Top 5:Date Night in San Diego

I always get requests for restaurant recommendations in San Diego. I am most definitely a huge foodie and am constantly on the prowl for cool new places.

So, to start off the first in my series of Restaurant Posts I compiled a list of the 5 ultimate date locations in SD that are guaranteed to make your date week at the knees. As a single girl in the Sunny City, I have been on many dates, some great some not-so-great. At the end of the day what makes a good date is the company you are with, but a swoon worthy restaurant never hurts!

1) C Level / Island Prime

The Cohn Group is probably the largest restaurant group in San Diego, putting their name on everything from The La Jolla Strip Club and Corvette Diner to the Chop Sooey food truck. The fact that they are so big and almost overdone is not very romantic, I know. But what is romantic is the magnificent views over the bay to a magnificent Downtown San Diego.

Just check out the Virtual Tour for C-Level. That in itself speaks volumes.

http://www.cohnrestaurants.com/virtual-tours/island-prime-virtual-tours/

Try it out for "Social Hour" where you can get some great pre-date grub like the Kemo Sabe's Nut-crusted Brie or some crispy Calamaris paired with unique cocktails like the The Desi Arnaz

(cruzan mango rum, papaya nectar, mint, fresh lime, soda) all for just $5.

For a full meal my recommendation lies with the Filet Trio, 3 3oz filet mignons, each topped with a different item (blue cheese, wild mushrooms and blue crab) or the 14oz Pork Double Chop with a  side of the Twice Baked Potato. The baked potato is simply HUGE and the meat's cooked to perfection. You may need to lie down after the satisfaction you will get from this meal, hopefully with your companion at your side.

2) Bertrand at Mr. A's

Speaking of spectacular views, Mr. A's is probably the most famous view in San Diego. Located atop a high-rise in Bankers Hill, you are at eye level with the landing airplanes and have a panoramic vista over both Downtown and the Bay. Ideal at sunset, especially considering that happens to be Happy Hour, the patio dining will make you feel atop of the world.

The menu is mostly french high-end dining, with the highlight being the Truffle MAc and Cheese, Duo of Brandt Farm Rib Eye and Short Rib and of course their famous Truffled Fries with Parmigiano Reggiano.

Although I don't find the food phenomenal enough to compensate for the price, the view and ambiance definitely top it up to be worth it! Plus, lets face it: It's not about the food you're eating on a first date, its about the impression the ambiance leaves on your date. Except if it's me you are taking on a date, in which case yes the food really does matter. 

Tacos at a roach coach all the way!

3) Bencotto's

To tie in with the last comment about food vs. ambiance, Bencotto's does both EXTREMELY well. 

Although I wouldn't be seen dead getting Italian Food in Little Italy anymore (blame it on my painful breakup with Trattoria-not-so-Fantastica), Bencotto's changed my view on the area with its authenticity and sheer deliciousness. But don't take my word on it, SD Magazine has voted it best italian 3 years in a row!

Modern and minimalistic, the restaurant is beautifully decorated, with a soft candlelight resonating throughout the restaurant. 

As for the menu, you simply cannot go wrong! However you must be sure to try the freshly made artisan pasta, as it is the italian staple and they do it so well. The menu allows you to create your own by selecting the sauce, fresh pasta and meats. So often I find myself loving the sound of something only to be upset by the fact that it comes with a pasta I am not a fan of. Therefore this option is guaranteed to make all happy.

4) Bankers Hill Restaurant 

Another place that does both great food and great ambiance is Bankers Hill Restaurant. Although not very talked about, probably due to its slightly off-the-beaten-path location, this place is quite the gem. 

This place is probably for the slightly more eclectic in tastes such as myself. Everything from the soft lighting (again with the lighting, yes I am a filament lightbulb dork), to the beautiful wood tables and redbrick flooring is just thought out to perfection. But as I said before,looks aren't everything. And luckily Bankers Hill is as tasty as it is gorgeous.

The menu hits the farm to table concept with a brilliant twist. Example: the Deviled Farmers Market Eggs with Lemon Potato Crisps, Arugula Salad and Parmesan. 

Although you can't beat a damn good burger, which, they do have, you can definitely try with the Crispy BBQ Braised Pork Tacos - Pepper Jack Cheese, Avocado, Herb-Lime Cream. 

Also, don't miss out on Happy Hour, Mon-Fri 4:30pm - 6:30pm! The drinks here are definitely note-worthy!

5) The Prado at Balboa Park

Image from http://travelinhappiness.com/

Centered smack dab amongst the wonderful museums Balboa has to offer, the Prado sits like a fairytale amongst an otherwise overtly touristy place.

Okay, time for some honesty; I haven't in fact been to the Prado. But  I have passed it so many times during my regular Balboa walks that I feel an affinity towards it. I have been inside too, which should give it some credibility as well as the fact that a friend, whose judgement in alcohol and restaurant's I trust, also told me they have killer Mojitos. More than enough reason for little alcoholic me to recommend a restaurant.

Another Cohn group Restaurant, the place has a whimsical feel towards it and is usually hailed. WARNING: I recommend this place solely for the patio. The inside seems a bit too kitschy Old Town to me. However, the patio with its lights strung above and the Romeo and Juliett garden right below, can make any girl (or gay guy) feel like they are living a fairytale. Park across the bridge so it gives you an excuse to walk back on the wonderful bridge, admiring downtown, to sneak in a little romantic kiss. Unless your date is wearing heels in which case the only thing she (or again, he) will be thinking is "Fuck this, my feet hurt."

Can't really speak for the food, but AGAIN its really all about looks. Plus, Yelp gives it 4 stars, so can't be too bad, right?

All in all, I wish you the best of luck on your date, whether real or imagined, and keep following as I will be doing more and more restaurant and cool things reviews.

Ciao, bellos e bellas!

Note: All images are property of the restaurants themselves. And I am too lazy to put up the locations and websites for these restaurant, but hey, that's what google is for.