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The Best Romantic Restaurants in San Diego, CA

Island Prime
Tom Ham's Lighthouse
The Fish Market
World Famous
Bali Hai
The Melting Pot
seafood sub and fries from tom ham's lighthouse in san diego
Tom Ham's Lighthouse
lobster with sides of rice, beans, and pico de gallo from the fish market in san diego
The Fish Market
steak dinner from world famous in san diego
World Famous
fresh seafood platter from bali hai in san diego including shrimp, clams, oysters, and crab
Bali Hai

If you and your significant other will be visiting San Diego soon, you may want to take time to enjoy a nice meal together. Even if you live in the area, you may be looking for local restaurants that have delicious food and the perfect environment for a great date night. Whatever the occasion, these romantic restaurants San Diego CA has to offer may soon be among the special places you and your sweetie visit to make beautiful memories together.

 

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Island Prime

880 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 298-6802

If you and your sweetie love a gourmet meal in a slightly refined atmosphere, Island Prime is the place to visit when you’re in San Diego. Start your meal with the seafood platter that includes oysters, crab, and shrimp, or try the crab cakes with lemon aioli. You can enjoy entrees like prime rib and mashed potatoes, salmon roulade with a basil potato puree, or fire-roasted cauliflower with Japanese eggplant. There are also several gluten-free dishes on the menu, like the Pacific ahi tuna, the roasted half chicken, and the California swordfish. You and your date can also share delicious side dishes like sharp cheddar mac and cheese with crispy shallots and roasted carrots with lemon-dill yogurt.

 

 

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Tom Ham’s Lighthouse

2150 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 291-9110

Whether you’re looking for a light meal with complex flavors or want a heartier meal for date night, you’ll find an entree you enjoy at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse, especially if you’re visiting the eatery for lunch or an early dinner. Meal starters include clam chowder with olive oil, sea salt, and avocado. You can also try the house-made ceviche or calamari with honey chili lime sauce. The fish and chips are a popular dish and are served with a side of tartar sauce. Or, you can try the lobster roll with tarragon dressing or the crab BLT with heirloom tomatoes. Lighthouse is also known for its impressive cocktail list, and you can also find a nice selection of white and red wines so you can propose a toast to the one you love during your date.

 

 

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The Fish Market

750 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-3474

The Fish Market is one of the best romantic restaurants San Diego CA has to offer if you and your partner love seafood or want to have a sushi date. The ahi poke is a popular appetizer at the restaurant, or you can enjoy the calamari seasoned with salt and pepper and served with sweet chili and hot sauce. You can also share the oysters Rockefeller or the calamari steak served with seasoned, steamed veggies. The Fish Market also has several delicious soups to choose from like Manhattan clam chowder or miso soup with tofu and Wakame. End your delicious meal with a decadent dessert like key lime pie, creme brûlée, or chocolate mousse.

 

 

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World Famous

711 Pacific Beach Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 272-3100

This romantic restaurant is located at Surfer Beach hotel and is the ideal eatery to visit if you want to enjoy an intimate dinner on the beach. You can enjoy steaks grilled to order or opt for the hand-carved prime rib as your entree. If you prefer seafood, try the fresh tuna Tataki served with organic greens and sun gold cherry tomatoes. World Famous also has vegetarian dishes, like the aubergine rolls stuffed with tomatoes, ricotta, green onions, and nutmeg. No matter what entree you choose, you’re likely to enjoy your food more as you take in the beautiful scenery of the waves crashing against the shore.

 

 

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Bali Hai

2230 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
(619) 222-1181

This San Diego restaurant is located on a tiki island and makes you and your date feel like you’re on an exotic island. The coconut shrimp is one of the best items on the menu, and you can also order the seafood platter for two or the crab served by the pound. The Korean fried chicken with sesame soy sauce is popular as well, and you can choose from a variety of cocktails to complement your meal, like the Bali Hai mimosa made with fruit punch or the seafood Bloody Mary bowl. Add a sweet treat to your romantic night out with raspberry mousse or cannoli dip, which is perfect for sharing.

 

 

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The Melting Pot

901 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 234-5554

This popular restaurant in the Gaslamp District is one of the best spots in San Diego for a romantic lunch or dinner. The Wisconsin Cheddar fondue is one of your first course options and is served with artisan bread and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Or you can select the Wisconsin trio, which is made with fontina and white wine. Your second course is the salad of your choice. Options include the strawberry almond salad with raspberry walnut vinaigrette or the California salad with mixed greens and candied pecans. For dessert, try the fourth course, Sparkling Chocolate Fondue, which is white chocolate fondue prepared with sparkling wine and served with strawberries and whipped cream. This is the perfect dining experience for a special occasion, or when you want to do a little something different for dinner.