Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Shelter Island / San Diego Bay

Amazing Experience at insideOUT! I recently dined at insideOUT in Hillcrest, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the chic and inviting ambiance. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between upscale and relaxed, making it ideal for a night out. Our server, Grant, was absolutely amazing—attentive, knowledgeable, and incredibly friendly. He went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed, making the service nothing short of phenomenal. The food was exquisite, with every dish crafted to perfection. And let’s not forget the festive drinks—they were not only delicious but also beautifully presented, adding a fun and celebratory vibe to the evening. If you’re looking for a restaurant that offers top-notch service, delectable food, and a gorgeous setting, insideOUT is a must-visit. We’ll definitely be back!

From the moment we walked in the hostess was amazing. She accommodated our early arrival and was super helpful in getting us seated at the bar, while we waited for the rest of our party to arrive. Our waitress in the bar, Erica, recommended happy hour drinks, and was super kind and welcoming! Our waiter, when our whole party arrived and was seated for dinner, Jacob, was also very kind and patient with our large group. We will certainly be back, as this is a staple restaurant whenever we’re in the San Diego area.

Incredible food and wonderful service! I absolutely loved sitting at the counter - got to take in the whole kitchen experience. I will certainly come back any time I’m in San Diego!

This was our first time at Cesarina, and it won’t be our last! The pastas were absolutely outstanding—I especially loved my Arrabiatissima with malfalde and guanciale—and the table-side-made tiramisu was the best we’ve ever had. We loved the ambiance of the outside patio. Everything was splendid and the staff worked tirelessly and successfully to create a festive environment. Can’t wait to return!

Awesome experience as always. We love this place. The food, service and ambiance were excellent. Our server was very attentive and friendly. Highly recommend this place👍