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Dining in Mission Valley San Diego
San Diego's status as a vacationer's paradise and its growth into the seventh-largest city in the United States have made it a magnet for restaurateurs and chefs from around the globe. Few other American cities yield so many dining options, indoors and out. Although the town as yet fails to offer a Tibetan eatery, it now takes for granted cuisines such as Cambodian, Ethiopian, Afghan, and Laotian. Many of these far-flung cuisines are served outside the center in the city's ever more diverse neighborhoods.
Mission Valley, the city's commercial heart, abounds in big restaurants of varying quality, interspersed by a few establishments devoted to superior fare. Just to the north, Convoy Street -- the commercial spine of the busy Kearny Mesa area -- is the unofficial Asian Restaurant Row of San Diego, and presents a comprehensive selection of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese restaurants, a number of which qualify as "best in class."
While San Diego grows more serious about its cooking, it remains an informal city, and the informality extends to dress codes, which no longer exist locally beyond requirements for shirts and shoes. The last bastion of the "jacket required after 6 PM," the elegant El Bizcocho room in the Rancho Bernardo Inn, switched to suggesting "dressy casual" attire for men late in 2004.
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
8970 University Center Ln
La Jolla, CA 92122 Phone: (858) 535-0078
The restaurant features upscale contemporary decor with wood and amber lighting. A creative flair marks preparations of hand-cut prime steaks, grilled swordfish, salmon filet and veal rack chop. More than 100 by-the-glass selections line a wine list that specializes in boutique wines.
Features: Dressy casual; cocktail lounge; cocktails.
Directions: I-5, exit 28 (La Jolla Village Dr), just e. 8970 University Center Ln 92122
Parking: valet.
Hours: 5 pm-10 pm, Fri & Sat-11 pm. Closed: 11/22, 12/25.
Price: Dinner: $20.00 - $48.00
Credit Cards: AE, DC, DS, MC, VI
Cuisine Type: Steak House
Reservations: suggested.
George's at the Cove
1250 Prospect St
La Jolla, CA 92037 Phone: (858) 454-4244
Nestled among retail shops and art galleries, the restaurant treats guests to magnificent, oceanview dining. Dishes on the ever-changing menu are made from fresh seafood, beef and chicken.
Features: Dressy casual; cocktail lounge; cocktails.
Directions: I-5, exit 28 (La Jolla Village Dr) southbound, 1 mi w to Torrey Pines Rd, 2.5 mi sw, then just w; exit 28A (La Jolla Pkwy) northbound, 1.5 mi n to Torrey Pines Rd, 1.2 mi sw, then just w. 1250 Prospect St 92037
Parking: valet and street.
Hours: 11 am-4 & 5:30-10 pm, Fri & Sat-10:30 pm, Sun 5 pm-10 pm.
Price: Lunch: $14.00 - $22.00, Dinner: $24.00 - $37.00
Credit Cards: AE, DC, DS, MC, VI
Cuisine Type: California
Reservations: required.
The Godfather Restaurant
7878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego CA 92111 Phone: (858) 560-1747
In a small strip mall, the casually upscale restaurant is attended by knowledgeable servers in tuxedos. The chef/owner is known for his creative Italian entrees, such as capellini pomodoro, grilled swordfish and linguine with mussels.
Features: Casual dress; cocktail lounge; cocktails.
Directions: SR 163, exit 8 (Clairemont Mesa Blvd), 0.5 mi w. 7878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd 92111
Parking: on-site.
Hours: 11 am-2:30 & 5-10 pm, Fri-10:30 pm, Sat 5 pm-10:30 pm, Sun 5 pm-10 pm. Closed major holidays.
Price: Lunch: $11.00 - $15.00, Dinner: $13.00 - $25.00
Credit Cards: AE, CB, DC, DS, MC, VI
Cuisine Type: Italian
Reservations: suggested.
Harbor House Restaurant
831 W Harbor Dr
San Diego CA 92101 Phone: (619) 232-1141
The casual restaurant offers great views of the bay. Among fresh seafood choices are preparations of shrimp, clams, crab, lobster and salmon. Additional entrees center on beef and pasta. The oyster bar lets guests select from a wide assortment of appetizers.
Features: Casual dress; cocktail lounge; cocktails.
Directions: I-5, exit 16B (6th Ave) northbound, 2.5 mi w on Market St; exit 17 (Front Ave) southbound, 1.5 mi s, then 0.5 mi w on Market St; in Seaport Village. 831 W Harbor Dr 92101
Parking: on-site.
Hours: 11 am-10 pm.
Price: Lunch: $10.00 - $25.00, Dinner: $15.00 - $32.00
Credit Cards: AE, DS, MC, VI
Cuisine Type: Seafood
Hob Nob Hill
2271 First Ave
San Diego CA 92101 Phone: (619) 239-8176
The family restaurant's menu lists a large selection of entrees and daily specials. Sumptuous pies and pastries are baked on the premises.
Features: Casual dress; beer & wine only.
Directions: I-5, exit 17(Hawthorn St )northbound, 0.5 mi n to Ivy, then just e; exit 18 A (Laurel St) southbound, 0.7 mi e. 2271 First Ave 92101
Parking: on-site.
Hours: 7 am-9 pm. Closed: 12/25.
Price: Lunch: $7.00 - $11.00, Dinner: $9.00 - $16.00
Credit Cards: AE, DS, MC, VI
Cuisine Type: American
Reservations: suggested.
Humphrey's
2241 Shelter Island Dr
San Diego CA 92106 Phone: (619) 224-3577
California coastal influences are evident in seafood, pasta and beef preparations.
Features: Casual dress; cocktail lounge; cocktails; entertainment.
Directions: I-5, exit exit 20 (Rosecrans St) southbound, 3 mi sw; exit 17 (Hawthorn St) northbound, 3 mi nw on Harbor Dr to Scott Rd, then 0.5 mi w; in Humphrey's Half Moon Inn & Suites. 2241 Shelter Island Dr 92106
Parking: on-site.
Hours: 6:30 am-2 & 5-10 pm, Fri & Sat-11 pm.
Price: Lunch: $12.00 - $25.00, Dinner: $15.00 - $40.00
Credit Cards: AE, CB, DC, DS, MC, VI
Cuisine Type: California
Reservations: suggested, Fri-Sat nights.
Il Fornaio
1333 First St
Coronado, CA 92118 Phone: (619) 437-4911
Accomplished servers begin guests' experiences with crisp, crusty bread hot from the oven. Pasta and flavorful sauces enhance the roasted meats and vegetables. The spacious restaurant thoughtfully replicates the trattorias of Italy
Features: Casual dress; cocktail lounge; cocktails.
Directions: I-5, exit 14A (Coronado Bridge), 1.5 mi w to Orange Ave, 0.5 mi ne, then just se. 1333 First St 92118
Parking: on-site.
Hours: 11:30 am-10 pm, Fri & Sat-11 pm, Sun 10:30 am-9:30 pm. Closed: 11/22, 12/25.
Price: Lunch: $12.00 - $30.00, Dinner: $12.00 - $30.00
Credit Cards: AE, CB, DC, MC, VI
Cuisine Type: Italian
Reservations: suggested.
Island Prime
880 Harbor Blvd
San Diego CA 92101 Phone: (619) 298-6802
Look out over San Diego Bay and the downtown skyline as you enjoy a flavorful meal. The eatery has two venues: dinner-only Island Prime, where you can choose from a vast selection of wines that pair with steak and seafood offerings, and more casual C Level, which opens for lunch and dinner.
Features: Smoking available. Casual dress; cocktail lounge; cocktails.Full accessibility.
Directions: I-5, exit 17 (Hawthorn St) northbound, just e to Harbor Dr, 1.5 mi w, then 0.6 mi sw; exit 18A (Kettner/San Diego Airport) southbound, just s to Laurel St, just w to Harbor Dr, 1.5 mi w, then 0.6 mi sw; on Harbor Island. 880 Harbor Blvd 92101
Parking: on-site.
Hours: 11:30 am-10 pm, Fri & Sat-11 pm.
Price: Lunch: $11.00 - $25.00, Dinner: $26.00 - $48.00
Credit Cards: AE, DS, MC, VI
Cuisine Type: Steak House
Jake's Del Mar
1660 Coast Blvd
Del Mar, CA 92014 Phone: (858) 755-2002
Visit this beachfront spot for great seafood--such as sugar-spiced ahi, fennel-crusted sea bass and seared scallops--as well as terrific sunset views. If land-based fare sounds more appealing, check out the limited choices of beef and chicken preparations. Regardless of your entree, end the meal with Kimo's hula pie.
Features: Casual dress; cocktail lounge; cocktails.
Directions: I-5, exit 36 (Via de la Valle), 0.3 mi w to Camino del Mar, 0.8 mi s to 22nd St, then 0.3 mi w. 1660 Coast Blvd 92014
Parking: valet.
Hours: 11:30 am-2:30 & 5-9:30 pm, Sun 10 am-2 & 4-9 pm, Mon 5 pm-9:30 pm. Closed: 11/22, 12/25.
Price: Lunch: $9.00 - $22.00, Dinner: $10.00 - $42.00
Credit Cards: AE, DS, MC, VI
Cuisine Type: Seafood
Reservations: required.
Kaiserhof
2253 Sunset Cliffs Blvd
San Diego CA 92107 Phone: (619) 224-0606
Authentic German specialties and Continental dishes are served in a comfortable setting.
Features: Dressy casual; cocktail lounge; cocktails.
Directions: I-8, (west end of freeway), 0.6 mi sw; in Ocean Beach area. 2253 Sunset Cliffs Blvd 92107
Parking: on-site.
Hours: 11:30 am-3 & 5-10 pm, Sun 11 am-3 & 4:30-9 pm. Closed: 12/25; also Mon.
Price: Lunch: $14.00 - $26.00, Dinner: $14.00 - $26.00
Credit Cards: AE, DC, DS, MC, VI
Cuisine Type: German
Reservations: suggested.
King's Fish House
825 Camino De La Reina
San Diego CA 92108 Phone: (619) 574-1230
Convenient to shopping, the restaurant has the appearance of an old brick warehouse. Signature dishes are sauteed "N'awlins" barbecue shrimp and blackened farm-raised channel catfish. Additional seafood entrees include Parmesan-breaded soft-shell crabs with capers and sake kasu Chilean sea bass with teriyaki sauce. Diners can sample shucked-to-order oysters and appetizers at the large oyster bar. Also available are pasta dishes, pizza and sandwiches.
Features: Casual dress; cocktail lounge; cocktails.
Directions: I-8, exit 5 (Mission Center Rd), just n; in Mission Valley West Center. 825 Camino De La Reina 92108
Parking: on-site.
Hours: 11 am-10 pm, Fri & Sat-11 pm, Sun & Mon-9 pm. Closed: 12/25.
Price: Lunch: $11.00 - $30.00, Dinner: $11.00 - $38.00
Credit Cards: AE, CB, DC, DS, MC, VI
Cuisine Type: Seafood
Lamont St Grill
4445 Lamont St
San Diego CA 92109 Phone: (858) 270-3060
The menu blends a good selection of steak, seafood, chicken and lamb dishes. Heated patio seating is available.
Features: Casual dress; cocktails.
Directions: I-5, exit 23 (Garnet Ave), 1.2 mi w, then just s; in Pacific Beach area. 4445 Lamont St 92109
Parking: street.
Hours: 5:30 pm-10 pm. Closed: 7/4, 12/25.
Price: Dinner: $12.00 - $25.00
Credit Cards: AE, DS, MC, VI
Cuisine Type: Continental
Reservations: suggested.
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