first anniversary dinner recs - San Diego

[beachbunnySD]

would love some recs for our first anniversary dinner! i'm looking for somewhere with great food AND great ambience. fine with paying around $150 for a dinner for two. not tied to any part of town...

thanks in advance!

[ohm86]

I had a wonderful experience at the WineSellar last year for my anniversary - the food was good (not amazing, but solid). The absolute best part was the waiter's knowledge of the vast stock of wine they have access to (from the shop on the ground floor). My husband and I kind of balked at the price of the bottles we were interested in ($70-80)that were on their basic wine list, but the waiter was able to select something in the $45 range that was exactly what we were looking for. Made the meal.

[Alice Q]

I like the Winesellar, but I don't think the ambiance is very charming or romantic.

In that price range, I'd suggest Jayne's Gastropub, California Cuisine, Parallel 33 or Cafe Chloe.

[beachbunnySD]

have been to market before and indeed it is wonderful, but not the ambience we're seeking. kind of hoping to find somewhere with the same charm and setting as old venice in point loma.

cavaillon is on our 'must try' list, would that maybe fit the bill?

[lovesfood11]

I think that would fit the bill. Thats my grandparents new favorite place, they love the low key atmosphere and its not a big or intimidating restaurant. Also the outdoor area is very nice, I think it would be a great choice for a first anniversary.

[ibstatguy]

cavaillon is excellent

[daantaat]

I would strongly rec Cavaillon as well. Great food, cozy ambiance but not dark and cave-like. Way better than Winesellar and Brasserie.

[ibstatguy]

clayfu and I can agree to disagree but I think that brasserie's best days are behind it. Tapenade gets my thumbs up. Had dinner again at Market this week which resolidifed my thoughts that it is one of the best restaurants in town but not sure it would fit with "charming and romantic"

[butterbutt]

are you looking for something a bit more hip..you are on the younger side? or more romantic.. candles.. maybe dancing etc? dressed up..or just nicely dressed? is the 150.00 including cocktails and wine.. or a bottle of wine? just to give some ideas... as coktails and wine can blow a budget very fast!!

[beachbunnySD]

we're in our early 30's. prefer something more charming and romantic over something trendy (definitely not anywhere that's a 'scene'). $150 includes a moderately priced (under $50) bottle of wine. nicely dressed sort of attire.

[clayfu]

If you're looking for wine, you can try winesellar and braissere. Pretty good offering, definitely a lil more "dressed up". And they have an inexpensive wine menu compared to every other restaurant out there.