Marisi La Jolla

"A soaring front patio decorated with flowering vines serves as the main dining area for this elegant La Jolla restaurant whose menu honors Italy but is rooted in seasonal and regional ingredients. Chef Cameron Ingle makes handmade pasta from ancient grains and uses local fish in delicate crudo dishes. Find dishes like scallops on the half shell, homemade lobster agnolotti, and bistecca alla Fiorentina, and take it all in from the dramatic front patio with mosaic tiles on the floor." - Helen I. Hwang, Candice Woo

"Couples splurging on date nights flock to this big-budget Italian restaurant for a stunning vine-covered patio and grilled meats that might fool you into thinking you teleported to Tuscany. The best table is in the corner where, safely behind glass, you can watch chefs toss food onto a flaming hearth that chars and sears behemoth Florentine-style steaks, or head-on prawns swimming in a garlicky wine sauce that demands to be paired with a still-warm loaf of heirloom grain focaccia. If you need all eyes on you, order the roasted bone marrow, which arrives on a huge wooden plank as an entire femur bone, split lengthwise and served with salsa verde and a stack of grilled sourdough." - candice woo, cora lee, candice woo, cora lee, candice woo, candice woo, candice woo, cora lee, cora lee, candice woo, candice woo, cora lee, candice woo, cora lee, candice woo, candice woo, cora lee, candice woo, candice woo, candice woo, cora lee, candic

"Couples splurging on date nights flock to this big-budget Italian restaurant for a stunning vine-covered patio and grilled meats that might fool you into thinking you teleported to Tuscany. The best table is in the corner where, safely behind glass, you can watch chefs toss food onto a flaming hearth that chars and sears behemoth Florentine-style steaks, or head-on prawns swimming in a garlicky wine sauce that demands to be paired with a still-warm loaf of heirloom grain focaccia. If you need all eyes on you, order the roasted bone marrow, which arrives on a huge wooden plank as an entire femur bone, split lengthwise and served with salsa verde and a stack of grilled sourdough." - Candice Woo

"As it heads into its second year, this accomplished restaurant is now under the direction of veteran chef Cameron Ingle (Bestia, Blue Hill at Stone Barns), who will steadily add seasonal dishes to the modern Italian menu. Using Chino Farms ingredients, chef Ingle showcases dishes like scallops on the half shell, homemade lobster agnolotti, and bistecca alla Fiorentina. Take it all in from the dramatic dining room with mosaic tiles on the floor and a round centerpiece bar." - Candice Woo, Helen I. Hwang, Eater Staff

"Marisi channels the spirit of the Amalfi Coast into San Diego. Led by bartender Beau du Bois, the lauded establishment features classic cocktails with innovative twists. Cozy up to the bar with a Ginger Toddy, a warm cocktail of apple brandy and Reisetbauer ginger eau de vie." - Kelly Bone, Candice Woo