DineSpin

Best Fine Dining in San Diego

Find the best fine dining restaurants in San Diego, CA. Scored on what actually matters.

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

San Diego's fine-dining scene is split between the showy and the genuine. You've got Michelin stars and Instagram moments, sure, but the best meals here tend to happen in quieter rooms where someone actually cares whether you leave satisfied. Expect to pay accordingly—these aren't bargain meals—but know that the city's best chefs are cooking with real conviction, not just reputation.

Recommended:

Best Fine Dining in San Diego

1.

Three Three Seven

92/100

Three Seven offers an intimate, speakeasy-style fine-dining experience in San Diego, celebrated for its excellent, unique, and expertly prepared cuisine and warm service. The atmosphere is a significant draw, creating a memorable occasion for diners.

Pro tip: The best restaurant in San Diego! We came for our anniversary and it was amazing.

🍽️Food98

The food is consistently described as outstanding, unique, and expertly prepared, with many dishes being highlights of diners' experiences.

All the dishes were perfectly cooked

👋Service90

Service is generally warm, attentive, and contributes to a special, intimate dining experience, with staff making guests feel welcomed.

The service and staff were amazing

Vibe95

The atmosphere is well-regarded as intimate, relaxing, and unique, contributing significantly to the overall special dining experience.

Intimate atmosphere there is not

💰Value85

While not explicitly detailed, the overwhelmingly positive reception on the unique, high-quality, and intimate dining experience suggests good value for the price.

This meal topped both of those!

📍 629 J St #205, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
4.4$$$$San DiegoAmerican
Ideal for
Special occasions like anniversariesDiners seeking a unique, intimate experienceFood enthusiasts appreciating creative cuisine
2.

Animae

92/100

Animae offers a high-end dining experience with a stunning ambiance and remarkably flavorful, creative Asian fusion cuisine. Service is well-regarded, making it a memorable destination for special occasions.

Pro tip: Excellent Dining with Consistent Excellence

🍽️Food95

The cuisine is well-regarded for its outstanding flavor, unique combinations, and high-quality ingredients, with many dishes described as memorable.

Cooked to perfection, and I'd definitely

👋Service90

Service is frequently highlighted as attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, contributing significantly to the overall positive dining experience.

Service was impeccable: attentive, knowledgeable,

Vibe95

The restaurant's ambiance is consistently described as stunning, stylish, and elegant, with a well-curated music selection enhancing the atmosphere.

The decor and ambience are elevated, stylish,

💰Value85

While some diners find the experience and quality worth the price, noted it was not worth the cost.

Totally worth the hype and money

📍 969 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
4.6$$$$San DiegoMixed/Fusion
Ideal for
Special occasions and celebrationsDiners seeking creative, upscale Asian fusionGroups looking to share multiple dishes
3.

Et Voilà! French Bistro

92/100

Et Voilà! French Bistro is a highly-regarded establishment in San Diego, celebrated for its excellent French cuisine, intimate ambiance, and attentive service. It's a popular choice for special occasions and those seeking an authentic taste of France.

Pro tip: Outstanding experience all around. The food was spectacular and the vibe was great!

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its first-rate quality, authentic French flavors, and fresh ingredients, with many dishes highlighted as standouts.

Phenomenal, and pricing was more than fair

👋Service88

Service is generally described as attentive, friendly, and professional, with staff often going the extra mile to ensure a special experience.

Staff was outstanding.

Vibe92

The restaurant offers a charming, intimate, and romantic atmosphere, often described as transporting diners to Paris with its cozy decor and ambiance.

Charming French restaurant! From the moment we stepped inside

💰Value75

While some diners find the prices reasonable for the quality, a few signs suggest that certain dishes may be overpriced for the portion size.

Shrimps were overpriced for what you get

📍 3015 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116, United States
4.7$$$San DiegoFrench
Ideal for
Romantic dinnersSpecial occasionsAuthentic French food enthusiasts
4.

Witherby Bar & Restaurant

92/100

Witherby feels like the restaurant that should have flamed out by now but didn't, because the basics actually work. The steak melts on the plate, the crudo is bright, the pork shank tastes like someone knew what they were doing with it. But it's the service that tips it over—a staff that knows when to disappear and when to refill your glass without asking, the kind of attentiveness that feels like genuine care rather than choreography. It's elegant without being cold, which in San Diego fine dining is increasingly rare.

Pro tip: Arrive early for the bar if you're a cocktail person; the bartender actually knows what they're making and won't hand you a $16 drink that tastes like instructions.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its deliciousness, creative presentation, and fresh ingredients, with many dishes highlighted as excellent.

The shrimp garlic noodle was amazing!

👋Service93

Service is frequently described as outstanding, with staff being attentive, friendly, knowledgeable, and professional, though one instance of slow service was noted.

He was absolutely wonderful—attentive without being intrusive

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as warm, inviting, unique, elegant, and soulful, contributing significantly to the overall dining experience.

A restaurant full of warmth and soul.

💰Value85

While not explicitly detailed, the overall positive reception and descriptions of high-end dining suggest good value for the quality and experience.

Five stars is not enough for this place!!

📍 927 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
4.9$$$San DiegoAmerican
Ideal for
Special occasions — first-rate food and serviceDate nights — romantic and swanky atmosphereFoodies — creative dishes and fresh ingredients
5.

Carbon Angela’s Kitchen

92/100

Carbon Angela's Kitchen is a highly-regarded San Diego restaurant celebrated for its excellent Italian and fusion cuisine, outstanding service, and cozy, intimate atmosphere. While most diners find the experience well worth it, potential visitors should be aware of parking challenges and potentially long wait times, especially on weekends.

Pro tip: Outstanding food and service in a cozy atmosphere, though waits can be long.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its first-rate quality, fresh ingredients, and unique flavor profiles, often described as authentic Italian or a delightful fusion.

Everything was amazing!

👋Service95

Service is frequently highlighted as outstanding, with staff described as attentive, friendly, welcoming, and creating a homely atmosphere.

Super attentive staff

Vibe90

The atmosphere is consistently described as cozy, comfortable, intimate, and having a homey or Italian cultural feel, making it a popular choice for date nights.

Cozy atmosphere

💰Value75

While most diners find the food quality justifies the price, a few note that entrees are $30+ and a party of four can easily exceed $300, with one diner calling it 'way, way, way overpriced'.

Way, way, way overpriced

📍 2318 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
4.7$$$San DiegoItalian
Ideal for
Date nights — cozy atmosphere and intimate settingFood enthusiasts — top-notch and authentic cuisineSpecial occasions — known for creating memorable experiences
6.

Kingfisher

92/100

French-Vietnamese fusion done with real conviction: the sesame gin drink tastes unlike anything, the duck is renowned enough that it sells out by 7:30 p. M. And the service staff actually know why each dish exists. The bar is architecture-grade beautiful, and the kitchen isn't trying to play it safe. Then portions shrink, quality dips on wings and congee, pricing stays high, and you start wondering if you caught them on an off night. You probably didn't—consistency just isn't there. But on a good visit, it's exactly the kind of place you'll spend months thinking about.

Pro tip: Go early for the duck or skip it—it genuinely does not last past 7:30, and it's worth the pivot to dinner over cocktails if that's an option.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its excellent quality, creative fusion of Vietnamese and French flavors, and the use of fresh ingredients. Standout dishes include the duck, beef tartare, and various seafood preparations.

Everything was incredible, price point a bit high

👋Service93

Service is frequently highlighted as attentive, friendly, knowledgeable, and outstanding, with staff often going above and beyond to ensure a special experience.

Service is very attentive and friendly

Vibe95

The restaurant boasts a beautiful, stylish, and fun atmosphere with a vibrant ambiance, making it a popular choice for special occasions.

The atmosphere is fun

💰Value70

While the food and experience are highly regarded, some diners note that the price point is high, and portions can be on the smaller side, leading to questions about overall value.

Price point a bit high

📍 2469 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92102, United States
4.5$$$San DiegoMixed/Fusion
Ideal for
Special occasions and celebrationsDiners seeking innovative cuisineCocktail enthusiasts
7.

Baci Restaurant

92/100

Thirty years in business means they've figured out how to make a quiet room feel romantic without trying. The food is handmade and serious—excellent scratch recipes, the kind of pasta you don't rush—and they'll rework the menu for you if you ask. An owner who stops by your table, a kitchen that once made marsala off-menu because someone asked nicely. The flaws are small but real: pricing sits high, the menu is narrow and won't have every Italian classic you remember, and service can stumble under pressure. Involved a server chasing a customer down the sidewalk over a tip dispute, which tells you something about the pressure in that kitchen.

Pro tip: If you have a dietary restriction or allergy, call the day before and be specific about what they need to avoid—the kitchen here actually takes that seriously and adjusts the whole plate, not just removes the problem ingredient.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its outstanding quality, authentic Italian flavors, and skillful preparation, with many dishes highlighted as outstanding.

Phenomenal and they offer so many

👋Service90

Service is overwhelmingly described as first-rate, attentive, professional, and friendly, with staff often noted for their knowledge and accommodating nature.

Top-notch service, fresh food

Vibe90

The atmosphere is consistently described as upscale, elegant, romantic, classic, and sophisticated, making it ideal for special occasions.

Atmosphere was quiet & romántico.

💰Value75

While the food and experience are highly regarded, some diners note that the restaurant is pricey or expensive, though many feel it is worth the cost.

Albeit overpriced meal

📍 1955 Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110, United States
4.8$$$San DiegoItalian
Ideal for
Romantic dinners and special occasionsDiners seeking authentic Italian cuisineThose who appreciate upscale ambiance and service
8.

Cowboy Star Restaurant and Butcher Shop

92/100

Cowboy Star is a highly-regarded steakhouse in San Diego known for its excellent food quality, particularly its perfectly cooked steaks, and outstanding service. The elegant, rustic ambiance enhances the dining experience, though waits can be long without reservations and prices are on the higher side.

Pro tip: The steaks are always cooked to perfection and the service is outstanding.

🍽️Food95

The food, particularly steaks, is well-regarded for its outstanding quality, perfect cooking, and rich flavor. Fresh ingredients and creative preparations are noted.

The steaks are always cooked to perfection

👋Service90

Service is frequently described as outstanding, attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, with many staff members well-regarded. However, a few instances of inattentive or cold service have been noted.

Customer service at this restaurant is outstanding

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as beautiful, elegant, and having a sophisticated yet rustic Western theme, contributing significantly to the overall dining experience.

What a beautiful restaurant, the ambience felt like I was in the past but with elegance.

💰Value75

While the food quality is highly regarded, some diners find the prices steep or question the value for certain dishes, particularly when compared to less expensive alternatives.

This place is way overpriced and is a rip-off

📍 640 Tenth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
4.6$$$$San DiegoSteakhouse
Ideal for
Special occasions and celebrationsSteak enthusiastsRomantic dinners
9.

Amuri Italian Cuisine

92/100

Amuri Italian Cuisine is a highly-regarded San Diego restaurant celebrated for its authentic, scratch-made Italian dishes, particularly its pasta, and its beautiful, inviting atmosphere. While service is generally excellent, occasional inconsistencies in wait times and portion size perception are noted.

Pro tip: Absolutely awesome restaurant!! Super authentic Italian food! Everything is made from scratch, including the pasta!

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its authenticity, freshness, and rich, flavorful preparations, with homemade pasta being a particular highlight.

Everything is made from scratch

👋Service90

Service is frequently described as outstanding, friendly, attentive, and professional, contributing significantly to the positive dining experience.

Outstanding service as well

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as beautiful, elegant, inviting, and authentic, often evoking a feeling of being in Italy.

Vibes are immaculate

💰Value75

While generally well-received, a few diners noted small portions or high prices, suggesting value may be a point of consideration for some.

Expensive place to have bad quality

📍 9932 Mercy Rd UNIT 109, San Diego, CA 92129, United States
4.7$$$San DiegoItalian
Ideal for
Authentic Italian food loversRomantic dinnersSpecial occasions
10.

Restaurante Carmen Cartagena

92/100

Restaurante Carmen Cartagena is a well-regarded dining establishment in Cartagena, celebrated for its excellent, creative cuisine, impeccable service, and enchanting atmosphere. It is consistently recommended as worth trying for a memorable gastronomic experience.

Pro tip: Hands down the best restaurant we’ve been to so far on our trip to Cartagena.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its creativity, fresh ingredients, and outstanding flavor profiles, often described as a standout culinary experience.

Absolutely amazing!!

👋Service94

Service is frequently highlighted as first-rate, with staff noted for their attentiveness, professionalism, friendliness, and ability to explain dishes.

Top-notch service

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as beautiful, elegant, and enchanting, often described as an enchanted garden with a sophisticated yet warm ambiance.

Enchanted garden

💰Value80

While acknowledged as being on the higher side, the quality of the food and overall experience are consistently described as making it worth the price.

Completely worth it

📍 Calle del Santísimo, Cl. 38 #8-19, San Diego, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia
4.6$$$$San DiegoMediterranean
Ideal for
Special occasionsFood enthusiastsRomantic dinners

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