Best Date Night Restaurants in College Area

178 restaurants available nearby

1. MOTHERSHIP

4.8

Exceptional(338)

Price: Moderate

• Tapas / Small Plates • North Park

Booked 46 times today

Tropical space adventure in South Park! Exotic cocktails. Interplanetary fusion small plates. Named Best Bars In America by Esquire Magazine. Reservations offer 90-minute experience like no other, venturing towards the outer limits of the tropical flavor galaxy! WALK INS WELCOME - Walk-in tables are available daily. Early arrival is encouraged and there is a paging system in the event of a waitlist.

A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant

2. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2644)

Price: Moderate

• French American • North Park

Booked 33 times today

The Smoking Goat is an award-winning California-French bistro located in the heart of North Park, San Diego. We have received the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego three years running. Inspired by his European Farm-to-Table up-bringing and culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, Executive Chef and Owner Fred Piehl, marries classic French cuisine with the bounty of San Diego in a way that is rustic, yet refined, imaginative, yet unpretentious. The dinners served feature in-season local, sustainable and organic ingredients and provide guests with a unique culinary experience, reminiscent of the European countryside. Boasting a carefully selected wine and beer list and chef and bartender attention to select spirits to create craft house cocktails, The Smoking Goat assures there is always the correct pairing available.

3. Casa Gabriela

4.6

Exceptional(760)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 48 times today

Chef Gabriela Lopez brings her elevated Mexican cuisine to Downtown La Mesa. Using her grandmother's recipes from Guadalajara crossed with her cosmopolitan upbringing in Tijuana, Chef Gabriela's menu features authentic hand-crafted dishes and imaginative takes on classic dishes. All of Baja California is represented along with influences from other regions in Mexico.The spacious outdoor garden, cozy loft, and private dining areas are the perfect places to enjoy tequila and mezcal based cocktails, family celebrations, or brunch with friends.

4. Antica Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(2392)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • La Mesa

Booked 25 times today

Antica Trattoria is a warm restaurant with an old-fashioned sense of hospitality that quickly became a gathering place for dinners in Lake Murray and the rest of San Diego when it opened in 2001. For Executive Chef and Owner Francesco Basile, good cuisine is about honest flavors, fresh ingredients, and simplicity. That's the kind of food he grew up eating by the seaside in Sicily and it's what he learned in culinary school in Italy.Why eat ordinary when you can eat extraordinary?About reservations: We have a 15-minute grace period. Please call us if you will be running later than 15 minutes. If a later time slot is available, you may be able to switch your reservation.We may contact you, so please ensure your email and phone number are up to date. Your table will be reserved for 1 hour 30 minutes for parties of up to 4 guests; 2 hours for parties of 5 to 8 guests; and 2 hours 30 minutes for parties of 9+. We cannot guarantee special request for tables.

A photo of Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant

5. Louisiana Purchase SD

4.6

Exceptional(691)

Price: Expensive

• Creole / Cajun / Southern • North Park

Booked 66 times today

Conveniently set on Louisiana Street in North Park, our design of this intimate cocktail restaurant was inspired by the charm &; character of New Orleans, with creative touches of personal effects giving guests the feeling of warmth, community & fun Architect Jeff Svitak helped create a modern interpretation of a classic French Quarter restaurant, introducing elements of wood, marble &; rich velvet. Our lush patio seating flows seamlessly into our indoor dining space, a nod to the courtyards found across the beautiful southern city.Our rotating food menu will be dedicated to only the best seasonal ingredients, featuring big &; bold flavors from the region. Executive Chef Quinnton Austin recently relocated to San Diego from New Orleans, bringing with him an exciting wealth of knowledge &; experience in the culinary melting pot that defines southern cuisineAlligator Cheesecake, Andouille Fried Red Beans & Rice w/Chipotle Mousse, &

6. Botanica

4.7

Exceptional(32)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • North Park

Booked 22 times today

Botanica is a craft cocktail bar offering an exquisite selection of unique cocktails inspired by classic paintings. Our sexy and inviting space is perfect for enjoying artfully crafted drinks paired with delectable small bites. Step into our lounge and experience a fusion of artistic elegance and sophisticated flavors.

7. Wormwood

4.7

Exceptional(812)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • North Park

Booked 34 times today

Wormwood invites you to explore a bygone era when poets, writers, and painters found inspiration in the Green Fairy. Discover fine Absinthes as we share stories of its golden age and guide your palate on a unique journey.Our restaurant blends French elegance with bohemian charm, creating a cozy haven for food lovers. Each dish, from wagyu tartare to fresh oysters, celebrates local flavors and craftsmanship. Experience curated tastes of our coastal region with passion and finesse.We offer French wines and unique cocktails with a twist on classics. Every meal and drink promises adventure and cherished memories. Discover the fusion of past and present where dining is an unparalleled experience.Enjoy our three dining areas: a cozy indoor space with an open kitchen, an enchanting patio for serene outdoor dining, and the Secret Garden, a speakeasy bar with a unique cocktail menu and Green Hour. We also host private events, from dinners to weddings, ensuring every occasion is memorable.

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant

8. Alexander's on 30th

4.8

Exceptional(3097)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Park

Booked 52 times today

Neighborhood gem located in the heart of the Historic North Park District, adjoining Balboa Park and the world famous San Diego Zoo. Specializing in homestyle Italian with Gourmet Flair. Hand made Pastas, Award Winning Pizza and Voted Best of Restaurants by San Diego Magazine "Most Romantic". Listed as Top 25 Places to Eat in San Diego "Before You Die" by San Diego Union Tribune. Make memorable celebrations on our beautiful patio, the perfect ambiance for any occasion. Remember to try our diners favorites, The Theodore's Fix Pizza and Baked Vodka Bolognese.Look forward to serving you soon!

A photo of Aromi Italian Cuisine restaurant

9. Aromi Italian Cuisine

4.6

Exceptional(246)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Mesa

Booked 12 times today

Aromi Italian Cuisine is a great date night spot, as mentioned in the reviews. The ambiance is praised for its modern decor, reminiscent of a trendy restaurant in Rome, and the staff are described as knowledgeable and attentive. One reviewer even mentioned it as a 'perfect date nite spot' and another said 'our dates will always included this restaurant'. The food is also highly rated, with dishes bursting with flavors. So, if you're looking for an Italian authentic experience that won't break the bank, Aromi is the place to be!

10. One Door North

4.6

Exceptional(506)

Price: Moderate

• American • North Park

Booked 20 times today

At One Door North we host a New American Bar and Eatery that pays homage to the outdoors with the spirit of adventure, serving only fresh farm to table cuisine. Come enjoy the adventure with us, we look forward to serving you.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
Daniel
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
I loved this place. I and my girlfriend had an amazing time. The ambience is amazing and the food is delicious. Highly recommended.
More info
MOTHERSHIPPrice: Moderate• Tapas / Small Plates• North Park
•
4.8
M
Meaghan
Virginia •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We had a wonderful experience all around with excellent service, delicious food with great choices, awesome cocktails and the best seat in the house! We would definitely go back!!
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One Door NorthPrice: Moderate• American• North Park
•
4.6
K
KaliyaniVIP
San Diego •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Incredible 5 course meal experience. Our server was very knowledgeable on the menu and offered excellent choices for drinks to pair well with the dishes. This was my first visit and I’ll definitely return! 10/10
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BotanicaPrice: Moderate• Japanese• North Park
•
4.7
S
Sheila
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Food was outstanding. Our second time visiting. I highly recommend!
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Casa GabrielaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Mesa
•
4.6
C
Chad
San Diego •9 reviews
5.0
Dined on 21 Dec 2024
From the moment we were greeted by the hostess til time she was telling us to have a good night on our way out, our entire experience was truly on point! The food was spot on, we had roasted mushrooms and cauliflower for an appetizer, the duck and prime rib for our entree… all of it was as good as we’ve ever had it. The service was attentive, fast, friendly, and it seemed like we didn’t have to ask for much, he was just prepared and had enough foresight to ensure we were taken care of. Overall, an excellent experience! I cannot offer a criticism which is rare. We will definitely return.
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The Smoking Goat RestaurantPrice: Moderate• French American• North Park
•
4.8

Best Date Night Restaurants in College Area

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Award-winning

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178 restaurants available nearby

1. MOTHERSHIP

2. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

3. Casa Gabriela

4. Antica Trattoria

5. Louisiana Purchase SD

6. Botanica

7. Wormwood

8. Alexander's on 30th

9. Aromi Italian Cuisine

10. One Door North

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