Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Rancho Santa Fe

We were greeted with a welcome and they remembered from my reservation that this was my wedding anniversary. We choose an indoor seat by the window. The waves looked nice as we could see them roll in. The food was very good. We had the Shrimp Dumplings which was good--sort of like a Chinese potsticker, but soft. I had the Lobster and Shrimp Chowder, excellent. My wife had the Mixed Organic Greens, very good. We shared both. For our main course I had the Seafood Pasta lobster, shrimp, scallop & mahi with smoked tomato sauce, Thai basil & parmesan. I liked it very much. My wife had the Pacific Paella grilled lobster tail, mahi, clams, scallops, shrimp & saffron Arborio rice, very good. The quantity of those dishes was more than what we expected--we could have just ordered one or the other and shared.

This was the second year that I was able to celebrate my birthday at Steak 48, and again, it did not disappoint. They really make you feel special on your special day, and the food and service were outstanding. Thank you for making our dining experience an absolute pleasure. We will definitely be back again for another wondering evening out.

Great meal every time we eat at the Chart House. Never disappoints.

We adore the Pony Room. Chris, our server, and his team do a tremendous job making us feel welcome, helping us with menu selections, and anticipating our every need. The food last night was outstanding and we enjoyed the seasonal drinks as well. The live music is a special touch, though we sit outside where the music is a bit muted and easier for us to carry on conversation. Rancho Valencia is especially beautiful this time of year with the holiday declarations and lights. Worth the splurge!

The meal was wonderful. Don’t miss the deviled egg appetizer. The lobster salads were great, as was the duck confit and Dover sole. The interior is warm and inviting.