Best Japanese:
Samurai Japanese Restaurant
Not only does Samurai boast a 50-seat sushi bar — a good thing for its numerous aficionados — but it also offers regular tables, a teppan yaki room, cocktail lounge, and a tatami room for special occasions. Founded in 1979 by David Song and currently run by his son Charlie, Samurai has long been popular for its fish of the highest quality and freshness, the Samurai Special (cut roll of smoked salmon, cream cheese, avocado, cucumber, and krab), and the friendly and oftentimes humorous sushi chefs who prepare it. (858/481-0032, www.samuraijapaneserestaurant.com) — Jane Shiomi


Best Mediterranean Food:
Alborz Restaurant
Distinct Persian and Greek cuisine reigns supreme at this hidden gem located in Del Mar. Husband and wife Reza and Marjan Khaksari have owned Alborz for nine years. "When we bought this place it was a Greek restaurant, so we decided to add some Persian cuisine as well," states Reza. "My wife and I love to do all the cooking. Our favorite spice is saffron, which we add to mostly all our dishes because it makes the food taste and smell so good." The service is extremely friendly and the atmosphere boasts a relaxing and simple elegance. Favorites include dolmathes (cooked grape leaves), shirazi (Persian salad), barg-kebob, and marinated and charbroiled filet mignon. For dessert, choose from Persian baklava made with almonds and pistachios or Greek baklava made with walnuts and honey. Have some fun and get a mood boost with live music and belly dancing every weekend. (858/792-2233, www.alborzinc.com) — Maria Desiderata Montana


Best Italian Food:
Villa Capri
Kudos to the Mediterranean diet. Pay homage to the old country by dining at this cozy Carmel Valley eatery boasting delicious Italian meals at a price you can swallow. Italian owners Sal Ercolano and chef Antonio Viscito aim to please. "I think it’s very important to offer a wide range of Italian specialties," states Viscito. "A little vegetarian, some seafood, homemade pasta, a white sauce, a red sauce — Italians just want to make other people happy." Savor soft, crusty bread that is baked fresh twice a day. Food favorites include juicy red sliced organic tomatoes served with red onions, Kalamata olives, oregano, and extra virgin olive oil, and rigatoni pasta with smoked chicken and mushrooms, tossed in a light cream sauce. A luscious selection of pastries and cakes are prepared fresh daily, so make sure you save room for dessert — I always do. (858/720-8777, www.villacapriristorante.com) — Maria Desiderata Montana


Most Romantic:
Bertrand At Mister A’s
Bertrand at Mister A’s is again a readers’ favorite when it comes to romance. The room is an elegant, muted, and perfect backdrop to the stunning city and water views the floor to ceiling windows offer. The food is forward and well executed, and the service at Mister A’s is polished and professional. It’s no wonder that there is at least one proposal a night at this restaurant. A glass of Champagne and the twinkling city lights below would make it awfully hard to say no. (619/239-1377, www.bertrandatmisteras.com) — Terryl Gavre


Best Dive Bar:
The Waterfront
The Waterfront has been an institution in Little Italy since the days when fisherman would return from weeks at sea and grab a beer at the bar to catch up with friends. Talk about history, it has the city’s oldest liquor license. It’s dimly lit, features local music acts, has plenty of beer on tap, and caters to both old salts and young hipsters. Grab a seat on the patio (if you can find one) and people-watch along Kettner. (619/232-9656, www.waterfrontbarandgrill.com) — Ryan Thomas


Best Bakery:
Thyme In The Ranch
Located on Avenida de Acacias in the heart of Rancho Santa Fe, this quaint neighborhood bakery near Mille Fleurs manages to remain a secret to many San Diegans despite its constant accolades. Sweettooths lean toward the muffins, cakes, and pies, each baked with good old fashioned homemade pride. But arguably it’s the lunch menu that pulls in the biggest crowd. Fresh sandwiches are made to order, and guests can’t help but eat them right there on the dining patio, which was originally designed by Lilian Rice. (858/759-0747)
— Alicia Garcia


Complete results in the March 2007 issue of Ranch & Coast Magazine

Best Thai:
Taste of Thai
Be warned if you’re going out for Thai, it packs a punch in the hot and spicy department. But then that’s what makes it so good. Dishes range from Pad Thai Noodles to Panang Curry to chili pepper noodles and even roast duck, all derived from authentic recipes. Of course, a meal at Taste of Thai wouldn’t be complete without their famous Thai iced teas and coffees. North County residents can hit the Del Mar location in the Flower Hill Promenade; those near downtown can head to the Hillcrest location along University Ave — where nearby boutiques make it easy to kill time while waiting for a table. (858/793-9695, 619/291-7525, www.tasteofthaisd.com) — Alicia Garcia
Best Wine List:
Pamplemousse Grille
Wine tasting alone, or with a meal, can be a pleasant surprise when the choice comes from an extensive wine list that was six years in the making. At Pamplemousse Grille, what had begun as a 35-item, $10,000 investment has blossomed into a 700-item, $250,000 passion. "I have a wine illness," says chef/owner Jeffrey Strauss. "If it’s a wine that’s hard to get, I want it." For a taste of something smooth and easy to drink, try a special bottle of Paul Meyer Merlot, 2001, Napa Valley. If a glitzy stone-fruit flavor is more your style, try a Lewis Cellars Chardonnay, 2004, Sonoma County. No matter what your taste buds are in the mood for, there is a special reserve waiting to be poured into your goblet. (858/792-9090, www.pgrille.com) — Maria Desiderata Montana


Best Sushi:
Café Japengo
Even though the sushi bar opens a half hour before the dining room, the wait for sushi at Café Japengo can run up to an hour — it’s that popular. In the end all is forgiven because the scene is hip, the room is sexy, and the sushi is worth the wait. In addition to the sashimi and nigiri choices, the menu offers a blend of traditional and Californianized rolls. (858/450-3355, www.aventine.com) — Terryl Gavre


Best Seafood:
The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Step back in time and experience Oceanaire. The sprawling, dark-wooded dining room with tables adorned in white linen is reminiscent of a classic 1930s ocean liner. Get your seafood fix with seasonal preparations and regionally inspired dishes. The fish is so fresh that it may well have been caught hours before. "We have fish flown in from around the world daily," says general manager and operating partner Michael Mitchell. "We are most famous for our Maryland Blue Crab Cake, which is baked, not fried, and bursting with flavor." Another must-haveis the little rock shrimp, with a lobster-like taste and texture, as well as a trip to the raw oyster bar. Seasoned wine stewards are available to help you chart a course for the wine selection that best complements your meal. (619/858-2277, www.theoceanaire.com)
— Maria Desiderata Montana


Best French:
Mille Fleurs
Located in the heart of The Ranch, Bertrand Hug’s Mille Fleurs consistently gets recognized as top dog when it comes to French cuisine. Hug perfectly nails the winning combination of a romantic, country French setting, outstanding contemporary French cuisine, and attentive service. Let the out-of-towners think of this jewel-box as a special occasion restaurant and gobble-up the tables in front of the fireplace; we locals know better, it’s really a neighborhood eatery where familiar faces gather regularly for lunch and dinner. (858/756-3085, www.millefleurs.com) — Terryl Gavre


Best Steakhouse:
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Ruth’s Chris provides a warm and inviting ambiance for a romantic night out, an important business lunch, or a private party. Dig into a sizzling prime cut of steak that is a cut above the rest. "It’s all about the sizzle," says general manager Bobby Daitch. Our USDA steak is cooked in an 1,800-degree oven and served on a 500-degree platter ensuring that the last bite is as hot and fabulous as the first." A delicious Porterhouse for two combines the rich flavor of a strip with the tenderness of a filet. Make it a surf and turf delight and add a Cold Water Lobster Tail with blackening spice, topped with lemon and drizzled butter. If steak isn’t your thing, a variety of other non-steak items are available. Choose an Ahi-Tuna Stack seared rare, topped with colossal lump crabmeat and served sizzling with red pepper pesto, or the Veal Chop marinated overnight in a savory blend of pepper vinegar, garlic, and onions, broiled and served sizzling with hot and sweet peppers. Ruth’s Chris can be a little pricy, especially when adding side dishes, but it’s worth every dollar! (858/755-1454, www.ruthschris.com)
— Maria Desiderata Montana


 


© 2007 Rocket Publishing Company, Inc.    760.942.2330     P.O. Box 676130, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067