San Diego resturant help!
 

Hi!
Does anyone have any suggestions as to a resturant in San Diego that would be good for a family (18 & 14 year old children) that is possibly fun, but yet still may have could have a view and is not a McDonald's. I don't want a 5-star resturant and a view is not imperative, but a 3-4 star place would be just great. Is there such a resturant out there? One that may be a little upbeat but yet still has great atmosphere and food?

Thanks for any and all suggestions that I might receive!

Craig

Last summer we ate here:
http://www.sdro.com/sd/georges.htm
with my in-laws and our (then) 11-year-old son. Ask for a rooftop table. You -- and they -- won't be disappointed. He was by no means the only young person there. Afterwards we went down and washed the seals and the swimmers in the cove. It was neat.

Actually, we didn't *wash* the seals. We *watched* the seals . . .

The Marine Room in La Jolla - waves come crashing up against the window. Actually, a little over 20 years ago, they came right thru the windows, but they have stronger glass now!

i don't think i'd class it as a 4 star restaurant but one place my company always likes is the green flash down on pacific beach. have always had good food and it's right on the boardwalk so people watching is great.
another place i like is tom ham's lighthouse. always great food and a view of the downtown harbour so you can watch the boats while you enjoy your meal.

Are you sure you didn't wash the seals in the resturant?

Craig,

Any particular cuisine that you prefer?

K.

emd: I'm pretty sure we didn't. But maybe next time we will. :-) And we'll throw in some swimmers as well!

The Prada rest. in Balboa Park (where the museums and the zoo are) is surprisingly good. Nice atmosphere both inside and out.

I'm assuming dbenya has given you the link to Georges at the Cove. Another option that's much less expensive is the Brockton Villa (also La Jolla). It's more a breakfast place but they also serve lunch and dinner. It's across from the ocean. Every table both inside and out has a view. Sort of funky place. Excellent french toast.

There are a bunch of rest. at Seaport Village in downtown SD but I've not yet found a good one yet.

For a real treat, go to the Hotel Del on Coronado.

Thee Bungalow and Third Corner in Ocean Beach.
M

Try the Poseidon in Del Mar, right on the beach and if you sit outside there's only a wall between you and the sand. Right next door, and better IMO, is Jake's. Same view, but all enclosed.Both have valet parking.

I'm not really sure what you mean by "is possibly fun". Other than decent food, and perhaps a view, what are you looking for?

I guess I am not sure what I exactly mean when I say that it be possibly fun. I know, after I have been to a nicer resturant, and the entire experience (wait staff, etc.) makes the outing more fun than say "stuffy" or "low budget". It seems to be an intangable that I guess would be asking too much for someone to help in that area.

Craig

Omar, That's very helpful. I wasn't sure if you were looking for some entertainment as well as good food.

Here's a place for fun: Corvette Diner in Hillcrest on 5th Ave. This is a burger joint, so doesn't fit the 3-4 star bill, but it's just outside of Balboa Park and kids of all ages love it. They play 50's and 60's music, have crazy waitstaff that come by and throw straws at you, may sit with you to take your order, and give you Bazooka Bubble gum with your bill. It's a hoot. A great casual place.

For the view, I second Jakes or the Poseidon. The Poseidon's great for the outdoor seating and was recently remodeled. The village of Del Mar is within walking distance.

The Fish Market downtown is pretty lively. You can sit at the oyster bar for great conversation with others, or get a table in their restaurant area. I would consider them a 3-4 star. They are on Harbor Dr. overlooking the water, just north of Seaport Village. They also have a more upscale area upstairs called "Top of the Market", but the food's not any better than downstairs and is overpriced IMHO.

Also, a must-do is Casa de Pico or Casa de Bandini in Old Town. Casa de Pico is in the heart of the colorful shops of the Bazaar Del Mundo. Both have good food, good margaritas and Mariachi music. The area is fun for strolling with shops and museums. Very historic.

Have fun in S.D.

I have to add a comment about the Fish Market. I like it very much, but I do believe that the Top of the Market has better food. I have had dry, overcookd fish downstairs on more than one occasion, but never upstairs. Plus, you can make reservations for the Top of the Market, and should because it's busy. Downstairs, you may have to wait as long as an hour, or more, in the evening. The view from either is stunning.