Dining Guide DECEMBER 2010
DOWNTOWN/BALBOA PARK
Bankers Hill Bar & Restaurant
D $$
2202 Fourth Ave.
San Diego 92101
(619) 231-2222
www.bankershillsd.com
Carl Schroeder’s new nothing-over-$20 spot in Bankers Hill. Gourmet on a budget. Everything from burgers to shortribs and just about everything in between.
Bencotto
L, D | $$
750 W. Fir St.
San Diego 92101
(619) 450-4786
www.lovebenecotto.com
Little Italy’s newest and one of its best. Pair sauce with the pasta. You choose. Great design and atmosphere. Sells its own line of pasta, olives and oils.
Bertrand’s at Mr. A’s
L, D | $$$
2550 Fifth Ave.
San Diego 92103
(619) 237-1377
www.bertrandatmisteras.com
Enjoy the most spectacular views in San Diego. Casual elegance. Rave reviews and award-winning dining. The ultimate special occasion spot but wonderful at anytime.
Bice Ristorante
D | $$$
425 Island Ave.
San Diego 92101
(619) 239-2423
www.bicesandiego.com
Best known for its homemade pastas. Features a sophisticated cheese bar that offers a variety of Italian cheeses and salami plates. A cozy and luxurious atmosphere.
C Level Lounge
L, D | $$
880 Harbor Drive
San Diego 92101
(619) 298-6802
www.cohnrestaurants.com
The casual connection to Island Prime’s upscale steak and seafood restaurant. Flawless service and unparalled views. Waterfront dining at its best.
Cucina Urbana
D | $$
505 Laurel Street
San Diego 92103
(619) 239-222
www.urbankitchengroup.com
Casual Italian with cuisines of various Italian regions. Award-winning wine shop. Choose a bottle at retail price and pay a $7 corkage fee. Resembles an old rustic country farmhouse.
The Cowboy Star
L, D | $$
640 10th Ave.
San Diego 92101
www.thecowboystar.com
A new addition to the East Village. Regional American cuisine. Great neighborhood hospitality. Features the finest in select natural products including Meyer Ranch all-natural beef.
Donovan’s
D | $$$
570 K St.
San Diego 92101
(619) 237-9700
www.donovanssteakhouse.com
Rich and intimate ambience with world-class unobtrusive service. Serves 100 percent USDA Prime beef 100 percent of the time. Over 300 wines from which to choose.
Donovan’s La Jolla
D | $$$
4340 La Jolla Village Drive
San Diego 92122
(858) 450-6666
www.donovanssteakhouse.com
The original Donovan’s, opened in 1997, is every bit the same as Donovan’s newest location in the Gaslamp. On a par. Excellent cuisine, excellent service.
Donovan’s Circle of 5ths
D | $$
333 Fifth Ave.
San Diego 92101
(619) 906-4850
www.donovanssteakhouse.com
Great new addition to the Gaslamp. A martini lounge par excellence with live enertainment and a small but extensive bite menu. Great venue in which to relax while enjoying a great cocktail or glass of wine, light fare and live background music.
The Grant Grill
B, L, D | $$$
326 Broadway
San Diego 92101
(619) 744-2077
www.grantgrill.com
Since 1951 it has been a premier dining choice for locals and visitors alike. Located inside one of San Diego’s most prominent historic landmarks, the U.S. Grant Hotel. Has long been known as the home of Downtown’s business tycoons, the room where “deals were done.”
Hexagone
L, D | $$
495 Laurel St.
(619) 236-0467
San Diego 92103
www.hexagone.thechamberworks.com
Offers a cultinary tour of traditional French dishes with updated California cuisine. One of the most extensive French menus in San Diego, offering 20 appetizers and more than 20 entrees at reasonable prices.
Oceanaire Seafood Room
D | $$$
400 J Street
San Diego, CA., 92101
(619) 858-2277
www.theoceanaire.com
Provides the perfect setting to enjoy ultra-fresh seafood, flown in daily from around the world. Dove sole to Alaskan halibut. Wonderful oyster bar.
The Prado at Balboa Park
L, D | $$$
1549 El Prado
San Diego 92101
(619) 557-9441
www.dinecrg.com
Located in one of Balboa Park’s most beautiful buildings, the House of Hospitality. Complete wih historic ambience, great staff and innovative dishes. Lunch on the outdoor patio or indulge dinner in the dining room.
Searsucker
D | $$
611 Fifth Ave.
San Diego 92101
(877) 351-8073
www.searsucker.com
The Gaslamp’s trendiest new restaurant under the direction of noted celebrity chef Brian Malarkey. Serves up New American Classic cuisine. Emphasizing unpretentious and inspired dishes paired with local craft beers.
The Waterfront
L, D | $
2044 Kettner Blvd.
San Diego 92101
(619) 232-9656
www.thewaterfrontbarandgrill.com
Established in 1933, The Waterfront opened shortly after prohibition was repealed. Has long been established as one of San Diego’s favorite watering holes. Great burgers, fun and friendly crowds. A true local haunt.
RANCHO SANTA FE
Mille Fleurs
L,D | $$$
6009 Paseo Delicias
Rancho Santa Fe 92067
(858) 756-3085
www.millefleurs.com
The ultimate North County dining spot. Excellent French cuisine by award-wining chef Martin Woesle. The place where you go to be pampered by an attentive staff and fabulous food.
NORTH PARK/KENSINGTON
Bleu Boheme
L, D | $$
4090 Adams Ave.
San Diego 92116
(619) 255-4167
www.bleuboheme.com
Great food, great value. Now under the direction of new owner Ken Irvine, formerly the chef and owner of the award-
winning Chez Loma in Coronado. Warm and inviting ambience.
Kensington Grill
D | $$
4055 Adams Ave.
San Diego 92116
(619) 281-4014
www.kensingtongrill.com
Features rustic American comfort food. Hip neighborhood eatery in the heart of historic Kensington. Sophisticated yet intimate.
Sea Rocket Bistro
L, D | $$
3382 30th St.
San Diego 92104
(619) 255-7049
www.searocketbistro.com
Farm-to-table restaurant focusing on sustainably harvested seafood, pastured meats and organic produce. Offers vegetarian and vegan options.
Urban Solace
L, D | $$
3823 30th St.
San Diego 92104
(619) 295-6464
www.urbansolace.net
Chef Matt Gordon serves classic American food with an upscale twist. All entrees under $20. Don’t miss the Cheddar-chive cheese biscuits. North Park’s premier dining spot.
LA JOLLA
George’s at the Cove
L, D | $$$
1250 Prospect St
.
La Jolla 92037
(858) 454-4244
www.georgesatthecove.com
Visitors and locals both flock to George’s for the magnificent views and wonderful cuisine. The “rooftop” patio is outstanding for lunch or cocktails. Come to dine and watch the crowd. One of La Jolla’s most popular restaurants.
Marine Room
D | $$$$
2000 Spindrift Drive
La Jolla 92037
(858) 459-7222
www.marineroom.com
The roar of the pounding surf just a few feet from the restaurant windows provide musical background to the culinary creations by award-winning chef Bernard Guillas. Elegant fine dining.
Nine Ten
B, L, D | $$$
910 Prospect St.
La Jolla 92037
(858) 964-5400
www.nine-ten.com
Located in the Grande Colonial Hotel. Casually elegant dining room and patios overlooking ocean and shopping district. Executive Chef Jason Knibb presents tasty, simple dishes using fresh local ingredients. Pastry Chef JackFisher’s treats are a perfect complement.
Roppongi Restaurant & Sushi Bar
L, D | $$$
875 Prospect St.
La Jolla 92037
(858) 551-5252
www.roppongiusa.com
Award-winning Executive Chef Stephen Window focuses his travel experiences and training to create a perfect fusion of Asian and Continental cuisine enjoyed in comfortable surroundings made perfect by Oriental art. Sushi lovers will delight in the extensive menu, created fresh and tasty.
Tapenade Restaurant
L, D | $$$
7612 Fay Ave.
La Jolla 92037
(858) 551-7500
www.tapenaderestaurant.com
Chef/Owner Jean Michel Diot creates some of the finest French cuisine this side of Paris, using both traditional family recipes and the exciting experience he gained at Michelin 3-star restaurant.
Restaurants in La Valencia Hotel
B, L, D | $$-$$$$
7612 Fay Ave.
La Jolla 92037
(858) 551-7500
www.lavalencia.com
With its stunning ocean views, La Valencia Hotel has delighted guests for 84 years with comfortable rooms and fine restaurants. Try The Sky Room for elegant evening dining, Lobby Lounge for casual dining all day long and the Whaling Bar for friendly cocktails and excellent California cuisine.
Trattoria Acqua
L, D | $$$
1298 Prospect St.
La Jolla 92037
(858) 454-0709
www.trattoriaacqua.com
Imagine a coastal trattoria in Italy overlooking the ocean, with an ancient courtyard and glorious views. Add divine seafood, meats and pastas and the warm welcome of a family-owned restaurant. Trattoria Acqua is a local favorite.
Whisknladle Bistro & Bar
L, D | $$
1044 Wall St.
La Jolla 92037
(858) 551-7575
www.whisknladle.com
Popular Chef Ryan Johnson delights in creating wonderful, unique dishes to delight visitors and locals, who enjoy the patio dining and casual ambiance of the La Jolla scene. Excellent tapas and delightful weekend brunch.
UTC/TORREY PINES
Donovan’s Steak & Chop House
L, D | $$$$
4340 La Jolla Village Drive
La Jolla 92037
(858) 450-6666
www.donovanssteakhouse.com
The finest steaks and chops, superbly prepared, are presented in a dark wood paneled club-like ambiance. Attentive service. Excellent wine list. Popular happy hour. Also located in the Gaslamp.
A.R. Valentien at Lodge at Torrey Pines
B, L, D | $$ – $$$$
11480 N Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla 92037
(858) 777-6635
www.arvalentien.com
Located in The Lodge At Torrey Pines, a five-star hotel, its restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner to guests and visitors. Under the tutelage of Chef Jeff Jackson, menus change continually to feature the best and freshest of local ingredients.
La Jolla Strip Club – A Steak Place
L, D | $$
4282 Esplanade Court
San Diego
(858) 450-1400
www.lajollasteak.com
It isn’t what you think. Great steaks, chicken and fish prepared the way you like it — because you do it yourself on special indoor grills. It is a unique and enjoyable dining experience. Part of the award-winning Cohn Restaurant Group.
The French Gourmet
B, L, D | $$
960 Turquoise St.
San Diego 92109
(858) 488-1725
www.thefrenchgourmet.com
Michel Malecot serves up California-influenced French cuisine in a quaint countryside environment. Remains a long time favorite of locals after three decades.
Truluck’s Seafood, Steak & Crab House
D | $$$
8990 University Center Lane
San Diego
(858) 453-2583
www.trulucks.com
Chef Brian Wubbena loves seafood and imparts his passion to his diners with some of the finest fish and shellfish you’ll ever taste, all in an elegant upscale setting whose ambiance resonates with the cuisine.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
8970 University Center Lane
San Diego
(858) 535-0078
www.flemingssteakhouse.com
Prime steaks, aged to perfection, fresh seafood and decadent desserts go so well with an outstanding wine list and over 100 wine selections by the glass. High temperature ovens sear in the fine flavor of the meats.
DEL MAR/CARMEL VALLEY
Addison
D | $$$$
5200 Grand Del Mar Way
San Diego
(858) 314-1900
www. addisondelmar.com
The Addison, a five-diamond restaurant in the Grand Del Mar Resort under Chef William Bradley, presents contemporary French cuisine, succulent yet simple, intensely flavorful and seasonal. The setting is gorgeous.
Paradise Grill
L, D | $$
2690 Via de la Valle
San Diego 92014
(858) 350-0808
www.paradisegrille.com
Elegant resort-like atmosphere. Heated firepit, dining patio, bar and lounge. Indulge in chef Chris Sayre’s California cuisine. Steaks, seafood, burgers, salads and more.
Del Mar Rendezvous
L, D | $$
1555 Camino Del Mar #102
San Diego
(858) 755-2669
www.delmarrendezvous.com
Combining traditional Chinese cooking with modern presentation, the restaurant presents Chinese and Asian regional dishes in lovely surroundings and ocean views.
Market Restaurant & Bar
D | $$$
3702 Via De La Valle
Del Mar
(858) 523-0007
www.marketdelmar.com
Chef Carl Schroeder, who once worked with famed Chef Bradley Ogden, has won numerous awards for his masterful dishes with their bright and fresh flavors, using the finest of seasonal products.
Kitchen 1540
(in L’Auberge Del Mar Resort)
B, L, D | $$ – $$$
1540 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar
(858) 793-6460
www.laubergedelmar.com
Chef Paul McCabe and his team are famous for their fine, award-winning cuisine in the lovely L’Auberge Del Mar Resort featuring farm-to-plate fresh produce, seafood and meats.
