Ten Most Romantic Restaurants in San Diego for Date Night - Her Travel Edit (2024)

Ten Most Romantic Restaurants in San Diego for Date Night - Her Travel Edit (1)

It’s hard to believe that the gorgeous city of San Diego has been my home for over five years now!

The city’s natural beauty and nearly perfect weather lends itself to the loveliest romantic experiences. I stand by my views that a picnic overlooking the ocean is the most romantic meal of all, and there are plenty of cute spots in San Diego for that.

However, if you are looking for something a bit more traditional, don’t panic! Some of San Diego’s restaurants have stepped up to help bring the city’s romance into it’s dining.

Here is a list of ten restaurants that are sure to wow your date!

Mister As

Ten Most Romantic Restaurants in San Diego for Date Night - Her Travel Edit (2)

Picture from the Mister A’s website (Courtesy of Mister A’s)

Bertrand at Mister A’s Restaurant is arguably (and probably undisputedly) a very romantic restaurant in San Diego. This is no secret, so make a reservation well in advance, especially if you want to get the best outdoor seating. It’s perfect for a celebration, or an important date night, because they have a dress code, which always elevates the romance factor! I was pleasantly surprised that the food is great quality and extremely delicious, making Mister A’s that rare restaurant which delivers both amazing food and amazing views.

If you like to watch planes land through the buildings of downtown San Diego, while sipping on a fine glass of champagne, this is the restaurant for you!

Quick Facts :

Address –2550 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

Price Range – $$$

Style of food – French – American

Good for – Brunch, co*cktail Hour, Dinner

Dress Code – Dressy

Coasterra

Ten Most Romantic Restaurants in San Diego for Date Night - Her Travel Edit (3)

Picture posted with permission from Coasterra Restaurant. Credits : Auda & Coudayre Photography

About five minutes from the San Diego Airport is a romantic place called Shelter Island, which offers amazing views of downtown San Diego.And at the tip of Shelter Island is located a very romantic restaurant called Coasterra, serving not-very-expensive Mexican food.

The food is great, the views are even better!

This is especially a win if you are just flying in to (for that first hurrah) or flying out of (for that last hurrah) San Diego.

Quick Facts :

Address –880 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

Price Range – $$

Style of food – Modern Mexican

Good For – Lunch, Dinner

Dress Code – Casual / Dressy

Jake’s Del Mar

Ten Most Romantic Restaurants in San Diego for Date Night - Her Travel Edit (4)

Picture Credit : Tanmaya Godbole @ HerTravelEdit

Jake’s Del Mar is the closest thing to fine dining on a beach in San Diego. If you reserve in advance and snag a table by the window, you can enjoy the fresh catch of the day while watching the waves crash on the sand. If you time it even better, you could watch a spectacular sunset as you sip your red wine, marveling both at the beauty you see and at the minimal effort it took to create such a perfectly romantic moment.

Quick Facts :

Address –1660 Coast Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014

Price Range – $$$

Style of food – Seafood (but has decent vegetarian options)

Good For – Lunch, Sunset Dinner (best time!), early Dinner before sunset

Dress Code – Casual / Dressy

Cucina Urbana

Ten Most Romantic Restaurants in San Diego for Date Night - Her Travel Edit (5)

Picture posted with permission from Cucina Urbana, Photo Credits : Singler Photography

Cucina Urbana was one of the first nice San Diego restaurants I was introduced to, and since then has always made my list of a celebratory dinner spot. The ambience is perfect for date night, and the food even better. Start off with their stuffed squash blossoms, and you are sure to have the best evening going forward.

Cucina Urbana is located walking distance to Balboa Park. I highly recommend bringing your jackets, and walking over after dinner, because a moonlight stroll with your date is always a good idea, right?!

Quick Facts :

Address –505 Laurel St, San Diego, CA 92101

Price Range – $$

Style of food – Italian

Good For – Dinner

Dress Code – Casual

Acquavite

Update July 2019 – Unfortunately, Acquavite has now closed. Other Romantic Restaurant options in La Jolla Cove are Brockton Villa (beware of the foul seagull smells sometimes), Georges at the Cove or Dukes. Finish up your romantic dinner with a stroll and gelato at Bobboi.

Ten Most Romantic Restaurants in San Diego for Date Night - Her Travel Edit (6)

Picture posted with permission from the Acquavite Restaurant website

Acquavite is run by an Italian couple who make the best Tuscan food you can find in San Diego. It really does feel like a home cooked meal in an elevated setting. Call ahead to make sure you have a seat by the window for views of the cove, or one in the courtyard (pictured above) for a serene dining experience.

Tip : Get the tiramisu for dessert – it’s delicious!

If you want to dine in La Jolla simply for the views, then Georges at the Cove, or Dukes La Jolla might serve you better. But if you want exceptionally good food, along with great views – head to Acquavite!

Quick Facts :

Address –1298 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Price Range – $$

Style of food – Italian (Tuscan)

Good For – Lunch, early Dinner (before / for sunset)

Dress Code – Casual

Herringbone

Ten Most Romantic Restaurants in San Diego for Date Night - Her Travel Edit (7)

Picture Credit : Tanmaya Godbole @ HerTravelEdit

Herringbone’s romance comes from the fact that you get to dine in the company of 100-year old olive trees. You could also watch your food being prepared in their open-concept kitchen, so that’s at least two talking points for your date (you know, just in case things aren’t going as smoothly as you want).

Be prepared to splurge a bit on the food, but you could always walk off all you’ve eaten by the Cove. Grab some gelato from Bobboi (cheaper and yummier than desert at a restaurant) for the finishing touches on a date you’ll be talking about for months.

Quick Facts :

Address –7837 Herschel Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037

Price Range – $$$

Style of food – Seafood (Vegetarian flatbread options available), Ocean-to-table

Good For – Weekday Lunch (Chef’s tasting menu), Dinner

Dress Code – Dressy

Bo-beau Kitchen + Cache

Ten Most Romantic Restaurants in San Diego for Date Night - Her Travel Edit (8)

Picture posted with permission from Bo Beau. Credits : Paul Body

Bo-beau Kitchen and Cache is a pretty recent addition to the Hillcrest food scene. The lovely space and delicious food are perfect for a romantic evening. They specialize in fresh California inspired French food and craft co*cktails. They also have an extensive wine list.

My recommendation is to head to Cache – a cool speakeasy next door for co*cktails before or after dinner. The surprise element of the speakeasy will definitely wow your date! To get into the speakeasy, go to the back of the taco shop Tacos Libertad and casually open the door of the freezer to get in.

Quick Facts :

Address –1027 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

Price Range – $$

Style of food – California – French

Good For – Dinner

Dress Code – Casual

The Red Door

Ten Most Romantic Restaurants in San Diego for Date Night - Her Travel Edit (9)

Picture posted with permission from The Red Door

The Red Door is a cute little restaurant in Mission Hills, with, you guessed it, a red door. The interiors are light and fresh, just like the food. You will never leave the Red Door feeling stuffed and heavy, just very satisfied and happy.I love the ‘Blossom Pasta’ for dinner.

They recently added a Bar by Red Door next door with craft drinks that change with the seasons, so definitely something you could add on to your evening!

Quick Facts :

Address –741 W Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103

Price Range – $$

Style of food – Farm-to-table American

Good For – Brunch, Dinner

Dress Code – Casual Dressy

Bleu Boheme

Ten Most Romantic Restaurants in San Diego for Date Night - Her Travel Edit (10)

Picture posted with permission from Bleu Boheme, Credits : Martin Mann

Bleu Boheme is an interesting French restaurant in the hipster neighborhood of Kensington.

Their ambience is dark and old fashioned, with candles burning on tables.

The old-school candlelight dinner romance recipe, paired with delicious food, makes this restaurant a must on any romantic dining list for San Diego.

The entrees are a bit on the expensive side, so if you have a smaller budget, head there between 5-6 pm for their $32 three-course prix fixe menu. This would be sure to please your date, while also being kind on your wallet.

Quick Facts :

Address –4090 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116

Price Range – $$ – $$$

Style of food – French

Good For – Dinner

Dress Code – Casual

Herb and Wood

Ten Most Romantic Restaurants in San Diego for Date Night - Her Travel Edit (11)

Picture posted with permission from Herb and Wood

Herb and Wood is a relatively new entrant to San Diego’s hip dining scene, and no one is complaining about it. This cool space with the modern decor is as romantic as you want it to be, and the food is pretty good too!

If you want a cheaper romantic date, Herb and Eatery, a day-time restaurant in the same space is a lovely breakfast / bakery / deli spot.

One of the reasons Herb & Wood is a cool spot is that it’s close to Little Italy’s new urban winery and wine garden, Carruth Cellars. This would definitely add the final touch to your perfect date night!

Quick Facts :

Address –2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

Price Range – $$ – $$$

Style of food – American – Seafood

Good for – Dinner

Dress Code – Casual Dressy

x x x x x

These are just the top ten in a long list of romantic San Diego restaurants!

This list is curated based on the ambience, deliciousness of the food, and the cost to benefit ratio.

I have left out a couple of more expensive but arguably romantic San Diego restaurants – The Marine Room (go during high tide!) and Addison Del Mar – as they didn’t match my cost to benefit ratio criteria. However, if you have higher budgets, definitely check those out!

Here is a helpful map of these restaurants so you can visualize where they are in San Diego

For an extensive curated map of the best San Diego Restaurants (for all kinds of foods (including the best tacos!) and budgets), sign up for my newsletter!

If you want to save this list for future planning, pin it to Pinterest!

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Ten Most Romantic Restaurants in San Diego for Date Night - Her Travel Edit (2024)

FAQs

Where should I go on a first date in San Diego? ›

  • Custom Experiences.
  • San Diego Brewery Tours. Miramar Brewery Tour. North Park Brewery Tour.
  • San Diego Food Tours. Carlsbad Food & Drink Tour. Coronado Island Tour.
  • San Diego Walking Tours.

What is the oldest restaurant to date? ›

Peter, Salzburg, Austria (803) The world's oldest restaurant can still be found housed within its original structure in St. Peter's Abbey in Salzburg.

How do you make a restaurant date interesting? ›

10 Tips for Pulling Off a Successful First Date Dinner
  1. Choose a relaxing dining venue. ...
  2. Look stylish while staying comfortable. ...
  3. Always be on time. ...
  4. Turn off your phone and keep it out of sight. ...
  5. Start a conversation and make eye contact. ...
  6. Order food that's easy to eat. ...
  7. Mind your manners. ...
  8. Eat slowly.
Jul 20, 2017

How do you organize a romantic dinner? ›

How to plan a romantic dinner at home
  1. Pick a theme. A theme helps tie the whole evening together. ...
  2. Take the pressure off the cooking. If you're not a great cook, don't try; just order in instead. ...
  3. Create a romantic space. ...
  4. Dress up for the occasion. ...
  5. Take a photo.
Feb 14, 2017

Where should I go with my girlfriend in date? ›

101 Fun Dating Ideas
  • Plan and carry out a scavenger hunt or treasure hunt for your partner.
  • Go tubing, kayaking, or canoeing together.
  • Go fruit picking together.
  • Enjoy a candlelight dinner together at your home or apartment. ...
  • Go for a bike ride together.
  • Go bowling together. ...
  • Attend a local festival together.
Aug 14, 2020

Where do couples go on first dates? ›

A good first date should let you get to know each other without forcing awkward conversation. Taking in a comedy show, visiting a museum, or getting active can help you find some common ground. Try something new together to create space for vulnerability and set the stage for a strong bond.

What happened to the First Dates restaurant? ›

The Refinery in Manchester was a co*cktail bar and restaurant open to dining but has now closed down, leading to the change in venue for the show. The first 15 series of the show were filmed in a London restaurant called the Paternoster Chop House, located at 35 Old Bailey - in the shadow of St Paul's Cathedral.

What city is the First Dates restaurant in? ›

Prior to its move to Manchester, the First Dates restaurant was based in central London.

Is White Castle older than McDonald's? ›

White Castle started in 1921 in Wichita, Kansas — decades before competitors McDonald's or Restaurant Brands International's Burger King arrived on the scene. White Castle laid the groundwork for those chains, and it played a key role in making the hamburger synonymous with American cuisine.

How do you make an unforgettable date? ›

Instead of going to dinner and a movie, pick something that will make you stand out compared to other dates you've been on.
  1. Ask your date to an art show, or invite them to a painting class.
  2. Ask them to go to an arcade.
  3. If you're into music, invite your date to a record store to talk about music and your favorite bands.

How can I have a romantic evening? ›

  1. Make Dinner for Two. A romantic dinner is always popular and very effective at creating an intimate night in. ...
  2. Slow Dance to Your Favorite Love Songs. ...
  3. Plan a Personalized Wine and Cheese Tasting. ...
  4. Create an Intimate Backyard Getaway. ...
  5. Recreate the Honeymoon Suite. ...
  6. Play Fast Food Roulette. ...
  7. Dress Up and Go Out.

How can I surprise my girlfriend at a restaurant? ›

How to Surprise Your Girlfriend or Wife with a Gift from The Chef & The Dish
  1. FIND THE RIGHT COOKING CLASS. ...
  2. MAKE SURE WE KNOW IT'S A SURPRISE! ...
  3. TELL YOUR KITCHEN ASSISTANT SPECIAL DETAILS. ...
  4. DETRACT YOUR SPOUSE. ...
  5. GO GROCERY SHOPPING. ...
  6. PICK UP A NICE BOTTLE OF WINE. ...
  7. PICK UP SOME FLOWERS. ...
  8. OPEN YOUR COMPUTER FOR THE SWITCH-A-ROO.

How to romance a man? ›

38 ways to be romantic.
  1. Tell them you love them, often.
  2. Write a love letter reminding your partner of all the reasons you love them.
  3. Engage in more sensual foreplay ideas.
  4. Practice having slower, more emotionally connected sex.
  5. Take note when your partner mentions something they want, and buy it as a present for them.
Feb 14, 2021

How many dates before spending the night? ›

You should hang out FIVE times before sleeping together, new research says. If you want your relationship to work, you may want to wait until your fifth date before sleeping together.

What would a perfect date look like? ›

The perfect date may be different for different people. For one it may be a long walk on the beach, while for another, a dinner and movie would be ideal. And then, of course, there are some whose idea of a perfect date is a bit more adventurous. Perhaps a night on a mountain or a bike ride.

Who kisses on the first date? ›

When it comes to kissing on a first date, it's important to remember that it's totally your decision. As no two first dates are alike, it's up to you to decide whether you'd like to kiss this person or not. And in most cases, this simply happens in the moment.

How can I be interesting on a date? ›

The key to being interesting is to be interested.

By asking your date questions about them (and continuing the dialogue with your own thoughts when there's an opening), you're showing that you're interested in them. That, in turn, makes you more interesting.

Do the staff on First Dates actually work there? ›

They don't work in the hotel and restaurant full-time as they are just taken over while the series is being filmed. Some of them have unexpected careers that are completely different to what we see them doing on the show, while others are actually actors in real-life.

Is everyone in the First Dates restaurant on a date? ›

4) Every single person eating in the restaurant IS on a blind date. Yes, even the people in the background; you can apply to have a first date WITHOUT all the pressure of being filmed for the show.

Has anyone got married from First Dates? ›

First couple to get married after meeting on RTÉ's First Dates will walk down aisle in November. Irish couple set the date for their big day after meeting on show... and the restaurant staff have been invited!

How do you eat at the First Dates restaurant? ›

Members of the public can dine at the restaurant when filming is not taking place. While you can't get your claim to fame by waving in the background of one of the episodes, you can try out the food for yourself.

What city is known for dates? ›

Palmyra – City of Palms, City of Dates.

What city is 50 First Dates in? ›

50 First Dates Locations

Most of the shooting of 50 First Dates was shot on-site at Oahu in Hawaii. Many people mistakenly assume everything is filmed in Hawaii. Some film scenes were also shot on set in California, with the majority of them being on the island state.

How much did a McDonald's hamburger cost in 1948? ›

In 1948, you could get a McDonald's burger for just 15 cents. At the original McDonald's locations, before Ray Kroc revolutionized the company and founded what we know as McDonald's today in 1955, a burger cost just 15 cents.

How much was a McDonald's hamburger in 1970? ›

In 1970, your burger cost an average of $0.18.

What is the oldest pizza chain in the US? ›

Welcome to America's First Pizzeria®, Est. 1905 | NYC

Since 1905 Gennaro Lombardi crafted pizza in the United States using his bakers trade he learned from Naples. Lombardi is credited with developing New York Style pizza and making Lombardi's the first pizzeria in the United States.

How do I make myself unforgettable to him? ›

10 ways to make your love unforgettable
  1. Take your partner's breath away. ...
  2. Do something special on a regular basis. ...
  3. Frequent, loving eye contact (some culture call it eye gazing) is an especially powerful connection tool for bonding. ...
  4. Learn what pleases your partner sexually. ...
  5. Teach your partner what you like.

How can I look more attractive on a date? ›

7 Tips On How To Look Your Best On A First Date
  1. 1) Wear Clothes that Make You Feel Comfortable. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable in what you are wearing. ...
  2. 2) Do Your Hair. ...
  3. 3) Don't Forget the Details. ...
  4. 4) Smell Good. ...
  5. 5) Have a Good Posture. ...
  6. 6) Have a Good Sleep. ...
  7. 7) Smile!
May 26, 2022

How can I be unforgettable to him? ›

If you want to know how to be unforgettable to a man, try to appreciate his effort towards building the relationship. You don't have to wait until he does something big before you praise him. Ensure you pay attention to the little things he does to make you happy and let him know that he is the best.

How do you prepare for an intimate night? ›

Give yourself time to prepare

Once you've determined what the plan is and factored in any other romantic details you'd like to incorporate; prep for the evening by taking a relaxing shower or bath, applying your favorite lotion or perfume, and wearing an outfit you love that makes you feel confident.

What is one thing that a restaurant can do to attract singles? ›

Adjust your menu to the needs of solo diners

Sometimes a restaurant menu is full of positions suitable for groups. The dishes are either too large for one person or too pricey if ordered by single guys or girls. Add tasting menus to let your solo guests enjoy your cuisine and try several small plates.

What should I where on my first date? ›

Choose something where you two can interact with each other.

A movie date may be fun, but you probably won't get to chat much. Try going for a walk in the park, visiting a museum, or getting coffee at a coffee shop.

Is San Diego a good city for dating? ›

Out of 182 U.S. cities, San Diego places ninth overall for singles to live in, the report shows.

Where can I take a pretty girl on a date? ›

The Date Night Couple
  • Take A Stroll. It may sound simple, which is a good thing, but it's a great way to spend time with someone. ...
  • Visit The Local Farmers Market. This tops the list for first dates for a few reasons. ...
  • Escape Room. ...
  • Go Skating. ...
  • Attend A Comedy Show. ...
  • Plan To Attend A Game. ...
  • Attend A Paint Class. ...
  • Get To Cooking.
Apr 16, 2023

What is the most popular dating site in San Diego? ›

Match is our favorite choice for San Diego singles because they can limit their search to the city or beyond if they don't mind traveling a bit farther for a date. The site also has no shortage of members — 30 million and consistently growing.

Is dating easy in San Diego? ›

Dating in San Diego is quite tricky. It's supposed to come on top of the best cities for singles, assuming the great weather, the hippie vibe, and the laid-back attitude that many residents have, but for some reason, people keep complaining they aren't satisfied with their dating life. Why?

Is a day trip to San Diego worth it? ›

Tourists find San Diego worth visiting for a variety of reasons, including its excellent beaches and surf, mild weather, and vibrant cultural scene. The city is also home to many world-class attractions, including the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and SeaWorld, as well as a thriving culinary and craft beer scene.

What do you do on a non date? ›

10 Activities That Are Definitely NOT Dates
  • Lunch with your boss. ...
  • Staying up all night texting. ...
  • Coffee with a co-worker to discuss the industry. ...
  • Someone inviting you to see them in a play/open mic/stand-up comedy.
Jan 5, 2016

Where can I take a girl on a date in LA? ›

18 Unique Date Ideas in LA
  • Go on a Jetski Adventure to Catalina Island. ...
  • Take a Creative Sneaker Customization Workshop. ...
  • Take a Ride on Santa Monica's Iconic Ferris Wheel. ...
  • Sample World Cuisine at Grand Central Market. ...
  • Go on a Vintage VW Bus Tour Through Malibu. ...
  • Transport Yourselves to France with Dinner at The Little Door.
Feb 6, 2023

What makes a woman memorable to a man? ›

Men love women who are thoughtful, caring, loving, and kind. A woman who does little things for her man for no other reason other than that she loves him. A woman who makes him smile back whenever she smiles at him. A woman who radiates love and warmth from her heart.

What should I wear on a first date in my 40s? ›

Wear your dress at or above the knee and accessorize it with some flirty shoes and jewelry. Choose a fitted but not skin-tight dress. A wrap dress is very feminine and sexy and will minimize your midsection. If you have a thick waist try a sheath or tunic dress that narrows slightly at the waist.

Should you kiss on the first date? ›

When it comes to kissing on a first date, it's important to remember that it's totally your decision. As no two first dates are alike, it's up to you to decide whether you'd like to kiss this person or not. And in most cases, this simply happens in the moment.

How much do you need to make to love in San Diego? ›

The data used in the study analyzed the cost of living in each city as of 2022. For California cities like Los Angeles, Berkeley and San Diego, a single person must make more than $76,000 to “live comfortably,” the data shows.

What is the most popular city in San Diego? ›

1 - La Jolla

La Jolla, a picturesque coastal neighborhood in San Diego, California, is often regarded as one of the best places to live in the area.

How much does a couple need to make to live comfortably in San Diego? ›

Basically, the rule says that you should spend 50% of your income on requirements like rent, 30% on luxuries, and 20% toward savings or debt repayment. As far as San Diego cost of living, a sample budget for someone making $79,324 a year would break down like this: Needs 50%: $39,662.

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