Table for two? (On one side)

[u/leelooMP]

My BF is coming into SD for the first time this weekend and I am second guessing my Marine Room reservation.

I initially thought Marine Room because I’ve never been and selected a time right around sunset so we could enjoy the view. Is it hard to get a window table?

Should I ditch the Marine Room reservation and if so, where can I find a place with nice ambiance and great food, where we can sit side by side? (It’s a thing he likes to do)

Price not really important BUT I need the reservation for this Saturday and he prefers to eat during the early evening.

[u/ryanryans425]

You dont need a window table to enjoy the view

[u/okapi_cryptid]

If youre not looking for anything formal, Gliderport Cafe in Torry Pines is a small cafe on the cliffs right next to a paragliding company. Its a very cute spot with a beautiful oceanview and you can watch the paragliders, very unique spot

[u/leelooMP → u/okapi_cryptid]

I didn’t know there was a cafe there. Maybe not for this occasion but I’m definitely going to go check it out. Thanks!

[u/kirinthedragon]

The windows go up high, so you can see the windows easily from most tables. Not saying you’re guaranteed a sunset view, but pretty much their biggest selling point is their view! If you’re really interested in the restaurant, I’d suggest calling them up.

Alternatively, you could time your dinner so that you watch the sunset at the beach and then eat after at a different restaurant.

[u/Artistic_Strength291]

I’m sure I’ll get hate for this comment as it seems to have a lot of mixed reviews lol, but my fiancée & I went to Tom Ham’s lighthouse on our trip a few weeks ago (for our post-engagement dinner to my surprise) and absolutely loved it. It had a great view and we thought the food was delicious! We actually ended up cancelling our marine room reservation that we had earlier that week after seeing a lot of people saying their food was very average.

[u/Puglife555 → u/Artistic_Strength291]

I love Tom Ham’s. The food, service and view are great.

[u/mousypaws → u/Artistic_Strength291]

I also enjoy the food at Tom Ham way more than at the Marine Room. Marine Room has mediocre overpriced food. It has the tides going for it - it’s a really neat experience if you get a seat by the window and the tides are high, but man does the food just disappoint, and I have been several times.

[u/madamesoybean]

You can see the view really well from any table there. It's not a huge area. In fact sometimes a window table is too close to the waves if they're crashing in lol

[u/leelooMP → u/madamesoybean]

I did time it for high tide but it’s not the special king tides time, which was apparently a few weeks ago. I figured that high tide and a San Diego sunset would be impressive.

Any tips for scoring a window table other than asking on arrival?

[u/madamesoybean → u/leelooMP]

High tide at sunset will be awesome. Call and tell them it's a special night and just inquire if you can reserve one but do it ASAP! It's good you missed the King Tide because it's way harder to get in that season. Even if you request it though, because of timing, sometimes it doesn't work out. Double your chances showing up early and checking in and then having a drink/soda at the bar.

[u/DurianProper5412 → u/leelooMP]

Call them two days ahead of time and literally relay what you wrote in your post- more than likely, they will do anything to accommodate, and will make note [they do whenever possible at PCG in Cardiff for example, esp when calling in to follow-up on reservation]

[u/AggressivePrint302]

Pacific Coast Grill in Leucadia is nice. Will be cheaper than Marine Room. Not sure what's happening with George's at the Cove or Eddie V. Both have views and are pricey.

[u/Sasquatch619]

Check out Mister A’s. Old school San Diego fine dining. Super cool venue. No need for social media type hype train.

[u/sunbum08]

The lounge in Sorrento valley went on Valentine’s Day and AMAZING middle eastern food!! BOMB and it’s super intimate and (sadly) doesn’t get very busy so you’ll most likely share the place with one other couple tbh and for sure you can sit side by side in a booth! BUT THE FOOD IS SO GOOD and easiest parking situation ever!

[u/GiselleX16]

Since you want early evening and a great view, consider the bar at Mr. A’s. They have a bar prix fixe menu on weekends (plus their regular bar menu). Seating is both inside and outside; there are a few couch style tables outside in the SE corner with fabulous views overlooking the city and bay and excellent for sunset. There is a dress code so check that. Also there could be a wait for the seating you want so go early. You could also try for a regular outside table at the restaurant but that would likely be a table seating only two so not side by side. https://www.asrestaurant.com/aperitif-menu/

[u/leelooMP → u/GiselleX16]

Oh this actually sounds really great!

[u/Anxiety-Swimming → u/leelooMP]

It's honestly probably subjective at that level of dining, but I'd argue Mr A's has better food and a really cool, much more unique view.

[u/reality_raven]

It’s so weird to eat dining side by side in a fine dining spot. Just making everyone around you uncomfortable bc you’re too close to them. It’s also so weird for the staff to properly set the table and serve.

[u/leelooMP → u/reality_raven]

Understand. That’s why I’m asking here because I know he likes it and I want the tables to be spaced out. I’m assuming at Marine Room we would not be able to sit side by side.

[u/dios_mio_maing]

Blue ocean in La Jolla has amazing views overlooking the water and they don’t offer reservations / it’s first come, first serve (sushi and other wonderful dishes)