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Arterra
11966 El Camino Real, San Diego Marriott Del Mar, San Diego, CA 92130 · 858-369-6032
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DEL MAR. Only the finest seasonal produce is used at Arterra, where the chef takes pains to create dishes that are simultaneously familiar yet also innovative. Start with sushi, a fig and bosc pear salad, or a fantastic beet tasting (roasted and pickled, carpaccio, tartare, chilled soup, citrus). Main course standouts have included a trio of duck (roasted breast, rillette, and seared foie gras), and grilled scallops with bourbon glaze and parsnip croquettes. Arterra also holds a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.
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GASLAMP QUARTER. In true steakhouse fashion, Fleming's sports lots of dark wood and leather and provides attentive service and top-notch food. Start with zesty Cajun barbecued shrimp or crab cakes with roasted red pepper-lime butter. Steaks are expectedly excellent, but other main course options are just as good, from double-thick pork chops to bacon-wrapped curry scallops. Plus, Fleming's has some 100 wines available by the glass, along with numerous others available by the bottle.
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Grant Grill
326 Broadway, US Grant Hotel, San Diego, CA 92101 · 619-232-3121
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DOWNTOWN. Elegant, clubby, retro decor creates a fine old-school ambience here, but the food is decidedly modern. For dinner, you might enjoy roasted ono with crab-stuffed squash blossoms, bay scallops on gouda-English pea risotto, Arctic char with baby artichokes, grilled venison with Romesco sauce, or maple-lavender glazed pork chops. An inventory of more than 1200 California wines is sure to entice, and weekend brunch is a winner. For a more casual meal, the bar is ideal.
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POINT LOMA. A fashionable destination for dinner or drinks, Island Prime boasts enchanting skyline views, a wealth of trendy cocktails, and flawless service. Start with a classic such as Oysters Rockefeller, or splurge on "A Study in Lobster" – a trio of lobster tostada, lobster-sherry bisque and lobster-fontina grilled cheese. Local celeb chef Debra Scott's deft touch is in evidence with creations like hazelnut-crusted diver scallops with goat cheese and elephant garlic risotto cakes. Perfectly grilled steaks are always a fine choice as well. C Level Lounge is more casual, but has a similar menu.
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DOWNTOWN. Chef Jonathan Pflueger creates updated American cuisine, reminiscent of French bistro fare, but with a distinct US slant. The stylish restaurant combines black-and-white tiled floors with dark wood booths and high ceilings for a cozy yet airy feel. While you peruse the menu, try a dish of marcona almonds or truffled popcorn. Some favored main courses are the soufflé omelette with ratatouille and goat cheese, salmon over green tea soba noodles, and cumin and coriander pork chops. Trendy cocktails are the beverage of choice, like the “Holy Water,” “Earl Grey Martini,” or “Currant Lemon Drop.”
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GASLAMP QUARTER. Morton's offers a lot more than just American Angus. The decor is masculine; the atmosphere, classy. Expect more-than-competent service from the knowledgeable waitstaff, who can converse confidently not only about food but about the lengthy wine list as well. Along with a legendary 24-ounce porterhouse, favorite entrees include whole baked Maine lobster, broiled salmon, and a buttery double-cut filet mignon.
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HILLCREST / BALBOA PARK. Picturesque Balboa Park, with its 15 museums, lush gardens and performing arts venues, is on every visitor's itinerary. And at the end of a busy day exploring the park's many treasures, there's no better place to relax than Prado, where the eclectic décor blends historic charm with modern flair. The menu is a mix of traditional and modern as well, with options such charred Portobello carpaccio, adobo-braised pork osso bucco, seafood paella, and grilled flat iron steak. Gourmet sandwiches and salads are a great lunch option.
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DOWNTOWN. Whether you're scheduling a power lunch or a romantic dinner date, Rainwater's is a top choice. Located on the mezzanine floor of a renovated brick warehouse, the chic wood-and-leather clad restaurant has won numerous accolades for its great food. Pork chops, veal, fish and chicken are on the menu, but the restaurant is best known for steaks and martinis. If you're feeling indulgent, treat yourself to the pepper filet, which claims additional flavor with sauteed bacon, mushrooms, and onions.
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Tractor Room
3687 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 · 619-543-1007
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HILLCREST / BALBOA PARK. With a name like "Tractor Room" you might expect to find a dining room full of John Deere paraphernalia and antique farming equipment. But actually, the restaurant looks more like an old-fashioned hunting lodge: lots of wood, deer heads on the walls, antler chandeliers, and so on. The food is similarly rustic in origin although considerably more refined in execution. Steaks, game and burgers are prepared with a skilled hand and served artistically with a modern eye toward color and freshness. Top shelf cocktails, wines and beers, too.
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CARLSBAD. Fine steakhouse-style, from the ambience to the menu, is West's forte. Appetizers are varied and show an international influence, from lobster spring rolls to traditional shrimp cocktail to a chopped Greek salad. Steaks are charbroiled to your specifications, and can be topped with anything from gorgonzola to wild mushroom-port sauce. Additional options include venison, pan-roasted halibut, and stuffed pork chops. West has a Wine Spectator recognized wine list, too.
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
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