1. Bertrand at Mr. A’s

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For casually elegant dining with a dazzling view, this restaurant with friendly staff is hard to beat. Inspired by contemporary French-Mediterranean cuisine, the seasonal menu of American dishes is the star here. Unusual for San Diego, there is a dress code here that asks diners to leave shorts and casual wear at home.

A dining room with a view at Bertrand at Mr. A’s

2. Island Prime

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Presided over by chef Deborah Scott, the scrumptious New American cuisine at Island Prime includes fresh seafood, prime steaks, mouth-watering “Deborah’s Compositions,” as well as fine wines. The C Level bar (with a happy hour) offers appetizers and more filling fare.

3. El Agave Tequileria

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Ancient Mexican and Spanish spices and traditions make for a unique Mexican dining experience (see El Agave Tequileria). Shrimp, sea bass, and the filet mignon prepared with goat’s cheese and a dark tequila sauce are heavenly. Mole, the distinctive blending of spices, garlic, and sometimes even

chocolate, is a specialty. There are some 150 tequila selections here as well.

4. The Marine Room

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Guests can dine on exciting, romantic global cuisine derived from French classics at this restaurant. If you’re not that hungry and would like to enjoy the sunset, opt for the hors d’oeuvres in the lounge.

5. Sushi Ota

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Don’t be fooled by the modest exterior: this is possibly San Diego’s most cherished restaurant for an authentic Japanese experience and all things sushi, as proven by the many Japanese patrons. The restaurant is also famous for its sea urchin dishes.

6. Baci Ristorante

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Classic Italian cuisine is presented in this subtly modern restaurant with Old World charm. The menu includes creative specials, as well as traditional dishes. The tuxedo-clad waiters, who have been there for years, deliver excellent service.

7. The Prado at Balboa Park

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Hand-painted ceilings, glass sculptures, and whimsical artwork adorn this atmospheric restaurant. A large terrace overlooks the gardens of Balboa Park. A variety of margaritas and drinks from around South America complement an excellent cuisine best described as Latin and Italian fusion.

8. Filippi’s Pizza Grotto

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At this Little Italy favorite, the red-checkered table-cloths, dim lights, and hundreds of Chianti bottles hanging from the ceiling haven’t changed in decades. Enter through the Italian deli in front to get to the authentic dishes on offer.

9. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

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Views of La Jolla Cove loom from every table of this casually upscale restaurant. Mouth-melting seafood, selections from the oyster bar, and comfort-food sides pair with wines from the highly praised cellar. Live jazz plays nightly on the upper level patio.

Tuna dish at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

10. Emerald Chinese Seafood Restaurant

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San Diego’s best Chinese restaurants are found in Kearny Mesa. The Asian community packs into this large dining room to enjoy lunchtime dim sum and fresh, simple but exquisitely prepared seafood dishes at dinner.