San Diego's Best Proposal Spot 2008

Classy La Jolla institution gets a modern facelift, but maintains top-notch ocean views, award-winning menu and wine list.

Reviews:

• “GREAT LUNCH VIEW”
• “Excellent Seafood”
• “I was disapointed. Good, but it does not live up the hype.”
• “Definitely the best restaurant in La Jolla”
• “Incredibly disappointing!”

Tips: It was known for years as George’s At The Cove, before undergoing a major, multi-million dollar remodel in 2007.

George’s at the Cove or email George’s at the Cove

Classy cocktail lounge offers panoramic views from the top floor of the tallest waterfront hotel on the West Coast.

Reviews:

• “total romance”

Tips: The unofficial dress code doesn’t reach jacket-and-tie standards, but flip-flops definitely don’t fly in the evening.

Top of the Hyatt

If money is no object, this La Jolla waterfront jewel is the ultimate elegant indulgence in both cuisine and decor.

Reviews:

• “MY FAMILY’S 4th of JULY FAV!! =)”
• “Very expensive for average food. Paying mostly for the view.”

Tips: See the waves crash againts the windows during summer high tide dinners. Call for exact high tide dates and to reserve a guaranteed window table.

Marine Room Restaurant or email Marine Room Restaurant

Regional American cuisine, rich wood decor and a serene atmosphere mark the restaurant inside the Lodge at Torrey Pines.

Tips: The restaurant has complimentary valet parking

A R Valentien

Intimate hillcrest wine bar serves intelligent international list, with light nibbles on the side.

Reviews:

• “Good Menu, Poor Attention To Detail / Service. "
• “Romantic Spot”
• “This place has ambience for days”

Tips: Order one of several clever wine flights, such as Wandering Whites or Plus-Sized Reds, which include four small tastes of themed wines.

Wine Lover

Hidden Point Loma patio glows with charm, strung lights, and a classic Italian menu with Sinatra serenading in the background.

Reviews:

• “Best Italian in Point Loma”
• “DISAPPOINTING SERVICE”
• “Great bar, Great restaurant”
• “Romantic and very neighborhood-friendly”
• “Adorable, classy, a favorite”

Tips: The bar on the left side of the restaurant serves the full menu and spontaneously hosts live jazz and and dancing on weekends.

Old Venice Italian Restaurant

Romantic dining room just off Balboa Park features gourmet, desserts-only menu.

Reviews:

• “Yummy!”
• “Desserts (in our case) have been consistently extraordinary”
• “Terrible Service”
• “Incredible creations- especially for those who would not normally eat cake”
• “Extraordinary Rip-Off and Horrible Customer Service”

Tips: Just across the lawn from the Old Globe Theatre, it is a popular post-show spot for Balboa Park’s cultured crowd.

Extraordinary Desserts

In addition to a pristine sandy beach, this wilderness reserve also boats hiking trails, guided nature tours and bird watching.

Torry Pines State Reserve and Beach

Strictly candle-lit after dark, this moody lounge is heavy on the romance factor and follows through with sophisticated Mexican cuisine.

Reviews:

• “A New Way to Look at Mexican Cuisine”
• “Excellent food, excellent service.”
• “Great food, drinks and ambience”
• “Don’t miss Candelas if you are in SD.”
• “Fantastic Menu, Food, & Service”

Tips: The gated table in the wine cellar is up for grabs every night at no extra charge. Ask for it when you make a reservation or upon arrival if it’s empty.

Candelas