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20 Romantic Restaurants in San Diego for Date Night

From a first date to an anniversary dinner, here’s where to find cozy corners and memorable meals

by Roxana Becerril
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by Roxana Becerril
Jeune et Jolie

San Diego might be known as a casual town, but our restaurants sure do know how to set the scene if you’re looking to make an impression on a first date or celebrate a relationship milestone. From dimly-lit bistros to splashy Michelin-starred venues, here are 20 spots ready to help you sweep that special someone off their feet as Valentine’s Day approaches.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Jeune et Jolie

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The blush-colored Jeune et Jolie in North County aims to redefine French cuisine through the “vibrant lens of our Southern California landscape”, offering a charming Michelin-starred dining experience in Carlsbad. A six-course prix fixe menu with cocktail and wine pairings can be expected on February 14th. Reservations can be made here.

2659 State St Suite 102, Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 637-5266
(760) 637-5266
Pink booths outline the back wall covered in art pieces. Jeune et Jolie

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VAGA Restaurant & Bar

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A “love letter to the city of San Diego,” the oceanfront restaurant at Alila Marea Beach Resort paints a picturesque image of the coastline at Encinitas. With its unencumbered views, sunset dinners don’t get much better than this.

2100 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 452-3484
(760) 452-3484
Alila Marea Beach Resort

Also featured in:

Valentina Restaurant

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A romantic stop along the 101 in Leucadia, this intimate European-style bistro offers a seasonal three-course dinner with oysters, sea bass, pepper-crusted carpaccio, and lamb chop that can be paired with a glass of wine from one of the 120 bottles carried on site. Reservations are required and can be made online.

810 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 943-6686
(760) 943-6686
Bar seating. Kimberly Motos

Also featured in:

Addison Restaurant

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The three-Michelin-starred Addison exhibits the “beauty and allure of California gastronomy.” Set adjacent to the Fairmont Grand Del Mar’, Addison is the ultimate special occasion destination, offering a nine-course experience by chef William Bradley with caviar and other “seasonal luxuries” this Valentine’s Day. 

5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 314-1900
(858) 314-1900
Caviar sitting atop koshihikari rice. Eric Wolfinger

Also featured in:

A.R. Valentien

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The dining standout at the Lodge at Torrey Pines, A.R. Valentien is known for its farm-to-table dishes which will be included in this year’s seasonal menu by chef Kelli Crosson. A suitable and welcoming venue for a date night, the dining rooms and outdoor deck sitting areas guarantee impeccable views of the Torrey Pines Golf Course.

11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 777-6635
(858) 777-6635

Also featured in:

The Marine Room

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Day or night, the panoramic ocean views at The Marine Room are unmatched at this La Jolla gem. Accompany that with chef Mike Minor’s special Valentine’s Day four-course dining experience featuring ora king salmon tataki, scallop crudo, seafood risotto and a chocolate lava cake, and you’ll be swept away by both the cuisine and the crashing high tide waves. The recently renovated dining rooms and more relaxed lounge make for a perfect upscale venue by the sea. 

2000 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-7222
(858) 459-7222
Dining lounge with ocean views. Hayley Hill

Also featured in:

Marisi

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A newer addition to La Jolla, Marisi brings the Amalfi Coast to California with its handmade pastas, wood-fired meals and elevated Italian trattoria flair. A four-course experience is planned for the season’s special occasion including options like cacio e pepe gougere, black truffle cappelletti and a tuna crudo. Reservations can be made online.

1044 Wall St, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 401-6787
(858) 401-6787
An interior view of the bar. Kimberly Motos

Also featured in:

Wormwood

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A cozy absinthe bar and wine bistro, Wormwood is from the creative group behind Tahona and Botanica. French cheese, caviar, and wagyu tartare are some of the bistro’s standouts, which can be enjoyed inside the dining room or on the lush back patio that serves as a secret garden.

4677 30th St, San Diego, CA 92116
(619) 915-6706
(619) 915-6706
Charming outdoor patio with wooden dining table and chairs. Arlene Ibarra

Also featured in:

Wolf In The Woods

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Inspired by “classic and modern New Mexican aesthetics,” the cuisine at Wolf in The Woods draws from Native American, European, and Hispanic cultures to create a style specific to the intimate and warm Mission Hills location. Tapas, tostas, wine options and cheeseboards are just a few of the eclectic yet decadent listings here.

1920 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 234-2597
(619) 234-2597

Cardellino

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A midwest chophouse meets an Italian trattoria with snug booth seating and an extensive list of wine options, this Trust Restaurant Group outpost is featuring V-Day specials including a cocktail with edible flowers. For a double date, consider the Tuscan Experience, an impromptu meal for three to four people consisting of four courses selected by chef Brad Wise.

4033 Goldfinch St, San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 600-5311
(619) 600-5311
Matt Furman

Also featured in:

Cori Pastificio Trattoria

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Recently rated one of the top Italian restaurants in the world by Gambero Rosso, this pasta palace and neighborhood gem is doing a four-course tasting menu on Valentine’s Day with optional wine pairings and the opportunity for an all-vegan version.

2977 Upas St, San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 573-6159
(619) 573-6159
Pasta dish from Cori Pastificio Trattoria Sam Wells

Also featured in:

Alexanders on 30th

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A venue that’s romantic by default, the white-and-black-color-themed Alexander’s on 30th features an outdoor patio with twinkling lights perfect for an evening filled with bruschetta, pizza and other Italian favorites.

3391 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 281-2539
(619) 281-2539

Mister A's

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Sitting atop the Manchester Building, a prix fixe menu and 180-degree views of the city will be served at this local icon. Choose from a 15-page wine list or the cocktail menu for your drink of choice for washing down chef Stephane Voitzwinkler’s selection of blue pool oysters, Hudson Valley duck confit rillette, and other seasonal delicacies. Reservations can be made on OpenTable.

2550 Fifth Ave 12th floor, San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 239-1377
(619) 239-1377
Couple clink cocktail glasses with views of the city in the background. Lucianna McIntosh

Also featured in:

Prado

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After a day at the museums, settle into the historic Prado restaurant with an open-air patio set with fountains and sparkling lights. With both land and sea dishes, this restaurant has a variety of Spanish-centered options for everyone.

1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 557-9441
(619) 557-9441

Also featured in:

Herb & Wood

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The chic and atmospheric space will offer a special Mediterranean feast in honor of Valentine’s Day priced at $125 per person with the option to add a wine pairing for an additional $60. Chef Carlos Anthony will prepare dishes like bone marrow and rack of lamb, and to finish, a chocolate lava cake and raspberry tart. Reservations are required and can be booked online. 

2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 955-8495
(619) 955-8495
Dinner booths sit below a wooden-beam-covered ceiling. Bailey Films

Also featured in:

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Born and Raised

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Old school meets new wave at this retro-modern steakhouse with delightful table-side cart service. Decorated with olive green Italian marble and gold detailing, the venue boasts impressive features, among them a 40-square-foot dry-aging steak room and a rooftop bar with enviable views.

1909 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 202-4577
(619) 202-4577
Wooden interiors with a bar decorated in green, Italian marble. Zack Benson

Also featured in:

Seneca Trattoria

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A Roman trattoria perched atop the InterContinental Hotel San Diego, Seneca has an aura similar to that of an antique ocean vessel navigating through the skyline above the San Diego harbor. Pastas, pizzas and porterhouse steaks prepared on a wood-burning hearth are served here, as are pours centered on the following categories: spritz, long, fix, gin down, whiskey, and agave.

901 Bayfront Ct Level 19, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 877-8642
(619) 877-8642
Multi-colored booths with matching umbrellas. Garrett Rowland

Also featured in:

The Desmond Restaurant

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Located at the Kimpton Alma San Diego hotel in the Gaslamp, the Desmond’s moody and mysterious interior features low lighting and a modern aesthetic. As far as the dishes go, a strawberry and champagne pate de fui, Kampachi crudo and Baja striped bass will all be featured in a Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu from chef Jason Neroni while the dessert lineup calls for items like cheesecake with pomegranate and sparkling rosè gelee. Reservations are available here.

1047 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 515-3000 
(619) 515-3000 
A dimly-lit cocktail bar. Kimpton Alma

Also featured in:

Animae

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For an ultraluxe dining experience, the art-deco Animae will provide a four-course experience featuring items like tuna crudo, Kabobucha squash arancini, a matcha mochi cake and other delectable dishes for $155 per person with the option to add caviar service price tagged at $100. Reservations can be booked here.

969 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 432-1225
(619) 432-1225
Green velvet-covered booths with gold chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Dustin Bailey

Also featured in:

Lumi

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Lumi’s colorful array of Peruvian and Japanese-inspired dishes will be featured in a special Valentine’s Day six-course experience from Friday, Feb. 10 to Sunday, Feb 12 (the restaurant will be closed on Feb. 14). Included in the menu: a heart-shaped tuna pizza, lobster tempura, Chilean sea bass, eye of ribeye topped with rose petals, and a “decadent surprise dessert.” A pink-tinted Love Royale cocktail made with Giavi Prosecco Brut and La Pinta Pomegranate Liqueur decorated with edible flowers will also be available.

366 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 329-5864
(619) 329-5864
A pink cocktail topped with flower petals. Lumi

Also featured in:

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Jeune et Jolie

2659 State St Suite 102, Carlsbad, CA 92008

The blush-colored Jeune et Jolie in North County aims to redefine French cuisine through the “vibrant lens of our Southern California landscape”, offering a charming Michelin-starred dining experience in Carlsbad. A six-course prix fixe menu with cocktail and wine pairings can be expected on February 14th. Reservations can be made here.

2659 State St Suite 102, Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 637-5266
(760) 637-5266
Pink booths outline the back wall covered in art pieces. Jeune et Jolie

VAGA Restaurant & Bar

2100 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

A “love letter to the city of San Diego,” the oceanfront restaurant at Alila Marea Beach Resort paints a picturesque image of the coastline at Encinitas. With its unencumbered views, sunset dinners don’t get much better than this.

2100 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 452-3484
(760) 452-3484
Alila Marea Beach Resort

Valentina Restaurant

810 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

A romantic stop along the 101 in Leucadia, this intimate European-style bistro offers a seasonal three-course dinner with oysters, sea bass, pepper-crusted carpaccio, and lamb chop that can be paired with a glass of wine from one of the 120 bottles carried on site. Reservations are required and can be made online.

810 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 943-6686
(760) 943-6686
Bar seating. Kimberly Motos

Addison Restaurant

5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130

The three-Michelin-starred Addison exhibits the “beauty and allure of California gastronomy.” Set adjacent to the Fairmont Grand Del Mar’, Addison is the ultimate special occasion destination, offering a nine-course experience by chef William Bradley with caviar and other “seasonal luxuries” this Valentine’s Day. 

5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 314-1900
(858) 314-1900
Caviar sitting atop koshihikari rice. Eric Wolfinger

A.R. Valentien

11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

The dining standout at the Lodge at Torrey Pines, A.R. Valentien is known for its farm-to-table dishes which will be included in this year’s seasonal menu by chef Kelli Crosson. A suitable and welcoming venue for a date night, the dining rooms and outdoor deck sitting areas guarantee impeccable views of the Torrey Pines Golf Course.

11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 777-6635
(858) 777-6635

The Marine Room

2000 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037

Day or night, the panoramic ocean views at The Marine Room are unmatched at this La Jolla gem. Accompany that with chef Mike Minor’s special Valentine’s Day four-course dining experience featuring ora king salmon tataki, scallop crudo, seafood risotto and a chocolate lava cake, and you’ll be swept away by both the cuisine and the crashing high tide waves. The recently renovated dining rooms and more relaxed lounge make for a perfect upscale venue by the sea. 

2000 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-7222
(858) 459-7222
Dining lounge with ocean views. Hayley Hill

Marisi

1044 Wall St, La Jolla, CA 92037

A newer addition to La Jolla, Marisi brings the Amalfi Coast to California with its handmade pastas, wood-fired meals and elevated Italian trattoria flair. A four-course experience is planned for the season’s special occasion including options like cacio e pepe gougere, black truffle cappelletti and a tuna crudo. Reservations can be made online.

1044 Wall St, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 401-6787
(858) 401-6787
An interior view of the bar. Kimberly Motos

Wormwood

4677 30th St, San Diego, CA 92116

A cozy absinthe bar and wine bistro, Wormwood is from the creative group behind Tahona and Botanica. French cheese, caviar, and wagyu tartare are some of the bistro’s standouts, which can be enjoyed inside the dining room or on the lush back patio that serves as a secret garden.

4677 30th St, San Diego, CA 92116
(619) 915-6706
(619) 915-6706
Charming outdoor patio with wooden dining table and chairs. Arlene Ibarra

Wolf In The Woods

1920 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego, CA 92103

Inspired by “classic and modern New Mexican aesthetics,” the cuisine at Wolf in The Woods draws from Native American, European, and Hispanic cultures to create a style specific to the intimate and warm Mission Hills location. Tapas, tostas, wine options and cheeseboards are just a few of the eclectic yet decadent listings here.

1920 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 234-2597
(619) 234-2597

Cardellino

4033 Goldfinch St, San Diego, CA 92103

A midwest chophouse meets an Italian trattoria with snug booth seating and an extensive list of wine options, this Trust Restaurant Group outpost is featuring V-Day specials including a cocktail with edible flowers. For a double date, consider the Tuscan Experience, an impromptu meal for three to four people consisting of four courses selected by chef Brad Wise.

4033 Goldfinch St, San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 600-5311
(619) 600-5311
Matt Furman

Cori Pastificio Trattoria

2977 Upas St, San Diego, CA 92104

Recently rated one of the top Italian restaurants in the world by Gambero Rosso, this pasta palace and neighborhood gem is doing a four-course tasting menu on Valentine’s Day with optional wine pairings and the opportunity for an all-vegan version.

2977 Upas St, San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 573-6159
(619) 573-6159
Pasta dish from Cori Pastificio Trattoria Sam Wells

Alexanders on 30th

3391 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104

A venue that’s romantic by default, the white-and-black-color-themed Alexander’s on 30th features an outdoor patio with twinkling lights perfect for an evening filled with bruschetta, pizza and other Italian favorites.

3391 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 281-2539
(619) 281-2539

Mister A's

2550 Fifth Ave 12th floor, San Diego, CA 92103

Sitting atop the Manchester Building, a prix fixe menu and 180-degree views of the city will be served at this local icon. Choose from a 15-page wine list or the cocktail menu for your drink of choice for washing down chef Stephane Voitzwinkler’s selection of blue pool oysters, Hudson Valley duck confit rillette, and other seasonal delicacies. Reservations can be made on OpenTable.

2550 Fifth Ave 12th floor, San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 239-1377
(619) 239-1377
Couple clink cocktail glasses with views of the city in the background. Lucianna McIntosh

Prado

1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

After a day at the museums, settle into the historic Prado restaurant with an open-air patio set with fountains and sparkling lights. With both land and sea dishes, this restaurant has a variety of Spanish-centered options for everyone.

1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 557-9441
(619) 557-9441

Herb & Wood

2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

The chic and atmospheric space will offer a special Mediterranean feast in honor of Valentine’s Day priced at $125 per person with the option to add a wine pairing for an additional $60. Chef Carlos Anthony will prepare dishes like bone marrow and rack of lamb, and to finish, a chocolate lava cake and raspberry tart. Reservations are required and can be booked online. 

2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 955-8495
(619) 955-8495
Dinner booths sit below a wooden-beam-covered ceiling. Bailey Films

Related Maps

Born and Raised

1909 India St, San Diego, CA 92101

Old school meets new wave at this retro-modern steakhouse with delightful table-side cart service. Decorated with olive green Italian marble and gold detailing, the venue boasts impressive features, among them a 40-square-foot dry-aging steak room and a rooftop bar with enviable views.

1909 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 202-4577
(619) 202-4577
Wooden interiors with a bar decorated in green, Italian marble. Zack Benson

Seneca Trattoria

901 Bayfront Ct Level 19, San Diego, CA 92101

A Roman trattoria perched atop the InterContinental Hotel San Diego, Seneca has an aura similar to that of an antique ocean vessel navigating through the skyline above the San Diego harbor. Pastas, pizzas and porterhouse steaks prepared on a wood-burning hearth are served here, as are pours centered on the following categories: spritz, long, fix, gin down, whiskey, and agave.

901 Bayfront Ct Level 19, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 877-8642
(619) 877-8642
Multi-colored booths with matching umbrellas. Garrett Rowland

The Desmond Restaurant

1047 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Located at the Kimpton Alma San Diego hotel in the Gaslamp, the Desmond’s moody and mysterious interior features low lighting and a modern aesthetic. As far as the dishes go, a strawberry and champagne pate de fui, Kampachi crudo and Baja striped bass will all be featured in a Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu from chef Jason Neroni while the dessert lineup calls for items like cheesecake with pomegranate and sparkling rosè gelee. Reservations are available here.

1047 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 515-3000 
(619) 515-3000