DINING

American

Cafe 1134
Address: 1134 Orange Ave. Coronado, CA 92118 619-437-1134 619-437-0503 fax Description: Café 1134 gets its name and its telephone number from the café's address. The quaint little bistro, located right next door to the Lamb's Players theater, is the perfect spot for a pre-theater bite or a coffee during intermission. But it also caters to the breakfast and lunch crowd, with tables inside and on the front sidewalk. Check out the cute upper deck for lingering over a croissant and coffee.

La Provence Bar & Bistro
Address: 2000 Second St. Coronado Island Marriott Resort Coronado, CA 92118 619-435-3000 Description: This intimate bar and bistro has a central bar dominating the room, but there are plenty of small tables and comfortable chairs for relaxing over a quick sandwich or lingering over a full meal. The menu runs the gamut from appetizers and salads to California-style sandwiches and pizzas. Some of the signature dishes from the hotel's main restaurant are available at the bistro, including pan seared Alaskan halibut and herb roasted chicken with garlic mashed potatoes.

Market Cafe
Address: 4000 Coronado Bay Rd. Loews Coronado Bay Resort Coronado, CA 92118 619-424-4444 619-424-4400 fax Description: It's attractive interior has a sunny and informal look, but it's sophisticated and comfortable as well. The wicker furniture and pretty table settings make a fine backdrop for a family meal, but don't underestimate the cuisine. This Market is a quality operation, with dishes that rank among the best in Coronado, especially the fresh seafood. And the Market's Sunday brunch is a big favorite with those in the know throughout San Diego County. You can enjoy the beautiful bay front view from inside, or sit out on the lovely balcony area that overlooks the marina. This alfresco dining spot is relaxing and delightful, whether you're sipping your morning coffee or digging into a beef tenderloin dinner. Kids are very welcome, and the children's menu is a very good buy. Free validated parking is available right nearby.

McP's Irish Pub & Grill
Address: 1107 Orange Ave. Coronado, CA 92118 619-435-5280 Description: There's a quaint Irish pub atmosphere to the small dining room of McP's (established in 1982 by a former Navy SEAL). But the restaurant also caters to families with a kids-only menu and a variety of steaks, sandwiches and burgers, not to mention Irish corned beef. Happy hours can get rowdy especially on the patio — and weekends are definitely popular with the young crowd. There is entertainment at McP's every night, and a party atmosphere prevails.

Rhinoceros Cafe & Grill
Address: 1166 Orange Ave. Coronado, CA 92118 619-435-2121 Description: Chic and contemporary are the two words that best describe this popular Coronado restaurant, located conveniently near the Lamb's Players Theatre. The clean white lines of the interior are broken by some large colorful paintings, and a rhinoceros sculpture greets you at the door. Lunch is informal, but tablecloths and candles are added for dinner. Alfresco dining on the front patio is always in season, and the restaurant serves three meals a day on weekends all with a different personality.

Asian

Bistro d'Asia
Address: 1301 Orange Ave. Coronado, CA 92118 619-437-6677 Description: Asian Fusion is sometimes an umbrella term given to dishes that blend so many Asian elements, they end up a spicy and confusing mish-mash on your plate. Not so with the Asian-inspired delights offered at this noteworthy newcomer to the Coronado dining scene. The contemporary elements in the cookery fuse seamlessly with traditional Eastern classics, such as Peking duck, kung pao chicken, and Mongolian beef. There's an emphasis on healthy cooking techniques at Bistro d'Asia, which fits in nicely with the tenets of California cuisine. The ambiance at this bistro is modern, and can be described as understated elegance. Sophisticated black furnishings look striking against the warm wood-paneled walls, and the dining room is completely separate from the bar area. The restaurant has a smaller space that works well for intimate groups, and the sidewalk patio is pleasant for balmy afternoons.

Chu Dynasty
Address: 1033 B Ave. Coronado, CA 92118 619-435-5300 Description: Chu Dynasty has been around for so long, it really is a dynasty in Coronado. The interior, however, is fresh and new looking, even though the décor stems from the quaint Oriental styles popular decades ago. Chu Dynasty features the usual assortment of Chinese specialties, and an all-you-can-eat buffet on weekdays. Early bird specials are offered every day.

Swadee Thai Restaurant
Address: 1001 C Ave. San Diego, CA 92118 619-435-8110 Description: When they're in the mood for Thai food, locals head for Swadee where the service is friendly and gracious, the ambiance is extremely pleasant and the food is prepared with great care.

Continental

Azzura Point
Address: 4000 Coranado Bay Rd. Loews Coronado Bay Resort Coronado, CA 92118 619-424-4000 Azzura Point is one of the best restaurants in Coronado — a decidedly upscale dining spot that boasts world-class cuisine, a posh but contemporary décor, and striking views of Coronado Bay from its upper level location at the Loew's Hotel. The restaurant's dramatic white and gold color scheme is offset by romantic old rose draperies and luxurious upholstered furnishings. The tables are arranged so that every seat has magnificent vistas. The service is outstanding as well, but there is a relaxed atmosphere to the room, despite it's elegant appointments.

Crown Room
Address:1500 Orange Ave. Hotel Del Coronado Coronado, CA 92118 619-522-8496 Description: The Crown Room, with its striking wood-beamed ceiling creating an oval-shaped dome over the huge dining room, is one of the most beautiful settings in San Diego County for a gourmet feast. The chandeliers are shaped like crowns, the walls are covered in fabric, and the whole restaurant has an air of old-world elegance you can't re-create in the 21st century. These days, the Crown Room is used only on Sundays as a magnificent setting for a lavish brunch buffet. The rest of the week the Crown serves the hotel's growing convention trade.

L'Escale
Address: 2000 Second St. Coronado Island Marriott Resort Coronado, CA 92118 619-522-3150 Description: This attractive hotel dining room has a spacious and sophisticated interior and a magnificent central patio for alfresco dining near the pool and overlooking the bay. The restaurant has a varied menu, but the emphasis is on California-influenced Mediterranean specialties, such as the hearty main dish — seafood bouillabaisse with half Maine lobster, clams, mussels and shrimp — and the Andalusian shrimp fritters and Dungeness crab appetizer featured on the dinner menu. L'Escale serves Sunday brunch now (which includes a trip to the cold buffet and your choice of one of the hot entrees from the menu, along with antipasti, fresh fruits and breakfast pastries). The restaurant has a jazz band on Friday and Saturday, and serves a buffet dinner along with the evening entertainment.

Prince of Wales
Address: 1500 Orange Ave. Hotel Del Coronado Coronado, CA 92118 619-522-8490 Description: The Prince is one of the most regal dining rooms in town, with an elegant off-white and gold architecturally-rich interior and a handsome covered patio overlooking the ocean. The upholstered chairs are very comfortable, and the table settings are stunning. Service is in keeping with the upscale look and world-class cuisine, so plan to linger over this dinner and pair it with one of the restaurant's fine wines. The chef's daily tasting menu gives you a chance to sample some of the best dishes and the appropriate wines as well. Leave the youngsters at home and make this your romantic evening out. The Prince features a highly sophisticated menu for dinner, and a marvelous "Chef's Brunch" that is truly unique. In fact, it's one of the most unusual dining experiences you'll find anywhere. Instead of the typical buffet, the Prince invites diners into the kitchen to watch the chef at work and ask questions about the food. Reservations are strongly suggested.

Italian

Coronado Brewing Company
Address: 170 Orange Ave. Coronado, CA 92118 619-437-4452 619-437-6870 fax Description: This restaurant/brewery prides itself on featuring "the finest hand-crafted beer and food available." That brazen claim may be overblown, but both the food and the brews at this Coronado hot spot are certainly first-rate. The brewery is right on the premises, so you know the micro-brews are special. The ambiance is attractive as well, with a neat contemporary dining room and two separate outdoor patios — plus two televisions at the bar to amuse sports fans. Gourmet-style wood-fired pizzas, an assortment of interesting starters (such as beer-battered onion rings, Bourbon Street shrimp, and bruschetta) keep the younger crowd coming. But the restaurant caters to families as well, with Kids' Night Tuesdays that are free for youngsters.

Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana
Address: 1333 First St. Coronado, CA 92118 619-437-4911 619-437-4043 fax Description: Il Fornaio has a magnificent bay-front location near Coronado's beautiful Ferry Landing Marketplace. Its solid-looking architectural design is reminiscent of Tuscany, with its handsome stucco walls and interesting design touches. Although there are a few Il Fornaio Restaurants in California, this location might just be the most spectacular. It certainly boasts the most magnificent vistas, and the outdoor patio dining overlooks the most picturesque part of the Coronado Bay. The menu is upscale Italian, and all the breads and pastries are baked on the premises. In fact, the restaurant has a bakery where you can purchase these delightful baked goods to take home.

Island Pasta
Address: 1212 Orange Ave. Coronado, CA 92118 619-435-4545 Description: The restaurant has a small interior, with counter seating at the wine bar and a few intimate tables. Most diners opt for the outdoor patio in front to enjoy pasta, pizza, salad, or an Italian-style dinner, such as chicken parmigiana or lasagna with meat sauce. Fresh salmon and jumbo scallops are also standard Island Pasta specials. Although Island Pasta has the same ownership as Costa Azul (the Mexican restaurant directly across the street from it) the menu and the ambiance are completely different. Only the high quality is the same.

Joey's California Bistro
Address:980 Orange Ave. Coronado, CA 92118 619-437-8913 619-437-8607 fax Description: The motto at Joey's is, "Not Your Average Joe," and that rings true when you consider the kind of menu available in Joey's inviting, garden-like setting. The food is upscale bistro-style, with starters like crabcakes with carmelized onion and fontina cheese, entrees such as layered eggplant with wild mushroom ravioli, and a variety of designer pizzas prepared in the restaurant's wood-fired oven. The lunch menu also features sandwiches and wraps. There is nothing about the exterior that prepares you for this interesting mix of culinary delights, since the restaurant was originally a fast-food type of eatery. The patio offers pleasant alfresco dining, and the open kitchen dominates half of the interior. But the feeling of outdoors is part of Joey's charm, no matter where you dine.

Primavera Ristorante
Address: 932 Orange Ave. Coronado, CA 92118 619-435-0454 Description: This upscale Italian restaurant has been a local favorite for years. The interior is small but attractive, with handsome tapestry booths and nice furnishings. The service is excellent, and the menu is a showcase of the finest in traditional Italian cuisine. Osso buco Milanese is available daily (not just once a week as it is in many restaurants). There are daily seafood specials, and not surprisingly a wide selection of pastas, including homemade tortelloni stuffed with spinach and ricotta, and linguine with the chef's daily selection of assorted shellfish.

Seafood

Azzura Point
Address: 4000 Coranado Bay Rd. Loews Coronado Bay Resort Coronado, CA 92118 619-424-4000 Description: Azzura Point is a decidedly upscale dining spot that boasts world-class cuisine, a posh but contemporary décor, and striking views of Coronado Bay from its upper level location. The restaurant's dramatic white and gold color scheme is offset by romantic old rose draperies and luxurious upholstered furnishings. The tables are arranged so that every seat has magnificent vistas. The service is outstanding as well, but there is a relaxed atmosphere to the room, despite its elegant appointments. The menu abounds with delightful choices all prepared with style and creativity. You can opt for the regular a la carte menu (featuring selections from four exciting courses) and a daily chef's menu (with suggested wines to accompany it) and the wine list is superb. But what really makes Azzura Point unique is the two additional prix-fixe menus the herb garden and the theme menu. The herb garden five-course dinner is a vegetarian gourmet's delight, with dishes like goat cheese walnut ravioli and eggplant stuffed squash blossoms. The theme menu takes its cues from a country (like Italy) or a region (such as California cuisine).

Peohe's
Address: 1201 First St. Coronado, CA 92118 619-437-4474 619-437-8471 fax Description: When you walk past the reception area at Peohe's, you'll feel as if you're entering a lush tropical forest, with rushing waterfalls, a variety of flora and fauna, and winding pathways to the plush booths and tables. A skylight brings the daylight indoors in Peohe's unusual dining room, and the beautiful patio gets you as close as possible to the bay. Even from the interior, you can't miss the spectacular vistas, which include the San Diego skyline beyond the boat-covered waterway. With a view like that, you might not expect culinary excellence, but at Peohe's the cuisine doesn't have to play second fiddle to the natural beauty. The Hawaiian-inspired menu gets contemporary treatment, and the presentations are picture perfect. Seafood is prepared with style, and a sushi and sashimi bar creates edible art. A light lounge menu (served on the patio) is available all day long.

Prince of Wales
Address: 1500 Orange Ave. Hotel Del Coronado Coronado, CA 92118 619-522-8490 Description: The Prince is one of the most regal dining rooms in town, with an elegant off-white and gold interior and a handsome covered patio overlooking the ocean. The upholstered chairs are very comfortable, and the table settings are stunning. Service is in keeping with the upscale look and world-class cuisine, so plan to linger over this dinner and pair it with one of the restaurant's fine wines. The chef's daily tasting menu gives you a chance to sample some of the best dishes and the appropriate wines as well. Leave the youngsters at home and make this your romantic evening out. The Prince features a highly sophisticated menu for dinner, and a marvelous "Chef's Brunch" that is truly unique. In fact, it's one of the most unusual dining experiences you'll find anywhere. Instead of the typical buffet, the Prince invites diners into the kitchen to watch the chef at work and ask questions about the food. Reservations are strongly suggested.

Sheerwater
Address: 1500 Orange Ave. Hotel Del Coronado Coronado, CA 92118 619-522-8496 Description: Sheerwater is the busy ocean-view restaurant for the Hotel Del Coronado, serving three meals daily, not to mention exciting afternoon tapas for a reasonably priced mid-afternoon delight. Unlike informal restaurants in most hotels, this restaurant serves upscale cuisine in a striking Victorian-style setting, with dining indoors, on the covered patio and from umbrella tables on an open patio. All the dining areas offer a spectacular unobstructed view of the ocean. For breakfast you can choose between a well-designed menu (that includes house-smoked salmon and tropical French toast) and a wonderful buffet with all the signature breakfast items and beverages included in the price. Lunch is another good reason to check out Sheerwater. The restaurant offers huge salads, pizzas and pasta creations, and inventive entrées such as olive poached wild sea bass and miso sake glazed tuna. Dinner is even more elaborate, with wood-smoked Sonoma hen, braised lamb osso buco and other unique offerings. Children are welcome, and the kids menu is an excellent value.

Spanish/Latin

Costa Azul
Address: 1031 Orange Ave. Coronado, CA 92118 619-435-3525 Description: There's a chic look to the low-key interior. Attractive blown-glass chandeliers are the only adornment to the interior. But the presentations are definitely upscale, and the Mexican cuisine goes well beyond tacos and tostadas. The sidewalk patio is the most popular place to congregate, unless you prefer to have a drink at the bar and order one of the many interesting bar appetizers. Lunch specials include rotisseries chicken and the restaurant's unique chile rellenos. In addition, you'll always find a fresh fish selection (served with rice and beans).

La Cantina
Address: 4000 Coronado Bay Road Loews Coronado Bay Resort Coroando, AL 92118 619-424-4000 Description: La Cantina is a poolside eatery with white plastic tables on a patio near the hotel's beautiful pool. Guests of the hotel, and visitors who just want to soak up some rays and meander the winding paths next to the marina, will find this little spot the perfect place to relax with a margarita or cold fruit drink and enjoy an excellent light meal. You won't have to settle for a burger at La Cantina, as you might expect from a poolside restaurant. This little gem features appetizers, such as cheese and portabello, grilled items, including tuna Nicoise wraps, and desserts the likes of sangria shaved ice. Kids are very welcome, and the children's menu is a terrific buy. Free validated parking is available.

Mexican Village
Address: 120 Orange Ave. San Diego, CA 92118 619-435-1822 Description: Fun, funky and festive, the Mexican Village has been a favorite local hang-out and dining spot for decades. The food's not gourmet, but portions of the old-fashioned Tex-Mex-style enchiladas, burritos, tacos and other standard Mexican fare are huge and the price is right.

Miguel's Cocina
Address: 1351 Orange Ave. Coronado, CA 92118 619-437-4237 Description: Totally hidden from street view in the secluded inner patio of the historic El Cordova Hotel, Miguel's Cocina is one of Coronado's worst-kept secrets. Birds twitter among the branches of ancient trees that surround the cheery courtyard packed with folks chowing down on what many consider to be the best jumbo shrimp enchiladas and burritos in the county. The secret is in the piquant jalapeno white sauce that tops both dishes. A choice of four salsas, including the not-to-be-missed jalapeno white sauce, is free along with complimentary house-made chips.

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