Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in San Diego

OpenTable

Updated March 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in San Diego? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Veranda Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (1541)

$30 and under

Californian

Fallbrook

About the restaurant

While dining at the most atmospheric restaurant in Fallbrook, you can gaze at our sparkling lake and gorgeous grounds while enjoying a delicious meal prepared with seasonal produce from our on-site vegetable and fruit gardens. We offer patio heaters during the winter months and fans during the warmer months. Reservations are recommended. Enjoy a stroll through our many gardens before or after you dine at The Veranda.

Top review

ScottG

Dined 7 days ago

Our favorite place to share with guests traveling to Fallbrook.

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Prime Rib Sandwich Dip

Youngblood

4.8

4.8 (1107)

$50 and over

Speakeasy

Downtown

About the restaurant

Our team has been busy crafting an exciting new beverage experience, and we can’t wait to share it with you soon! In the meantime, you can still indulge in our signature 90-minute, three-course cocktail experience for $67 plus tax and gratuity.

Starting February 12th, reservations will feature the all-new Youngblood experience: an elevated three-course beverage tasting, with a few delightful surprises, priced at $86 plus tax and gratuity. We’re thrilled to unveil what we’ve been working on!

Come find us.

Top review

OpenTable DinerVIP

Dined on Mar 12, 2025

Bartenders crafted great drinks!! Love the ambience and was worth the price .

LIPS - San Diego

4.9

4.9 (114)

$31 to $50

American

North Park

About the restaurant

Lips has been San Diego's ULTIMATE in Drag Dining for 25 years! Dinner, Drinks & fabulous Drag Shows, as well as Brunch on Saturdays & Sundays. Enjoy a great meal & cocktails served up by over-the-top Drag Queens.

DIFFERENT SHOWS WEDNESDAY THRU SUNDAY. Wed: Bithcy Bingo; Thur: Dining with the Divas; Fri: Glitz & Glam Dinner; Sat: 2 Dragalicious Brunches & 2 Glitz & Glam Dinners; Sun: 2 Gospel Brunches & Sunday Nite Showstoppers. ***Prices- Wed/Thur/Sun Dinner: $35.95(shoe & 3-course dinner, drinks additional); Sat/Sun Brunch: $42.95(Show, meal & bottomless Mimosas/Champagne/Bloody Mary; Fri/Sat Nite: $49.95(show & 3-course dinner,drinks additional)

All shows subject to 7.75%sales tax & 20% suggested gratuity; $12 celebration package for Birthdays/Bachelorette/Anniversary/Promotion/Graduation. 16+ to enter; 21+ to Drink. GOVERNMENT ID REQUIRED-ALL IDS CHECKED AT THE DOOR

Top review

elijah

Dined 1 day ago

amazingggg always a pleasure to come and support the queens 🥰

LEILA

4.7

4.7 (903)

$31 to $50

Middle Eastern

North Park

About the restaurant

A tribute to the Middle East by CH Projects.

Reservations recommended , walk-ins welcome at the bar.

Leila welcomes you.

858-SAFFRON

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 3 days ago

Went to Leila to celebrate my husbands birthday, loved the ambience, the food and service. I highly recommend this restaurant.

The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park

4.6

4.6 (1310)

$30 and under

Gastro Pub

Escondido

About the restaurant

Located in the San Diego Safari Park
OpenTable Diners Choice 2022 Award for Best Ambiance

Enjoy an incredible view of the African Plains at the Safari Park's newest gathering spot: The Watering Hole restaurant and bar. Watch rhinos and giraffes as you dine on menu items including tasty sandwiches and fresh salads, or relax with a refreshing beverage from the full-service bar with a wide selection of craft beers, wine, and mixed drinks.

18% Gratuity charge to be added to checks for parties of 7 or more

Top review

Stephanie

Dined 1 day ago

What an amazing place to relax, eat and watch the wildlife! I’m so happy I chose this place to eat at with my mom for her birthday trip!

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Popular dish

Chicken Club

Noble Experiment

4.9

4.9 (342)

$30 and under

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Noble Experiment is a small, intimate cocktail bar located behind a secret door inside of Neighborhood restaurant at 777 G St. San Diego, CA 92101. Reservations for 4 or less are accepted as early as two weeks in advance. Large party reservations can be made through our reservations team at info@nobleexperimentsd.com. Walk-ins are welcome based upon availability.

Top review

Ryan

Dined on Mar 13, 2025

One of the best bars in San Diego! The bartenders are top rate and the vibe is fantastic.

MOTHERSHIP

4.7

4.7 (416)

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

North Park

About the restaurant

Tropical space adventure in South Park! Exotic cocktails. Interplanetary fusion small plates. Named Best Bars In America by Esquire Magazine.

Reservations offer 90-minute experience like no other, venturing towards the outer limits of the tropical flavor galaxy!

WALK INS WELCOME - Walk-in tables are available daily. Early arrival is encouraged and there is a paging system in the event of a waitlist.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 3 days ago

The ambience and theme are amazing. Service was great- but know that your reservation is strictly limited to 90 min. Didn’t bother us, just something to be aware of. Drinks were tasty Abe very inventive. We weren’t super excited about the food options but we also weren’t planning and didn’t get food. A great place for a special-occasion pre-dinner drink.

Craft Bar Kamon

4.9

4.9 (210)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Downtown

About the restaurant

"Taisho Roman craft cocktail bar in the heart of East Village San Diego that reflects the period in Japan when traditionalism and modernism first converged. We are committed to offer the unique and best craft cocktails!
**To make a reservation for a party of 6 or more, please contact us through email at info@barkamon.com
Please refrain from booking multiple tables as we most likely won't be able to accommodate to seat together.

**Please be aware that table or bar seating selection is just a request and it is not a confirmation. We will try our best to accommodate but due to limited seating availability, you may be seated to a different section from what you have requested at the reservation.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined today

While the drinks were excellent and well-crafted, the service by the staff was above and beyond expectations. Thank you guys!

Mister A's

4.8

4.8 (8820)

$50 and over

Contemporary French / American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Mister A's is the penthouse, fine-dining destination of San Diego, and has been for over 50 years. Located just a few minutes from downtown, you will take the elevator to the top floor and look back out over jetliners sweeping past at eye level, the San Diego skyline, bay and Pacific, while enjoying Modern American cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails, and one of Wine Spectator's top-rated wine lists in the country. The culinary staff hand-selects local farm produce and the highest quality ingredients in every category to offer you selections that are made from scratch in house for brunch, lunch, dinner.. or simply the finest rooftop drinks and appetizers in town.

Please visit our website for specific dress code guidelines: https://www.asrestaurant.com/contact/
(Guests not in dress code will be turned away)

Top review

MarciaVIP

Dined 2 days ago

The ambiance, food and service are excellent, always!

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Popular dish

8 oz Tenderloin

Popular dish

Cookie Dough Baked Alaska

Popular dish

Dubai Chocolate Baked Alaska

Ketch Grill & Taps - Portside Pier

4.7

4.7 (147)

$30 and under

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Ketch Tasting Deck offers a full-service dining experience on the 2nd floor at Portside Pier with stunning views overlooking San Diego Bay!
Brought to you by the Brigantine Family of Restaurants. For generations our family has created unforgettable experiences true to the San Diego lifestyle at our Brigantine & Miguel’s restaurants. We’ve hosted countless celebrations and poured many a round for the happiest of hours.
WE KNOW EXACTLY WHAT MAKES FOR THE BEST MEMORIES AND THE BEERS THAT CAPTURE THE FEELING. IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE WE CRAFTED OUR OWN AND PUT THEM ON TAP.
From beer aficionados to casual drinkers, we’ve got everyone covered with our easy-to-love (and drink) brews made for making memories!

Top review

VinceVIP

Dined on Mar 9, 2025

Great location, amazing views, cool overall vibe, food was delicious and flavorful plus friendly service. It was a great spot for early dinner after picking up visiting family at the airport. Metered parking wasn’t too bad of a hassle. And you get to walk and enjoy the sunset view from the harbor Will definitely come back and catch up some more at ketch !

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