From quaint Italian bistros to grill-your-own steak lounges, San Diego is full of unique dining options. But, did you ever stop to wonder if it’s necessary to eat before you get to the club? These days, nightclubs serve much more than bottles of Grey Goose. Dining at local clubs not only satisfies the palate, it gets you a complimentary dessert spread of VIP party perks. From Stingaree to Voyeur and On Broadway, discover our favorite trendy bites at San Diego clubs...

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A stunning view of San Diego landmarks is the perfect setting for your happy hour spirits and indulgent dinners. Have lunch while overlooking Balboa Park, sip sunset cocktails while perched 40 stories up, or opt for a fine dining experience paired with an unparalleled view of the downtown skyline. Start the new decade on a high note with these five restaurants and bars boasting the best views in town...

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Entering the trattoria from its romantic, street-side brick patio, patrons meet open surroundings and a sophisticated bar, market-place crates of wine perched high on shelves, dramatic woodwork, fresh baked bread served table-side in paper bags and folks feasting all around. As our waiter offered menu suggestions and engaged us with genuine interest, I smiled, "We're not at Olive Garden anymore" ...

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When you're having a serious cuisine craving, you don't want just a mediocre meal from your standard go-to restaurant. You desire something new that arouses and satiates your palate from the first savory aperitif to the last sweet morsel on your dessert plate. Welcome to Whisknladle, a five-month-old eatery established in honor of comfort food, located in downtown La Jolla...

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Corvette Diner, San Diego's original rock-n-roll joint with 1950s décor, classic diner dishes, and gum-smacking, bouffant-haired waitresses has pulled up its 22 year-old Hillcrest roots and cruised to new digs in Liberty Station. Also along for the ride is Gamers Garage: Corvette Diner’s new arcade spanning over 5,500 sq.ft. of pure fun...

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Glossy floors swirl below your tapping feet, vibrant, ultra mod pearly white stools surround the central bar, cozy purple booths with dark wood trim are served by kind and witty waiters. Retro prints of old-school rock 'n' roll stars strike poses on every wall, electric blue and purple hues tease the senses, and '80s and '90s cinema hits dance across plasma screens. This is no Hard Rock Café – Maryjane’s Coffee Shop is the modern remix, only at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego...

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There is the La Jolla that tourists crave, and then there’s the La Jolla locals love. A longstanding icon of hyper-local lifestyle, La Jolla Brew House is one classic restaurant and bar that deserves to stay on your radar. Well, that is, only if you’re a fan of locally brewed craft beer, daily happy hour specials, dog-friendly service standards, and great tasting above-the-bar food...

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Some sushi restaurants are great for fresh fish; others for swanky atmosphere. Few are the sushi spots renowned for both innovative rolls and provocative ambiance. One restaurant with the two-in-one recipe perfected is Harney Sushi, now boasting two popular locations and a brand new chef. By now you know Rollz Royce and Flaming Lip. Prepare to meet Rastatori paired with Serpent in the Grass...

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For years downtown districts have lead the industry in “grill-your-own” concept dining establishments, with favorites including Gaslamp Strip Club and Turf Supper Club. La Jolla locals don’t have to cry jealously any longer, as the Cohn Restaurant Group now introduces the new La Jolla Strip Club, featuring a casual, friendly atmosphere and a spacious 8,500 sq.ft. dining room that can accommodate up to 280 guests...

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Dark wood paneling, high ceilings, sweeping white curtains and a soft, understated color scheme sets the tone for sophisticated Italian cuisine served on white table cloths accented with delicate foliage and candlelight. The charming Managing Partner, Rinaldo Colantoni, makes his way around to all parties as thoughtful servers climb ladders in the see-through wine cellar, choosing that special spirit for your next course...

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There are budget savvy and convenient ways to learn how bring that extra BAM to the kitchen — without so much as leaving your own neighborhood. The following is a selection of some of our favorite cooking schools that offer unique culinary experiences in casual environments, and are taught by some of San Diego’s very own local celebri-chefs...

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Sam the Cooking Guy is no pretentious chef; he’s a laid-back local turned celebrity cook who continues to keep it real in his Carmel Valley kitchen even as his TV shows spread across national airwaves. From his take on San Diego restaurants to what you don’t know about his famous kitchen and the best ingredients for fall, get to know Sam the Cooking Guy...

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