Are you planning a special occasion or just in the mood to splurge on a fancy meal? San Diego has no shortage of high-end dining options to choose from.
From stunning ocean views to Michelin-starred chefs, San Diego’s most expensive restaurants offer more than just delicious food – they provide a unique and unforgettable dining experience.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most expensive restaurants in San Diego, detailing what sets them apart and what you can expect from your visit.
We’ll cover everything from classic steakhouse options to innovative fusion cuisine, providing a diverse range of choices to suit any palate.
So, whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just want to treat yourself to a night of luxury, keep reading to discover San Diego’s top fine dining destinations.
Most Expensive Restaurants in San Diego
Here are the 12 fancy restaurants in San Diego.
12. Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood & Crab
Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood & Crab is a must-visit spot in San Diego for seafood lovers. I enjoyed my time there, as they serve incredibly fresh and delicious dishes. The prices are a bit higher than other places (meals cost around $30-60), but it’s worth it for the amazing taste and quality of their food.
Their specialty is crab, which comes straight from their own fleet of boats in Naples, Florida. So when you bite into it, you’re experiencing seafood caught within 24 hours!
Besides crab, Truluck’s also impresses with other menu options like mouthwatering steaks and chops that are cooked to perfection. The atmosphere is elegant and inviting, making it perfect for a special night out or celebration with family and friends.
11. Top of the Market- San Diego
Top of the Market in San Diego is an amazing place to enjoy fresh and tasty seafood while taking in stunning views of the bay. When I visited, their menu was filled with modern American seafood dishes, prepared with creativity and passion.
The atmosphere was cozy and classy, making it a great spot for both casual dining or celebrating special occasions. One thing that really stood out to me was their exhibition-style kitchen which lets you watch the chefs as they work on your meal.
Plus, they have various seating options like indoor seats with large windows overlooking the bay or an open-air deck for a more relaxed experience. This restaurant is definitely worth checking out when you’re craving top-quality seafood along with breathtaking water views.
10. Born & Raised
Born & Raised is a fancy steakhouse in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood, where you can enjoy delicious steaks and seafood dishes. When I visited this restaurant, I was impressed by its beautiful interior filled with traditional grandeur and the amazing rooftop view.
Meals are on the pricey side (around $50 and over), but it’s worth every penny for their high-quality food and lovely atmosphere. You’ll find mouthwatering meals like dry-aged meats, hot and cold appetizers, and scrumptious desserts on their menu.
To make sure you get a seat at this popular spot, remember to make a reservation before going there for dinner. Also, don’t forget to check out their happy hour deals on weekdays from 3 to 5 p.m., when they offer first-come-first-served seating on the rooftop!
9. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is a fantastic place in San Diego where you can treat yourself to a yummy prime steak and an excellent glass of wine or handmade cocktail.
When I went there, I was amazed by the elegant dining room and welcoming staff who helped me choose from their extensive menu. Although the meals can be quite expensive (around $70), it’s all worth it for the amazing taste and high-quality ingredients.
This restaurant has a great selection of steaks, as well as an award-winning wine list with 100 wines by the glass and a special Reserve List. Chef Matthew Cook creates seasonal dishes inspired by local ingredients that are definitely worth trying!
If you’re celebrating something special or just want to enjoy an upscale dinner, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar should be on your list of places to visit in San Diego!
8. Island Prime
Island Prime is a unique restaurant in San Diego that makes you feel like you’re on a dinner cruise. Located on the edge of Harbor Island, it has a breathtaking view of the water surrounding it.
I loved how friendly the staff was and how they helped me choose from their delicious menu options when I visited this place. Meals can be a bit pricey (around $80), but it’s worth every penny for the fantastic food and incredible views.
One thing that stands out about Island Prime is its retro-chic atmosphere created by Chef Deborah Scott when she founded the restaurant back in 2005.
They offer a variety of tasty dishes, like metro steaks and seafood, which are sure to satisfy your taste buds. With its fantastic food and beautiful surroundings, Island Prime will leave you with unforgettable memories of an amazing dining experience in San Diego!
7. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Ruth’s Chris Steak House is a famous spot in San Diego for steak lovers. It all started back in 1965, when Ruth Fertel, a single mother, poured her heart into making this restaurant successful.
When I tried their food, I was thrilled by the amazing taste of the steaks – especially the Filet made from USDA Prime corn-fed beef and the New York Strip from USDA Prime beef.
Although meals can cost between $45-95, it’s worth it for such high-quality steaks and a cozy atmosphere. The restaurant has grown over time and now has locations not only across America but also around the world like Singapore and Taiwan!
6. Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse
Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse in San Diego is a great spot to try mouthwatering South American steak dishes. I was amazed by the unique churrasco grilling method they use, which has been part of Southern Brazil’s cooking tradition for generations.
The founders of Fogo de Chao come from this region and brought their amazing culinary skills to share with the world. The meal prices range from $15-125, but it’s well worth it for the delicious flavors and delightful experience at this restaurant.
When I visited, I couldn’t get enough of their various meat options that were cooked perfectly using the churrasco style. They even have an award-winning wine list and tasty appetizers you can enjoy while waiting for your main course.
5. Nobu San Diego
Nobu San Diego, located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter at the Hard Rock Hotel, is a fantastic spot to try modern Japanese cuisine. Famous for its creative style and high-quality ingredients, this restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience.
I was excited to try dishes created by the talented chef Nobu Matsuhisa when I visited. The cost of a meal can be around $130 per person, but it’s worth every penny for such delicious food and a beautiful atmosphere.
Nobu has become popular all around the world, attracting celebrities and culinary enthusiasts alike. Their menu includes traditional sushi bar options along with innovative dishes that combine fresh flavors and beautiful presentation.
4. Fin+Lime
Fin+Lime is a fun and unique restaurant in San Diego where you can enjoy delicious Mexican seafood dishes. It’s a fast-service place, and their ceviche and seafood snacks definitely stand out! When I visited Fin+Lime, I loved the friendly atmosphere and the option to customize my meal.
Meals can range from $30-200, but the quality of the food makes it worthwhile. You start by picking your favorite seafood option like shrimp or octopus, then choose other toppings to create your own ceviche, burrito, bowl, or taco at their build-your-own stations. The possibilities are endless!
Next time you’re craving something different in San Diego with great flavors and variety, make sure to stop by Fin+Lime for a tasty meal tailored just for you!
3. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is an amazing place where you can enjoy mouthwatering seafood and steak dishes in San Diego. When I went there, I was impressed by the friendly staff and their unique menu that focuses on top-of-the-catch seafood, USDA prime beef, and chops, plus fresh oyster bar offerings.
The price of a meal can range from $35-250, but it’s worth the splurge for such exquisite food and a lovely atmosphere. Founded in Austin, Texas by Guy Villavaso and Larry Foles, Eddie V’s has become a favorite among food lovers around the country.
I remember savoring every bite of my delicious meal while soaking up the casually elegant vibe of this restaurant.
2. Mister A’s
Mister A’s is an iconic fine dining restaurant in San Diego that has been a local favorite since it opened in 1965. Located atop the Manchester Building in the Bankers Hill area, I was captivated by the amazing views and elegant atmosphere when I visited.
The meal prices hover around $90 per person, but for such top-notch cuisine and impeccable service, it’s well worth it. Their menu offers American, French, and Mediterranean dishes prepared using only the finest ingredients.
Mister A’s is not just about special occasions anymore; they’ve made it a place where you can enjoy casual elegance with friends too. I highly recommend trying Mister A’s if you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience with stunning views in San Diego.
1. Addison Restaurant
Addison Restaurant in San Diego is a place where you can indulge in the finest contemporary French dishes, created by renowned chef William Bradley. Though quite expensive, with meals costing around $290 per person, it’s an extraordinary dining experience that will leave a lasting impression.
When I dined at Addison, I was amazed by the purity and precision of their culinary techniques. As the only Forbes Five-Star restaurant in Southern California and the first two-star Michelin restaurant in San Diego, they’ve earned their reputation for world-class food and service.
I’ll never forget my visit to Addison, which truly elevated the city’s culinary scene. For anyone seeking an unforgettable meal with unparalleled flavors and an elegant atmosphere, this is the perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy one of San Diego’s most exquisite restaurants.