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Best Romantic Restaurants in College Area

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325 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Botanica restaurant
1. Botanica
4.6
Exceptional(46)
Price: Moderate
• Cocktail Bar • North Park
Booked 12 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.
A photo of Cori Pastificio Trattoria restaurant
2. Cori Pastificio Trattoria
4.8
Exceptional(649)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 23 times today
Acclaimed Sicilian Chef Accursio Lota serves up authentic cuisine in a cozy 60's-style Italian trattoria. Voted San Diego's Best Chef five years in a row, and Barilla’s World Pasta Champion, at Cori Trattoria Chef Lota serves up beautifully bold dishes like Agnolotti with Spring Peas and Beef Bone Marrow, and an unbelievably rich Vegan Parmigiana di Melanzane. The menu melds the flavors of Sicily and Italy with the best of fresh, locally-sourced Southern California ingredients, and is matched by a curated wine list and cocktail program that include indigenous, bio-dynamic varietals from all Italy. The current Spring menu features dishes like Agnolotti with Spring Peas, fava bean, and beef bone marrow, and Cacio e Pepe with sustainably-sourced Petrovich caviar.Enjoy full-service table seating, grab a place at the marble-topped bar, from which you can watch all the action of your meal being prepared in the open kitchen or just order your meal to enjoy at home with your family.
A photo of Wormwood restaurant
3. Wormwood
4.6
Exceptional(827)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • North Park
Booked 11 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 Trattoria Da Sofia restaurant
4. Trattoria Da Sofia
4.6
Exceptional(229)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Kensington
Booked 35 times today
Trattoria da Sofia is a brand new Italian restaurant located in the charming Kensington neighborhood of San Diego. Trattoria da Sofia features delicious, comforting Italian dishes paired with warm Italian hospitality. By day, the Trattoria is your new favorite coffee shop and cafe.
A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant
5. Alexander's on 30th
4.8
Exceptional(3131)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Park
Booked 108 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 Brigantine La Mesa restaurant
6. Brigantine La Mesa
4.9
Exceptional(4223)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • La Mesa
Booked 41 times today
A San Diego tradition since 1969, the Brigantine has received many accolades in our 40+ year history: "BEST SEAFOOD", "BEST CASUAL SEAFOOD", "BEST HAPPY HOUR", and even "BEST SWORDFISH IN THE WORLD", according to USA Today - just to name a few.Well-known for our signature Clam Chowder, Grilled Swordfish, and Crème Brûlée, the Brigantine is a favorite among locals for consistently fresh seafood, succulent steaks and grilled meats. With an updated nautical decor, the busy Oyster bar is hands-down the local favorite. Lush flowering foliage outdoors creates an elegant dining experience on one of two charming patios.The La Mesa Brigantine serves dinner 7 nights a week, lunch Monday-Saturday, and brunch every Sunday.Join us for our signature Happy Hour.
A photo of Casa Gabriela restaurant
7. Casa Gabriela
4.6
Exceptional(798)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Mesa
Booked 31 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.
A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant
8. The Smoking Goat Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2679)
Price: Moderate
• French American • North Park
Booked 27 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.
A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant
9. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina
4.6
Exceptional(1093)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Lemon Grove
Booked 8 times today
Located in the middle of Lemon Grove’s charming downtown area, Giardino is a welcoming and casual Italian inspired cucina where the neighborhood gathers for fresh and flavorful classic dishes found throughout Italy.Giardino offers an Italian-inspired menu of seasonally-driven dishes that use timeless Italian techniques and fresh ingredients. Guests will find items such as fresh seafood, pastas, pizzas and salads, as well as a variety of elements made in-house.
A photo of Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego restaurant
10. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego
4.8
Exceptional(2597)
Price: Moderate
• French • North Park
Booked 19 times today
Et Voilà! is a vibrant neighborhood bistro, located along the North Park corridor. Et Voilà! French Bistro showcases Chef Vincent Viale’s talents, mixing French classics with a modern accent. Find local and seasonal products building upon French recipes from various regions, such as Steak Frites, Coquilles St. Jacques, and soufflés. Explore the diverse regions of France through a curated wine list, and taste a variety of distinct local ingredients with our crafted cocktails. Et Voila! French Bistro is the destination for those looking for a vibrant dining experience, or even for those looking for a simple glass of wine and informal bite at the bar. No reservations accepted for happy hour Please be on time to your reservation. Note that your allocated time slot starts at the time of your reservation and NOT when your party is complete. (1.30 hours for 2, 1.45pm for 3/4 people) We likely will not be able to extend your time if you are running late . Thank you for

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • EdizVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •46 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We enjoyed Sofia very much. Very nicely set, kind service with knowledge and great food. My first assessment is how you are greeted upon arrival. Accommodating! Welcoming! Our waiter knew how to explain options, asked about any allergies.. he was great! We enjoyed the food very much. Started with Arancini - more tomato based rice yummy. Calamari was tender (breading could be lighter) and meatballs on the money! We tried several pastas and chic parm. Cacio a Pepe very delicious - just right amount of black pepper, gently stuffed w ricotta, rigatoni alla vodka very tasty - be aware it is spicy and pistachio pesto and spaghetti was excellent - finally chicken parm - I know it is not a traditional Italian dish but thin and nicely prepared. All in all - very good experience. Will be back!
    More info
    Trattoria Da SofiaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Kensington
    •
    4.6
  • LupitaVIP
    San Diego •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Service was excellent, drinks were absolutely delicious and food was great. The place is kinda of small but very chic.
    More info
    BotanicaPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• North Park
    •
    4.6
  • Irianny
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    A fun experience! Came here for Valentine’s Day with reservations and had a smooth experience. Because of the holiday they only had a 5 tasting course. It was a bit packed understandably. The drinks were amazing! The food was a culinary experience. The service was on par. We were there for close to 3 hours however because the food came out very slow, however they gave us a discount because of it without us even asking. Amazing attention to detail!
    More info
    WormwoodPrice: Very Expensive• French• North Park
    •
    4.6
  • JeffVIP
    San Diego •42 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We thoroughly enjoyed a romantic and delicious Valentine's Day 6-course chef's dinner at Cori last night. The service was exceptional -- all staff were friendly and professional. The presentation of each dish was beautiful and the black truffle lobster risotto was especially memorable. Excellent Italian wine selection from every region of Italy.
    More info
    Cori Pastificio TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
    •
    4.8
  • Eden
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    It was an absolutely amazing experience. Went with a few of my friends as a girls night out and the service was friendly and efficient! Every staff was engaging with their customers and always making sure we were okay or needed anything. Amazing atmosphere with a great vibe (: will definitely go again and highly recommend this place
    More info
    Alexander's on 30thPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Park
    •
    4.8

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