San Diego's Best First Date Spot 2008

Intimate Old Town sushi spot offers romantic patio seating, plus a bustling bar/lounge area with a DJ booth.

Reviews:

• “Great selection of rolls, good drink menu, young hip sushi place”
• “Look at your bill and credit card statement!!!!!”
• “Best sushi ive had in a long time”

Tips: It’s hidden in Old Town of all places, but it’s got a hip, cool vibe after dark.

Harney Sushi

East Village loft dwellers strike more than a pose at this nightlife MVP’s sporty watering hole.

Tips: The owners are the same team behind Gaslamp Tavern on the corner of Fifth and E streets.

East Village Tavern and Bowl

Sushi restaurant and lounge features Asian fusion dishes and sleek, club-like decor.

Reviews:

• “Fun place to look at, still not my favorite place…”
• “Overrated!! Bad sushi”
• “perfect for happy hour”
• “You can find better sushi else where”
• “Recommend for a fun night out”

Tips: Try a Tsunami Punch, served with Southern Comfort, amaretto, vodka, cold sake, grenadine and fresh juice. It’s served in a 60-ounce fishbowl and is plenty for two.

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant or email RA Sushi Bar Restaurant

Minimalist East Village watering hole combines chic, urban loft design with a comfortable, neighborhood vibe and thin-crust pizzas.

Reviews:

• “Bad bad bad bad bad service, good pizza”
• “Awesome neighborhood spot”
• “Graffiti tuesday, Art Show on Tuesday’s at Basic”
• “Love it!”
• “Best Pizza and atmosphere”

Tips: It’s one block from Petco, so arrive well before the first pitch on game days.

Basic Urban Kitchen and Bar

South Park eatery embodies the flavors and hospitality of the owners’ travels with an eclectic menu and friendly, warm ambiance.

Reviews:

• “too cramped for couples”
• “great neighborhood restaurant”
• “619.224.7500”
• “LOVE THIS PLACE”
• “Interesting place…..”

Tips: In keeping with European-style dining, the service here is not about speed or efficieny, but rather about slowly enjoying your food and your friends. You have to ask for the check when your ready.

Vagabond Kitchen of the World or email Vagabond Kitchen of the World

Casual, comfortable sidewalk bistro fits in to Little Italy’s classic-but-modern Italian restaurant scene.

Reviews:

• “GREAT!!!”
• “I’ll drive from LA to eat there!!”

Tips: Reservations aren’t taken on Fridays or Saturdays, so get there early or know the wait can be an hour or more.

Buon Appetito

Grill your own steaks with fellow in-the-know locals at this venerable, retro dive that separates South Park and Golden Hill.

Reviews:

• “I approve”
• “Best local joint”

Tips: Old-school piano crooners Kevin Cavanaugh and Richard Johnson tickle the ivories to a packed house on alternate Sunday evenings.

Turf Supper Club

Old Town wine bar known for it’s outdoor patio also has a retail shop and small menu of snacks, paninis and desserts.

Tips: Yes, there are cabanas in the back.

Wine Cabana

Classic pizza parlor is a San Diego tradition in Little Italy

Reviews:

• “really good cheese sticks”
• “Parents with kids: Beware!”

Filippi’s Pizza Grotto

Shelter Island waterfront hotel hosts legendary outdoor concert series in the summer months.

Tips: If you can’t afford the steap ticket prices, tow your boat up to the rocks just off the stage for a perfect view—for free!

Humphrey’s Concerts By the Bay

The Gaslamp’s first private, members-only lounge impresses well-heeled crowds with exotic sushi, pricey cocktails and VIP vibe.

Reviews:

• “why can’t we all go?”

Tips: Private memberships available on a monthly or annual basis and range from $500 to $2,500 for VIP access, town car service, event and concert tickets and more.

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