On the Pacific coast in Southern California is the wonderful bright city of San Diego, best known for its zoo, museums, and gardens. Much like the other cities in the state, there are no shortages of lavish, fancy restaurants for you to splurge on. From extravagant seafood diners to the finest selection of wine, cocktails and craft beers, there are plenty of options to choose from. Between high-flying views of the city skyline or a beautiful spectacle of the coast and ocean, take your time to slowly peruse the online menus and carefully plan your special birthday or anniversary dinner. Check out our list of the best fancy restaurants in San Diego, California.
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1. Addison
The elegant cuisine and quality of service at the Addison restaurant in Fairmont Gran Del Mar will be worth every penny. You can go for the four-course menu or the ten-course menu, with a guarantee that each course “is as visually exciting as it is utterly delicious”. The ambiance and luxurious feel to the place further enhance the outstanding experience.
Addison
Address: 5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130, USA
Website: Addison
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 6pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 5:30pm - 9:30pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
2. Grant Grill
The service at Grant Grill is excellent and professional. The fine dining restaurant in downtown San Diego boasts a diverse menu for breakfast lunch and dinner, and everything from the bread and potatoes to the mock turtle soup and beef tenderloin will appeal to your tastes. Not to forget the impressive selection of wine, beer and cocktails to go with your meal. There’s also a live jazz band on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, further enriching the ambiance.
Grant Grill
Address: 326 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Website: Grant Grill
Opening hours: 6:30am - 10pm (daily)
3. Mister A's
Be sure to make a reservation at Mister A’s if you are looking to have a serene dinner overlooking the San Diego skyline and bay. Aside from the spectacular sweeping views, the restaurant offers hand-crafted cocktails and extravagant wine in addition to its wide selection of dishes like the lobster bisque, duck, sea bass and seafood selection. Definitely, the place to go for a special occasion.
Mister A's
Address: 2550 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
Website: Mister A’s
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:30am - 9:45pm; Sat: 5pm - 9:30pm; Sun: 10am-6pm
4. JRDN
Tower 23 describes JRDN as “cool, fresh, clean and upbeat”. Located right by the beach, the restaurant offers a great view into the ocean horizon, contributing to a tranquil yet dramatic dining atmosphere. Drop by for brunch and salad or enjoy a larger portion of steak and ribeye for dinner. The restaurant provides excellent service and is the perfect environment for a birthday treat or anniversary dinner.
JRDN
Address: 723 Felspar St, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Website: JRDN
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 9am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 9:30pm
5. Veranda Fireside Lounge and Restaurant
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Overlooking the 18-hole golf course and surrounded by lush olive trees and gardens, the Veranda offers a cozy and comfortable indoor and outdoor environment for you to enjoy a savory dining experience. The seasonal menu features contemporary Californian cuisine, scrupulously made and constructed with “locally-sourced ingredients” and “freshly grown herbs from our own garden”. Come to enjoy a wonderful dinner by the fire pit or indulge in live entertainment by local artists while sipping some delightful wine.
Veranda Fireside Lounge and Restaurant
Address: 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr, San Diego, CA 92128, USA
Website: Veranda Fireside Lounge and Restaurant
Opening hours: 6:30am - 10pm (daily)
6. The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
The Oceanaire Seafood Room is where you go for your romantic, upscale seafood delights. Start off with the crab cakes, oysters and clam chowder, move on to the swordfish and lobster tails and end off with a nice slice of chocolate cake or key lime pie. Pair your seafood adventure with their wonderful wine or creative cocktails. Each course is oozing with taste and flavor - waiting to be devoured!
The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Address: 400 J St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Website: The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 11pm
7. Dine Entertain Network (DEN)
If you are staying at the San Diego Marriott Mission Valley hotel, or happen to be in the area, check out the hotel’s very own breakfast to dinner restaurant. Enjoy a wide selection of American cuisine from their menu, with quality food and excellent services. If you are just looking for an appetizer or an evening cocktail/craft beer to watch the sunset at the patio, Happy Hour is served Monday to Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm,
Dine Entertain Network (DEN)
Address: 8757 Rio San Diego Dr, San Diego, CA 92108, USA
Website: Dine Entertain Network (DEN)
Opening hours: 24/7
8. Hazelwoods On The Bay
Tonight's Dinner special Chef A.C. 's Albacore Tuna Noodle Casserole with sauteed veggies, ricotta cheese made in house with white sauce YUMMY, side salad, garlic bread & fountain drink only $10.95
Posted by Hazelwoods on the Bay on Wednesday, 16 September 2015
This little deli is a great space to simply chill while enjoying an exotic sandwich or tortellini salad by the bay. If you are staying at Wyndham Bayside, it is necessary to visit this place. You can come here for breakfast, lunch and (or) dinner. Take advantage of the outdoor patio to bask in the wonderful scenery.
Hazelwoods On The Bay
Address: 1355 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Website: Hazelwood
Opening hours: 6am to 9pm (daily)
9. Lionfish
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine at Pendry Hotel, San Diego, is an upscale seafood restaurant that boasts an impressive menu and professional services. Each dish from the oysters to the lobster rolls to the sea bass is expertly served with a creative spin that gives it a unique taste. Happy Hour is available nightly from 5 pm to 7 pm, with an exclusive menu of handrolls to go with your draft beers and craft cocktails.
Lionfish
Address: 435 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Website: Lionfish
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 11pm
10. Oceana Coastal Kitchen
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Oceana Coastal Kitchen at Catamaran Resort offers a pleasant dining experience with an outdoor patio that sports a gorgeous view of the sunset and bay. The beachfront restaurant serves a diverse menu of seafood dishes (sushi, sea bass, scallops, etc.) for brunch and dinner. Look out for their weekly specials such as live music and craft beer discounts.
Oceana Coastal Kitchen
Address: 3999 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Website: Oceana Coastal Kitchen
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 6:30am - 2pm, 5:30pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 6:30am - 2pm, 5:30pm - 11pm
Fine dining in San Diego
There’s probably more to go around, but these are some of the more upscale restaurants that can suit any occasion at any time, from a scenic meal with your significant other to a birthday lunch for your kids.
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