Introducing… Shimbashi Izakaya. Located along the beautiful strip of Camino Del Mar, Shimbashi Izakaya offers a peaceful, modern and intimate dining experience for those craving something a little different. Izakaya, by definition can be closely related to a pub. In Japan, it is known as a drinking establishment, where food is treated more like a compliment to a drink as tapas are in the Latin world. Therefore, don’t look at this dining experience as a time to stuff your face (even though you can); instead, think of it as a place to enjoy the intricacies of fine Japanese dining accompanied alongside an excellent choice of beverages.

Once entering the establishment, you are greeted by a friendly staff who cordially invite you to seat yourself in quaint, but exquisite atmosphere. The menu offers a wide array of delicacy’s from Sashimi, Hot Pots (Shabu Shabu)  to Sushi should you wish to have something familiar.

During our visit, we had the following:
APPETIZERS
Takowasabi: Wasabi flavored octopus
Tomato with Bacon Skewers*
Grilled Ginko Nuts*

SASHIMI / FUSION SASHIMI
Kobe Yuzu: Thin sliced seared Kobe style beef with yuzu ponzu sauce

SALAD
Salmon Skin Salad*

Entrees
Pork and Kimchee

Drinks
Sake Sampler Glass (Otokoyama, Yumetsukiyo, Nigori)

*indicated today’s special

We started our meal with Takowasabi. Although it didn’t look appealing at first sight… upon first bite, it proved to be a refreshing medley of Octopus coupled with that unique punch only Wasabi can give you. The Kobe Yuzu, was probably the most appetizing dish on our table. The thinly sliced Kobe beef was deliciously seared on the outside with a raw Sashimi center. Topped off with a simple garnish, it presented a refined taste.  The creaminess of Sashimi with the flavor of prime meat, to put it simply…was perfect in every sense of the word.

The Tomato Bacon Skewers could have been left out of our plate, although not terrible.. after having the Kobe Yuzu and Takowasabi, it didn’t seem up to par with the quality of what our pallets have gotten used to. The Grilled Ginko nuts on the otherhand, proved to be a fun little snack during our dining experience. As far as our salads and entrees go, the Salmon Skin Salad and Pork Kimchee dishes proved to be a great compliment to the rest of our meal, which was broughout by the taste of our Sake Sampler.

Otokoyama, Yumetsukiyo, Nigori where in line and all three proved to be excellent. Otokoyama was by far our favorite Sake. It was a light and refreshing drink that stimulated our palletes just enough to top off  our dining experience. However, if you’re into something a little sweeter, the Yumetsukiyo and Nigori samples will be your favorites.

The Love Bug Rating:
Service: 5/5 Stars
Food: 4.5/5 Stars
Atmosphere: 5/5 Stars
Price: $$$

Tip #1: An absolute must try is the Kobe Yuzu! Thin sliced seared Kobe style beef with yuzu ponzu sauce

Tip #2: Always have the samplers if you can’t decide on which drinks to try, you will be pleasantly surprised

Tip#3: To save some money, visit Simbashi Izakaya during their Happy Hour -
Mon-Fri: 4:00pm – 7:00pm, Weekends: 12:00pm – 7:00pm, $3 Draft Beer, $5 Cocktails and some reduced price tapas!

Tip #4: Seating is limited so make reservations just in case you anticipate on arriving on a busy night.

Tip #5: Always try the Today’s specials and keep and open mind (don’t judge a book by it’s cover). Chances are, you will definitely enjoy what they have to offer.

Contact:
Shimbashi Izakaya
1555 Camino Del Mar, No. 201
Del Mar, California 92014-2408
(858) 523-0479

Hours:
4 PM to 11 PM, Mon. ?Fri.
12 PM to 11 PM, Sat.
12 PM to 10 PM, Sun.

Reader Jessica tells us the service, food and atmosphere are the most appealing aspects of dining here:

I just have to tell you, I felt like I was in the Saprano’s! I also felt like Frank Sinatra was going to just show up in a spotlight and sing blue river while we ate. This is a great place to get romantic and the foood, OMG!!! You just have to try it.

The Love Bug Rating:
Service: 4/5 Stars
Food: 4.5/5 Stars
Atmosphere: 5/5 Stars
Price: $$$

Tip #1: Jessica recommends the Cesar Salad, she said it’s the best Ceasar she’s ever had.

Tip #2: The menu is pricey so make sure you attend on a special occasion. Jessica recommends preparing to spend $100+ at the end of the night.

Tip#3: After 10pm on Friday and Saturday nights, you will be able to enjoy great Jazz music. So you late night daters, keep that in mind.

Contact:
Manhattan of La Jolla
7766 Fay Ave
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-0700

Now, Min Sok Chon offers delicious food (as many of the restaurants we feature on the site), however they offer a little extra for your dining experience should you choose to partake…. Karaoke! Yes, you and your private party (anywhere ranging from a couple in a small room to an enormous gathering in the larger rooms) can request a private local in Min Sok Chon’s private Karaoke rooms!
So if you find yourself looking for a little excitement for your next dining experience, got to Min Sok Chon!

The Love Bug Rating:
Service: 4/5 Stars
Food: 5/5 Stars
Atmosphere: 5/5 Stars
Price: $$

Tip #1: Kimchee fried rice, beef Bulgogi & the chicken wings are to die for!

Tip #2: Since space is limited, we recommend booking a Karaoke room weeks in advance for big parties (Friday and Saturday nights)

Tip #3: If you’re looking for an ultimate private atmosphere, try going to Min Sok Chon Sunday nights around 5-6pm. The restaurant is mostly empty around this time (so you will likely be granted access to a room) and you and your loved one can have an intimate dining experience in the smaller rooms.

Contact:
Min Sok Chon
4620 Convoy St
#C
(between Dagget St & Opportunity Rd)
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 560-8168

Tracy told us:

“The Seaside Cantina is one of my favorite spots to get a bite. It’s right off the Boardwalk in PB and it offers one of the best views and most relaxing environments ever. Their food is to die for and I love it!”

From Tracy’s words, you will have to check it out. If the images posted here tell you anything, it’s definitely a true hot spot in San Diego.

The Love Bug Rating:
Service: 4/5 Stars
Food: 4.5/5 Stars
Atmosphere: 4/5 Stars
Price: $$

Tip #1: Tracy recommends the Strawberry Banana pancakes served with maple syrup with eggs and bacon. Perfectly sized for a loving couple who wants to share.

Tip #2: For lunch, veggies will love the Avocado Veggie Burger. At only $8.25, you can have a healthy and filling meal mid day.

Tip#3: Coffee lovers will have to try Isabel’s Coffee. Tracy’s favorite is Cafe Con Chocolate, but also recommends the Hammerhead for those who need a delicious pick me up.

Contact:
Seaside Cantina
4111 Ocean Blvd.,
San Diego, CA 92109
(858)273-0775

Miyabi Steakhouse in Encinitas offers this delicious dish for a mere $12. The scrumptious tempura crab mixed in with a myriad of ingredients (better to try than to talk about) molds itself in a pleasant melody of flavor and delight in the Sushi Burrito. So if you and your lover, or if you’re on a lunch break and are craving for an exotic and heavenly taste, make a trip to Encinitas’s own Miyabi and get a Sushi Burrito!

But don’t stop there, Miyabi also offers a stellar line of Sushi and Teppanyaki dishes in an elegant and inviting atmosphere that will satisfy your taste pallet and make you want more. It’s defiantly an SDLOVEBUG hot spot!

The Love Bug Rating:
Service: 3.5/5 Stars
Food: 4.5/5 Stars
Atmosphere: 4/5 Stars
Price: $$

Tip #1: Inquire about the lunch specials (11:30pm-2pm), you can get more for your money.

Tip #2: For dessert, the fried ice cream is an excellent way to top off your delicious meal.

Contact:
Miyabi Japanese Steakhouse
211 S. El Camino Real, #C
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 632-0888

The service of Royal Thai can be summed up with one word, pleasant. The staff at the restaurant are friendly and helpful (just in case you’re not familiar with what you’re ordering). Doing this, we were able to discover an absolute must have dish! An appetizer known as Katoang Thong or “Pot of Gold” features light crispy shells filled with chicken or vegetarian meat, onion, potato, spices with curry and served with cucumber chutney. It’s a delightful dish that will just melt in your mouth!

Our favorite entrees are the Panang Curry dishes and the Pad Thai. But of course, the Royal Thai menu features dishes yet to be discovered, so don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort level and try something new every time you visit.  If you’re looking to save money, visit Royal Thai during lunch and take advantage of their lunch specials (M-F 11am to 3pm).

For dessert, the Coconut Ice Cream is an excellent way to end your meal. However all of the dessert dishes are certainly worth a try.

The Love Bug Rating:
Service: 5/5 Stars
Food: 5/5 Stars
Atmosphere: 4/5 Stars
Price: $$$

Tip: Be open minded and adventurous! Royal Thai dishes will satisfy any Thai food lovers palette.

Contact
Royal Thai La Jolla
737 Pearl Street
La Jolla, Ca. 92037
858 -551-Thai

Royal Thai Downtown San Diego
467 5th Ave
San Diego, Ca. 92101
619-230-Thai

Bread Bites isn’t what we would consider a “romantic” place, however, the food will make your heart melt. For Breakfast, you must try the Egg Bagel Sandwich. It’s an inexpensive but fulfilling meal and a great kick start to your day. For lunch or dinner, SDLOVEBUG.COM recommends the Hot BBQ Chicken Sandwich. It’s a sweet little melody of marinated chicken, provolone cheese, red onions, BBQ sauce, lettuce and tomatoes topped off with a fresh baked rustic roll and homemade potato chips.

But if anything, you must at least try their famed bread bites: Hot mouth-watering garlic bread that will blow your mind! We just have to say, if you’re a fan of Pat & Oscar’s dinner rolls, these are 10x’s more delicious!

Additionally, if you’re in a sweet mood, stop by from 8:30-11:30am and ask for their Cinnamon Bread Bites (hmmmmmmm Yummy!)

The Love Bug Rating:
Service: 4/5 Stars
Food: 5/5 Stars
Atmosphere: 3.5/5 Stars
Price: $$

Tip#1: If you’re not a big eater, the chicken rib plate is delicious and enough to share between couples

Tip#2: As with any restaurant, the food is best when its fresh

Tip#3: Did we mention, the Bread Bites where a must have? Get 6 for $2.50 or 13 delicious Bread Bites for only $3.95!!

Contact
Bread Bites & Moore
7845 Highland Village Pl
San Diego, Ca. 92129
858-780-2501

Pat Stein of the San Diego Union Tribune declared Tomiko as a “Food Find” and it was voted “Best Sushi” by The Sun readers. Therefore after hearing that, we had to give it a shot. After experiencing Tomiko, all we have to say is… the reviews where not far off their mark.

Although Tomiko offered one of the best dining experiences we have ever had at a Japanese restaurant, the sushi could be a little better. Still, Tomiko is one of the better Japanese restaurants in San Diego, we just had better sushi elsewhere. But don’t let that hinder your potential visit, Tomiko still offers great seafood, sashimi and hand rolls. In addition, their “Sake City” also a great place to visit for the occasional happy hour.

The Love Bug Rating:
Service: 4/5 Stars
Food: 3.8/5 Stars
Atmosphere: 5/5 Stars
Price: $$$

Tip#1: Get 50% off selected sushi rolls, $3 pints and hot sakes during Tomiko’s 5-630pm Happy Hour at Sake City

Tip#2: Ask about specials for their $2 Tuesdays

Tip#3: Romantics must ask for a table next to the windows for the stunning panoramic view.

Contact
Tomiko
87 Encinitas Blvd
Encinitas, CA 92024
(858) 454-8409

Even meat lovers won’t miss meat here. You must try their non meat main entrees! We recommend the Chicken with Basil, Thai Curry Chicken, Spicy Thai Fried Rice and Vegetarian “Pho”. It’s an absolute must try if you’re a vegetarian or even a food lover!

If you’re wondering “how can they call a chicken dish without chicken?” It’s simple, the “meat” dishes are simply well prepared tofu blended specially to mimic the taste and texture of their meat counterpart. The dishes are comprised of superior flavor and portions are fulfilling as well. You will definitely get your money’s worth here.

The Love Bug Rating:
Service: 4/5 Stars
Food: 5/5 Stars
Atmosphere: 4/5 Stars
Price: $$

Tip#1: If you’re not a big eater, the main entree portions are big enough to share between couples

Tip#2: Thai Curry Chicken is a must try if you’re a Thai food lover

Tip#3: Coffee lovers must try the Vietnamese Ice Coffee

Contact
Sipz Fusion Cafe
5501 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, Ca. 92117
858-279-3747

9450 #114A Scranton Rd
San Diego, Ca. 92121
858-457-1103

However, should you be there for an early morning breakfast, Love Bug would like to recommend the Cottage’s world famous French Toast! It’s absolutely scrumptious and wonderful! However, if you’re not in the mood for the French Toast, the cottage offers Omelettes, Egg Benedicts and also a great selection from of baked goods from their bakery.

On top of all that, their staff is super friendly and always willing to meet their customers needs. They really make the dining experience worthwhile and fuel that “at home” feeling.

The Love Bug Rating:
Service: 5/5 Stars
Food: 5/5 Stars
Atmosphere: 5/5 Stars
Price: $$$

Tip#1: The Cottage opens early at 7:30am for breakfast however it’s advisable you get there early for choice seating

Tip#2: If it looks really busy outside, inquire about indoor seating. Chances are, there are a lot of seats available inside.

Tip#3: Always take home a muffin, they are to die for. SD Love Bug recommends the Raspberry Millet and Pumpkin Nut!

Contact
The Cottage
7702 Fay Ave
La Jolla, CA 92037-4309
(858) 454-8409