When it comes to dinner dates, bae and I love exploring new neighborhoods, or trying new cuisines, or getting dressed up. Or all of the above really. In today’s article we’re talking about 4 different restaurants in 4 different parts of San Diego, California. Each one has their own unique spin on the cuisine they represent. Keep reading for our list of Best Dinner Date Night Ideas in San Diego, California.
Best Dinner Date Night Ideas in San Diego, California
1 ) CLOAK & PETAL
Cloak & Petal in Little Italy isn’t your run of the mill sushi joint. Touted as a “Japanese social dining” experience, you’ll feel like you’re in a modern Tokyo restaurant. The name matches the decor – the petals representing the cherry blossoms in the middle of the restaurant, and the “cloak” is a nod to Japanese street/ subway style.
Looking to dress up, enjoy some unique ambiance, and try some unique rolls? This spot is a must. While there are some traditional sushi rolls on the menu, we recommend opting for something a little more unique. No time for dinner? At least stop by the bar for a drink.
- Neighborhood: Little Italy
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Vibe: Modern underground Tokyo
- What we tried:
- Cocktails:
- Elyx Fix
- Japanese to English
- Australian Wagyu Lettuce Cups (a must-try)
- Blistered Shishitos
- Chef’s Assorted Sashimi
- Japanese Cotton Cheesecake
- Cocktails:
- In the neighborhood: Go for a walk in Little Italy, peruse the shops, and people watch in Piazza della Famiglia after dinner.
2 ) LOUISIANA PURCHASE
Take a walk down Bourbon Street in New Orleans at Louisiana Purchase in North Park. Chef Quinnton Austin actually relocated to San Diego from NOLA just to open the restaurant and boy was that a good decision. We were tempted by so many things on the menu that we almost needed someone to roll us out of the restaurant!
The decor says cozy neighborhood restaurant meets Southern charm. Be prepared for creative drinks that pack a punch and elevated spin-offs of Cajun classics.
- Neighborhood: North Park
- Cuisine: Cajun/ Creole
- Vibe: Trendy neighborhood hipster meets New Orleans
- What we tried:
- Garlic Cheddar Biscuits
- Alligator Andouille Cheesecake ( a must-try)
- Crab Fingers (another must-try)
- North Park Gumbo Yaya
- Crawfish Monica Ribeye
- Mr. Q’s BBQ Shrimp
- Drinks: Hurricane POP
- Praline Old Fashioned
- Nearby: Head out to North Park before dinner and check out the “Greetings from San Diego” wall and the “Before I die Wall” to add a photo-op to the date.
3 ) FEAST & FAREWAY
Tucked away on the Coronado Golf Course is the newly renovated Feast & Fareway. Their motto is “fine dining without the fuss” – meaning that you’ll find families enjoying a nice dinner, friends grabbing a bite after playing a round of golf, or a couple dressed up for a sunset dinner (aka us).
The menu is full of locally sourced ingredients, and California-centric flavors. And don’t forget to save room for dessert – we loved the tres leches cake!
- Neighborhood: Coronado
- Cuisine: New American
- Vibe: Coastal kitchen
- What we tried:
- Cocktail:
- Pebble Beach Breeze
- Spanish Octopus (a must-try)
- Grilled Broccolini
- Duck Mac & Cheese
- Hill Meat Braised Pork Shank
- Tres Leches Cake (a must-try)
- Cocktail:
- Nearby: Walk along the water on the golf course property to enjoy the sunset, or hop in the car and walk on the beach by the Hotel del Coronado.
4 ) FARMER’S BOTTEGA
Nestled in the heart of Mission Hills is Farmer’s Bottega – something that appears to have been lifted out of Brooklyn with the exposed brick and farmer meets industrial decor. To disclaimer – our schedules have been so crazy lately that we only made it in for brunch. This spot however made the list due to all of our friends raving about the dinner menu.
Local San Diego celebrity chef (who has been the face of multiple restaurants in the area), Alberto Morreale, is the face of the restaurant. His Sicilian heritage shines throughout the menu, and we can’t go back to try the “Black + White Taglioni” and the “Spiny Lobster Ravioli.”
Only have time for brunch? The Bottega stack is a must-try.
- Neighborhood: Mission Hills
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired farm to table
- Vibe: Farmhouse chic
- What we ordered:
- Drinks:
- Bacon bloody mary
- Latte
- Bottega Stack (a must-try)
- Nopales Salad
- Proscuitto Flatbread
- Drinks:
- Nearby: If you visit for Bottega dinner, head to Cinema Under the Stars afterwards for an old-school movie date.
What is your favorite type of dinner date? Do you like to dress up or get cozy and dress down?
Disclaimer: this article was brought to you as a collaboration with some of the above restaurants, but all opinions are our own.
