Beachfront Dining in San Diego for a nice Birthday Dinner?

[huskyla27]

My BF is asking for one thing on his birthday trip to San Diego. He would like a nice dinner outside at a beachfront restaurant. I've been googling all morning and so far have come up with The Beach House, which doesn't sound like the food is good. Poseidon Restaurant On The Beach, and a restaurant at the Hotel del Coronado.

Can anyone suggest anything that might be more what we are looking for?
Any help would be great.

Thank you so much!!!

[scottca075]

For beachfront I'd look at JRDN or for a nice place with pretty average food, Jake's Del Mar.

If waterfront is in the mix, C Level at Island Prime is a nice setting and I like their food too. I don't remember if Roy's at the Marriott Marquis serves outside or not, but it is another nice waterfront setting.

The trouble always with spectacular view and setting restaurants is they sometimes gets lazy in the service and food quality area because they know people will continue to come because of the view and setting.

I like the idea of cocktails at Jake's and walking back to Kitchen 1540 at L' Auberge Del Mar for dinner and staying at the hotel.

[Rodzilla]

Be careful what you wish for - http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/25/us/...

if the smell is too strong, just sit inside. Still a great view. My vote is Georges.

[pickypicky]

No outside dining in LJ right now. This smell is not to be trifled with. I've smelt it over at the Shores.

[foodiechick]

After this weekend's rain, the smell should be diminished quite a bit. One of the new UT SD's columnists interviewed the owner of Brockton Villa last week and they both admitted that a recent rainfall had really reduced the smell by washing most of the bird guano off the rocks.

That NYT article has really stirred the proverbial pot.

[pickypicky]

I have friends involved in the committee to find a solution. They want that publicity because they believe there is no other way to leverage action. I have mixed feelings, but then I don't live in LJ village. However, we did turn away from going to George's Bar a few weeks ago because of it. . .

[Fake Name]

Yeah, I know some people who live in the village...complainers.

; )

[cstr]

Yah, the 'stank' of guano is really bad, not condusive to a good dining experience.

[RhonelyInsanediego]

Stinkin nature!

[pickypicky]

Thwarted rich folk!

[cstr]

Nothing against nature, it was there before me. As for dining, hey it gets dark early and you can't see much anyway so go for some great chow instead.

[pickypicky]

JRDN is a good choice. View of sunset; then after dark, there's the boardwalk to watch.

There are great waterfront views of downtown SD on Coronado from Il Fornaio but not great food.

The Catamaran has bay front dining but only is only nice outside-- and not sure they have heat lamps. Ugly dining room.

Maybe consider drinks at the water pre-dinner and choose any of the Chicas reco's. . .

[foodiechick]

Waterfront, I would also add Eddie V's for a sunset dinner or lunch (only) on Saturday and Sunday. Kinda stuffy and expense account type place with the tuxedo-clad waiters, but the view rivals George's.

Also, during the day, back patio at La Valencia Hotel, overlooking Scripps Park, the cove and the ocean.

[Beach Chick]

Thank goodness for my doppelganger chica for picking up the slack that I forgot!

[Fake Name]

The op did mention water, so maybe a water taxi ride to Coronado, right?

[RhonelyInsanediego]

Wait for it . . .

How'd I know that was coming?

[Beach Chick]

Dobson's has a new carry out container for their mussel bisque that you can ride the water taxi to Coronado without spillage.

[foodiechick]

BC, spit take of water out of my mouth and nose on that one!

[Beach Chick]

George's at the Cove ocean terrace for lunch..or George's Modern for dinner
Sunset for drinks and app's at the Marine Room in LJ..
1500 Ocean at the Hotel Del and then get a room in one of the villas..
JRDN in PB and stay at Tower 23
AR Valentien at the Lodge at Torrey Pines and get a room..hike Torrey Pines State reserve
Bali Hai and stay at Humphrey's.
Kitchen 1540 at L' Auberge Del Mar and stay at the lovely hotel

Divey..
South Beach in OB for fish tacos and cold beers for divey beach
Bull Taco in Cardiff
Poseidon stay at The Motel next door
World Famous or Green Flash in PB and stay at the cottages over the pier...Kona's breakfast.

[CampySD]

"Real" beachfront anything is quite hard to come by in SD (drinks, food, etc...). I'll echo FN's suggestions with caveats that George's is a good suggestion, but, after dark, there's really nothing to see due to their location on the coast. Marine Room is definitely right on the water, but has the same issue - no view after dark.
I'd add in JRDN at Tower23 in Pacific Beach. The food is normally pretty solid for dinner and you have a view of Crystal Pier right in front of you and the lighted coast of La Jolla to the north. Outdoor seating at this time of year generally has heated gas lanterns which can be quite cozy and you can always move inside if it's overwhelmingly chilly.

[RhonelyInsanediego]

Peohe's (one of the best waterfront views in San Diego) - - Wait for it . . .

[ipsedixit]

How about George's? http://www.georgesatthecove.com/

[huskyla27]

I think waterfront is what he ideally would like.

[Fake Name]

Beach or waterfront?

If just water, than Georges is good, or I'd consider the restaurant at Loews Coronado (current name escapes me) that has a view of the bay.

More traditional food (some say stuffy, others say wonderful) Marine Room is a good choice- beautiful ocean view.

[mikec]

Ugh, just went to George's Bar about a week ago and it's now on my "don't bother to ever return" list.

Plus, the smell from the Cove is really, really bad.