Bertrand at Mister A's
Considered one of San Diego's most elegant restaurants, Bertrand at Mister A's serves contemporary American cuisine with French and Mediterranean influences. The menu changes with the seasons, but favorites include Butter-poached Maine Lobster Tail and Souffle, a Southern France Cassoulet with Duck Confit, and Pan-seared Brandt Beef Tenderloin. If the food doesn't get you in a romantic mood, the views certainly will--panoramic views of San Diego Bay and, to the north, downtown, both from the dining room and the outdoor wraparound balcony.
Betrand at Mister A's
2550 Fifth Ave., Twelfth Floor
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 239-1377
www.bertrandatmisteras.com
Marine Room
The Marine Room is made for romance, located right on the beach at picturesque La Jolla Shores and boasting a huge window facing the ocean that makes you feel the waves are about to come crashing in (as they did, on more than one occasion, during particularly severe storms). The food never disappoints, with a mix of seafood and meat dishes that includes such favorites as Organic Pompano and Diver Scallop and Black Angus Center Cut Filet Mignon. Readers of San Diego Magazine picked the Marine Room San Diego's most romantic restaurant in a 2009 poll.
The Marine Room
2000 Spindrift Dr.
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-7222
marineroom.com
Old Venice
This charming little neighborhood restaurant brings a classy touch of Old Italy to Point Loma, one of San Diego's wealthiest neighborhoods. Enjoy a good Chianti with Gorgonzolla Penne, Burgundy Filet or Chicken Florentine at a candlelit table with a white linen tablecloth; then head up the hill to the top of the Point Loma peninsula for spectacular views of the downtown skyline and harbor, all lit up.
Old Venice
2910 Canon St.
San Diego, CA 92106
(619) 222-5888
www.oldvenicerestaurant.com
Thee Bungalow
Housed in a charming beach cottage in the oceanfront community of Ocean Beach, Thee Bungalow has been a romantic dining destination for locals and visitors alike for more than 30 years. Thee Bungalow offers an expansive wine list and simple French Country menu. Seafood lovers must try the Bouillabaisse Provençal, while both the New Zealand Rack of Lamb and Colorado Lamb Shank get high marks from meat lovers. And after dinner, why not take a moonlit stroll on the beach, just two blocks west?
Thee Bungalow
4996 West Point Loma Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92107
(619) 224-2884
www.cohnrestaurants.com/restaurants/theebungalow
Grant Grill
Think old world class, old world luxury, old world money. The Grant Grill, housed in the stately and historic U.S. Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego, has been a fine-dining legend around town since it first opened in 1951. A popular spot for anniversaries, the Grill has recently been given a lavish makeover that combines urban chic with old world elegance. The food remains tasty and inventive: try the tasting menu, which includes Citrus-Braised Pork, Grilled California Seabass and Braised Veal Cheeks.
Grant Grill
326 Broadway
San Diego, CA 92010
(619) 744-2077
www.grantgrill.com
