San Diego Restaurant Week Top Five Picks

San Diego Restaurant Week is back for its tantalizing and enticing late summer edition, September 19 – 24, 2010.

The San Diego dining scene offers local patrons a tasty array of trendy new eateries and longstanding go-to classics. Whether you’re looking for a perfect cut of filet in a swanky Gaslamp lounge setting, vegetarian options in a quaint Hillcrest bistro or fresh seafood paired with a stunning ocean view on the cliffs of La Jolla, our great offering of San Diego restaurants satiates all palates and preferences.

During San Diego Restaurant Week, local diners can enjoy three-course prix fixe menus at over 180 culinary hot-spots for just $20, $30 or $40 per person, depending on the venue. With so many great restaurants to choose from, it can be difficult to decide on a desired line-up. From the best new eateries to the most value for your investment, discover my tips and picks for Restaurant Week.

Top Five Picks for San Diego Restaurant Week

The Restaurant at W San Diego Hotel

The Restaurant at W San Diego has been completely revamped to offer a refreshing dining experience, boasting indoor and outdoor seating and a swanky yet accessible lounge atmosphere. Opt for the shimmering gold booths surrounded by oversized vintage mirrors and rotating art displays. Or, head outside for street-side dining on a spacious heated patio overlooking downtown San Diego’s pristine Colombia District. No matter where you sit, you have to start with the Hamachi Sashimi – Chef John Garcia’s favorite – a light dish with three different types of citrus, radish, tobiko caviar, and petite red shiso leaves. Read more.

Whisknladle in La Jolla
Whisknladle is a neighborhood spot that takes a back to the basics approach to food and dining and has attracted a dedicated La Jolla fan base. The restaurant specializes in Gourmet Comfort Food that is tasty, honest, healthy and fresh, meant to satisfy the belly and satiate the soul. Arturo Kassel, owner and proprietor and Ryan Johnston, executive chef and partner have created a signature restaurant that is an extension of their personalities and reflection of who they are: fun, playful, energetic and obsessed with using the highest-quality ingredients, from responsible and sustainable farming and ranching sources. Menu items range from Brick Chicken with saffron risotto, pea vines and harissa; to Spicy Catalan Shrimp with crushed garlic & chili oil; and Niman Ranch Hangar Steak with au poirve and fries. Read more.

Cucina Urbana in Banker’s Hill
More than six months past its opening, Cucina Urbana is still one of the hottest spots in town. Located in the former Laural space in Banker’s Hill, Cucina Urbana is a California inspired Italian Kitchen and Bistro that boasts a warm and cozy ambiance, community tables, and an in-house wine shop. The restaurant’s interior evokes a modern kitchen combined with the history and comfort of an old rustic country farmhouse. A touch of home, splash of bohemia and many objects new and old attract the eye. The menu ranges from traditional Bruschetta to the new-age Carlsbad Mussels with chorizo and tomato and basil.  Other menu items include Linguine and Clams with garlic, mint, fresno chile, and bottarga; the linguine is another Italian classic with a touch of Californian taste. The menu never reaches over $20 for any one item with prices averaging $15 a plate. Read more. (pictured left)

Bali Hai in Shelter Island
Catch a window seat at tropical eatery Bali Hai, and you can pretend you’re in the islands as you overlook the San Diego Bay. The newly remodeled Bali Hai offers an exotic dining experience on the enchanted Shelter Island. Whether you're just looking for nice place to have dinner or planning for an important event, the Bali Hai Restaurant has a menu for every occasion. With spectacular views of San Diego Bay and the city skyline, the South Pacific Room and Hawaiian Village are perfect for wedding receptions and special events. Bali Hai completed a $4 million transformation in 2010, now boasting a contemporary redesign by architect Graham Downes, and a reinvented Pacific Rim menu by Executive Chef Chris Powell, formerly of Rancho Valencia Resort. Read more.

BICE Ristorante in Downtown San Diego
Dark wood paneling, high ceilings, sweeping white curtains and a soft color scheme sets the tone for sophisticated Italian cuisine in the heart of downtown San Diego. Notable starters include the Trio di Tartare featuring fresh ahi tuna and avocado, salmon with chives, and sea bass flavored with citrus, as well as selections from the Cheese Bar, including Burrato con Peperoni Arrosto in Bagna cuda – 4 oz. Burrata with roasted sweet Chino’s Farm peppers and a light touch of Bagna Cuda. BiCE is known for its homemade pastas such as the veal ravioli in porcini sauce, potato gnocchi and the Pappardelle Al Telefono. For a real treat check out the Cheese Bar. Read more.

San Diego Restaurant Week is back September 19 – 24, enabling diners to enjoy three-course prix fixe menus at over 180 culinary hot-spots for just $20, $30 or $40 per person. There are no coupons involved – you just need to make a reservation at your favorite dining spots! To view the entire list of participating restaurants – and sort by neighborhood, price or community –  visit sandiegorestaurantweek.com. 

Discover more San Diego restaurants and follow our dining blog for tips and trends.