I'll try this again. We will be in San Diego for 4 nights next week and would love to know some names of some good restaurants. We are willing to spurge on some meals so price isnt too important. WE like all kinds of food, seafood, ethnic, pacific rim, etc. Beef isnt too high on the list for the other couple we will be with. But we just like good food (coming from Louisiana I guess thats expected.). Thanks for your help.

While I don't have a specific recommendation for you, I can suggest that you go to the Gas Lamp District. There will be plenty of choices to choose from.

Marine Room in LaJolla - do a search and you'll find a few posts with details on this one. Wonderful location and good food too!

Brigantine Seafood Restaurant on Coronado Island

For good Mexican food, I'd suggest Miguel's Cocina on Coronado Island. Be sure to ask for them to bring out some of their yummy cheese sauce with your chips. Just be sure to get their early on a weekend for dinner, since the wait can get pretty long.

A few favorites:

George's at the cove (eat upstairs on the patio)

Kimo Sabe (Hillcrest)
Jakes in del Mar
Gaslamp District has a lot of nice places (if you don't know what you want it's a good place to wander around until you see something good.)
Pamplemouse in Del Mar
Il Fornaio in del mar
Bernardo's in Rancho Bernardo
Flemmings in La Jolla
150 grand in Escondido
Hernandez Hideaway in Del Dios

Be wary of chains, as they are invading San Diego. ;-)

Believe it or not, the Olive Garden on Carmel Mountain Road is really good!

My sister, a reliable foodie, also recommends Pamplemousse and Bernardo's. She loves Laurel , too. I think that's in the Gaslight district. I know they have a website with a menu.

Thanks to everyone for all of the suggestions.
J

brtraveller, I can give two unqualified recommendations: Laurel's (American, with a fantastic wine list), and Pacific Grill (there are two locations; I've been only to the one in Old Town). Pacific Grill specializes in seafood. Dinner for two with wine at either restarant will be $75-$85.

If you are going to be in or near Balboa Park, try The Prado restaurant in the House of Hospitality. I've never eaten anything there that wasn't outstanding. Their website: http://www.pradobalboa.com

Not that this has any bearing on its quality, but Dave, despite your warning against chain restaurants, I believe Il Fornaio IS a chain!

Kim..

You are correct. My mistake. I usually think of chains in two ways.. There are major chains (Chili's) and mini chains (Il Fornaio). Major chains have mass marketed, vacuum sealed, market researched meals, prepared by cooks.

Mini chains are usually good restaurants who replicate. Ingredients are fresh, local, and meals are prepared by Chefs. Specials are indeed special, not what they have excess of in the food warehouse.


Don't get me wrong, chains are successfl because they have good employees, food that meets mass market demand, good funding, and locations.

tom ham's lighthouse - average dinner around $16 - excellant every time we've been there - go for sunset as it's a nice view
pizza port in solana beach
mountain mikes (pizza) in claremont area, san diego
brigatine in del mar is good (pricey)
casa de bandini's in "old town" for mexican - great atmospher & great margaretta's