Best Restaurants for Handcrafted Cocktails in Mission Bay

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodFrenchMexicanJapanese

Regions

East CountyNorth San DiegoSan Diego

Neighborhoods

Banker's HillCarlsbadCarmel ValleyChula Vista / BonitaCoronadoDel Mar

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

34 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

Icon

1. Seréa

4.5

Awesome(2816)

$$$$

• Mediterranean • Coronado

Booked 78 times today

Seréa is known for its exquisite sea-to-table dining experience and handcrafted cocktails. Patrons consistently praise the 'best cocktails at the hotel', with some mentioning the 'flavorful' and 'delicious' drinks. The 'cocktails, mezzo plate and grilled whole fish' were also mentioned as delicious. It's clear that the restaurant puts a lot of effort into crafting unique and tasty cocktails, making it a great spot for cocktail enthusiasts.

2. Lumi

4.7

Exceptional(875)

$$$$

• Sushi • Downtown

Booked 37 times today

Lumi is an upscale rooftop restaurant in downtown San Diego featuring innovative Japanese‑inspired cuisine by acclaimed chef Akira Back. Perched above the city, Lumi offers a dynamic dining experience centered around fresh sushi, bold Nikkei flavors, and handcrafted cocktails served in a vivid, high‑energy atmosphere. The rooftop setting provides sweeping views of the San Diego skyline, creating a destination designed for sunset dining, late‑night gatherings, and unforgettable nights out. Known for its glowing ambiance and elevated service, Lumi seamlessly blends modern Japanese cuisine with a stylish rooftop environment. Whether joining for dinner, happy hour, or after‑dark dining, guests can expect inventive dishes by chef Akira Back, a curated cocktail program, and an immersive rooftop experience that stands out among downtown San Diego restaurants. Lumi is a go‑to destination for those seeking upscale rooftop dining, sushi, and cocktails in the heart of San Diego.

3. Wormwood

4.5

Awesome(1035)

$$$$

• French • North Park

Booked 15 times today

Wormwood invites you to step into a bygone era, where poets, artists, and dreamers found inspiration in the Green Fairy. Tucked between North Park and University Heights, our whimsical corner of San Diego offers a French dining experience like no other—where each dish is crafted with passion, paired with curated wines and signature cocktails, and brought to life by exceptional service. Whether in our cozy dining room, enchanting patio, or hidden Secret Garden speakeasy, every evening is a journey of flavor and hospitality.Now, we welcome you to experience Wormwood’s weekend brunch, every Sunday. Indulge in a refined menu, sip handcrafted cocktails and artisanal coffee, and embrace a slower, more romantic pace to start your day. On Sundays, live jazz fills the air—transporting you to Belle Époque Paris with every note.Brunch at Wormwood is a celebration of indulgence, connection, and the art of hospitality. A morning affair you won’t want to miss.

A photo of Humphreys SoCal Dining and Music restaurant

4. Humphreys SoCal Dining and Music

4.2

Awesome(1654)

$$$$

• American • Point Loma

Booked 3 times today

Humphrey’s Restaurant has been a San Diego favorite for decades, offering fresh coastal cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and panoramic marina views. Open to locals and hotel guests alike, it’s the perfect spot for breakfast, dinner, or dining before a concert at Humphrey’s by the Bay.

A photo of Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant

5. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4.5

Awesome(1968)

$$$$

• Seafood • Downtown

Booked 20 times today

Lionfish, located in the Pendry San Diego, is a modern, cutting edge sushi and seafood restaurant located on 5th Avenue that features fresh-catch cuisine and seasonal ingredients, all prepared with innovative twists by homegrown San Diego chef JoJo Ruiz.

6. KINDRED

4.4

Awesome(388)

$$$$

• Vegetarian / Vegan • South Park

Booked 43 times today

Equal parts evil lair and Victorian cocktail salon, KINDRED has transfixed and beguiled all who step into its portal, with whimsical eccentricity, world class vegan dishes, and ambitiously inventive cocktails.Since opening its doors in late 2015 in the enchanting neighborhood of South Park, San Diego, KINDRED has garnered recognition which transcends its plant-based credo, heralded as one of the city's premier dining institutions. It has been named EATER San Diego's and San Diego Magazine's Restaurant Of The Year, topped Zagat San Diego's Most Important Restaurant Openings, and earned an Orchid Award for interior design from the San Diego Architectural Foundation. KINDRED was also named within the Food Network's list of the best vegan restaurants in the country, was voted the Best Vegan Bar in the U.S. by VegNews magazine, and received regional honors from the Tales Of The Cocktail Foundation for Best Restaurant Bar in the West.

A photo of La Puerta Mission Hills restaurant

7. La Puerta Mission Hills

4.6

Exceptional(98)

$$$$

• Mexican • Banker's Hill

Booked 21 times today

La Puerta Mission Hills is the second addition to the La Puerta family. We offer the same menu as our sister restaurant in the Gaslamp which has celebrated 13 years of operation. We are dedicated to bringing a unique dining experience to the Mission Hills neighborhood which features delicious Mexican food, an extensive agave selection, handcrafted cocktails and margaritas made with fresh squeezed juice. We invite you to join us and experience our hospitality in what we hope will be your go to Cantina for years to come.

8. Cellar Hand

4.8

Exceptional(259)

$$$$

• Farm-to-table • Hillcrest

Booked 5 times today

Nestled in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego, Cellar Hand embodies a commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and community. Through a farm-to-table approach, our menu showcases hyper-local seasonal fare. Our extensive wine list highlights the diverse terroir of California, serving as an extension of founder’s Pali Wine Co. Santa Barbara County winery. By fostering deep connections with local artisans, farmers, fishers, and stewards, Cellar Hand strives to be a destination where guests can savor the essence of California’s bounty in every bite and sip.Enjoy our exposed kitchen, an indoor-outdoor bar, outdoor fire pits, and artwork by Nick Perr. Opened Wednesday - Sunday with daily happy hour specials and weekend brunch!

A photo of Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego restaurant

9. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(2921)

$$$$

• French • North Park

Booked 27 times today

Et Voilà! is a vibrant neighborhood bistro in North Park where Chef Vincent Viale blends French classics with a modern touch. From Steak Frites and Coquilles St. Jacques to our signature soufflés, every dish is crafted to transport you to the heart of France. Savor a curated wine list highlighting France’s diverse regions or enjoy handcrafted cocktails that celebrate local flavors. Step inside and you’ll find the charm of a Parisian bistro: warm lighting, lively conversation, and a welcoming atmosphere.Please note:Happy Hour: Bar only, first-come, first-served; no reservations accepted.Children: To preserve our cozy, relaxed atmosphere, we kindly ask that children under 5 join us when they’re a bit older.Reservations: Your dining time begins at your reservation time (1h 30m for 2, 1h 45m for 3–4). We may not be able to extend if you arrive late.

10. Forbidden Cove

4.3

Awesome(132)

$$$$

• Speakeasy • Kearny Mesa

Booked 17 times today

Enter the Forbidden Cove by unlocking a hidden rum barrel door using your wooden idol key where an island Tiki inspired paradise serving handcrafted cocktails awaits you. Once inside, traverse the Infinity Mirror Bridge and be welcomed by the island's inhabitants to explore the mysteries, culinary pleasures and enchanted elixirs of the Forbidden Cove. Find this tropical escape by entering Kilowatt Brewing located in the Kearny Mesa and Convoy District neighborhoods and kindly asking for a Key to The Cove!Reservations offer a 90-minute experience.WALK-INS WELCOME - Reservations not available? We always set aside space to accommodate walk-ins, first come, first served. And before or after your experience at Forbidden Cove you're welcome to join us at Kilowatt Brewing for our award winning craft beers, hard seltzers, adult slushies, and a bite to eat!

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Michael
California Central Coast •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We got the best service we’ve had in years there. The staff is very attentive. The food came in a timely manner and was very very good.
More info
Lumi$$$$• Sushi• Downtown
•
4.7
C
CatGold
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great food. Great service. Great ambience. Helps if you make a reservation. Very popular spot. Will definitely be going back.
More info
La Puerta Mission Hills$$$$• Mexican• Banker's Hill
•
4.6
J
Jonathan
Texas Panhandle •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Loved it, ate there before proposing to my girlfriend
More info
Seréa$$$$• Mediterranean• Coronado
•
4.5
B
BriannaGold
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
We loved visiting for brunch. You can tell the team puts a lot of thought into their menu and everything was incredibly fresh!
More info
Cellar Hand$$$$• Farm-to-table• Hillcrest
•
4.8
J
JoshuaGold
Phoenix / Arizona •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Jeanie was the kindest to check in on us. First and foremost: the food was amazing. We ordered the braised beef pasta and the steak filet as well as a mai tai and lemon cocktail to enjoy with our meals. The crab cake starter is also incredible! 11/10 would recommend if you’re staying on the bay!
More info
Humphreys SoCal Dining and Music$$$$• American• Point Loma
•
4.2

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Handcrafted cocktails

Mission Bay

Ocean Beach
Hillcrest
Downtown
Pacific Beach
Mission Bay
Banker's Hill
University Heights
Julian
Valley Center
Bonsall
La Jolla
Tierrasanta
Rancho Santa Fe
Coronado
San Ysidro
Chula Vista / Bonita
Scripps Ranch
Rincon
Escondido
Del Mar