Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in San Diego

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in San Diego? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Merenda

4.7

4.7 (23)

$31 to $50

Wine Bar

Oceanside

About the restaurant

Welcome to our cozy wine bar and shop, where you can explore a curated selection of fine wines alongside our delicious housemade snacks and artisanal bites, perfect for pairing and sharing.

Top review

Samanthavip

Dined 5 days ago

I recently visited Merenda Wine Bar, and I can’t recommend it enough for anyone who appreciates quality wine , the staff is friendly and is passionate about sharing it with their guests. The wine selection at Merenda is unique, featuring wines that are grower producer wines, natural, and many are female owned, they feature wines that you won’t find at just any establishment. While some may have noted a corkage fee, it’s essential to understand that when you pay retail price, it feels incredibly reasonable, especially for the quality of the wine . Merenda is primarily a wine bar that serves sharing plates—perfect for pairing with your glass (or bottle!) of wine. I found it ideal to either visit before or after dinner, as the atmosphere is perfect for a lovely pre or post dinner conversation What makes Merenda even more special is it is Opened by a local Oceanside resident, it fills a void in the area—offering something completely unique. Cheers 🍷

The Veranda Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1503)

$30 and under

Californian

Fallbrook

About the restaurant

While dining at the most atmospheric restaurant in Fallbrook, you can gaze at our sparkling lake and gorgeous grounds while enjoying a delicious meal prepared with seasonal produce from our on-site vegetable and fruit gardens. We offer patio heaters during the winter months and fans during the warmer months. Reservations are recommended. Enjoy a stroll through our many gardens before or after you dine at The Veranda.

Top review

Katherine

Dined on Nov 14, 2024

Good food. Very good service. Beautiful surroundings.

LIPS - San Diego

4.9

4.9 (37)

$31 to $50

American

North Park

About the restaurant

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

Top review

Michelle

Dined 6 days ago

Super fun place. Great for special occasions....bachelorette party, bday, divorce celebration, etc. Food was amazing. The beautiful performers were so much fun. Service was great too. Definitely recommend.

Youngblood

4.9

4.9 (1029)

$50 and over

Speakeasy

Downtown

About the restaurant

A curated 90 minute, three course cocktail experience akin to none. $67 plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are accepted as early as a month in advance for groups of 4 or less. Large party reservations can be made through our reservations team at info@neighborhoodsd.com

Come find us.

Top review

Madeleine

Dined 4 days ago

Best experience ever. Highly highly recommend to everyone, even if you don’t like the taste of alcohol

MOTHERSHIP

4.8

4.8 (308)

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

North Park

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Hans Ludger

Dined 4 days ago

Cool atmosphere & great vegetarian food! Cocktails had cool names and were great, I liked that they had a grading regarding their estimated alcohol content. Labeled I.e. as worb speed for a stronger one.

LEILA

4.7

4.7 (433)

$31 to $50

Middle Eastern

North Park

About the restaurant

A tribute to the Middle East by CH Projects.

Reservations welcomed, walk-ins for dinner, or drinks are available as well.

Leila welcomes you.

858-SAFFRON

Top review

Jason

Dined 4 days ago

11/10 experience! Everything was so intentional coordinated. The food was amazing. The service superb. The movies was the extra cherry on top.

NM Café at Neiman Marcus – San Diego

5.0

5 (323)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Mission Valley

About the restaurant

THE NM CAFE located in Neiman Marcus SAN DIEGO has been recently remodeled and is now open 7 days a week, 11 am- 4pm.

Laid-back luxe. Experience delightful dishes in a casual, contemporary atmosphere at THE NM CAFE® SAN DIEGO. Muted lighting and understated, modern decor create the perfect environment for a midday retreat. Whether dining with a group or simply ordering upscale take-out, expect delectable food and exceptional service that is synonymous with Neiman Marcus.

Let THE NM CAFE® host your next Baby or Bridal Shower. We pride ourselves on creating the perfect menu and ambience for your event in our chic and inviting atmosphere. Pamper the glowing bride- or mother-to-be in your life with the shower of her dreams or a lavish luncheon.

Top review

Sulimonivip

Dined on Nov 13, 2024

Always a pleasure to be there !❤️

Prime Cut Steakhouse - Jamul Casino San Diego

4.9

4.9 (1447)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Jamul

About the restaurant

Prime Cut is a classic American steakhouse located inside the lights and flash of an upscale Vegas-style casino just twenty minutes outside the city center. With Chef de Cuisine Greg Coyle leading our kitchen, an award-winning wine list designed by Manager Christina Ambriz, and a full bar featuring some of the most unique hand-crafted specialty cocktails, Prime cut is the perfect place for conversation or an intimate dinner.

Specials
Experience the best brunch in San Diego! Join us from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm every Sunday for Prime Cut’s Lobster Brunch. Enjoy a picturesque mountain view, sample from our award-winning wine list, or sip on your favorite craft cocktail while you indulge in delectable creations by Chef de Cuisine Greg Coyle.
Lobster Brunch • Sunday • $59.95

Join us for Thanksgiving and enjoy a 5-course menu featuring a Turkey Roulade served with Asparagus, Pumpkin Stuffing & Chipotle Gravy. $70 per person. Reservation recommended.
Only guests over 21 years old may attend.

Top review

Theodorevip

Dined on Nov 3, 2024

I always enjoy having brunch at prime cut restaurant

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Popular dish

Seafood Platter

Popular dish

Braised Prime Short Rib

Mister A's

4.9

4.9 (8615)

$50 and over

Contemporary French / American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Mister A's is the penthouse, fine-dining destination of San Diego, and has been for over 50 years. Located just a few minutes from downtown, you will take the elevator to the top floor and look back out over jetliners sweeping past at eye level, the San Diego skyline, bay and Pacific, while enjoying Modern American cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails, and one of Wine Spectator's top-rated wine lists in the country. The culinary staff hand-selects local farm produce and the highest quality ingredients in every category to offer you selections that are made from scratch in house for brunch, lunch, dinner.. or simply the finest rooftop drinks and appetizers in town.

Please visit our website for specific dress code guidelines: https://www.asrestaurant.com/contact/
(Guests not in dress code will be turned away)

Top review

Marvin

Dined 1 day ago

went here with my girl for her birthday outstanding food and atmosphere and amazing first experience highly recommend this place!

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4.7

4.7 (225)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Bonsall

About the restaurant

Harlow's Cocktail Lounge is a unique restaurant focused on traditional classics with modern reinvention. Through the use of specialized ingredients and techniques, international influence and attention to detail, Harlow's offers adventurous creations rooted in comforting familiarity. Our shareable menu and bar selections are crafted for our guests enjoy on any occasion or outing. Come enjoy the lounge, bar, restaurant and private dining areas with friends and family. Harlow's stage features weekly live music showcasing local talent. Call or visit harlowslounge.com for more details

Top review

MauiMama777

Dined 7 days ago

The booth in the back in the corner in the dark! Great table for a couples dinner. The music was perfect for the night. If you’re a carnivore, this is the place to be. There are items on the menu. You can’t get in most restaurants. I would’ve preferred another fish choice on the menu. Ordered the shank and it was cooked to perfection! The Apple bread pudding was amazing also. Successful birthday celebration.

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