In a city with such stunning scenery, it’s not hard to find restaurants that proudly flaunt San Diego’s natural beauty. If you’re looking for a spectacular meal with a memorable view on the side, one of the restaurants below is sure to please.

Marine Room
2000 Spindrift Drive
866-644-2351
Dinner for two, before wine from an excellent list, about $130

On the beach at La Jolla Shores, the Marine Room is about as close to the ocean as you can get and still stay dry. Some fans come during rough weather just to watch the waves crashing along the shore and sometimes up against the restaurant’s windows. Veteran chef Bernard Guillas oversees a menu of fresh global cuisine, taking advantage of the wonderful local produce of southern California. Start with his spinach-wrapped Pacific oyster with lobster mousse, or pull out all the stops and order the Caspian Sea caviar with buckwheat blinis, creme fraiche, and a shot of Grey Goose Vodka. For main courses, try the abalone mushroom crusted organic salmon or rack of lamb in a honey-violet mustard. The signature trilogy dessert consisting of sun-dried blueberry Zinfandel brulée, Blue Sky Ranch hibiscus lemon tart and pistachio quince financier is utterly wonderful.

The Prado
1549 El Prado, Balboa Park
619 557 9441
Lunch for two, without wine, about $40.

You’ll find the location of The Prado in Balboa Park not so much one that offers sensational views, but rather an atmospheric setting within one of San Diego’s loveliest attractions. The park is the country’s largest outdoor urban cultural space, containing museums, the famed San Diego Zoo, performance spaces, and not least memorably, this fine restaurant. In what was designed as the House of Hospitality for the 1916 Panama-California Exposition, The Prado’s expansive outdoor terrace, painted exposed ceiling beams, reproductions of Moorish tiles, and a casual contemporary menu make this an attractive, handy, and relaxing stop, especially for lunch, when a light meal and a glass of wine or sangria will do wonders to restore your energy for more fun in the park. Try the panko crusted backfin crab cakes, oven-roasted sea bass, or adobo-braised pork osso buco. The tempting dessert selection is highlighted by a unique version of the Mexican standard tres leches cake and a stone fruit crisp. And for an even lighter snack, you’ll find an appealing variety of tapas offered in the bar.

George’s California Modern Restaurant
1250 Prospect Street, La Jolla
858-454-4244
Dinner for two, without wine, about $100

Formerly the fine dining room at Georges at the Cove, this rooftop terrace restaurant is characteristically Californian and its cuisine prepared with fresh, local, seasonal ingredients. A cool contemporary interior and high-style bar provide an appropriate ambiance for chef Trey Foshee’s stylish food. His creativity ranges over several culinary traditions taking a little of this and a little of that and blending all into distinctive seasonal menus. Start with a medjool date salad (with arugula, toasted walnuts, goat cheese, and pomegranate vinaigrette), or sweet potato sou, and then follow with an exceptional version of roasted squab or slow-cooked pork shoulder from the Niman ranch. If you still have room for dessert, try the warm chocolate tart or deliciously unique Vanilla Roasted Crow's Pass Figs. The more casual lunch menu is equally impressive and includes a grilled Mexican shrimp with tabbouleh salad and a grilled local seafood sandwich that's tops. There’s an impressive wine list offering good choices at all price levels by the bottle or by the glass.

Trattoria Acqua
1298 Prospect Avenue, La Jolla
858-454-0709
Dinner for two, without wine, about $90

Trattoria Acqua is a delightful Italian restaurant located on a cliffside overlooking the ocean at the La Jolla cove. Its series of intimate dining rooms (and a flowery open deck) have white washed walls, cozy booths, and country style chairs. The surroundings are pleasant throughout, but for maximum enjoyment, come between sunset and dark and request a window table. Head chef Damaso Lee’s menu is large, ranging over a number of national cuisines, but always within the Mediterranean tradition. It’s almost certain you’ll find some memorable dining choices here, as the restaurant punches all the culinary hot buttons--organic greens, grilled seafood, and pastas, as well as several unusual choices including roasted Sonoma quails wrapped with Italian bacon and lobster pot pie. The lunchtime antipasti are wonderful, especially the thinly sliced ahi tuna with shaved fennel, baby arugula, watermelon and lemon-horseradish vinaigrette. Dessert includes a dozen or more invariably delicious choices such as an appealing tiramisu and Meyers lemon tart served with meringue and fresh berries. There’s a satisfactory, but not too serious, wine list and several microbrews.