Where should I take my fiance for dinner?

Question

I'm looking for a nice place with plenty of atmosphere. It doesn't have to be too swanky, just a nice local place with really good food.

Answer 1

Try this place. I have eaten there many times. You won't be disappointed. It is way back in the corner of Old Town San Diego. Mostly in the summer or in warmer weather they have Mariachi music of folk dancing.


http://bazaardelmundo.com/pico2006.shtml

Answer 2

Don't try to impress her with how much money you spend, impress her with the quality places you know... That's my philosophy. I eat out a lot for reasons of habit and circumstance.
So, I feel I have a good idea of what's out there...

Now, it depends on what kind of food you like. I'll list my favourite places general atmosphere.

Italian food: "Filippi's in DOWNTOWN San Diego near Grape and Indio (or is that India) street. It's a cool little nook with awesome pizza. You have to walk thru an Italian food grocery before yo get to the restaurant hiding in the back of the grocery store. The smells in the grocery store are nice. It makes yo ufeel like you are in for a secret treat. There is often a short line, but this adds to the anticipation. The pizza is great. If you're in the mood for somehting a little different but good. Ask about "gnocci" if you haven't ever tried it - it's not on the menu there. It's a potato pasta, and better than it sounds.

Chinese food: No doubt the "Dumpling Inn" !!! It is tiny restaurant. Not many would see it, yet there may be a short line...but not always depending on the time of day. It is awesome!! The make good 'pot stickers' and all of the dishes I have had there are made excellent if not outstanding in taste and texture. This is how Chinese food should be done. Also, this is a little nook.. so, the fact you know this place will impress anyone. Cnosider trying the Lamb Scallion and fried potstickers.

Chinese: If you simply want to scale up the atmosphere.. and not neccessarily the food. Try out "PF Changs" in La Jolla. More flashy...but maybe she will like that more.

Steak: "Ruth Cris" in downtown. All I can say is - Expect to pay $30-$50 per person. But you won't find better steak and there's a beautiful atmosphere nearby at the seaport.

Korean: The "Korea House". It's across the street from the Dumpling Inn, and is good. If you eat here and have money, consder to try the beef dish "Kal Bi" - pronounced Kal-beee. They cook it on the table in front of you. If you want to save a little money, but go to a bar / restaurant / karaoke, there is a place tucked in the corner of this same plaza name "Min Sok Chon".. but you might want to peek in before you decide you want a bar-like atmosphere. The food is good there too..better priced..but hopefully she likes Korea food - otherswise Korean is a bit risky if you are not familiiar with all the dishes. So, the other restaurants might be safer bets if you're not experimental..but I don't know your finance either.

Mexican: Oddly, I live in San Diego and don't have a favourite Mexican restaurant... I tend to go to "On the Border". Maybe, it's because most Mexican food in SD is pretty good. However.. see my next choice... not quite Mexican...

Peruvian: Ever try food from Peru. This place is in a nice part of Old Town. And you can check it out with her.. in fact..this is a really good idea, because if you don't like it, you can just walk to one of a few other places nearby that are also good. The area is interesting to walk around in. There is a pizza place there that is nice. If you look carefully, there will be a cat sitting on the roof near the back side.. It's a real cat.. kind of funny seeing a cat on the roof each time you go.. anyway... the Peruvian place is good and simply a neat little place. Quiet and intriguing menu. It won't knock your socks off, but it won't disappoint you. Worth the try. I can't remember the name.. so, here are the directions as best as I can.... use the link below to find Old Town (near down town..but a little north and/on the east side of the I-5 highway). When you're there... maybe ask for where the Lobster and seafood place is...and ask there where the Peruvian restaurant is.. there might be a pizza place a block away. I'm not sure how many lobster/seafood places are there though..so be aware. It might make it a fun little challenge for you both to explore. Maybe, tell her you don't know where you two will eat..but you want to walk wiht her and explore for a place..... You can do this downtown in the Gas Lamp around Horton Plaza area all the same.

Indian: Ashoka on Black mountain road. It's ijmplanted in the middle of a bunch of Indian grocery stores and clothes stores. She might find it interesting to see the beautiful and highly coloful dresses in the store near-by. If you have never tried Indian food.. try... "Chicken Tikka Masala"... Lamb try "Jogan Rosh"... make sure you order some Naan bread.. if you like garlic, order garlic Naan. Anyway, there are other dishes, but these two are safe adn very good. For two, expect to pay $50. Oh, and try Indian chai if you never had it. I've never been there .. but a place named "Tapenade" in La Jolla sounds nice. Man! They use to ahve a place named "India Palace" but the owner died and they closed it down.. it was an awesome place!!!!! and beautiful atmosphere.

Two nice restautrants in La Jolla near Prospect street:
Ropongis AND another is called Fresh. Great atmosphere... a bit pricey.. The owner is the same so this explain the consistency in how great the food and overall dining are. You will not be disappointed with the quality and atmosphere. If you go to Ropongi from 4:00am to 6:00am - I think the tapas are half price. And honestly, the tapas there are all very good and really all the choices you might want to eat from.

There's a lot of other great places. You migth want to use the restaurant guides. Tehy often have prices and locations and rate all that other stuff.. I linked to a few below.

I hope the best for ya..... Bon Apetit!

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Answer 3

My favorite down-to-earth place is Red Sails on Harbor Island. Good fish, sandwiches, salads. It is very inexpensive, but a nice local place. I'd say entrees are in the $8 to $12 range.

A step up: two places in Hillcrest: Celadon, the best Thai food I know of in San Diego, and very reasonable, and Kemo Sabe, a southwestern restaurant beautifully decorated. Entrees, $12 to $18.

Next up, Indigo Grill in Little Italy. It's fantastic authentic mexico-mexican! Plank salmon is the best! The chocolate lava cake for desert is romantic and large enough to share. Entrees range from $25 to about $30.

Answer 4

The Red Fox Room on El Cajon Blvd. It has a nice atmosphere and it has good fish and steaks. Another good place is Anthony's the atmosphere is not as good as Red Fox Room but the food is terrific. Have a good time whereever you choose.

Answer 5

LOT 81
1129 West Morena Blvd.
San Diego, California 92110
Phone: 619-27-LOT81

...the atmosphere is very sexy and modern and the ahi tuna is to die for. Have fun.

Answer 6

Go to Puerto Nuevo in Baja,rent a room from Las Palmas,down the street,they have eveything thing in their rooms,tv,dishes,radio,chimneys,something romantic! Take care!!

Answer 7

Fondue places are always fun... Looks like there is a Melting Pot and a Forever Fondue in your area.

I don't know if you'd count these as "local," considering they're franchised places...

Have fun!

Answer 8

Where are You Located?
That would Narrow things down!!