Top Restaurants for a Romantic Evening in San Diego

San Diego is slam-packed with food joints. Bars literally line the streets in the Gaslamp and clubs are a dime a dozen. But is there romance in the air here? Check out the top restaurants in San Diego for a romantic date night with the squeeze.

Croce's (802 5th Ave --Gaslamp District)

Croce's has been "the heartbeat" of San Diego's Gaslamp district since the late 1970's. Named with love (by his wife) after late musician Jim Croce, the restaurant serves as a memorial and is one of the most well known upscale music and dinner joints in its class. Ready for a dance on the checkerboard floor? The atmosphere is energetic and upbeat, with live jazz music nightly. Backlit with tones of red light, this locals' trip down memory lane is the perfect combination of fine dining, elegance and rock'n'roll. Shaken, not stirred. Contemporary American cuisine rocks the dinner plate here.

Random menu Item: Crispy-skin Salmon with Applewood bacon and bean Cassoulet, thyme-marinated tomatoes, and roasted cipolline in a sweet onion broth.
Single entree price : $9-34

"Can't beat the live jazz, not to mention that the restaurant itself was created out of love. And the food is amazing.-- Michele

Urban Solace (3823 30th Street--North Park)

A beautiful neighborhood restaurant, Urban Solace strives to promote use of local and organic foods and wine throughout its menu, bringing community and class to the dinner plate. Founding partners Matt Gordon and Scott Watkins focus on naturally-produced, hormone and antibiotic-free foods and a commitment to local farms. The atmosphere is elegantly contemporary yet lamp-lit with rustic brick and wood work. Walls lined with wine bottles give this little place a feeling of classy homeyness.American "comfort food" and West Coast wines abound and the menu's "Daily Meat" features a "Naturally Raised Changing cut of Meat, Creamed Spinach, Roasted Potato, Crispy Onion." (Gluten free menu also available)

Random Menu Item: Warm Quinoa, Cumin Scented Veggies, Grilled Sheep-Goat Cheese, Roast Garlic Vinaigrette
Single entree: $14-18

"This place is so delicious it's not even funny. It's hard to get good ol' home cookin' in a place like San Diego but I feel like Urban Solace has a halo radiating from it."-- Maggie

Cafe Sevilla (555 4th Ave --Gaslamp District)

Opened in 1987 by native Spaniards, Rogelio and Janet Huidobro, Cafe Sevilla offered a retreat for friends from the old country to come together in a new country where few felt understood among foreigners. Sevilla has grown to encompass a bar, a nightclub and their one-of-a-kind restaurant under one amazing roof. Their weekly Flamenco show brings a flavor of Spanish spice to date night. Having earned the esteemed titles of "Best Spanish Tapas," "Best Restaurant," "Best Latin Restaurant," "Best Dinner for a First Date" and even "Best of the Best" by San Diego Magazine, 944 Magazine, and Concierge at Large, Sevilla has become famous for its smaller portion sizes, super hot dancing and homemade Sangria. Famous weekly Flamenco dancing dinner shows feature Flamenco and gypsy musicians and dancers while Spanish-style architecture accentuates walls covered floor-to-ceiling with native artwork. Authentic Spanish and coastal foods grace the palate and introduce Westerners to "real" Spanish food.

Random Menu Item: Wild Mushroom Empanada; Duxelle of Oyster, Shitake, Crimini and Portabella
Single entree: $10-23

"Sevilla is a romantic portal to Beautiful Spain with authentic Spanish cuisine and live performances, you can't help but to fall in love all over again."-- Mariela

Muzita Abyssinian Bistro (4651 Park Boulevard --University Heights)

Owned and operated by a local Eritrean family, Muzita offers a unique dining experience in the heart of University Heights. Situated just North of Hillcrest on Park Boulevard's "restaurant row," it is a small chunk of Africa with Southern Californian hospitality. Cozy and house-like (set in an old refurbished house), with dark wooden furniture and decorative privacy curtains between tables, Muzitaserves up authentic Abyssinian (Eritrean/Ethiopian) food with lots of vegetarian and vegan dishes specifically to eat with the hands. Toss the fork aside and dig into an African experiance like no other while doing your part in supporting local agriculture. Muzita purchases locally grown produce to create their one-of-a-kind multicultural masterpiece meals.

Random Menu Item: Prawn Kilwa; Mes Marinated Prawns--House Herb Blend, White Wine Awaze Sauce
Single entree:$9-21

"We LOVE going to Muzita. My husband and I have declared it our favorite restaurant in town. The restaurant is warm and cozy (they even have space heaters on the floor during cold nights to keep your feetsies warm!). Plus the service is exceptional so you can put any worries aside and spend more time enjoying each other's company and the delicious food."-- Maya

Rama (327 4th Ave-- Gaslamp District)

Sister restaurant to Celadon of Hillcrest, Rama boasts a stunning ambiance matched only by its superb service and fine Thai foods. Fine authentic Thai meals suitable for all palates (vegetarians and vegans too!) are served by a professional, classy waitstaff.Rock wall fountains and greenery line the walls while ceiling-to-floor shimmering sheers and candles create a soft glow against the refection of water and wine glasses. Simple yet exquisitely beautiful, calm and definitely romantic, Rama offers a quiet fine dining atmosphere perfect for a nice date. Thai food never had it so good and the wine list stretches as long as the hanging curtains in the didning room.

Random Menu Item:Kra Pao: Garlic, chili and basil topped with mint. "(The most popular dish on 5th Ave.)"
Single entree: $13-20

"Ambience is fantastic! I really enjoyed the decor and the dining area. Perfect spot for an intimate dinner with close friends or that significant other."-- Taylor J.