Diners' Choice: Romantic restaurants in San Diego

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that are the most romantic in San Diego? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

AR Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines

4.9

4.9 (2482)

$50 and over

Farm-to-table

La Jolla

About the restaurant

A.R. Valentien, the signature restaurant at the AAA Five Diamond resort The Lodge at Torrey Pines, features innovative California cuisine served in a breathtaking setting overlooking the Torrey Pines Golf Course and Pacific Ocean coastline. Executive Chef Kelli Crosson uses only the best local provisions, and the menu changes daily depending on what's offered at local farmers' markets, as well as from other local growers, ranchers and fishermen. The restaurant's wine list features California wines exclusively, including a variety of boutique wineries from throughout the state.

A.R. Valentien’s sophisticated design includes artwork from the restaurant’s namesake, Albert Robert Valentien, and a spacious outdoor terrace. Special events include the seasonal Artisan Table dinner series and Celebrate the Craft, an annual charity event benefiting The Ecology Center.

PLEASE NOTE: We will be temporarily closed starting Dinner, October 13 - March 2025, due to kitchen enhancement renovations

Top review

Michellevip

Dined 7 days ago

The food was delicious and the staff were excellent.

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Popular dish

Alaskan Halibut

La Bonne Table

4.9

4.9 (1376)

$30 and under

French

Hillcrest

About the restaurant

LA BONNE TABLE is a cozy and intimate restaurant in the heart of the bustling neighborhood of Hillcrest. We serve country french food in a bistro fashion. Our menu consists of classic french dishes, a modest but excellent selection that will change with the seasons. We offer a romantic atmosphere and elegant setting, full bar and french beer on tap. Reservations are recommended as seating is very limited in this exclusive restaurant. Bon Appetit!

Top review

Michael

Dined 4 days ago

Always have an exceptional meal here. Never disappoints

Wilma's Carousel Bar

4.9

4.9 (17)

$31 to $50

Cocktail Bar

Little Italy

About the restaurant

As one of only two carousel bars in the United States, Wilma’s Carousel Bar offers a truly unique experience.
We invite you to immerse yourself in this nostalgic retreat with Executive Corporate Chef Brian Redzikowski’s French-Creole inspired dishes and Beverage Director Eric Johnson’s a selection of cocktails including both innovative spins on traditional favorites and imaginative new concoctions.

Top review

Karlvip

Dined 6 days ago

Wilma's Carousel was great! The drinks are creative and the small bites menu is awesome. Don't leave without trying their Shrimp and Grits.

Ponto Lago - Park Hyatt Aviara

4.7

4.7 (1004)

$50 and over

Californian

Carlsbad

About the restaurant

Immerse yourself into a refined modern setting featuring Baja-inspired cuisine and specialty cocktails composed of mezcal and tequila. Enjoy a show kitchen allowing you to get an inside look behind the scenes bringing Chef's creations to center stage. Locally sourced cuisine with a coastal flair is the cornerstone of this fine dining Baja-inspired experience.

Top review

Kathy

Dined 5 days ago

We were celebrating our wedding anniversary and the staff was amazing to celebrate us! The food was excellent and the desserts were great! We enjoyed the evening very much.

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San Diego Restaurant Week at Ponto Lago

Temaki Bar

4.7

4.7 (21)

$30 and under

Japanese

Encinitas

About the restaurant

Translating to “hand roll,” Temaki Bar celebrates the tradition that all perfect hand rolls should be eaten within seconds of the chef passing them across the counter — while the rice is still warm and the fish, fresh and chilled.

Delivery and in-person to-go orders are now available!

Temaki Bar does not take reservations. We encourage guests to put their name on the online waitlist up to an hour prior to their expected arrival. The online waitlist can be accessed via our website,
temakibarsushi.com, or on OpenTable. Parties larger than 4 guests cannot be guaranteed to be seated together.

EAT HERE || LIVE FOREVER

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Aug 12, 2024

Our favorite sushi spot, love the nigiri specials!

LEILA

4.7

4.7 (183)

$31 to $50

Middle Eastern

North Park

About the restaurant

A tribute to the Middle East by CH Projects.

Reservations welcomed, walk-ins for dinner, or drinks are available as well.

Leila welcomes you.

858-SAFFRON

Top review

Ayla

Dined 1 day ago

The ambience at Leila is lovely; it feels like stepping outside of the US and reminded me of restaurants abroad where natural elements and landscape are woven into the dining space. It was beautifully done - my partner and I were amazed by the quality of the materials and attention to detail. The food was also quite good. We enjoyed the lamb shank plate, a few kinds of breads and dipping sauces, and I loved the zhoug. My cocktail (something with “rug” in the name) was well balanced and delicious. We will definitely be returning and recommending to friends!

Ambrogio by Acquerello

4.6

4.6 (82)

$50 and over

Contemporary Italian

La Jolla

About the restaurant

Experience Michelin Star Chef Silvio Salmoiraghi’s Iconic 8 Course Tasting Menus in our charming La Jolla restaurant.

Signature Tasting Menu - $159 per person
Vegetarian Tasting Menu - $139 per person

* Have a glance at Chef Salmoiraghi's cuisine by enjoying a shorter version of his famous Tasting Menu. For $99, available only Tue through Thu, you will be able to experience our cuisine on your busy weekday with our 4 Course Dinner. *

We seek to operate within the frame of a New Italian Cuisine. Italy, France, Korea, Japan and California: the five places that define our cuisine and allow us to create a unique set of masterpieces where the traditional flavors of Milan typical foods meet the exoticism of Pacific Asian influences.

Recently included in the Michelin Guide.

Reservations require a $20 per person deposit fully refundable up to 24h in advance.
We gently require a 48h notice for allergies and dietary restrictions. A full Vegan Menu available only upon request.

Top review

Chrisvip

Dined on Aug 28, 2024

Incredible all around. Hostess was great and did a wonderful job explaining each course and the wine

Barrel & Board Social

4.5

4.5 (318)

$31 to $50

Californian

Hillcrest

About the restaurant

A New Woman-Forward Intimate Cocktail & Food Experience is Here!
Welcome to Hillcrest’s chicest spot for craft cocktails, barrel-aged potables, and chef-inspired shareable boards. An upscale LGBTQ+ bar, restaurant & event space brought to you by the Mo’s Universe Group!
Named San Diego's Top 10 Hottest Cocktail spots by EATER, as well as Open Table's Top 10 DINERS CHOICE Winner!

Top review

Natalie

Dined 3 days ago

From making the reservations to paying the bill, the whole experience was amazing. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. The food was delicious and beautiful. I will be going back again and again. Thank you for such a marvelous experience!

Roma Norte

4.5

4.5 (11)

$30 and under

Mexican

Downtown

About the restaurant

Roma Norte is the newest venture from the expert beverage team behind Puesto and Marisi, set to redefine the cocktail scene in downtown San Diego. Inspired by the vibrant cocktail culture of Mexico City's Roma Norte neighborhood, Roma Norte promises a technique-driven cocktail experience paired with light, refreshing Mexico City-style bites.

Please note that we have limited availability on Opentable. We recommend you check for reservations on our website, https://www.romanorte.bar!

Top review

Ben

Dined 4 days ago

Curtis was great and made excellent drinks! We will be back.

Nolita Hall

4.4

4.4 (697)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Italian

Little Italy

About the restaurant

Nolita was inspired by the famous neighborhood in New York City – coined as such for being “North of Little Italy”. Upon opening in 2018, Nolita Hall was awarded an Orchid Award for the stunning interior design provided by Tecture Design and Fabrication.

Nolita Hall provides Little Italy with a much needed communal space to enjoy a first class dining and craft cocktail experience, without missing the big games. Our kitchen boasts a Fiori woodfire oven, contributing to most of our Italian inspired menu. Our beverage program provides approachable cocktails with uncompromising integrity of ingredient procurement.

Top review

Paolo

Dined on Sep 8, 2024

Nolita Hall is a fun vibe, great place to go. Our server, both times dining there, was the reason we will keep coming back. Her name is Liza. Fun, upbeat, great about describing what drinks and menu items we would like, based on our questions we ask. She is an asset to your restaurant. I am very impressed that most of your wines by the glass are available at a nice discount during Happy Hour. As a wine drinker, and not cocktailer, thank you.

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Popular dish

CHEESE & CHARCUTERIE BOARD

Popular dish

MEAT LOVERS PIZZA

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