With Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s at hand, it’s time to think about reserving those special holiday meals. The ideal location offers views, ambiance and, of course, great food.
Here are Times of San Diego’s picks for the best restaurants for a special holiday dinner in San Diego:
1. Marine Room
With waves crashing beneath the window, the sun setting over the Pacific and after dark the ocean lit for gazing, the Marine Room is one of San Diego’s classics. Chef Bernard Guillas has continually refined the menu since he joined as executive chef of the La Jolla restaurant in 1994. While you dine, ask about his latest cookbook, just published this fall.
2. A.R. Valentien
You may not be a golfer, but the rolling green vista over the Torrey Pines course from A.R. Valentien can be enjoyed by everyone. The signature restaurant at The Lodge at Torrey Pines features local, farm-to-table ingredients served in California Craftman surroundings.
3. George’s at the Cove
This La Jolla institution is really three restaurants in one, from the quiet and elegant ground floor to the casual rooftop lounge. George’s at the Cove serves award-winning “California modern” cuisine or more casual fare in the bar and lounge. Both afford unbeatable views of the Pacific.
4. Bertrand at Mr. A’s
With it’s commanding views of San Diego, Bertrand at Mister A’s is a local classic. Enjoy American cuisine while airplanes land and the setting sun reflects off the downtown skyscrapers.
5. Morada
Morada opened earlier this year, offering casual elegance at the renovated Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Chef Todd Allison offers California-inspired cuisine paired with boutique wines from a California-centric list.
6. The Veranda Restaurant
The Veranda Restaurant in Fallbook was recently voted one of the top scenic views by OpenTable members. It’s located on the McDougal family’s gardens and vineyard in the hills of North San Diego County.
7. JRDN
Pacific Beach’s youth-filled boardwalk gives way to sophisticated dining at JRDN, the restaurant in the modernist Tower23 hotel. The menu is contemporary steak and seafood, and you can stay the night if you celebrate too much.
8. Hotel Del Coronado
The Hotel Del Coronado is where elegant dining began in San Diego. The landmark hotel has many dining options, from the signature 1500 Ocean to the casual Sheerwater and family-friendly ENO Pizzeria & Wine Bar. If you eat too much, head west to one of America’s top beaches to walk it off.
9, Pacific Coast Grill
You can literally dine on the beach at the Pacific Coast Grill in Cardiff. The restaurant’s “Pacific Coast cuisine” includes an oyster bar, select sushi rolls, black mussels, baked oysters and a wide range of other seafood.
10. Jake’s
Reserve an ocean-front seat or an elevated booth at Jake’s and watch the surfers at Del Mar. At night, searchlights illuminate crashing waves. Enjoy the food and California beach atmosphere.
