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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in College Area

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84 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant
1. Alexander's on 30th
4.8
Exceptional(3099)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Park
Booked 62 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 One Door North restaurant
2. One Door North
4.6
Exceptional(507)
Price: Moderate
• American • North Park
Booked 11 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.
A photo of Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill restaurant
3. Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill
4.5
Awesome(391)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • La Mesa
Booked 9 times today
Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill is perfect for special occasions. As one reviewer mentioned, 'it is a bit pricey so definitely a special occasion type place'. The restaurant offers a unique blend of a classic Japanese design with a modern bistro look. The food is consistently praised for its freshness and quality, and the service is always friendly and attentive. Whether celebrating a birthday or just enjoying a great meal, Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill is a great choice for a special occasion.
A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant
4. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina
4.7
Exceptional(1085)
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
5. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego
4.9
Exceptional(2553)
Price: Moderate
• French • North Park
Booked 18 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
A photo of Antica Trattoria restaurant
6. Antica Trattoria
4.8
Exceptional(2393)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • La Mesa
Booked 11 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 Bleu Boheme restaurant
7. Bleu Boheme
4.8
Exceptional(3557)
Price: Expensive
• French • Kensington
Booked 22 times today
Bleu Boheme is a special place for celebrations, as reflected in multiple reviews. Customers praise its romantic ambiance, attentive service, and delectable food. The restaurant's unique blend of French and Bohemian styles, combined with its affordable prices and comfortable setting, makes it a popular choice for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. One reviewer even mentioned the restaurant's special touch of placing an anniversary card on the table.
A photo of Brigantine La Mesa restaurant
8. Brigantine La Mesa
4.8
Exceptional(4184)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • La Mesa
Booked 45 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 Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant
9. Farmer's Table - La Mesa
4.4
Awesome(2021)
Price: Moderate
• Farm-to-table • La Mesa
Booked 22 times today
Excited to announce that we officially have four locations open in San Diego including Bay Park, Little Italy, La Mesa, and Chula Vista. As a family run operation we believe every good neighborhood deserves an eatery where locals and visitors can enjoy “honest food done right”. Here at Farmers Table, we specialize in farm-to-fork cuisine that focuses on bringing locally sourced organic ingredients together to be savored in an inviting family-friendly atmosphere, where adults and children can enjoy many different food options that are just right for them. If you are looking for a magical brunch this week, come stop by for an unforgettable night.
A photo of LIPS - San Diego restaurant
10. LIPS - San Diego
5.0
Exceptional(62)
Price: Expensive
• American • North Park
Booked 24 times today
Lips has been San Diego's ULTIMATE in Drag Dining for 25 years! Dinner, Drinks & fabulous Drag Shows, as well as Brunch on Saturdays & Sundays. Enjoy a great meal & cocktails served up by over-the-top Drag Queens. DIFFERENT SHOWS WEDNESDAY THRU SUNDAY. Wed: Bithcy Bingo; Thur: Dining with the Divas; Fri: Glitz & Glam Dinner; Sat: 2 Dragalicious Brunches & 2 Glitz & Glam Dinners; Sun: 2 Gospel Brunches & Sunday Nite Showstoppers. ***Prices- Wed/Thur/Sun Dinner: $35.95(shoe & 3-course dinner, drinks additional); Sat/Sun Brunch: $42.95(Show, meal & bottomless Mimosas/Champagne/Bloody Mary; Fri/Sat Nite: $49.95(show & 3-course dinner,drinks additional) All shows subject to 7.75%sales tax & 20% suggested gratuity; $12 celebration package for Birthdays/Bachelorette/Anniversary/Promotion/Graduation. 16+ to enter; 21+ to Drink. GOVERNMENT ID REQUIRED-ALL IDS CHECKED AT THE DOOR
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Michele
    Las Vegas •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    I’ve been wanting to try this place for a while. So glad I did. The drinks were amazing. I had the cauliflower appetizer and it was delectable. Definitely check them out!
    More info
    One Door NorthPrice: Moderate• American• North Park
    •
    4.6
  • SteveVIP
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great restaurant! We were greeted and seated by Oliver. Very friendly and gracious. Jesse was our server. He was excellent. Very friendly and attentive. The food was fantastic. There were six of us celebrating a birthday. Everyone raved about their individual meal. Highly recommend
    More info
    Alexander's on 30thPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Park
    •
    4.8
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Amazing food and drinks. Nick our server was attentive and kind.
    More info
    Banbu Sushi Bar & GrillPrice: Expensive• Seafood• La Mesa
    •
    4.5
  • Matthias
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 30, 2024
    My wife and I had such a great evening at Giardino Neighborhood Cucina in Lemon Grove. The food was incredible – the Pappardelle Bolognese was rich and flavorful, the Tiramisu was perfect, and the wine selection really brought everything together. Roberto, our server, was amazing—so friendly and attentive. After dinner, we checked out Zest, the wine bistro right next door, owned by the same people as Giardino. Heather was working there and gave us great recommendations for wine, making it a perfect way to end the night. If you’re looking for delicious Italian food, awesome service, and a great spot to relax with a glass of wine, Giardino and Zest are a winning combo. We can’t wait to come back!
    More info
    Giardino Neighborhood CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lemon Grove
    •
    4.7
  • RobVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •96 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 29, 2024
    Best French onion soup in California, just fantastic. Excellent roast duck breast in huckleberry sauce with Swiss chard gratin, tremendous. Seafood cannelloni overpowered by tarragon, the herb not mentioned in the menu description — in a sign of truly great service, when my wife could not eat it the restaurant offered an alternative and did not charge for the dish. Truly superb Grand Marnier soufflé for dessert. Good wine list w mix of French and California wines. This is a great restaurant! 
    More info
    Et Voilà! French Bistro - San DiegoPrice: Moderate• French• North Park
    •
    4.9

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