Best Fine Dining in San Diego County

"Described as a ‘left coast cookery’ and serving creative New American cuisine, this Little Italy venue has Executive Chef and partner Richard Blais at the helm and features a frequently changing menu. Within a modern and inviting space complete with exposed beams and colourful art guests can feast upon a host of delectable treats from snacks and raw dishes to plates both small and large."

"San Diego's culinary scene reached new heights with the opening of Juniper & Ivy. Led by "Top Chef: All-Stars" winner Richard Blais and the team at Juniper Hospitality, the popular modern American restaurant sits in a converted 1920s sawtooth warehouse in the Little Italy neighborhood. Blais' innovative approach to cooking and cuisine is a hit with locals."

"One of the most popular fine dining La Jolla restaurants is definitely Eddie V’s. It’s popular for date nights but we also like the happy hour on the Pacific Ocean view patio. You’ll dine on some of the finest seafood and hand-cut steaks with panoramic ocean views in the cozy dining room, intimate bar (with live jazz music) or on the outdoor terrace."

"Voted "Best Seafood." Come in and get hooked on the best in fresh, sustainable seafood. Waterfront patio in a historic site, full bar, happy hour, a hyper-local menu and private event rooms. Happy Hour Sunday-Thursday: 3-6pm."

"Historic building built in 1887 right across from the Hotel Del Coronado. Well behaved dogs are welcome on the patio with a great view of Coronado Yacht Club."

"Located upstairs from the more casual Fish Market, this refined venue offers views from Point Loma to the Coronado Bridge, along with cuisine that is nothing short of spectacular. An incredibly broad offering of seafood might include Scottish Isles salmon, South American lobster tail, Oregon dungeness crab, or Chilean sea bass that is all flown in daily. The romantic setting features crisp linens, flickering candlelight, impeccable service, and exhibition-style cooking."

"Fine dining and elegance don’t have to feel stuffy, and Top of the Market is the perfect example of that. Whether you’re seated inside or out on the expansive deck you’ll be able to enjoy magical harbour views and high-end seafood straight from the fish market downstairs. Locals head here for date night often, but it’s easily one of the most romantic restaurants in San Diego for anniversaries and other celebrations too."

"Located near Seaport Village, Eddie V’s offers an array of fresh seafood made from the freshest ingredients prepared with you in mind. Featuring hand-crafted cocktails poured with precision and an extensive wine menu. Open for dinnerDress code: Smart CasualPhone: +1 619-615-0281"

"Don't be put off by the name, or that it is part of a small chain. This fine-dining restaurant at the Headquarters at Seaport in Downtown has...Read More"

"If you’re looking for a full-on, fine dining experience with elegant ambiance and sublime seafood, Eddie V’s is at your service."

"Instead of dining in downtown San Diego, opt for making reservations at a restaurant where you can enjoy stunning views of the city. Whisk your date away to Shelter Island, a cosy little spot opposite of downtown. It’s there where you’ll find Coasterra, a laidback yet charming place situated right on the water."

"At Coasterra, the skyline is even more beautiful at night due to the city lights. Here you will enjoy modern Mexican food. The chorizo is out of this world."

"It may surprise you that one of the most popular restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter serves Persian food. Expect filet mignon, lamb chicken, fish garlic, onion, vegetables, nuts, pomegranate, herbs, saffron, lime and other flavors that compliment a healthy eating lifestyle. The portions are quite large with a variety of options suitable for vegetarians."

"For a celebratory upscale meal in San Diego’s Gaslamp District, you won’t be disappointed at The Oceanaire Seafood Room. Great for a date night, the dining room feels like you’re stepping aboard a luxury ocean liner from years past. Start with the Grand Shellfish Tower — an array of fresh crab legs, jumbo shrimp, and other ocean goodies served atop crushed ice in an impressive display."

"The Oceanaire Seafood Room is one of the premier dining locations in San Diego, located in the Gas Lamp District. The establishment is a part of a high-end restaurant chain that offers a sophisticated yet lively environment that draws crowds of diners. The art-decor is reminiscent of an ocean liner with upscale accents and the service is great."

"Versatility and freshness set this seafood specialist apart. Combining a bountiful oyster bar with a fresh fish menu that changes daily, Oceanaire offers a changing selection that may include snapper, swordfish, grouper, mahi-mahi and blue marlin steak. Jumbo lump crab cakes and fish and chips are favorites as well."

"Blending classic techniques with adventurous Pacific Rim flavors, culinary pioneer Roy Yamaguchi created an innovative approach to fine dining. Enjoy spectacular sunsets over the San Diego Bay and exceptional patio dining at Roy's restaurant. Open for lunch and dinnerDress code: Dress JeansPhone: +1 619-239-7697"

"Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion® Cuisine promises to make for one of the most unique fine dining experiences available. Open for dinnerDress code: CasualPhone: +1 619-239-7697"

"This ramen chain is huge in Japan and when they opened their first American location in Kearny Mesa in 2017, people lost their minds. These days, there’s still a line whenever you go, but their house-made noodles continue to be the best in town. Both the Tonkotsu and Miso options are great, but they also serve Tantanmen (ramen topped with a pork or chicken cutlet), which is perfect for when you get bored of their other options, assuming that’s possible."

"This neighborhood gem is a progressive Japanese restaurant with a great selection of hot and cold items. They have a fabulous daily happy hour from 4:30 – 6:30 pm as well as a daily special board with ever-changing fresh options. If you can snag one, some of their tables on the patio have views of the bay and downtown."

"$20 got me hot sake, a saiko miso (with coconut milk and lemongrass) and a bento box with mixed tempura, Cali..."

"Topping the list is North Park's Underbelly, situated at 3000 Upas St., Suite 104 (between 30th and Ray streets). With four stars out of 1,357 reviews on Yelp, the restaurant, which offers ramen and more, has proven to be a local favorite."

"Study humankind at the San Diego Museum of Man, marvel at aeronautic engineering in the San Diego Air and Space Museum, then catch your breath in the Botanical Building. Head up to North Park for happy hour at Polite Provisions; its beautiful cocktail lounge may hook you up with some small plates if you’re hungry. Save the appetite, though—North Park’s Restaurant Row is nearby."

"The Botanical Building houses more than 2,000 tropical plants. Capturing the wood structure with the lily pond in front is one of the most photographed sections of Balboa Park."

"Tuna Dockside Market is a hidden gem - a pop up fish market on the pier between Seaport Village and the USS Midway, more or less, is a fishing pier where the local fishermen bring in their catch every Saturday morning from 8AM to 1PM. Everything here is fresh, there’s no fake prop fish or fresh frozen fish here. If you are on vacation it’s fun to see what the local waters have provided (and if you’re a local you would be wise to bring a cooler) and there’s always a stand there serving up ultra fresh fish tacos, typically two for $13."