San Diego 5 Star Restaurants

San Diego offers dozens of exceptional restaurants to celebrate milestone events, entertain clients or savor an evening of romance. And while it might seem like you can dine in casual attire almost anywhere in San Diego, these fine dining restaurants know that you can best savor their first-rate cuisine and service when you too look and feel first-class. For him, this could mean a dark suit or dress shirt with trousers and a sport coat. For her, a fancy pants outfit, skirt-blouse combination or a snazzy black dress. Likewise, with a superior dining experience, you should expect prices that reflect the higher quality of the ingredients, waitstaff and table settings.

The following restaurants were chosen for their magical blend of first-rate cuisine, excellent service and extraordinary atmosphere. Reservations are highly recommended.

(at The Lodge at Torrey Pines), La Jolla
Dazzling cuisine, much of it in the California/contemporary vein, is the main draw at this gorgeous dining room overlooking Torrey Pines' famous golf course. Seafood, duck, veal; even the vegetables shine at this destination for gold-card business travelers and couples seeking a special night out.

(at The Fairmont Grand Del Mar), Del Mar
Southern California's only AAA Diamond and Forbes Five Star restaurant, Addison features Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef William Bradley’s artisanal approach to cooking. Highlighting local and seasonal ingredients, Chef Bradley prepares contemporary French cuisine with creativity, superb preparation and beautiful presentation. The fine dining menu is complemented by an award-winning wine list of nearly 3, 600 selections.

, Gaslamp Quarter
Housemade pasta with innovative combinations, delicious sauces, signature cocktails and an elegant dining room make this Italian restaurant a stand-out in San Diego. Winner of the 2014 Gold Medallion award for "Best Italian Fine Dining" by the California Restaurant Association San Diego. Also features a Cheese Bar menu and first rate wine list.

, Downtown and La Jolla
With locations at the Headquarters at Seaport Village and in La Jolla, Eddie V's offers prime hand cut steaks, fresh seafood and live jazz in an elegant setting. Also available is a comfortable lounge and fresh oyster bar and over 200 wines curated by a Master Sommelier.

, La Jolla
Chef/Partner Trey Foshee serves "California Modern" cuisine from a beautifully appointed dining room with stunning views of the La Jolla shoreline. Locally sourced ingredients such as Chino Farms produce and Pacific seafood are just the start. The restaurant offers an 8-course Chef's Tasting Menu that's a foodies dream and other delicious dishes that change daily.

(at the Westgate Hotel), Downtown San Diego
Only open for its dressy Sunday Champagne brunch, Le Fontainebleau is utterly refined and very French, with stunning floral displays, opulent décor and food fit for royalty. Expect formal service and classic dishes.

, La Jolla
Right on the beach at La Jolla Shores, the Marine Room pairs an incredible location with expertly prepared French, Mediterranean and California cuisine. Most tables offer views of surf and sky; during the winter, the restaurant hosts special High Tide Breakfasts, with the waves pounding right against the windows.