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.
In Downtown San Diego, this fine dining establishment is not only well known for premium cuisine, but also for an expansive wine list. In fact, it has been praised for hosting "one of the most outstanding wine lists in the world." While many San Diego restaurants allow for casual dress, this particular establishment requests more formal attire. Men should wear long-sleeved dress shirts and all guests are asked not to wear shorts. Popular entrees include linguini with clam sauce and veal piccata. Enjoy cocktails from the outdoor patio as the sun sets and gives way to the city lights below. Whether you're dining or drinking, Bertrand at Mister A's is a magical venue for a memorable evening.
Located in the upscale Kensington neighborhood this establishment owned by Kevin Irvine serves a wide selection of rustic French bistro fare. Entrees include mushroom ravioli, grilled salmon, filet mignon, coq au vin, and other specialties. The atmosphere is warm and convivial with stone walls, large wooden tables and comfortable banquettes. The experienced wait staff provide excellent, courteous service. The wine list is impressive and the full bar always has inspired and talented bartenders on duty. Absinthe available for true Bohemians.
Monello brings the culinary traditions of Milan's streets to your palate, for a decidedly different Italian experience. Cousin to the hugely popular Bencotto Italian Kitchen located nearby, the relaxed restaurant has gained a large foodie following in a short span of time. Milanese street food staples like piadine, fritti and polenta are served small-plates style along with a selection of breads and cheeses. Their award-winning pizzas are not to be missed. A choice of main courses including Branzino, Bistecca Monello and Coppa Arrosto complete the menu. The wine list offers excellent diversity, with Italian and Californian choices. The wood-dominated interiors, with textured stucco walls intend to capture the feel of Milan's streets, and are rustic, yet elegant. There's a little outdoor patio as well.
Overlooking the azure waters of the Battiquitos Lagoon and the rolling greens of the Aviara Golf Club, Ember & Rye is a unique steakhouse concept, courtesy of chef Richard Blais. Feast on some Ribeye steak or Bacon Wrapped Filter Mignon, complemented by some beet salad or shrimp cocktail. The service is excellent and the ambiance is opulent, with dark, polished wooden flooring, dark green cushioned chairs, floor to ceiling windows to admire the majestic view, with a gorgeous, fully stocked bar in the middle, so the drinks keep coming while you wait for the food.
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.
Dining at Addison, named after its architect, provides the experience of a lifetime in taste and ambiance. Tastefully done bites wear tiny herbs and flowers or are perched atop dabs of sauces. The seasonal menu is complemented by an extensive selection of wines from around the world. Located at The Grand Del Mar resort destination, this is the only 3 Michelin-star restaurant in Southern California. It does not disappoint! The attentive service staff work like clockwork. You can meet up with the chef and observe the staff at work. Every dish is incredible. If you are seeking out a life-changing dining experience, go to Addison! The night starts with four champagnes from which to choose. The tableside Louie XIII is the icing on the cake. You could go in for a progression of cocktails instead of wine pairing if that’s your thing. The mixologist makes amazing signature drinks for you to enjoy throughout the meal. The food is delicious, and the food train is seemingly endless.
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.
While there are plenty of wine bars for oenophiles, Wine Vault and Bistro takes wine appreciation to another level. This French bistro and bar is open for three-course set meals paired with appropriate wines only from Thursday to Saturday. The menu changes partially every week and entirely every month for such dinners. However, the highlight is the Winemakers Dinner held every Sunday, where each course in a seven-course meal is paired with the appropriate wine. Winemakers from famous wineries in Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, Valle de Guadalupe and even Australian vineyards are invited at such dinners to make presentations and interact on a one-to-one basis with guests. The unique seating arrangement ensures that you befriend like-minded connoisseurs. 10-course meals are held during festive occasions, where some courses will be paired with wine or another beverage. This wine bar also offers exceptional facilities for hosting corporate and private parties from Monday to Wednesday and on certain Sundays.
Enjoy a tasteful seafood meal at Eddie V's Prime Seafood, a seafood specialty restaurant. Guests relish dishes such as Maine Lobster Bisque and steak like 12 OZ USDA Prime Bone-In Ribeye which can be paired with sides like Roasted Beets with Candied Walnuts. Desserts like Hot Chocolate Godiva Cake and Hot Blackberry Cobbler are listed. You can also have after dinner drinks like whiskey, dessert wine or cognac. The interiors of the restaurant are well lit with plush seating for a comfortable dining affair. For entertainment, live jazz music is performed by local artists for a delightful dinner experience.
For the wine-lover, this restaurant which combines an extensive wine list with their own retail wine shop and tasting bar should keep the most avid oenophile happy. While its touted as "California-French" cuisine, and that is reflected in some of the Pacific seafood and American paddle fish caviar, its roots are rural French. The menu offers up farm-raised venison and other meats, all expertly sauced and adorned a la francaise in an updated Art Deco environment. Private dining areas are available if discretion is a must. The bargain-seeker will enjoy the lower prices in the bar and lounge, which opens 4p-midnight. - deTraci Regula