Most Romantic Restaurants in San Diego
When it comes to romance, there are few destinations in the world that compare to San Diego and the surrounding region. Where else can you visit Temecula’s world-class wineries and Carlsbad’s enormous flower fields in the same day, before watching the sun set over the Pacific? Plus, San Diego’s amazing foodie scene features some unbelievably romantic restaurants. Below, we’ve broken down six of the best such eateries.
BO-beau Kitchen + Bar (1.7 miles from the Dana)
BO-beau’s most romantic feature has to be old-world decor that brings the South of France to the heart of Ocean Beach. Here twinkling lights, exposed stone walls, and rooms with names like “the Olive-Tree Room” and “the Bohemian Room” serve as the backdrop for delicious dinners of salads, wood-fired flatbreads, and the nightly speciaux. Local tip: Make sure you order the Brussels sprouts — you won’t regret it.
Starlite (4.9 miles from The Dana)
Starlite is known for putting a dreamy mid-century twist on romantic dining, with its mirrored ceiling and walnut paneling reflecting light off gold pendants and a stainless-steel chandelier. The dinner and cocktail menus are no less evocative than the decor, featuring mac and cheese, battered greens, and the famed Starlite Burger.
Mister A’s (5.9 miles from The Dana)
It’s the sweeping San Diego views that make Mister A’s a top spot for anniversaries and Valentine’s Day dinners, but the white tablecloths and creative and artfully presented dishes (salmon Niçoise, house-made carrot gnocchi) are date-worthy in and of themselves. For pairings, you can choose a wine from the 500-plus stored in the converted bank vault.
Herringbone La Jolla (6.8 miles from The Dana)
Herringbone is all about seafood, meats, and locally grown produce, so just about every diner can find something enticing on the menu. Plus, aphrodisiac-craving couples can try the Riptide, Malpeque, and Bahia Falsa oysters, among others, which are so popular they have inspired a daily “oyster hour.”
The Prado at Balboa Park (7.9 miles)
As the name suggests, The Prado sits right within Balboa Park, which happens to be one of the single most popular date spots in all of San Diego. Follow your visit to the Japanese Friendship Garden, the Lily Pond, or one of the 17 museums with the Tuesday-night prix fixe aptly known as the Date Night Menu.
The Marine Room (8.1 miles from The Dana)
If you’re seeking a romantic restaurant with celebrity cachet, don’t miss the AAA Four Diamond Award-winning Marine Room, which has accommodated numerous A-listers throughout its 75-year history. Dishes like harissa chicken and goat-cheese brûlée pair perfectly with front-row views of the Pacific waves, particularly during the High Tide Dinner series in the autumn.