Low cozy lighting, beautiful views and, of course, delectable food are the order of the night at romantic restaurants in San Diego. The immersive culinary scene in the city has provided people from far and wide with unforgettable food and dining experiences. Diners can find just about any kind of experience they want for a romantic date night. Some restaurants offer stunning ocean views while others are more cozy and intimate.
San Diego isn’t only blessed with a variety of romantic atmospheres but also many types of cuisines. You can explore some of your classic favorites or get adventurous with a dish you've never tried before. A date night is the perfect opportunity for you to experience something new with your partner and bring your relationship closer together. Here are 25 romantic restaurants in San Diego where you can make your next reservation for an unforgettable date or celebration.
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- Discover the Best Romantic Restaurants in San Diego
- The 25 Most Romantic Restaurants in San Diego
Discover the Best Romantic Restaurants in San Diego
Couples in the city will likely have their favorite romantic restaurants in San Diego, however, no matter how well you know the city, chances are there's still more to discover, which is where food tours in San Diego come in handy for adventurous foodie lovebirds! Led by expert guides, you’ll get a look at the local culinary scene, unearthing some of the best restaurants in the city as well as a few hidden gems. During food tours, you’ll get a taste of delectable menu items and learn a thing or two about the city's history along the way. Book a tour and discover your new favorite romantic restaurants in San Diego, along with locally-owned restaurants, bars and hangout spots.
The 25 Most Romantic Restaurants in San Diego
1. Coasterra
Diners are drawn to this romantic restaurant in San Diego for the panoramic bay and city views, and the fresh take on Mexican cuisine brought to life by Chef Deborah Scott.
The Vibe
Modern and upscale, Coasterra features floor-to-ceiling windows that show off city views and a large patio to watch the sunset, making it one of the most romantic restaurants in San Diego.
What to Order
Order the blood orange scallop aguachile from the raw bar and the poblano chili burger for dinner.
Coasterra | 880 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 | $$$
2. VAGA Restaurant & Bar
With a stunning oceanfront view that adds to the atmosphere, VAGA Restaurant & Bar is surely one of the most romantic restaurants in San Diego.
The Vibe
The sleek and contemporary décor creates an elevated environment to indulge in the meal. However, it’s the uninterrupted ocean view of this romantic restaurant in San Diego that makes the atmosphere so stunning.
What to Order
You can't go wrong with the smoked short rib or the achiote chicken to get a unique taste of the local cuisine.
VAGA Restaurant & Bar | 2100 N. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024 | $$$
3. Mister A's
After opening its doors in 1965, Mister A’s has remained an iconic and classic spot in the San Diego food scene for decades. If you’re looking for fancier date ideas in San Diego, make this your go-to spot.
The Vibe
Classy and traditional décor atop the Manchester Financial Building. Enjoy stunning city views along with fine dining at this romantic restaurant in San Diego. Note that Mister A’s enforces a strict business-casual dress code.
What to Order
For dinner at this romantic restaurant in San Diego, order the duck breast or the tomato and goat cheese risotto made with local ingredients.
Mister A’s | 2550 Fifth Ave., 12th Floor, San Diego, CA 92103 | $$$$
4. Jeune et Jolie
If you’re looking for a more upmarket romantic restaurant in San Diego, Jeune et Jolie offers a Michelin-star experience. Chef Eric Bost has curated a seasonal French menu that's perfect for a date.
The Vibe
Colorful, contemporary and eclectic, Jeune et Jolie features bright abstract art, comfy velvet booths and modern light fixtures. Its vibrant nature is still intimate.
What to Order
The melon and caviar appetizer is a great place to start. The ricotta dumplings or wagyu make a great main course option. Add a wine pairing to enjoy the full experience.
Jeune et Jolie | 2659 State St., Ste. 102, Carlsbad, CA 92008 | $$$$
Top-Rated Cooking Classes in San Diego Master the art of gourmet cuisine taught by San Diego's best chefs. Book Now5. Glass Box
The name of this romantic restaurant in San Diego is a reference to the chefs’ desire to have a “transparent dining experience.” Being surrounded by glass creates a unique way to enjoy your meal.
The Vibe
Contemporary and sleek while remaining intimate, Glass Box is a unique romantic restaurant in San Diego. Dine at a two-person table or at the sushi bar to watch the chefs prepare your meal.
What to Order
A Thai salad and poke nachos are a great start to your meal. Sushi lovers will want to dive into the extensive menu that includes specialty sashimi and à la carte options.
Glass Box | 12841 El Camino Real, Ste. 203, San Diego, CA 92130 | $$$
6. RustiCucina
The three owners of RustiCucina grew up in Sicily before moving to San Diego. The name reflects American and Italian cultures coming together to create one of the most romantic restaurants in San Diego with an Italian flare.
The Vibe
You’ll feel as if you've been transported to Italy when dining at this romantic restaurant in San Diego. With rustic brick walls, vintage photos and contemporary light fixtures mixed in with hanging plants, it’s an intimate space in which to dine.
What to Order
For a truly Italian meal at this romantic restaurant in San Diego, consider building your own pasta. Or, opt for a favorite like ossobuco and pollo alla parmigiana.
RustiCucina | 3797 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92103 | $
7. Sandpiper Woodfired Grill & Oysters
If you're looking for variety, Sandpiper Woodfire Grill & Oysters offers shellfish from three different coasts — West, East and Baja.
The Vibe
A casual eatery with some of the best seafood in San Diego, this romantic restaurant in San Diego offers a more laid-back beachy vibe. With contemporary décor in the intimate dining room and an open-air patio, it’s the perfect place to relax in the evening with a good meal.
What to Order
The variety of oyster dishes, from raw oysters to oysters Rockefeller, are go-to options at this romantic restaurant in San Diego. If you aren't up for seafood, the housemade pasta is to die for.
Sandpiper Woodfired Grill & Oysters | 2259 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037 | $$
8. Wolf in the Woods
San Diego Magazine awarded Wolf in the Woods 2024 Restaurant of the Year. It’s not hard to see why, with a blend of American, Hispanic and European influences.
The Vibe
Cozy, warm lighting and leather booths make this an enchanting, romantic restaurant in San Diego. Clean and traditional with a little rustic flare, Wolf in the Woods is uniquely styled.
What to Order
Order Cantabrian sea boquerones for tapas and jamón ibérico de bellota for tostas.
Wolf in the Woods | 1920 Fort Stockton Drive, Ste. C, San Diego, CA 92103 | $$$
Top-Rated Cooking Classes in San Diego Master the art of gourmet cuisine taught by San Diego's best chefs. Book Now9. Animae
Transport yourself to a traditional Japanese steakhouse with a mix of California culture when having a date night at Animae.
The Vibe
With a dining room featuring a Contemporary Art Deco vibe filled with golds and greens, Animae is a romantic restaurant in San Diego with plenty of comfort and charm.
What to Order
Taiwanese chicken and ume oysters will give you a taste of Asian fusion. Indulge in the Japanese steakhouse flavors with Japanese A5 cuts.
Animae | 969 Pacific Hwy., San Diego, CA 92101 | $$$$
10. The Marine Room
Known for sustainable seafood and oceanside views, The Marine Room has a longstanding history of delighting guests. It’s been one of the most romantic restaurants in San Diego since 1941.
The Vibe
Though it’s been around for decades, the interior of this romantic restaurant in San Diego features contemporary décor with pops of oceanside color. The cozy and elevated interior is the perfect place to watch the sunset while you dine.
What to Order
Try the swordfish or branzino for a taste of sustainable California seafood.
The Marine Room | 1950 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037 | $$$$
11. ARTIFACT at Mingei
This unique restaurant is located in the Mingei International Museum.Lunch atARTIFACT at Mingeiis served between Tuesday and Sunday with a dinner option on Friday evenings.
The Vibe
A sleek and contemporary space with comfortable sofas as booths and a large outdoor patio to dine.Couples will love dining among exquisite art, both indoors and out.
What to Order
For lunch at this romantic restaurant in San Diego, the crispy tofu and king oyster mushroom dish will be a light, yet filling meal. West African suya spiced half chicken makes a delicious dinner meal.
ARTIFACT at Mingei | 1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 | $$
12. A.R. Valentien
This romantic restaurant in San Diego is the signature restaurant of The Lodge Torrey Pines. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal in an intimate setting, whether you’re staying at the resort or not.
The Vibe
You'll have a beautiful view over the 18th hole while enjoying fine dining at A.R. Valentien. The indoor-outdoor dining setup decorated with wood creates an intimate space for a date. Wednesday through Friday evenings feature live music.
What to Order
Crispy skin baja kanpachi and the California lamb rack are popular options on the menu.
A.R. Valentien | 11480 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037 | $$$$
Top-Rated Cooking Classes in San Diego Master the art of gourmet cuisine taught by San Diego's best chefs. Book Now13. Herb & Sea
Book a date night at Herb & Sea to experience just one of Chef Brian Malarkey’s 15 successful restaurants. Featured on the "Today Show," "Good Morning America" and a variety of chef competition shows, it’s clear the restaurant is under good leadership.
The Vibe
With bright décor reminiscent of the seaside, elegant chandeliers and pops of blue accents, Herb & Sea is a sophisticated, yet casual restaurant.
What to Order
This romantic restaurant in San Diego puts a California spin on surf and turf cuisine. The eight-ounce filet and Mediterranean branzino are two dishes worth ordering. Plenty of other seafood and non-seafood options — pizza and pasta to name a few — also promise to blow you away.
Herb & Sea | 131 W D St., Encinitas, CA 92024 | $$$
14. Seneca Trattoria
This authentic-style trattoria will transport you to Rome. It has aerial views of the water from the 19th floor of the Intercontinental Hotel, making it a romantic restaurant in San Diego with stunning scenery.
The Vibe
Warm wood and cozy booths with an upscale contemporary design make Seneca Trattoria one of the most intimate and romantic restaurants in San Diego.
What to Order
Truffle arancini and cacio e pepe will have your mouth watering. The spaghetti carbonara is also one of the most popular menu items.
Seneca Trattoria | 901 Bayfront Court, Level 19, San Diego, CA 92101 | $$$
15. Marisi
Rooted in family and hearty cuisine, Marisi is a romantic restaurant in San Diego that features a variety of Italian dishes with a focus on tradition and fine dining.
The Vibe
A colorful interior with bright pillows in the booth and patterned tiles on the floor make Marisi a contemporary and intimate romantic restaurant in San Diego.
What to Order
The homemade pasta is a must-try on. Classic rigatoni or savory linguine alla Genovese will be the perfect option.
Marisi | 1044 Wall St., La Jolla, CA 92037 | $$$
16. Charles + Dinorah
Located in The Pearl Hotel, Charles + Dinorah is an open-air restaurant overlooking the crystal-clear pool. The name refers to the hotel’s original owners, almost as a suggestion to lovers on a date night.
The Vibe
With bright and contemporary décor, Charles + Dinorah is the perfect romantic restaurant in San Diego if you’re looking for an upscale casual space to wind down and eat together.
What to Order
The fried chicken sandwich is a crowd-pleaser and the short rib pappardelle will have you pining for seconds.
Charles + Dinorah | 1410 Rosecrans St., San Diego, CA 92106 | $$
Top-Rated Cooking Classes in San Diego Master the art of gourmet cuisine taught by San Diego's best chefs. Book Now17. The Desmond
Located in the Kimpton Alma Hotel in Downtown San Diego, The Desmond provides the best of San Diego cuisine.
The Vibe
A clean and contemporary space with dark wood and a pop of blue, The Desmond boasts a stylish space — the epitome of upscale-casual.
What to Order
Enjoy California cuisine at this romantic restaurant in San Diego with local bass or tonnarelli fideo, a pasta that features fresh mussels.
The Desmond | 1047 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101 | $$$
18. Juniper & Ivy
Although Juniper & Ivy is located in an abandoned warehouse, don’t let the location scare you. This restaurant has some of the best San Diego food, recognized by the Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand Distinction in 2019.
The Vibe
Clad with medium-stained wood and sleek tile, the contemporary space offers a beautiful backdrop for dinner. Intimate booths throughout the restaurant make it one of the most romantic restaurants in San Diego.
What to Order
Doppio ravioli is the perfect start to a meal here, along with Spanish octopus and rigatoni al forno. For a large plate, consider the whole duck, which serves two.
Juniper & Ivy | 2228 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101 | $$$
19. Temaki Bar
Sushi lovers will want to head to Temaki Bar. This romantic restaurant in San Diego features traditional hand-rolled sushi as a result of sustainable practices. Chef JoJo Ruiz has won a James Beard Foundation recognition as a Smart Catch Leader.
The Vibe
Laid-back and casual, it features a clean and contemporary interior with a wood sushi bar. This spot is ideal if you're looking for an affordable romantic restaurant in San Diego.
What to Order
Mix and match handrolls by trying blue crab, spicy tuna and vegetable sushi. You can also opt for selections from the chefs' cut rolls, sashimi and nigiri.
Temaki Bar | 575 South Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, CA 92024 | $$
20. Ambrogio by Acquerello
A fine dining experience like no other, Ambrogio by Acquerello is a partnership between a local restaurant group and a Michelin Star restaurant in Italy led by Chef Silvio Salmoiraghi.
The Vibe
Eclicitic pops of yellow set against white tile create a cozy atmosphere at this romantic restaurant in San Diego. The outdoor patio allows you to dine in an Italian-inspired space while enjoying the fresh air.
What to Order
Ambrogio by Acquerello has two eight-course tasting menus that change with the seasons. Opt for the chef’s menu or the vegetarian menu.
Ambrogio by Acquerello | 7556 Fay Ave., La Jolla, CA 92037 | $$$$
Top-Rated Cooking Classes in San Diego Master the art of gourmet cuisine taught by San Diego's best chefs. Book Now21. Callie
Though it’s a newcomer to the San Diego culinary scene, Callie has already made its mark. It marries the flavors of the Mediterranean with the ingredients of Southern California.
The Vibe
Filled with contemporary wood, tiled finishes and warm, ambient lighting, Callie is truly one of the most romantic restaurants in San Diego.
What to Order
Corn and shish*to ravioli and harissa grilled lamb chops will allow you to sample Chef Travis Swikard’s bold take on Mediterranean cuisine.
Callie | 1195 Island Ave., San Diego, CA 92101 | $$$$
22. El Sueño
Named one of the best restaurants in San Diego for 2023, El Sueño has made a splash on the city's culinary scene. It features a co*cktail lounge to enjoy a refreshing drink before a delightful meal.
The Vibe
Vibrant décor, lush greenery and colorful pops of color make this one of the most fun restaurants to dine at in San Diego. Comfortable velvet seating creates an intimate space for a date night.
What to Order
For dinner at this romantic restaurant in San Diego, the quesabirria taco plate and vegan tempeh taco plate are two delicious options. Sweet churros are the perfect end to the meal.
El Sueño | 2836 Juan St., San Diego, CA 92110 | $$
23. Kingfisher
Unique French-Vietnamese fusion makes Kingfisher one of the most interesting restaurants in the city. Owner Kim Phan created this space to share more about his culture and memories through food.
The Vibe
Colorful wallpaper around the restaurant, a sleek bar at the center and cozy leather booths create a romantic restaurant in San Diego with tons of personality.
What to Order
House-made egg noodles with black truffle and crispy chicken wings will pair perfectly with the variety of specialty co*cktails on the menu.
Kingfisher | 2469 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92102 | $$$
24. Born and Raised
Renowned and noted for its classic steakhouse menu, Born and Raised evokes a classic sense of glamor that will take you back to a golden age.
The Vibe
This romantic restaurant in San Diego features a co*cktail lounge, rooftop bar and cozy interior, so you have plenty of options for a date night.
What to Order
The steak options are what you come to this restaurant for, so opt for the sampler if you’re looking to get a full taste. Otherwise, a classic ribeye or porterhouse will do the trick.
Born and Raised | 1909 India St., San Diego, CA 92101 | $$$$
25. Lilian’s
Thanks to a “living-off-the-land" mentality, you can bet the food at Lilian’s is fresh, local and sustainable, besides being delicious.
The Vibe
This romantic restaurant in San Diego has elegance and charm like no other. A vibrant green dining room and expansive patio make this the perfect upscale, yet comfortable spot for a date.
What to Order
The Peking duck tostada is a great option for both dinner and brunch dates. For brunch, you’ll also love a brioche French toast. Go back for the kale cavatappi for dinner.
Lilian’s | 5951 Linea Del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92091 | $$$$
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Many couples believe that regular date nights are necessary to maintain closeness in their relationship and experience new things together. If you're based in California, romantic restaurants in San Diego are the perfect place to do just that. Whether you’re looking for your new favorite spot for a casual date night or somewhere to celebrate a milestone, the city has plenty of spots to try. The many romantic restaurants in San Diego offer incredible dishes, a variety of cuisines and intimate atmospheres to make your date one to remember.
For even more ways to explore San Diego and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
