San Diego Date Ideas

Barleymash is one of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter's hottest dining spots, named after the grain mashing process used in producing beer and bourbon. The restaurant sports modernist decor elements emphasizing recovered wood elements from the renovation of its building, featuring garage door windows that open its dining space as an interior patio. It is an avid supporter of San Diego's craft brewing and distilling community, serving an extensive list of local draft beers and craft cocktails made from fine local liquors. Lunch and dinner are served daily, with brunch menus offered on the weekends. Menus emphasize progressive gastropub fare such as gourmet shareable bar appetizers, signature artisan flatbreads, and high-quality meat and seafood cuts. Downstairs, the restaurant's Ginger's lounge offers martinis and mingling opportunities in an ultra-hip atmosphere.

600 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, Phone: 619-255-7373

Trust is a community-focused New American restaurant in San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood that is committed to crafting rustic urban dishes emphasizing locally-sourced ingredients and wood-fired preparation techniques. The restaurant is owned and operated by executive chef Brad Wise and co-owner Steve Schwob, known for their experience at top West Coast restaurants such as Cannonball & Draft. It has received accolades from major publications such as USA Today for its Instagram-worthy dish presentation and has been named as one of San Diego's top restaurants by Conde Nast Traveler. Dinner is served daily, with brunch hours offered on weekend mornings. Sea and land fare is emphasized in dishes, with options such as octopus fritters, swordfish rigatoni, and chicken liver toast available at dinner.

3752 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103, Phone: 619-795-6901

Juniper and Ivy is an acclaimed "Left Coast" cookery in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood, helmed by award-winning chef Richard Blais. The sleek, modern restaurant serves a constantly rotating menu of whimsical New American fare in a wood-heavy decor atmosphere, with dishes conceived by executive chef Anthony Wells. Fresh, seasonal ingredients and New American twists on classics are emphasized, along with small plate options such as toasts and bar snacks. While menus are updated weekly, sample offerings include lobster mushroom teriyaki bites, halibut sashimi, spot prawns with Old Bay butter, and ahi tuna Wellington. Gourmet desserts are also served, including options such as olive oil cake with melon ice cream.

2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, Phone: 619-269-9036

Civico 1845 serves up contemporary Italian cuisine in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood, helmed by Italian immigrants and brothers Dario and Pietro Gallo. The restaurant aims to offer a new generation of Italian fare, focusing on modern twists on southern Italian favorites prepared with fresh, authentic ingredients and classic cooking techniques. Sustainable practices and health-conscious eating are emphasized, with many vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options served daily. Lunch and dinner menus highlight pastas made from scratch, clever antipasti options, and entrees with high-quality meat and seafood ingredients. A wide selection of Italian wines are available by the glass or by the bottle, along with draft and bottled craft beer options.

1845 India St, San Diego, CA 92101, Phone: 619-431-5990

Mister A's is a gourmet French-influenced restaurant opened in 1965 by restauranteur John Alessio, offering dining high atop the Fifth Avenue Financial Center. The restaurant has become a staple of San Diego fine dining, hosting famed guests such as Mexican President José López Portillo throughout its tenure. Since the 1990s, it has been operated by Bertrand Hug, the force behind Rancho Santa Fe's acclaimed Mille Fleurs restaurant. Spectacular 12th-floor views of the San Diego skyline complement gourmet sea and land dishes at breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with special menus offered for San Diego Restaurant Week and major holidays. A prix-fixe tasting menu is also available, along with a chef's selection menu of fare crafted from locally-sourced farm-to-table ingredients.

2550 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, Phone: 619-239-1377

Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine is an elegant fine dining restaurant in San Diego's Pendry Hotel, serving up delicious modern coastal fare under the supervision of executive chef JoJo Ruiz. The cutting-edge restaurant is certified as an Ocean Friendly restaurant by the Surfrider Foundation and actively strives to reduce the restaurant industry's impact on San Diego's oceans and beaches, making it a great choice for diners looking to minimize their environmental footprint. High-quality seafood entrees served up throughout the week include coal-grilled yellowtail, steamed Baja striped seabass, duck confit tostadas, and local halibut ceviche. A full oyster raw bar is also available, along with a vibrant selection of specialty sushi rolls.

435 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, Phone: 619-738-7200