San Diego is full of beautiful spots to catch the sunset. From beaches to restaurants to picnic spots, there are so many options! See below for my 5 favorite dinner spots to catch the San Diego sunset for every occasion.
San Diego Sunset for Special Occasions: The Marine Room
For special occasions, The Marine Room is a must. A La Jolla historic establishment opened over 80 years ago, the restaurant is most well-known for its large pane glass windows to watch the crashing waves. There’s also a new chef, Mike Minor whose menu heavily focuses
- Location: 2000 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Must-Try items: Salmon tartare cones, Cucumber cocktail & the black truffle gnocchi
- Good for: Celebratory date night
- Pro Tip: For an extra special experience, select the High-Tide Experience which features the waves crashing against the glass.
City views & Modern Roman Dishes: Seneca Trattoria
How can one properly describe Seneca Trattoria? Located on the 19th floor of the Intercontinental Hotel, Seneca feels like Miami meets quirky vintage Rome. This is my go-to spot for a girls’ night out, birthdays, and date night. For an added je ne sais quoi, order the tableside hand-stretched mozzarella!
- Location: 901 Bayfront Ct Level 19, San Diego, CA 92101
- Must-Try Items: Housemade focaccia, tableside hand-stretched mozzarella, bucatini cacio e pepe
- Good for: Groups that love shareable plates
- Pro Tip: Be sure to make a reservation and request seating outdoors with a view. The entire restaurant is gorgeous but you won’t want to miss the cityscape and view of the Coronado Bridge.
Special Occasion Seafood: Top of the Market
Top of the Market is a San Diego classic. It’s one of those spots that might be nestled in a tourist area, but it’s enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. I call this the “dinner with your parents” spot because they have classic seafood dishes with a little *spice* that everyone can enjoy. The views are also stunning and you can go for a walk after dinner by Seaport Village.
- Location: 750 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
- Must-Try Items: Grilled octopus, scallops, & chocolate pot de creme dessert
- Good for: Dinner with your parents
- Pro Tip: For a more casual vibe, sit outside on the deck (which also happens to have the best views).
Upscale Casual Dining: Birdseye Rooftop Restaurant and Bar
The Birdseye Rooftop is new to La Jolla and sits atop the Cormorant Boutique Hotel overlooking the La Jolla Cove. While this spot is pretty casual, the drinks and dishes will transport you to something more elevated. The first time I visited, I went for lunch on a Friday with the girls and we couldn’t stop raving about the drinks! I then went back for Happy Hour to catch the sunset and it really is one of the best.
- Location: 1110 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Must-Try Items: Focaccia bread, chargrilled burger, Birdseye shrimp
- Good for: Sunset drinks
- Pro Tip: While this is a great spot to catch the sunset, it’s also one of my top picks for brunch and lunch due to the fantastic menu, drinks, and views!
Southern Italian Summer Vibes: Garbaldi
Another hidden gem in the Intercontinental Hotel is the Garibaldi rooftop. Not only is this spot a nod to California’s state fish but a nod to the roots of Southern Italian cuisine. You’ll feel like you’re sitting on the Italian coastline at aperitivo hour.
- Location: 901 Bayfront Ct Suite 1, San Diego, CA 92101
- Must-Try Items: Prime bone-in striploin (served with a cacio e pepe butter), house folded culurgiones
- Good for: Group dinners (whether it’s your friends or coworkers) & events
- Pro Tip: If there’s just a few of you, reserve bayfront bar seating for the best views. This is also a good spot for big groups as there is lots of seating.
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