Hit these ten spots to enjoy special prix-fixe menus during San Diego Restaurant Week.
Edited by Lisa Kelley
With more than 180 restaurants to choose from throughout San Diego County, it’s fairly safe to say that San Diego Restaurant Week is a big deal. From Sept. 25-Oct. 2, take advantage of prix-fixe two-course lunch and three-course dinner menus from dining establishments that have launched San Diego as a culinary destination. Here are just a few of our favorites, but be sure to check sandiegorestaurantweek.com for a full lineup. We recommend making reservations NOW!
DEL MAR
Kitchen 1540
The ritzy restaurant at L’Auberge Del Mar features starters such as Skuna Bay salmon belly, squash bisque, and leopard lettuce; entrees include lamb ragout, New York strip steak, or eggplant parmesan. To end on a sweet note, enjoy Warren pear tart or chocolate honey ganache with pomegranate, all set to beautiful oceanfront views. $40/pp. 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, 858.259.1515. laubergedelmar.com
LA JOLLA
Marine Room
The gorgeous waterfront dining destination is already enough to entice us to La Jolla’s elegant Marine Room, where huge windows offer up-close sunset views (and often splashing waves). For Restaurant Week, enjoy starters such as kumquatcello- and fennel-glazed wild prawn cocktail or white peach parsnip bisque. Mains include Faroe Island heritage salmon, sunflower Dukkah diver scallops and coffee stout braised beef cheeks. Save room for the chocolate cappuccino tart or green tea liqueur panna cotta. $50/pp. 2000 Spindrift Dr., La Jolla, 858.459.7222. marineroom.com
Catania
As one of the anchor restaurants of La Plaza La Jolla, Catania offers coastal Italian cuisine and ocean views. While the specific Restaurant Week menu is still being finalized, guests can expect to enjoy seasonal fare with an emphasis on local produce. The menu is designed for two people and will feature small plates of appetizers, pizza or pasta, a main entree and dessert. $45. 7863 Girard Ave., La Jolla, 858.551.5105. cataniasd.com
UPTOWN
Bleu Boheme
If a quick trip to France is out of the question, satisfy culinary cravings at Bleu Boheme in Kensington. The dinner menu features les hors d’oeuvres such as cassoulet d’escargots, crepe au homard filled with lobster, mascarpone, asparagus and white truffle-carrot sauce, or a charcuterie plate. Next, enjoy main course options such as Duroc pork bone-in rib eye steak, boeuf Bourguignon or fresh king salmon. The dessert menu features mousse au chocolat, creme brûlée, and brioche bread pudding. 4090 Adams Ave., Kensington, 619.255.4167. bleuboheme.com
DOWNTOWN
Grant Grill
Downtown heats up with Chef Mark Kropcynski’s dinner menu at Grant Grill inside the historical US Grant Hotel. Enjoy highlights such as roasted duck breast, local sea bass, braised pork cheeks and more. We recommend the grownup PB&J for dessert, consisting of peanut butter mousse, peanut crumble, pinot noir and blackberry jam-filled donuts. Also order the famous US Grant Centennial Manhattan, their signature cocktail that’s been blended and aged in an oak barrel for 100 days. $50/pp. 326 Broadway, downtown. grantgrill.com
Greystone
Choose a three-course menu at price points of $40-$60 with an optional wine flight pairing at Greystone Steak House. The meat-heavy menu also features pastas, salads and seafood, so everyone can find something to satisfy their palates. 658 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.232.0225. greystonesteakhouse.com
NORTH COUNTY INLAND
Bellamy’s
This acclaimed North County restaurant features farm-to-table cuisine by executive chef Jonathan Freyberg. Enjoy selections such as sautéed shrimp, arugula salad, wild Alaskan salmon, Cornish hen, braised short ribs and more. For the sweet tooth, save room for pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate pot de creme or Julian apple tart with salted caramel ice cream. 417 West Grand Ave., Escondido, 760.747.5000. bellamysdining.com
AVANT
The beautiful restaurant at Rancho Bernardo Inn showcases a dinner menu with an optional wine pairing at each course. Favorites include the butternut squash bisque, smoked lamb shank, porcini pappardelle primavera and browned butter cherry almond tart. 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr., Rancho Bernardo, 858.254.0013. ranchobernardoinn.com
EAST COUNTY
Bo-Beau Kitchen + Garden
This Cohn Restaurant Group eatery is a staple in East County. Enjoy special menu options such as French onion soup gratinee, roasted jalapeño deviled eggs, spicy shrimp flatbread, buttermilk fried chicken, blueberry bread pudding and more. $30/pp. 8384 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, 619.337.3445. cohnrestaurants.com
CORONADO
Stake Chophouse & Bar
During Restaurant Week, executive chef Tim Kolanko prepares a three course menu with fresh, seasonal produce. First course options include roasted cauliflower veloute, French onion soup, kale salad, seared of gras and Wagyu beef carpaccio. The main course features entrees such as tuna served with elderflower and shaved vegetables, scallops with a horseradish crust and Brussels sprouts, pork chop with polenta and a 35 day dry-age bone-in rib eye. Dessert standouts include chocolate mousse bar, apple strudel or seasonal sorbet with fresh fruit. $50/pp. 1309 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.522.0077. stakechophouse.com
