Al Fresco Dining at its Best

Posted on June 1, 2019

The arrival of warmer days and nights is a welcome return for San Diego’s cherished outdoor dining scene. Sunset views of the Pacific with mellow ocean breezes, enchanting gardens blooming with life, and tranquil patios with bubbling fountains make the most of our idyllic climate. We’ve picked four of our favorite spaces in which to savor the season.  Mia Park | Photography by Vincent Knakal

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

A sanctuary tucked away on 45 acres of lush gardens and olive groves, Rancho Valencia offers guests a unique retreat with spaces in which to relax and unwind. The resort’s fountain patio is an ideal setting for delighting in the Mediterranean cuisine of signature restaurant Veladora. Warm terra cotta tones accented with vibrant pops of teals and blues set the stage for dishes utilizing fresh, seasonal produce, herbs grown on property, and grass-fed, pasture-raised beef. 858.756.1123, ranchovalencia.com

Donovan’s Steak & Chop House

Perched high above La Jolla Cove, Donovan’s terrace offers breathtaking and ever-changing ocean and sunset views. Each table boasts its own fire feature, further adding to the glowing ambience. The menu showcases a variety of cuts of savory USDA Prime steak, fresh market seafood, signature cocktails, and an award-winning wine list. 858.450.6666, donovanssteakhouse.com

Cesarina

Nestled in Point Loma’s Upper Voltaire neighborhood, Cesarina offers all-day dining alongside a foundation of fresh pastas made by hand daily. The charming indoor-outdoor trattoria features a wine bar, open-air pastificio, and a lush garden patio. A regionally-diverse menu features creative Italian cuisine prepared with local and sustainable ingredients, and a lineup of housemade sweets are available daily from a rolling dessert cart. 619.226.6222, cesarinarestaurant.com

Poseidon Restaurant

With an expansive patio on the sand in Del Mar, Poseidon Restaurant offers guests an elevated dining experience amid panoramic ocean views that stretch as far as the eye can see. The salty sea air and crashing waves complement menu standouts including Citrus Marinated Ceviche, Dungeness Crab Cakes, Seafood Cioppino, and the Seafood Mixed Grill photographed here. 858.755.9345, poseidonrestaurant.com

Photography by Vincent Knakal