Here are the best places to take a date in San Diego.
Adelaide at L’Auberge Del Mar
Dramatic ocean views teamed with an elevated approach to coastal dining makes Adelaide the perfect date night spot. This decadent restaurant celebrates the vastness of the Pacific, from Baja to the North Salish Sea, and works with local farmers, fishermen and foragers—all of whom provide sustainably sourced ingredients. Choose from raw offerings, like Baja oysters and beef tartare, or order from the fish and meat menu featuring Alaskan halibut, scallops and grilled 45-day aged rib eye. Del Mar, 858.793.6467, laubergedelmar.com/dining/adelaide
Craft House at Sky Deck
Treat your date to a casual yet refined evening at chef Caesar Huerta’s seafood-forward eatery, with menu items including charred octopus, grilled branzino and steamed mussels. Occupying the most expansive space within the dining mecca, Craft House boasts a 370-square-foot outdoor patio made from heavy steel and rustic wood. Don’t forget to take a peek at its mixology menu featuring craft cocktails and a robust list of local beers on tap. Del Mar, 858.925.7067, crafthouseskydeck.com
DiCicco’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
Indulge in homestyle Italian dishes at this traditional ristorante that showcases the beautiful country’s premier flavors, from Sicily to Naples. First opened nearly 70 years ago, DiCicco’s offers a range of delectable, hand-tossed pizzas and pastas, from classic fettuccine alfredo and spaghetti carbonara to a zesty spaghetti limone with artichoke hearts, lemon cream sauce and capers. Pair one of its signature cocktails with your meal and leave room for dessert—think affogato, cheesecake, cannoli, tiramisu and more. Escondido, 858.391.4422, diciccospizza.com
Le PARFAIT Paris
Award-winning bakery Le Parfait honors its Parisian heritage through a generous selection of gourmet desserts, macarons, croissants, crepes and pastries—all of which are made from scratch. Brunch and lunch options include the saumon–a croissant filled with a crème fraiche spread, smoked salmon, capers and red onions—and the quiche lorraine featuring bacon, French-imported gruyere cheese, muscade and caramelized onions. End your date with a Le Framboisier—a gluten-free macaron with organic raspberries, vanilla bean pastry cream and berry pure—or take home a variety bag of six macarons, choosing from flavors like earl grey jasmine, bourbon pecan and Oreo. Multiple locations, parfaitparis.com
Parakeet Café
Step into this bistro and find yourself among foodies and yogis, friends and neighbors, and people of all ages and palates. Here, they believe that sharing a meal and having a drink is one of life’s simplest pleasures. Order from their breakfast menu, served all day, consisting of açai bowls and shakshuka or split a big plate with your date. Menu offerings include the roasted greens bowl (za’atar, kabocha squash and polenta) and Parakeet Bowl (roasted mushrooms, picked cucumbers and almond butter miso mayo). Let’s eat! Multiple locations, parakeetcafe.com
Puesto Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar
Inspired by Mexico City’s innovative flavors and treasured family traditions, the award-winning Puesto is known for its tacos featuring handmade, organic and non-GMO corn tortillas and ingredients like crispy melted cheese, free-range Jidori chicken, tomato sofrito and even marinated filet mignon and braised short rib. Ceviche, enchiladas and desserts complete the menu, along with a variety of cervezas, wine, margaritas and specialty cocktails (incorporating Fever Tree grapefruit soda, fresh lime, Grey Goose vodka, passionfruit and more). Salud! Multiple locations, eatpuesto.com
Trattoria Don Pietro
Your date will feel like royalty at the trendy yet traditional Trattoria Don Pietro, one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in San Diego. Situated in the heart of Old Town, this eatery adds a classy and contemporary feel to the area, with marble countertops, rose petal ice cubes and wisteria suspended from the ceiling. Try the squid ink linguine, spaghetti with pistachio carbonara or truffle-infused gnocchi. End the night with crème brûlée, a tiramisu milkshake or limoncello cake. We’ll take two! San Diego, 619.255.7205, trattoriadonpietro.com
Verbena Kitchen
Chef Ronnie Schwandt and event powerhouse Jillian Ziska’s first solo venture offers award-winning meals prepared by a talented team. The local, sustainable and seasonal menu—featuring dishes from the garden, sea, farm and more—make for a unique dining experience each time. Try the Peruvian shrimp ceviche, wagyu beef tartare or Moroccan spiced lamb loin for dinner, or stop by for a brunch date and order a salad, egg salad sandwich or avocado toast. San Diego, 619.269.5776, verbenakitchensd.com
Photography by: Freddy G/Unsplash
