1. Bertrand at Mister A’s
2. Island Prime – C Level
3. Trattoria La Strada
4. La Bastide Bistro
5. Donovan’s Steakhouse

The skyline view of San Diego is captivating and romantic, especially during a sunset, especially on Valentine’s Day. If the special lady in your life enjoys Mediterranean style cuisine while being spoiled by a view that includes Downtown San Diego, Coronado, the San Diego Bay, and much more, from the 12th floor, then it might be worth giving Bertrand at Mister A’s a try. Bertrand, originally from France, is the owner of this exquisite establishment. Not to worry, you will not feel underdressed if you don’t wear a tuxedo or a Gucci dress. Bertrand at Mister A’s is elegant, yet informal. I’m not saying you should go running around in your flip flops, but you don’t have to overdo it either. They have an extensive Valentine’s Day menu that includes Mediterranean style seafood, steaks, and even some “comfort” style foods as well, including a unique style of macaroni and cheese. This is not your Grandma’s style macaroni and cheese. Don’t tell her that I said that … Fellas, if you are afraid of heights, but your special lady is not, then I suggest you tough it out for the night. You might earn some “brownie points” if you enjoy a luxurious meal, award winning wine or cocktail, and a decadent dessert with her while sitting out on the deck that wraps around three sides of the building. Think about it, bringing your Valentine to Bertrand’s at Mister A’s might give you both a better “view” of each other.

Address: 2550 Fifth Avenue Twelfth floor // San Diego, CA 92103
Phone #: 619-239-1377
Website: http://www.bertrandatmisteras.com/

Ok fellas, keep listening … Our next stop brings us to Island Prime -- C Level. Or should I say, down to sea level? The unique aspect about Island Prime – C Level is that it is two establishments in one. C Level is a setting for lunch, while Island Prime satisfies your dinner cravings. Island Prime is the venue that was specifically mentioned to me as a recommendation. Island Prime rests on stilts on top of the San Diego Bay, while giving you a breathtaking view of the skyline and Coronado. Can you handle a three course meal specifically set forth for Valentine’s Day? I think you can, especially when the final course consists of a sweet dessert, including Mascarpone Key Lime Cheesecake or Bittersweet Chocolate Torte that compliments the prime time meal that includes some of the freshest seafood and quality steaks in town. Deborah Scott, Executive Chef/Partner, is originally from Virginia Beach, so you know that she has significant knowledge about seafood. Fellas, please do me a favor, and more importantly yourself a favor, don’t try to impress the special lady in your life by acting as if you know more about seafood than Deborah Scott. That’s not going to earn you any “brownie points.” Just be yourself, enjoy the roasted salmon or filet mignon, wash it down with one of the many mixed drinks or wines that Island Prime has to offer, and remember that you are there for the view sitting across from you.

Address: 880 Harbor Island Dr. // San Diego, CA 92160
Phone #: 619-298-6802
Website: http://www.cohnrestaurants.com/restaurants/islandprime/

I’m not just saying this because I’m Italian, but I do know that most women love Italian food, so fellas, pay very close attention to this Tuscan style Italian hot spot that you can bring that special lady to. It’s located in the “heart” of the Gaslamp District and is called Trattoria La Strada (Cucina Toscana). If you want to take her to a place that has some of the most authentic Tuscan style Italian food, then this is your stop on Valentine’s Day. This very authentic Italian venue was first established in 1991 and is overseen by Florentine Chef Roberto Bernardoni and his wife Patrizia. Trattoria La Strada has one of the most extensive wine lists in San Diego. Italians know their wine, so this is no surprise. Tuscan style Italian food has very robust and full flavored foods, ranging from all different styles of pasta, some of which have a little extra “kick,” to fresh and fulfilling seafood, to different types of chicken and veal dishes. I’m getting hungry just talking, or I should say, “typing” about this. Trattoria La Strada has my all time favorite dessert, Tiramisu. This dish by itself is an aphrodisiac that consists of espresso soaked lady fingers, mascarpone cheese, and served Florentine style at this wonderful establishment. Top this off with an Italian wine from their extensive wine menu, and trust me, she won’t let you go. MANGE!! (EAT)

Address: 705 5th Avenue // San Diego, CA 92101
Phone #: 619-239-3400
Website: http://www.restauranteur.com/trattorialastrada/index.htm

French food on Valentine’s Day seems ideal. When you think of France, you also think of romance, wine, and rich and fulfilling meals. Are you taking notes? Make sure you keep up because this is for her after all … La Bastide Bistro was voted BEST FRENCH RESTAURANT in San Diego in 2006 and 2007 by the Reader’s Poll for SignOnSanDiego.com. You have an array of French classics to indulge in, including filet mignon, duck (tastes just like chicken), seafood, French style pastas, and an array of rich desserts, including crepes with strawberries or maybe you prefer a variety that includes chocolate and coconut. Keep in mind fellas, your special lady will want a nice glass of wine to compliment this diverse mix of culture and food. La Bastide Bistro has a VERY large selection of wines to choose from. They have everything from sparkling wines, which are ideal for Valentine’s Day, to Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, vintage champagnes, and MUCH MORE. Take it from I, she’s worth it my friends. You’ll thank me later … BON APPETIT!!

Address: 10006 Scripps Ranch Blvd. # 104 // San Diego, CA 92131
Phone #: 858-577-0033
Website: http://www.labastidebistro.com/1.html

Everyone likes a good steak once in a while, but how about a GREAT steak? Donovan’s is the place to be for a steak dinner on Valentine’s Day. You can really indulge and get an award winning steak from Donovan’s and top it off with fresh lobster. Remember guys, when you bring your special lady to Donovan’s, seafood is not just a good way to top off a great steak, but it’s also an aphrodisiac as well. I’m not charging for this information either … There is so much to choose from!! You have a selection of prime steaks, lamb, and seafood towers that are so meticulously and artistically done that you may want to just admire instead of eat …. NAAA, I think it’s best to dig in. Their wine lists are something that fly under the radar because of all the understandable hype with their variety of steaks and seafood, but let me tell you, their wine lists have won Best Award of Excellence from Wine Spectacular Magazine. That is a very prestigious award to achieve, especially considering how much competition there is in San Diego with different varieties of wines at different venues and restaurants. I’m pretty sure that you’ll have room for a New York cheesecake or Crème Brulee, just to name a couple of the decadent desserts that you and she will have to choose from. Take it from I, your Valentine’s Day is already shaping up to be a good one. A beautiful young lady to enjoy your meal with, GRADE A steak, seafood towers, wine, and dessert. (I’d also recommend keeping her first on that list). You can’t top that … Enjoy my friends!!

La Jolla Address: 4340 La Jolla Village Drive, In the Golden Triangle // La Jolla, CA 92122
Phone #: 858-450-6666
Gaslamp Address: 570 K Street // San Diego, CA 92101
Phone #: 619-237-9700
Website: http://www.donovanssteakhouse.com/

There you have it fellas!! These are FIVE legitimate and romantic restaurants to choose from. You have no excuses and should have no problem in giving that special lady in your life an extravagant experience on Valentine’s Day … Enjoy and God Bless … “Stay Hungry My Friends,” and until next time, CIAO!!