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Featuring homemade pate |
1733 South Coast Highway San Diego, CA 92054 United States +1 760 722 7006 http://www.atasteofeurope.com |
Dining here is an elegant experience, but not overdone. White cloths drape over the tables, while subtle artwork covers the walls. This is an ideal location for couples or businesspeople, who desire a dining experience that is upscale, yet unceremonious. Homemade pate is a featured appetizer, along with Escargots aux Champignons (snails cooked in garlic and butter, served in mushroom caps). For your entree, try the Oven-Roasted Rack of Lamb, served with potatoes, red cabbage and vegetables. Trout (covered with almonds and served with rice and vegetables) is another customer favorite. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Wine and dine |
5610 Paseo Del Norte San Diego, CA 92008 United States +1 760 603 1919 http://www.bellefleur.signonsa... |
Nestled near the Carlsbad Flower Fields, this upscale restaurant is Tuscan in style with Old-World charm. The innovative cuisine is carefully prepared to complement the restaurant's fine wines. For an appetizer, try the Pan-Roasted Tiger Shrimp with Bellefleur Chardonnay, Lemon Butter and Warm Crostini. Then, indulge in the Grilled Salmon entree in grape leaves with yellow Finn Potatoes and Fennel-Mushroom Ragout Runs. The wines are sold only on the premises. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fine Dining with a View |
2550 Fifth Ave San Diego, CA 92103 United States +1 619 239 1377 http://www.bertrandatmisteras.com |
In downtown San Diego, this fine dining establishment is not only well known for premium cuisine, but also for an expansive wine list. In fact, the Wine Spectator offered praise to this spot for hosting "one of the most outstanding wine lists in the world." While many San Diego restaurants allow for casual dress, this particular establishment requests more formal attire. Men should wear long-sleeved dress shirts and all guests are asked not to wear shorts. Popular entrees include Linguini with Clam Sauce and Veal Piccata. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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San Diego's newest gem |
405 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 234 8338 |
One of the newer additions to San Diego's downtown dining scene is this restaurant, located on the bottom floor of the Emerald Plaza Hotel. The place is overly crowded so make reservations or prepare to wait. Spotless hardwood floors and linen lamps, decorated with glass beads, create a first-class atmosphere. Begin your evening with the Yin Yan Tempura Rolls, including salmon and sashimi tuna in a seaweed wrap. From the entree menu, consider the popular Kobe Steak. This 14-ounce, thin-sliced cut is marinated in teriyaki, grilled and served with sprouts and mushrooms. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Convenient and delicious |
3683 Fifth Avenue San Diego, CA 92103 United States +1 619 298 0119 http://www.busalacchis.com/ |
Enjoy fine Italian dining with good service and reasonable prices. The restaurant's interior is tight, but that provides plenty of intimate nooks for dining with your date or pow-wowing with business associates. Several veal selections are available, including Saltimbocca and Spiedini. Meanwhile, the Misto di Pesce al Diavolo is a spicy mix of scallops, shrimp and fresh fish served with Angel Hair Pasta. To accompany these dinners, the restaurant offers a nice wine selection. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hard to find, hard to leave |
8111 Mira Mesa Boulevard San Diego, CA 92126 United States +1 858 578 7892 http://www.callahanspub.com/ |
This is a brewpub that has it all, including a great selection of made-on-the-premises beer, combined with tasty food at reasonable prices. So what is it doing in a shopping mall? Ignore the odd location and enjoy yourself. Both diners and drinkers enjoy munching on the Wings of Fire, a bright, spicy appetizer that requires plenty of quenching with any of the microbrews on tap, from Shamrock Gold to Callahan's Red. The restaurant also makes its own sausages; try the Callahan's Spicy Beer Sausage Plate. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Metal meets menu |
558 Fourth Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 232 4483 |
This restaurant offers a slick modernist atmosphere and a trendy Generation X/Y crowd to match. Depending on the diner's mood, this open, metallic, black, white and gray restaurant lit with flame-colored lighting can seem limitless and expansive, or cold and industrial. "Modern American" cuisine is the approach here, which in these times means a richly varied menu where Gourmet Wontons elbow jerk Scallops and Japanese Eggplant shakes hands with Portabella Mushrooms. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bite this burger |
7007 Friars Road San Diego, CA 92108 United States +1 619 297 3247 http://www.crocodilecafe.com/ |
This perky restaurant serves shoppers from the upscale Fashion Valley Shopping Center, as well as local business people. The decor is vaguely reminiscent of "fern bars" of the 70s and 80s, accented with bright tile work and wicker chairs. Everything here has a little twist to it. Even the grilled onions on the hamburgers are grilled red onions, cooking up to an unexpected blue color. Blue food is a trademark; the Southwestern Taquito appetizers are made of blue corn tortillas. Calzones include Southwestern Roasted Pork and Moo Shu Chicken versions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Great breakfast and lunch |
562 Broadway San Diego, CA 91910 United States +1 619 425 5133 |
If your San Diego area travels take you to South County, this is the place for a great American breakfast. The homemade pancakes come in a variety of flavors and types, but one don't-miss item is the Steak and Eggs. The juicy, well-prepared, ample piece of excellent beef is served with home-fried potatoes and eggs with pancakes on the side. Big portions make this spot popular with local workers and businesspeople. More than one big deal has been closed here over a plate of pancakes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Dine near the Pacific |
417 Carlsbad Village Drive San Diego, CA 92008 United States +1 760 434 6777 http://www.fishhouseveracruz.com/ |
Just seconds away from the Pacific Ocean, this wildly popular Carlsbad restaurant serves fresh catch to both locals and tourists. A fish market counter dominates the lobby, where customers may order fresh catch to cook at home. Of course, most patrons opt for the full dining experience. Inside the dining room, bright tablecloths are plastered with fish prints. On the menu, Krab Salad is a customer favorite. Fresh catch may include salmons, Atlantic cods or rainbow trouts, served with your choice of sides, such as Green Salad and Romano Potatoes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fresh fish |
640 Via de la Valle San Diego, CA 92075 United States +1 858 755 2277 http://www.thefishmarket.com |
Featuring a cocktail bar, oyster bar, dining room and fish market, this spot is always crowded with San Diego locals. The fish is unbelievably fresh and all sauces, soups and sides are made on site daily. The menu changes daily, as entree choices are dependent upon fishing success. Generally, Smoked Fish tops the menu, with popular options including Pacific Swordfish and Pacific King Salmon. For those who prefer shellfish, consider Oysters Rockefeller or Clams Con Pesto. Lobster tails are a specialty for USD 38; many other dishes run USD12-18. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Upscale Steakhouse |
8970 University Center Ln San Diego, CA 92122 United States +1 858 535 0078 http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com |
This establishment is named for owner Paul Fleming, who is well-known for his other fine dining restaurant, PF Chang's. The spacious dining room is covered in dark woods, contrasted by white linen tablecloths. Prime, hand-cut steaks top the menu along with fine seafood selections. Do not be surprised when you see the bone still attached to your choice cut. The chef leaves the bone attached to preserve the meat's natural flavor. Accompany your steak with a glass of premium wine. There is a full bar and more than 100 imported and domestic wines available by the glass. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Something for Everyone |
7863 Girard Avenue at Wall Street San Diego, CA 92037 United States +1 858 456 8111 http://www.jackslajolla.com/ |
Jack's is more than just a restaurant – in fact it is three distinctive restaurants and four bars in one complex designed to suite every mood and occasion. From a street level sidewalk cafe to an atrium level bar and grill, to fine dining and an upscale wine lounge - renowned chef Tony DiSalvo serves up sophisticated yet accessible California cuisine to suite every palate. Whether it's a quick bite after a day at the beach, happy hour, or an elegant evening out, Jack's fits the bill. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beauty and the beach |
1660 Coast Boulevard San Diego, CA 92014 United States +1 858 755 2002 http://www.jakesdelmar.com/ |
A popular spot for both locals and tourists, this restaurant is near the Del Mar Race Track and is particularly lively during the racing season. Featuring a location directly on the beach, it is close to being the perfect California dining experience. The menu offers everything from seafood and steaks to lighter pasta and vegetable entrees. The chefs offer daily specials in addition to the regular menu. Between lunch and dinner food is available in the bar. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Sophisticated, serene |
4055 Adams Avenue San Diego, CA 92116 United States +1 619 281 4014 |
Sophisticated, intimate, yet uncluttered decor creates a pleasant ambiance for young professionals, art film buffs and local Kensington couples to enjoy good, moderately priced food and drink. Outside, a narrow, candle-lit patio lets people watchers have their fill of more than just dinner. Freshly baked breads accompany most selections, which are creatively combined with ingredients of California. Choose the Mixed Greens Salad, adorned with tart dried cranberries and nuts, to complement your meal. Full bar service is available, including an extensive wine list. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Great-tasting classics |
1421 University Avenue San Diego, CA 92103 United States +1 619 297 0722 |
There comes a time when you just want good, straightforward, down-to-earth American cooking. This place fills every carnivorous need with grilled-to-perfection ease. Whether it is a burger, finger-licking barbecued ribs or a gigantic steak, it is all well cooked and tasty. Steak lovers can opt for the 20-ounce rib-eye, which is ample for two people unless you have a gigantic appetite. Happy Hour, held on weekdays, offers well drinks for $2.50. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Prime cut above the others |
285 J Street San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 696 3369 http://www.mortons.com/ |
Unlike most of San Diego's trendy outdoor restaurants, this venue is a throwback to the days of the genuine steakhouse style. No outdoor dining here; this restaurant prides itself in its den-like quality that keeps the mind focused on what's at hand - sumptuous red meats properly prepared to order. Beef is the order of the day here although there are some fish and chicken dishes. A full bar and extensive wine list are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Deep-sea delight |
314 Fifth Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 233 1653 |
This elegant sushi and seafood restaurant ruled by Chef Taka offers a small sidewalk dining section that leads into a simple, sophisticated dining area including a serene sushi bar. Certainly, sushi is hard to pass up here, with a Westerner-friendly selection of hand rolls and Sashimi. Meanwhile, Pacific Rim entrées, including Filet Mignon, are prepared combining Japanese, Chinese and Western-style cooking techniques. Try Izumidai, a white sushi-quality sea bass dish, cooked with scallops in extra-virgin olive oil, offered with asparagus and served over caviar in a lemony cream sauce. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Strike gold |
1020 West San Marcos Boulevard San Diego, CA 92069 United States +1 760 761 4900 |
The ever-popular Restaurant Row of San Marcos hosts this steakhouse, where guests enjoy a mining theme and huge portions of choice-cut meat. Rustic mining ambience characterizes this thematic restaurant. Dine among wagon wheels, mining lanterns and fresh flowers. Gaslight patio dining is available, located next to a large waterwheel and a giant tin can, plastered with the logo, "Old California!" For your meal, consider Rib Eye Steak, Center Cut Pork Chops or Bourbon Apple Chicken. Try the Boysenberry Cobbler for dessert. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tortilla treasures |
2489 San Diego Ave San Diego, CA 92110 United States +1 619 297 4330 http://www.oldtownmexcafe.com/ |
This lively Old Town restaurant has been serving up unique Mexican food for twenty years. Both locals and tourists flock here for great food at low prices. There are daily specials, an array of upscale tequilas decorating the lively bar area, and cheerful service. The Chile Rellenos are the best in town and the Chile Verde Pork Burrito will haunt your dreams. No reservations are accepted; expect a long wait (often an hour plus) on weekend nights. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Contemporary setting and traditional food |
4540 La Jolla Village Drive San Diego, CA 92122 United States +1 858 458 9007 |
This restaurant combines a contemporary, trendy setting with traditional Chinese cuisine. Popular with the business crowd, cell phones complement this spot's decidedly urban decor. Heat lamps allow for year-round dining on an outdoor patio, although many guests simply prefer to dine at the full-service bar. Mu Shu Pork is a favorite entree, served with hoisin sauce and thin pancakes. Popular seafood options include Chang's Lemon Scallops and Orange Peel Shrimp. Traditional meals such as Sweet and Sour Pork and Chow Mein round out the extensive menu. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Go fishing |
601 Pacific Highway Embassy Suites Hotel San Diego, CA 92101-5914 United States +1 619 232 0274 http://www.pacificfishcompany.... |
This new entry on the San Diego restaurant scene is already attracting a loyal following to its home in the Embassy Suites hotel. Bright, pleasant and busy, the restaurant attracts a mixed crowd of businesspeople, conventioneers, hotel guests and locals. There are steaks, chops and chicken dishes on the menu, but your best bet is to choose from the huge selection of fresh seafood. 'Today's Catch' items can be grilled or cooked 'Hong Kong Style'; steamed in a sherry-soy sauce. Selection varies daily, but may include swordfish, tuna, halibut and trout. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A tropical paradise |
1201 First Street San Diego, CA 92118 United States +1 619 437 4474 http://www.peohes.com/ |
A visit to Coronado Island, especially on a clear day, is paradise found. The pristine beauty of the yachts sailing in the marina waters against a unique view of the downtown San Diego skyline across the bay is the perfect backdrop to a wonderful dining experience. This dining venue enhances the nautical beauty with a Polynesian motif. On the menu, steaks, sushi and seafood are the big draws here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Mama mia |
1370 Frazee Road San Diego, CA 92108 United States +1 619 294 4700 http://www.pregoristoranti.com... |
This restaurant offers authentic Northern Italian cuisine bursting with flavor and freshness. The prices are a little high, but worth every penny, and you will know it just as soon as you lift your fork to your mouth. Choose from wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas, rotisserie-grilled meats and fowl and mesquite-grilled fish. The restaurant has a sleek, modern design inside and out. Small black lamps hang on slender threads from the backlit ceiling, and an abundance of polished marble and subtle use of beige and black add to the decor. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Flowers do bend with the rainfall |
1202 Kettner Boulevard San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 233 5757 http://www.rainwaters.com/ |
Come here if you want to throw a party or attend one. This place has three impressive reception and dining areas, backed by the delicious Rainwater's menu, an impressive wine list and an extravagant range of Hors d'oeuvres and mouth-watering desserts. Even if you just want to enjoy a quiet meal by yourself, head on to Rainwater's on Kettner. You won't be disheartened what with the menu reading the Osso Bucco, Three Cheese Meatloaf, the Provimi Calves Liver etc. And if you are on a diet, indulge a little ... it will be worthwhile. Don't forget to call for reservations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Best bet for steaks |
550 Via de la Valle San Diego, CA 92075 United States +1 858 755 6600 |
After spending the day at the Del Mar Racetrack across the street, step inside this authentic American steakhouse and order drinks in the handsome dark-panelled bar, then top it off with a flavorful steak dinner. The venue offers prime cuts of beef with all the trimmings. There are also seafood and chicken entrees on the menu. Of course you will need to win big at the racetrack because the prices are rather steep, but well worth it. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Always in good taste |
880 East Harbor Island Drive San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 291 5030 |
When you are looking for a satisfying meal with attractive ambience thrown in for good measure, this venue never lets you down. Overlooking the harbor, it offers a great view complete with patio seating. The menu features consistently good prime rib, juicy steaks and a fine assortment of pasta and seafood dishes. When experimenting is not on the agenda and you want to enjoy an evening of fine dining, this is an excellent choice. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Talking about good food |
835 Fifth Avenue 315 San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 702 0440 |
Located in the Victorian-era Louis Bank of Commerce Building (the previous tenants included gunslinger Wyatt Earp's saloon), this restaurant is owned by former San Diego mayor and talk show host Roger Hedgecock. But can he cook? No need to worry. Television's "Chef Larry" Banares is handling the cuisine, which mixes Roger's mother's favorites along with Larry's own "San Diego Cuisine," resulting in a localized Pacific Rim menu with Yankee overtones. Try the Nouveau Meatloaf, served with ancho chile ketchup. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Great view and juicy steaks |
1355 North Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 233 1422 http://www.ruthschris.com/ |
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse welcomes you to a warm and comfortable interior, furnished with rich, dark wood and elegant fixtures. The steaks are fine-aged, corn-fed USDA prime beef, broiled at 1,800 degrees. Enticing seasonal delicacies, such as Foie Gras, are also available. Take your pick from the extensive list of over 100 domestic and imported wines to complement your meal, and if you have enough room, try to squeeze in one of the delicious desserts! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Sophisticated dining |
750 Front Street San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 544 1865 http://www.salvatoresdowntown.... |
Discriminating locals make up the loyal clientele who sing the praises of this venue because of the consistently excellent Italian cooking and beautiful presentation. Try the Filet Mignon with Truffles and you too will become an instant fan. Located on the first floor of the Meridian tower, the elegant, cream-colored dining room is the very essence of sophisticated dining. It is an ideal venue for business or romance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Memorable gourmet classics |
3790 Via De La Valle (Suite 301) San Diego, CA 92014 United States +1 858 259 9944 http://www.scalinisandiego.com/ |
After spending the day at the Del Mar Racetrack, visit this nearby dining venue for a culinary treat. The elegant dining room overlooks perfectly manicured polo grounds, while an upbeat piano bar offers live entertainment. Ornate tapestries and sophisticated artwork adorn the walls. Italian and Mediterranean entrees dominate the menu, including pasta, veal chops and seafood. An extensive wine list includes red and white wines from California, Italy and France. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Asian elegance |
7510 Hazard Center Drive (Hazard Center; second floor) San Diego, CA 92108 United States +1 619 297 3110 http://www.shanghairestaurant.... |
Since 1974, this Chinese restaurant has been serving reasonably priced, gourmet Mandarin-style dishes. The decadently rich Shrimp and Candied Walnuts is memorable enough to make the mouth water months later. The Mandarin Gourmet dinner begins with a tray of appetizers to self-cook over a volcano-like brazier brought to your table. Very inexpensive lunch specials make this a popular lunch spot with the local business crowd in the Mission Valley area. There is a full bar, with signature tropical cocktails. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Casual downtown dining |
1165 Sixth Avenue (corner of Sixth and B) San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 239 4194 http://www.sixthavenuebistro.com/ |
Popular with local business people working in the high-rise towers of downtown San Diego, this eatery focuses on sandwiches, salads and a few Southern-influenced entrees. The menu here reflects the fact that the restaurant is busiest at breakfast and lunch, and closes too early to be a serious contender for dinner. The best bet for a sandwich is the unusual Cocoa Beach Shrimp Po-Boy, featuring Florida rock shrimp in a New Orleans-style remoulade sauce cradled on a fresh French baguette. It is big, high-calorie and worth every penny. Full service catering and complete bar service is offered. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Modern dining |
300 Carlsbad Village Drive San Diego, CA 92008 United States +1 760 720 1132 |
Located on the second story of a trendy Carlsbad shopping arena, this spot hosts a modern atmosphere and top-notch cuisine. Inside, black and white decor creates a contemporary look. Customers are seated among black tables and chairs, or at the sleek bar. On the outside, several umbrella-topped tables line the balcony, overlooking downtown Carlsbad. Specialty pizzas are popular. Consider Eggplant Pizza, with mozzarella, plum tomatoes, fresh garlic and eggplant. The restaurant serves delicious pasta entrees as well. Pasta Emilia offers vodka cream sauce with peas and mushrooms. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Ravioli to rave about |
702 Fifth Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 239 3400 http://www.trattorialastrada.com/ |
Possibly the best pasta you will ever taste can be enjoyed here at this authentic Italian trattoria. Case in point: the Ravioli Gorgonzola is definitely a must-try. Actually, everything on the menu is memorable and the service is efficient with a very knowledgeable wait staff. The restaurant is located in downtown San Diego and is ideal for a business lunch or romantic dinner. Dinner entrees range from $16-30 and the restaurant offers an extensive wine list. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Consistently tasty |
10370 Friars Road San Diego, CA 92120 United States +1 619 563 5862 |
This beef-lovers mecca manages to avoid the predictable chain-food stigma. The food is very good and the portions are generous. The atmosphere is family-friendly, yet the restaurant is sufficiently professional for business dinners. You can always count on delicious prime rib, steaks cooked to your specifications and all the tasty trimmings. For seafood lovers, the scampi never disappoints. For good, satisfying food, this is an excellent choice. Moderate dinner entrees range from $13-20. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Sumptuous food with sensible prices |
11915 El Camino Real Doubletree Hotel Del Mar San Diego, CA 92130 United States +1 858 481 5900 http://www.doubletree.com/en/d... |
This venue is a welcome entry to quality casual Californian dining under the creative eye of New York Chef Mark Blaauboer. An inspiring menu includes such greats as a Filet Mignon wrapped in Italian Prosciutto ham, spinach and flaky pastry, or Tortilla-crusted Halibut served with a piquant sauce of fire-roasted tomatoes. A well-chosen and reasonably priced wine list features Californian and European vineyards. The casually sophisticated ambiance offers poolside and patio seating. The intimate interior seats just 60 customers with attractive views out onto the patio and pool. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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It is the Tops |
2150 Harbor Island Dr San Diego, CA 92101 United States +1 619 291 9110 http://www.tomhamslighthouse.com/ |
Located near the San Diego International Airport at the far tip of Harbor Island, this landmark lighthouse-style restaurant has been delighting patrons for years. The bayside view is spectacular, with Navy ships along the opposite shore and plenty of sailboats passing in the channel. Seafood dishes are brilliantly prepared, but the restaurant also offers steaks and other meats. Patrons are generally casually dressed, and there is entertainment in the adjacent lounge most nights. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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