Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in College Area

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

East CountySan Diego

Neighborhoods

Banker's HillBarrio LoganChula Vista / BonitaCoronadoDowntownEl Cajon / Lakeside

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

77 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant

1. Alexander's on 30th

4.8

Exceptional(3154)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Park

Booked 51 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 Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant

2. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4.5

Awesome(1098)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Lemon Grove

Booked 13 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.

3. Antica Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(2427)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • La Mesa

Booked 22 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.

4. Bleu Boheme

4.7

Exceptional(3609)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Kensington

Booked 13 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 Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego restaurant

5. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(2623)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• French • North Park

Booked 31 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 Brigantine La Mesa restaurant

6. Brigantine La Mesa

4.8

Exceptional(4249)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • La Mesa

Booked 44 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 Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill restaurant

7. Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill

4.7

Exceptional(404)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • La Mesa

Booked 25 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.

8. LIPS - San Diego

4.9

Exceptional(111)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • North Park

Booked 19 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

A photo of Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant

9. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

4.4

Awesome(2041)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • La Mesa

Booked 18 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.

10. insideOUT

4.8

Exceptional(2452)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Hillcrest

Booked 69 times today

insideOUT is Hillcrest's elevated restaurant and lounge, and San Diego's only urban oasis! We are an 18+ venue.Reservations for our upcoming "Sweetheart Experience" are now open! The Experience will be February 5th - 16th!Our menu is curated by Executive Chef Johnny Duran and is updated seasonally to reflect his creative approach to California-Mediterranean inspired fare, using the freshest ingredients provided by our local purveyors.Aside from our impeccable hospitality, insideOUT is known for their over-the-top seasonal experiences. We also provide customized private event planning with venue buyout options. More information can be found on our website.

‘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

D
DavidVIP
San Diego •16 reviews
4.0
Dined today
Server was nice but could not hear or understand him
More info
Antica TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• La Mesa
•
4.7
J
JanetVIP
San Diego •14 reviews
4.0
Dined today
Have dined here many times. Food is always great. Have had the mussels before, great flavored sauce but the quality of the mussels themselves seemed off. Many shells empty and a good portion of them had a mushy texture. We love it here so we will be back. The dining room was very noisy, so it was difficult to have conversation without missing things said.
More info
Bleu BohemePrice: Expensive• French• Kensington
•
4.7
N
Nancy
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Nancy is simply the best wait staff they have, but all of their staff is great! We travel from almost Alpine to dine there because everything is that good….well, except the parking!
More info
Et Voilà! French Bistro - San DiegoPrice: Moderate• French• North Park
•
4.8
C
Cathy
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Always a great place for dinner. Love the food, ambience and service. Lovely waitress, Rachel served us last night. Mussels as always are outstanding!! Brought a friend who had not been there and she'll definitely be coming back. Keep it up Alexanders :)
More info
Alexander's on 30thPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Park
•
4.8
C
Cielo
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 3, 2025
Wonderful service. They accommodate our party if 15. Food was amazing.
More info
Giardino Neighborhood CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lemon Grove
•
4.5

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Special occasions

College Area

Encinitas
Mission Bay
Tierrasanta
Sorrento Mesa
Linda Vista
Oceanside
Alpine
South Park
Del Mar
Little Italy
Rincon
Chula Vista / Bonita
Point Loma
Kensington
Rancho Santa Fe
Poway / Rancho Bernardo
Grantville
San Marcos
Banker's Hill
Kearny Mesa