A Guide to the Best Date Spots in San Diego

by OpenTable x Bumble

Updated January 11, 2024

Conversations begin on Bumble but they get even deeper IRL. When it’s time to move from direct messaging to direct eye contact, find a table for two. And to make it super easy, OpenTable and Bumble are teaming up to help you find the best date spots in your city.

Find a restaurant that fits your style, whether you want drinks on a patio or a special four-course meal, OpenTable can help you choose the cuisine, seating area, and even book unique experiences with nearby restaurants. Download the Bumble app to find your match, and check the list below to find your table.

Animae

4.7

4.7 (3278)

$50 and over

Contemporary Asian

Downtown / Gaslamp

About the restaurant

ANIMAE’s eclectic West Coast cuisine, layered with Asian influences, comes to life under Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey. Applying a California cooking style to ANIMAE’S traditional coal-fired oven and grill, Chef Malarkey’s menu is as thoughtful as it is refined, elevating local produce and seasonal ingredients to create a lively and progressive culinary program.

Top review

Jenn

Dined 3 days ago

Second time dinning here. Had an amazing experience. Food, ambiance, service always exceptional .

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Black Angus Steakhouse - Chula Vista

4.5

4.5 (1870)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Chula Vista / Bonita

About the restaurant

WE’VE BEEN MASTERING OUR CRAFT SINCE 1964, so you could say we know a thing or two. Our cuts are aged at least 21 days, seasoned to excellence, expertly flame-grilled and served up just the way you like it. You’ve earned it. Whether you’re here to throw back a couple with old friends or trying to finish off the High Noon Feast on your own, there’s always a seat for you. So here’s to the nights you can’t remember and the steaks you won’t forget. To learn more visit www.blackangus.com

Top review

Monze

Dined 3 days ago

Went for my moms birthday and was seated pretty quickly and service was really nice. Food was amazing like always

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Experience

Whiskey Experience

Brigantine at Portside Pier

4.7

4.7 (4270)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Downtown / Gaslamp

About the restaurant

The Brigantine is more than just home to some of San Diego’s finest seafood. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike come to share a lively atmosphere and authentic sense of community. The Morton family opened the first Brigantine on Shelter Island in 1969, with a vision that embraced the beach town lifestyle, a dedication to flavorful food, and a passion for friendly service.

Today, we’re known far and wide for our San Diego-style surf and turf. From our award-winning fish tacos and freshly shucked oysters, to classic filet mignon or our perpetually best-selling marinated grilled swordfish. Always prepared to exceed expectations, and served with a smile. You can stop in at any neighborhood Brigantine and get a taste of the local flavor, from regionally inspired specials, to custom cocktails and home town craft beers. At the Brigantine we make first timers feel like regulars, and consider regulars part of the family. So come by often, and share our taste for life.

Top review

WillVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Food was spot on. Service was great. Todd was excellent.

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Bull & Bourbon Steakhouse

4.6

4.6 (1686)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

El Cajon / Lakeside

About the restaurant

Bull & Bourbon is a cut above other steakhouses – literally. Our innovative approach to classic steakhouse cuisine makes for a multi-sensory experience. Enjoy steaks prepared on our custom wood burning grill paired with our extensive and hand-selected bourbon menu for flavors that beautifully complement each other. Because we source local coastal California seafood, use steaks cut from our in-house butcher program, and choose select cuts from our on-site aging room, we always start with top-quality ingredients to create mouthwatering dishes. You will always know from where your food has been sourced, and our chefs approach cooking as the true art that it is.

Top review

Reginald

Dined 2 days ago

Great food and service! Will definitely come back to celebrate another special occasion.

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4.7

4.7 (4969)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Downtown / Gaslamp

About the restaurant

Resting on stilts atop San Diego By C Level Lounge, is an upscale-casual lounge on the waterfront overlooking the city skyline and Coronado.

Top review

Nitin

Dined 5 days ago

This place is just too good! Best restaurant experience in San Diego and it’s not even close 🙌🏽

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Cafe Champagne Restaurant - Thornton Winery

4.3

4.3 (1789)

$30 and under

Californian

Temecula

About the restaurant

Café Champagne at Thornton Winery is a "want to do" for every visitor to the Temecula Valley. Since 1988, from growing herbs to cutting home-grown flowers, every effort has been made to offer the perfect combination of French Country Elegance and Gold Medal-winning Contemporary Cuisine.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Jan 11, 2025

What a great place to stay and have wonderful conversations with friends. Great live music!

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Popular dish

Lobster Ravioli

Cesarina

4.9

4.9 (5578)

$30 and under

Italian

Ocean Beach

About the restaurant

Cesarina is a grandmother, a mother, a daughter—our personification of a nurturer who feeds and cares for her community. From meticulous attention to detail and fresh ingredients to the warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a celebration of the power of food and family.

Top review

MARINA

Dined 2 days ago

One of our favorite places of all time!! Excellent ambience, brilliant food and service. We always visit when in the area

Ember & Rye

4.6

4.6 (1246)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Carlsbad

About the restaurant

Dine overlooking the 18th green at this Richard Blais steakhouse... of sorts. This delightful collaboration with acclaimed chef and television personality offers delectable steaks and fresh seafood dishes rooted in fine local ingredients, served in a casual, vintage clubhouse setting located at the signature Arnold Palmer designed Aviara Golf Club.

Top review

JamesVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Food was delightful. The Swordfish prime rib is amazing!!!

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Valentine's Day Dinner

Herb & Sea

4.5

4.5 (2876)

$30 and under

Californian

Encinitas

About the restaurant

Blending classic East Coast culinary traditions with a modern Californian sensibility, Herb & Sea is Chef Brian Malarkey’s venerable companion restaurant to the much-loved Herb & Wood in Little Italy. Quickly becoming one of the most sought-after tables in town, the concept shines with a menu that focuses on simple, clean, bright flavors. Located steps from Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, the vibrant space is housed in a 1920’s art deco building that has been restored to its original glory.

Daily operations are helmed by Executive Chef Aidan Owens. The menu includes a mix of raw bar staples, fresh seafood, meat dishes, and roasted vegetables. A variety of pizzas and pastas round out the offerings, alongside dessert and a dedicated kids’ menu.

The spirits program is bright and playful, emphasizing citrus and floral notes that utilize the same ingredients found on the menu. The wine list offers a similar sense of whimsy, highlighting labels meant to complemen

Top review

Sean

Dined 1 day ago

Great ambiance - fun and festive. We had appetizers and drinks based on the excellent recommendations of our server. Parking can be tricky if you don't know the neighborhood.

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4.6

4.6 (3578)

$30 and under

Mexican

La Jolla

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

sherylVIP

Dined on Jan 11, 2025

great service and food. Difficult to converse because of the noise level.?

Jeune et Jolie

4.9

4.9 (4107)

$50 and over

Contemporary French

Carlsbad

About the restaurant

A culinary experience celebrating the moment, Jeune et Jolie reimagines French cuisine through the vibrant lens of our Southern California landscape with a 4-course menu offered at $120 per guest.

For those looking for a more casual evening, we feature "Le Menu du Bar”, an à la carte offering available for walk-in guests at our bar and lounge.

Top review

Elizabeth

Dined 1 day ago

This was the best meal I have ever had! It's no surprise that they have a Michelin star. The food was incredible, the decor is very cute, and the staff are extremely kind. Shoutout to Arthur and Noah who served us!

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Experience

Jeune et Jolie Valentines Day

King's Fish House - Carlsbad

4.6

4.6 (4046)

$30 and under

Seafood

Carlsbad

About the restaurant

Established in 2003, King’s Fish House is Carlsbad’s choice for seafood. Located just across from the Carlsbad Premium outlets and LEGOLAND, King’s Fish House features a large selection of fresh oysters, seasonal catches, sushi and live shellfish, including lobster and crab, on a menu that changes daily.

We’ve been in restaurants a little while – three generations, to be precise. A long time ago, we embarked on a road trip in search of the ultimate seafood experience. We traveled down highways and byways, pulled up a seat, put on bibs and soaked up the seafood experience: the no-name dishes with unforgettable flavor, the fresh-caught oysters and clams piled high, the hand-lettered specials on ancient chalkboards and the savory simmer of every combination of spices imaginable.

Welcome to the House that Seafood Built.

Come gather with us, celebrate, relax and enjoy a seafood dining experience of high quality, comfort, service and value.

Top review

Kathleen

Dined 4 days ago

The sand dabs were perfect; capers and butter yum snd the crispy Parmesan crust simply delicious

Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff

4.8

4.8 (9256)

$50 and over

Seafood

Cardiff By The Sea

About the restaurant

Pacific Coast Grill's oceanfront venue features unique Pacific Coastal cuisine, an oyster bar, select sushi rolls, and a plethora of seafood choices, delicious steaks and more! There are two levels of dining at the new PCG with every dining seat in the house carefully planned to have an ocean view. There are bars on both levels and a heated outdoor patio and a deck with one of the best views of the Pacific Ocean and the line up at Cardiff Reef. You can watch surfers, kite surfers, dolphins, whales and spectacular sunsets from throughout the restaurant.

Top review

DianaVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Always amazing food and ambiance! Service a bit slow tonight but overall great place!

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Tahitian Coconut Cheesecake

Prime Cut Steakhouse - Jamul Casino San Diego

4.7

4.7 (1464)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Jamul

About the restaurant

Prime Cut is a classic American steakhouse located inside the lights and flash of an upscale Vegas-style casino just twenty minutes outside the city center. With Chef de Cuisine Greg Coyle leading our kitchen, an award-winning wine list designed by Manager Christina Ambriz, and a full bar featuring some of the most unique hand-crafted specialty cocktails, Prime cut is the perfect place for conversation or an intimate dinner.

Specials
Experience the best brunch in San Diego! Join us from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm every Sunday for Prime Cut’s Lobster Brunch. Enjoy a picturesque mountain view, sample from our award-winning wine list, or sip on your favorite craft cocktail while you indulge in delectable creations by Chef de Cuisine Greg Coyle.
Lobster Brunch • Sunday • $59.95

Only guests over 21 years old may attend.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 2 days ago

Great service and food. Good price and quality. My first choice on fine cuts and vegetables.

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Popular dish

Seafood Platter

Popular dish

Braised Prime Short Rib

STK- San Diego

4.3

4.3 (3365)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Downtown / Gaslamp

About the restaurant

STK Steakhouse is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience that artfully combines the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere unlike any other. Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails and an elevated Happy Hour, along with an in-house DJ and chic décor, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience that keeps guests enjoying their evening from drinks to dinner to late night. STK’s menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner with unique local flair infused into each location’s menu. The brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality, delicious and craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.

Top review

Sorya

Dined 1 day ago

Food was phenomenal!! We ordered the ribeye, short ribs, mac and cheese with bacon. Everything was super delicious and steak was cooked perfectly. When we first walked in, I thought the music was a bit loud but we ended up being seated in the outdoor/indoor room in the back and it was perfect. They have little heaters around and it was a nice touch. Plus the 9 O’clock shots with the DJ and the music blasting was a pleasant surprise! Will definitely want to come back!

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Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens

4.7

4.7 (7153)

$30 and under

Beer Garden

Escondido

About the restaurant

At Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, we endeavor to use as much in-season, locally and organically grown produce as possible. It's about much more than freshness and sustainability. Local, organic food--fresh from local growers to your table--simply tastes better and is better for you. With our expansive gardens, patio seating, 36-tap beer systems and select wines you've got a dining experience to satisfy your--body, mind and soul.

Top review

Kim

Dined 2 days ago

Stone is a beautiful place to have dinner or just beer/wine !! My only wish is that they seat you faster since there are a ton of empty tables. I’m sure customers would understand if you are short staffed you would probably drink another beer/wine before being waited on for dinner/lunch. The ambiance is amazing!

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KUNG PAO CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens - Liberty Station

4.7

4.7 (2256)

$30 and under

Bistro

Point Loma

About the restaurant

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station located in San Diego’s Point Loma community encompasses more than 23,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor dining and bars, as well as a bocce ball court, outdoor cinema space and lush garden. Executive Chef Richard Sweeney offers an eclectic menu of world-inspired cuisine featuring local, organic fare. The restaurant features 40 unique craft beers on tap and exceptional bottles, including year-round and special releases from Stone Brewing Co. as well as exceptional craft and specialty beers from other breweries.

Top review

Saul

Dined 2 days ago

Food was great the service was fantastic and the drinks never miss a beat! Brought somebody for the first time and they also enjoyed it!

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The Restaurant at Ponte

4.7

4.7 (3748)

$31 to $50

Californian

Temecula

About the restaurant

Recognized by OpenTable as one of the top 50 restaurants in the US for outdoor dining, The Restaurant prepares wine country cuisine in a casual outdoor atmosphere. We are leading the way toward a community of wineries and restaurants dedicated to promoting local, sustainable farmers and ranchers. Our dishes feature top quality seasonal and regional ingredients prepared in our kitchen and enhanced when paired with our wines. The Restaurant is open for lunch Wednesday - Sunday 11am to 4pm and dinner from 4pm to 7pm. The maximum party we book a reservation for is up to 8 guests. Walk ins are welcome and will be placed on a wait list based on availability. The Restaurant is open in inclement weather and when it rains. Heaters are available in the winter, and misters and fans are on in the summer. We allow trained service animals only, sorry no pets.

Top review

Randy

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent food only surpassed by prompt and friendly service. An absolute treat of a dinner for our family.

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The Shores Restaurant - La Jolla Shores Hotel

4.2

4.2 (2451)

$30 and under

American

La Jolla

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Joe

Dined 3 days ago

Heather is a great server. She introduced herself and began service after everyone arrived. The food was fantastic. Everyone enjoyed what they ordered. The Shores is a very nice/casual style restaurant. The bar area and restaurant overlooking the beach and ocean feel very relaxing. Highly recommend.

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Experience

Valentine's Day Dinner

The Veranda Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1525)

$30 and under

Californian

Fallbrook

About the restaurant

While dining at the most atmospheric restaurant in Fallbrook, you can gaze at our sparkling lake and gorgeous grounds while enjoying a delicious meal prepared with seasonal produce from our on-site vegetable and fruit gardens. We offer patio heaters during the winter months and fans during the warmer months. Reservations are recommended. Enjoy a stroll through our many gardens before or after you dine at The Veranda.

Top review

RondiVIP

Dined 3 days ago

This is our favorite restaurant in Fallbrook. The food is amazing, service is amazing and the garden views can’t be beat. We bring all of our out of towners here — they love it too!

The Vineyard Rose at South Coast Winery

4.4

4.4 (4419)

$31 to $50

Californian

Temecula

About the restaurant

For a memorable culinary adventure, visit The Vineyard Rose Restaurant, one of the best Temecula restaurants for California cuisine and enjoy carefully crafted breakfast, lunch and dinner in an elegant Tuscan-inspired dining room.

Housed at a working winery, The Vineyard Rose Restaurant's fine-dining menus created by our expert chefs perfectly compliment the award-winning wines produced by Winemakers Jon McPherson & Javier Flores.

Stop by today and join us for breakfast, lunch or dinner and enjoy all the flavors inspired by our Chef-driven menu. Executive Chef Albert Park and his culinary team welcome you to dine with us here at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa.

Open 7 days a week. Located at 34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA.
Reservations highly recommended.

Top review

Joe

Dined 5 days ago

Great setting. Well served quality food and drinks.

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4.7

4.7 (1826)

$31 to $50

Contemporary European

Encinitas

About the restaurant

A small neighborhood Spanish restaurant in a cute California beach town called Leucadia.
we play music and serve wine, tapas, some cocktails and thoughtful hospitality with some dim lighting in a lively environment.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Top review

Nancy

Dined 4 days ago

Food was fabulous, atmosphere fun and lively, great service. Perfect place for birthday celebration! Thanks for a great all round evening!!

Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (2600)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Poway / Rancho Bernardo

About the restaurant

With its breathtaking golf course views and award-winning resort service, Veranda at Rancho Bernardo Inn is the perfect place to meet for a quick bite, dine under the stars, or gather around the fire with a cocktail. The olive trees, gardens, and villas that line the Mediterranean coast inform dishes that are made with locally-sourced ingredients and the freshest proteins and given a Southern California twist.

Top review

JamesVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent in every way - highly recommended for any occasion

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SEA180 Coastal Tavern

4.8

4.8 (3029)

$30 and under

American

Imperial Beach

About the restaurant

Located in the Pier South Resort, SEA180° offers Innovative Cuisine and Oceanfront Dining in Imperial Beach.

Top review

JeanVIP

Dined on Mar 29, 2024

Amazing customer service and great food. Our drinks were discounted too.

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The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- La Jolla

4.5

4.5 (1449)

$50 and over

Seafood

La Jolla

About the restaurant

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar has been focused on successfully pairing contemporary California regional cuisine, with a hip, vibrant, sophisticated setting, to create a cutting-edge dining experience. When Partners JC Clow, William Lewis and Chef Yvon Goetz set out to deliver a culinary experience straight from wine county, little did they know that they would also earn the title of Restaurateurs of the Year for their achievements and have their restaurants in Newport Beach and Tustin earn the title of Restaurant of the Year multiple times!
The three partners strive to deliver the best dining experience In Orange County on a nightly basis. Chef Goetz, whose accolades include the AAA Five Diamond Award and multiple Chef of the Year honors, describes his menu at The Winery Restaurant as wine country-driven a perfect match for a wine program that features a list with 650 selections that change weekly and climate-controlled cellars, which can house up to 7,500 bottles!

Top review

Dined on Dec 25, 2024

Table service was outstanding. We got the filet mignon, truffle Mac n cheese, 1/2 order of oysters, bread, and the Maine scallops w/ shrimp on risotto. It was all delicious and cooked perfectly. Only thing I would have changed is adding a little more seasoning to the risotto but honestly it was cooked pretty well.

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