San Diego's Best Romantic Date Spot 2008

Not your average East Village eatery, this Parisian-style corner bistro serves pomme frites with a dose of sophistication.

Reviews:

• “Love it!”
• “Awesome”
• “Good but slow”
• “The charm of a Parisian Bistro in the heart of San Diego…”
• “Best Bistro in San Diego!”

Tips: Mimosas. Pomegranate mimosas. And not just on Sundays.

Cafe Chloe

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

Ocean Beach wine shop also houses a comfortable, casual-chic restaurant and wine bar backed by bigtime San Diego foodies.

Reviews:

• “relaxed yet hip”
• " Rude Service left bad taste in our mouth"
• “Great wines, Great food and open late”
• “Very Poor Service”
• “Best restaurant in Ocean Beach – one of the best in San Diego.”

Tips: Join the in-house wine club for special discounts and dinner invitations.

The 3rd Corner

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

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

Hilltop restaurant with cove and ocean views boasts one of La Jolla’s finest Italian menus.

Reviews:

• “What happened to this place? It used to be good.”
• “AMAZING in all regards”
• “Okay”
• “Terrible Customer Experience (02/15/08)”
• “Very nice place”

Tips: Nothing is forced here, from dress code to dinner conversation, but the atmosphere is light and sohpisticated. Dress accordingly.

Trattoria Acqua

One of San Diego’s first wine bars perpetuates the trend with dim lighting and an extensive list of the best grapes in California.

Reviews:

• “Friendliest Wine Bar in SD”

The Grape

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

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.

30-Two