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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in San Diego

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78 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Amalfi Llama - San Diego restaurant
1. The Amalfi Llama - San Diego
4.5
Awesome(430)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • University City/Golden Triangle
Booked 71 times today
The Amalfi Llama reimagines the culinary landscape by seamlessly merging the allure of a rustic live-fire steakhouse with the flavors of Italian cuisine, a culinary haven where genuine cooking, down-to-earth cuisine and stylish flair intertwine. Guests embark on a journey from Southern Patagonia to the Mediterranean coast of Italy as they indulge in a multisensory experience that transcends boundaries – from the soothing cream decor to the intimate ambiance of crackling embers accompanied by the melodies of vintage Italian vinyls. Embracing the essence of a modern farmhouse, The Amalfi Llama revolves around an open parrilla grill and wood-burning oven, harnessing fire, smoke, coals and embers to craft dishes. The restaurant’s ethos also meets design with Latin American and Mediterranean influences, resulting in an inviting environment adorned with light woods, natural light and subtly elegant finishes, defying traditional steakhouse and Italian restaurant conventions.
A photo of Javier's - La Jolla restaurant
2. Javier's - La Jolla
4.6
Exceptional(3638)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Jolla
Booked 202 times today
JAVIER'S presents a rich heritage of elevated Mexican cuisine in a friendly, captivating ambiance. Enjoy hand-shaken margaritas, rare tequilas, craft cocktails and a vast selection of beer and fine wines. Dine with us in the main dining room, al fresco patios, one of our semi private dining rooms, or at the exquisite bar surrounded by one of the West Coast's largest selection of the world's finest tequilas. We at JAVIER'S consider all our wonderful customers a part of our family and thank them for their support and sharing in the success and joy that is JAVIER'S. Come experience the freshness of our original Mexican cuisine in a warm, friendly environment at one of our five locations.Please be advised we don't allow strollers. If you bring your stroller we have a designated area to store your stroller while you dine.
A photo of RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla restaurant
3. RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla
4.5
Awesome(2727)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • La Jolla
Booked 52 times today
Dining at RED O is an experience like no other that offers a unique combination of Prime Steak and Seafood with Rick Bayless’ signature Mexican inspired influences. With sustainably sourced and local ingredients, RED O creates flavorful dishes true to the authentic flavors of Mexico. RED O’s team of friendly employees creates a welcoming atmosphere that parallels the luxury resort interior of the restaurant. RED O also features an impressive bar and lounge where you’ll find specialty cocktails, an extensive tequila list and an award winning wine list. The bar also offers Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m. daily and Late Night Happy Hour from 9-11pm Friday-Saturday.
A photo of The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines restaurant
4. The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
4.6
Exceptional(2389)
Price: Moderate
• American • La Jolla
Booked 47 times today
The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines is a restaurant that offers an exclusive view of the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course. Guests can enjoy wood-fired dishes, craft beer choices, and an expanded patio. The restaurant is known for its decadent Drugstore Hamburger, but it also offers a variety of other dishes, including salads, seafood, and steaks. The Grill is committed to using local ingredients and sound craftsmanship. The restaurant's ambiance is welcoming and thoughtful, and the team is dedicated to providing a memorable experience for guests.
A photo of Seasons 52 - San Diego - UTC restaurant
5. Seasons 52 - San Diego - UTC
4.8
Exceptional(5050)
Price: Expensive
• American • University City/Golden Triangle
Booked 53 times today
Seasons 52 is a Fresh Grill and Wine Bar offering a seasonal menu that is naturally lighter and always flavorful. Our seasonal menus feature ingredients at their peak of freshness, oak-fire grilled or brick oven roasted (without a fryer in sight) to be naturally lighter and more flavorful. We also offer an extensive list of wines by the glass and bottle. Here, you'll always feel free to enjoy every bite, every sip, every moment. Lunch and dinner daily with happy hour Monday-Thursday from 3-6PM.
A photo of Piatti - La Jolla restaurant
6. Piatti - La Jolla
4.7
Exceptional(5095)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 45 times today
Established in 1987, Piatti offers finely crafted fresh Italian cuisine. The soul of the menu is our housemade pasta that we roll, cut and cook by hand everyday. Offering a fresh take on the neighborhood Italian trattoria, Piatti combines a warm, inviting atmosphere, seamless service and an immersive market experience so you can enjoy Piatti at home. Whether dining in or taking home, Piatti brings friends and family together.
A photo of Barbarella restaurant
7. Barbarella
4.2
Awesome(859)
Price: Moderate
• European • La Jolla
Booked 25 times today
Barbarella is a restaurant and full bar located on Avenida De La Playa in La Jolla Shores. Adorned with an eclectic mix of art and boasting plenty of outdoor seating, Barbarella a one-of-a-kind culinary gem with executive Chef Lynn Crawford!
A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Del Mar restaurant
8. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Del Mar
4.6
Exceptional(3647)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Del Mar
Booked 49 times today
Ruth's Chris Steak House in Del Mar is a prime choice for special occasions. Reviewers consistently praise the excellent food, top-notch service, and warm ambiance. It's a favorite for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and other special events. The staff is friendly and accommodating, making every visit a memorable one. As one reviewer put it, 'Ruth Chris' is our special occasion restaurant.'
A photo of Grand Social at Fairmont Grand Del Mar restaurant
9. Grand Social at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
4.0
Excellent(86)
Price: Moderate
• American • Carmel Valley
The fine unwinds into the fun across three distinct levels (25,000 square feet) at Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s outdoor lounge, Grand Social. Relax over a late afternoon apéritif and spirited games of bocce on our new courts situated on the second level. As evening unfolds, venture to our newly installed ground-level lawn to savor irresistible wood-fired dishes and skillfully crafted cocktails.Secure your two-hour reservation by selecting one of the Cabana Package options or a regular reservation for a fire pit table*. *Fire pit tables and cabanas have a rental fee. Walk-in’s welcome upon availability.LIVE LIMITLESS - Join the rewards program designed with you in mind. As a member of ALL – Accor Live Limitless, you’ll earn points on dining, experiences and hotel reservations at more than 5,000 hotels worldwide.
A photo of The Shores Restaurant - La Jolla Shores Hotel restaurant
10. The Shores Restaurant - La Jolla Shores Hotel
4.3
Awesome(2455)
Price: Moderate
• American • La Jolla
Booked 25 times today
Welcome to beach dining – La Jolla style. Walk straight from the sand into The Shores Restaurant, where you’ll enjoy fantastic ocean views, our open-air patio, a casual ambiance with warm hospitality, and a family-friendly menu meant to please any kind of taste. A big part of the California lifestyle is beach-style dining. The Shores Restaurant is a perfect example with dishes designed by Executive Chef Michael Vaughn. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and beachside cocktails, the delicious fare is complimented by unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean just outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • John
    San Diego •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Everything was amazing. Omar and Chris had super friendly vibes the whole entire staff were amazing had a warm and inviting feeling some of the most amazing food thanks to the chef omar 🙌🏼 me and my wife will be back thank you Red O for making it a memorable night.
    More info
    RED O Taste of Mexico - La JollaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• La Jolla
    •
    4.5
  • Syamphone
    Las Vegas •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I was told that all the entrées were 500 calories or less, so I decided to go with the steak and lobster, while my girlfriend chose the lamb loin. Wow—everything was absolutely delicious! The drinks were amazing too. I highly recommend this place for a date night or a dinner with friends and family.
    More info
    Seasons 52 - San Diego - UTCPrice: Expensive• American• University City/Golden Triangle
    •
    4.8
  • AndreaVIP
    San Diego •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Our server, Brian, was great! attentive without being overbearing. There wasn't a bite I didn't love. The extra dirty martini was the perfect amount of dirty. Ribeye well seasoned, good char, and medium rare with a nice truffle mash. My favorite was definitely the roasted burrata. Even the bread paired with it was sensational. Don't miss out on the happy hour. Prices are phenomenal and some apps half off. And since the food gives you an extra pep in your step, you can power shop knowing you can try on clothes with a little extra room for the long haul wear 😉
    More info
    The Amalfi Llama - San DiegoPrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• University City/Golden Triangle
    •
    4.5
  • CaroleVIP
    San Diego •25 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Musician on the guitar was a nice touch. Suggestion: Dim the lights a bit for evening dining.
    More info
    The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey PinesPrice: Moderate• American• La Jolla
    •
    4.6
  • Tia
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    The ambience was great, the service was amazing, servers and bussers were all very attentive, nice and helpful. The food was amazing and tasted so fresh, and the drinks were strong and delicious. My fiance and I came for an early valentines dinner and we will be returning for sure.
    More info
    Javier's - La JollaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Jolla
    •
    4.6

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