania offers an assortment of coastal Italian delicacies that are sure to delight your palate. Menu offerings include contemporary Italian dishes like Braised Beef Tongue, Crispy Octopus and Wild Boar Pasta. Complement the meals with draft and bottled brews, wines or Italian sodas. Situated atop La Plaza Center, the restaurant also allows you to enjoy sweeping views over La Jolla Cove while you enjoy the creative delicacies and delectable drinks. If you are craving for inventive Italian food, on a clear evening in the middle of summer, it’s hard to think of a better place to be.
This wildly popular SoCal restaurant has been designed to offer views of the magnificent Cardiff Reed and the Pacific, with its glass-walled interiors and heated rooftop dining. The cuisine assumes a Pacific identity as well, with coastal cuisine, a raw oyster bar and a handful of sushi dishes. Start off with the Baked Oysters or West Coast Black Mussels for a taste of California, and then sample the Pacific Paella which is served with saffron Arborio rice. The restaurant enjoys a fairly upbeat vibe during peak hours, as regulars throng to the beachside for breezy weekend dining.
Eddie V's Prime Seafood is a luxurious waterside restaurant for romantic meals, business dinners and celebrations. Its deck is fully decorated in white and affords an almost magical view of the Pacific. Every night, soulful jazz notes hit the air, as patrons begin their dinner comprising gourmet seafood and steaks. Typical menu items include Roasted Baby Beets and Candied Walnuts, Fillet Medallions, Scottish Salmon and Batterfried Oysters. This restaurant has a good wine program and oenophiles have plenty of choice in pairing the correct dishes and wines. If you wish to host an event here, the restaurant provides the services of a sommelier and an event coordinator.
Breathtaking ocean views and superb seafood cuisine makes Pacifica Del Mar one of the most popular in North County. Whether dining amidst the warm hues of the elegant main salon or watching a Pacific sunset from the glass-enclosed patio, you are in for a treat if you can get a table. Reservations are advised at all times, but are essential during weekends. Perennial favorite entrees include the Barbecued Sugar-Spiced Salmon and the Grilled Ahi. Early-bird dinners offer 15 percent off before 6p.
Set in a beach community away from the traffic of downtown San Diego, Del Mar Rendezvous serves traditional Chinese food with a modern presentation. Guests can enjoy dishes like Shrimp Pad Tai, Rendezvous Lo Mein, Duck Breast Shangri-la, and Cashew Chicken. Del Mar Rendezvous also serves tapas like Crabmeat Mango Salad and Peppery Fried Calamari, and their wine list includes white, red, sparkling, and rose wines. For guests who enjoy an Asian experience but want to top it off with a traditional American dessert, Del Mar Rendesvous serves mud pies, New York Cheesecake and more. Along with any meal, guests can view the Pacific Ocean from almost every seat at Del Mar Rendezvous. - Erick Pettersen