Coronado, the "Crown City," located a bridge away from downtown San Diego, offers a range of tempting dining options, from quirky and casual to elegant and urbane. Whether the mood calls for a romantic candlelit dinner, a leisurely alfresco brunch or a casual post-beach bite, Coronado's diverse array of over 70 eateries provides guests a meal as memorable as the island itself.

ALLURING ALFRESCO DINING

Many of Coronado's restaurants offer alfresco dining where guests can soak up the sun and enjoy the island's refreshing ocean breezes.

• Guests can enjoy specially prepared meals of fresh coastal California cuisine at Current restaurant in the bayfront Coronado Island Marriott Resort, set against a spectacular backdrop of the San Diego skyline and sparkling waters of San Diego Bay.
• After a day on the links at Coronado Municipal Golf Course, refresh with lunch or dinner on the charming patio at Coronado Bayside Grill, featuring tantalizing American dishes; Prime Rib Nights on Thursdays and Sundays are especially popular.
• Located at the Coronado Ferry Landing, the patio at Il Fornaio boasts sparkling views of San Diego Bay and the downtown San Diego skyline, which pair perfectly with a menu of casually elegant Italian trattoria-style specialties.
• Leroy's Kitchen + Lounge on Orange Avenue brings urban chic to the island with a hip industrial look, sidewalk seating and a fresh flavorful farm-to-table menu of locally sourced, sustainable food with global influences created by new Executive Chef JC Colón.
• Tent City Restaurant on Orange Avenue serves eclectic California cuisine on a large outdoor patio located next to the Coronado Museum of History & Art.
• Rhinoceros Café & Grill on Orange Avenue features the finest in American Bistro cooking along with casual sidewalk seating.
• Saiko Sushi on Orange Avenue features a progressive Japanese menu of modern Asian-styled food, a sushi bar and quaint outdoor patio with prime views of the downtown San Diego skyline.

ROMANTIC RENDEZVOUS

When a Coronado visit warrants a romantic meal, the Crown City's fine dining restaurants offer sensational cuisine and delightful ambiance in intimate and refined settings.

• The newly refurbished Chez Loma, located in a charming historic Victorian house, offers a fantastic French bistro-inspired menu by new Chef and owner Alejandro Martinez, in a classically romantic elegant setting.
• With enchanting views of San Diego Bay, the downtown San Diego skyline and San Diego-Coronado Bridge, Mistral at Loews Coronado Bay Resort offers a captivating and romantic backdrop for the global-fusion menu prepared by new Chef de Cuisine Adam Cho that highlights his penchant for tapas-style small plates, Mediterranean flavors and love of seafood.
• The chic and alluring 1500 OCEAN at the historic Hotel del Coronado boasts unparalleled views of the Pacific and a California coastal menu that blends regional ingredients to create contemporary bold flavors. Drawing from The Del's gardens, the seasonal offerings feature fresh herbs and vegetables nightly while a vast wine library highlights local vintners.
• Located on Orange Avenue, Vigilucci's Ristorante Coronado serves Italian classics, prime steaks and seafood in a romantic setting enhanced by live music nightly from its martini lounge and piano bar.
• The perfect spot for a relaxed evening of romance, Sapori on Orange Avenue offers a new menu daily featuring contemporary takes on classic Italian dishes.
• Couples can cozy up in the peaceful Zen-like setting of Swadde Thai Restaurant on C Avenue and Yummy Sushi on Orange Avenue, where ocean view tables are perfect for catching a romantic sunset.

SCRUMPTOUS SEAFOOD

Coronado's restaurants tempt diners with fresh local seafood and culinary delicacies served in styles ranging from upscale to casual, including tasty Baja-style fish tacos that are synonymous with the San Diego region.

• The newly redesigned 1887 on The Bay - formerly the Coronado Boathouse, an iconic landmark on picturesque Glorietta Bay - features a delectable Pacific Rim menu by new Chef Jess Le Desma, who instills his rich Asian/Hawaiian ethnicity into every dish.
• A leisurely lunch, happy hour or dinner at The Brigantine on Orange Avenue is a Coronado tradition. Their famous Brig fish tacos offer a choice of traditional breaded fish or the restaurant's signature grilled swordfish.
• Set on San Diego Bay with spectacular views of the downtown San Diego skyline, Peohe's specializes in fresh tropical seafood and Pacific Rim dishes, including innovative sushi. Al fresco dining is available on the expansive patio or in a dockside courtyard.
• Featuring an spacious patio overlooking the Pacific, Sheerwater at the Hotel del Coronado features a menu focusing on fresh, sustainable seafood that is served on ice, pan roasted, sautéed or poached.

BBQ, BURGERS, BRAUTS AND BREWS

After a day at the beach, nothing is more tempting than Southern barbeque or a classic burger and hot dog paired with a cold frosty brew.

• The island's premier microbrewery, Coronado Brewing Company on Orange Avenue serves up pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, tacos and beer-infused brewpub fare like beer-battered onion rings and a stout burger, complemented by its award-winning craft beers like Coronado Golden, Mermaid's Red and Hoppy Daze.
• Located on Orange Avenue, Nicky Rottens Bar & Burger Joint serves hand-pressed burgers made from Grade A corn-fed Midwestern beef and uses fresh organic vegetables and house-made sauces to bring out fresh robust flavors.
• The "vintage industrial" English pub The Tavern on Orange Avenue is a perfect spot for a quick pint while noshing on comfort food favorites like mac & cheese with breadcrumb topping.
• Set amidst chic modern décor, Burger Lounge on Orange Avenue serves up grass-fed beef burgers, house-cut fries and shakes made with real ice cream.
• Delux Gourmet Hot Dogs Coronado on Orange Avenue serves up hand-crafted, gourmet Vienna Beef hot dogs in home-style baked buns. A popular favorite is The Tokyo dog with teriyaki glaze, Japanese mayo, grilled onions, sesame seeds, dried seaweed chips and Sriracha sauce.
• Lil' Piggy's Bar-B-Q at the Coronado Ferry Landing specializes in barbecue styles from around the nation and pairs them with tasty treats like smoked, bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers and corn fritters with honey butter.
• Two favorites among the Navy SEALs who train in Coronado, Danny's Palm Bar & Grill on Orange Avenue is known for its "dive bar" burger - considered one of the best on the island - and McP's Irish Pub serves up hearty pub fare, including eight specialty McBurgers like the St. Paddy Melt.
• Night & Day Cafe on Orange Avenue, "Feeding Hungry Villagers since 1929," is the only place in town to buy a burger, or popular grilled cheese sandwich, any time of day or night, 24/7, along with daily beer specials.

BOUNTIFUL BRUNCHES & CLASSIC BREAKFASTS

Coronado's brunch and breakfast options range from incredible spreads at luxury resorts to casual neighborhood eateries.

• On Sundays, the Hotel del Coronado's majestic Crown Room boasts a lavish buffet fit for all the royalty, celebrities and presidents who have stayed over the years at the historic hotel. Options include caviar and crab legs, made-to-order waffles and omelets, sushi, dim sum, smoked salmon and succulent prime rib.
• At Loews Coronado Bay Resort's newly designed Market Cafe, featuring stunning marina views, guests can enjoy Chef de Cuisine Brent Calley's breakfast menu of griddle classics like banana French toast, local Mexican favorites like chilaquiles and farm-fresh egg dishes like a wild mushroom frittata.
• Guests in search of a slice of classic Americana and a basic, old-fashioned breakfast look no further than Clayton's Coffee Shop on Orange Avenue featuring traditional diner fare in a setting that recalls the 1950's with its tabletop jukeboxes.
• For a casual brunch, the inviting patio of the Crown Bistro on Orange Avenue offers great views for people watching along with gourmet breakfast fare like Bananas Foster French toast and New York steak and eggs.

SOUTH OF THE BORDER FLAVORS

With the international border located just 15 miles south of Coronado, food lovers have several choices for fun, festive Mexican fare in Coronado.

• Tucked inside a lush courtyard off Orange Avenue, Miguel's Cocina is a Coronado favorite for its award-winning Mexican food, tasty margaritas and lively patio dining.
• Perched along the water's edge at the Coronado Ferry Landing, Candelas on the Bay offers upscale Mexico City-style cuisine complemented by floor-to-ceiling views of San Diego Bay and the downtown San Diego skyline.
• Located on Orange Avenue, Costa Azul is a perennial favorite that serves up traditional Mexican dishes in a laid-back island atmosphere.
• Also located on Orange Avenue, Villa Nueva Pastry Cafe is known for their huevos rancheros and delicious street tacos that are sold every Friday night on the front sidewalk.

SWEET TREATS

Whether guests want to expand their culinary horizons or simply satisfy a sweet tooth, Coronado has the perfect spot for indulgence between or after a meal.

• The new Fabrison's French Creperie Café on Adella Avenue serves up a mouthwatering range of dessert crepes, from dark chocolate and Nutella to lemon with powdered sugar and fresh seasonal fruits.
• At the Hotel del Coronado's ENO Wine Bar, guests can sample handcrafted truffles and chocolates and wines and cheeses from around the world and join "Eno-versity" tasting classes that are designed to enlighten and indulge.
• Family friendly Fuzziwig's Candy Factory on Orange Avenue serves up sweet handmade treats including fudge, turtles, several varieties of caramel apples and their signature "Coronado Crunch," made with white or milk chocolate, peanut butter, marshmallows and rice krispies and drizzled in more chocolate.
• Choco Amore at the Coronado Ferry Landing is heaven for chocolate lovers with hundreds of varieties of chocolate confections made from a blend of pure Swiss and Belgian chocolate with an additional twist of fruits and nuts.
• Located on C Avenue, Nado Gelato Café serves up scoops of Italy's famous frosty treat, made fresh daily. Selections include creamy versions of classics like tiramisu and pistachio and vegan versions of fruity melon and pineapple flavors.
• With locations on Orange Avenue and at the Hotel del Coronado, MooTime Creamery is a local favorite tempting guests with frozen yogurt and house-churned ice cream that is mixed-to-order with a variety of toppings including candy, nuts and fresh fruit.
• A quaint European-style bakery and bistro on First Street, Tartine features a fantastic selection of decadent cakes, tortes, tarts and other sweet, savory items.

DINE AROUND

With so many culinary choices in Coronado, it may be difficult to select just one. Luckily, there are a few fun and convenient ways to sample the island's cornucopia of cuisine.

• On October 16, 2013, guests can enjoy "island fare in the ocean air" during the popular annual Taste of Coronado, featuring over 20 local restaurants, including Chez Loma, Peohe's, Saiko Sushi, Leroy's Kitchen + Lounge, Wine a Bit Coronado, Vigilucci's Ristorante, Il Fornaio, Swaddee Thai, Lil' Piggy's Bar-B-Q, Night & Day Cafe and Coronado Taste of Oils, specializing in gourmet olive oils and vinegars from around the world. Shuttles transport guests between restaurants; tickets are $35 per person in advance and $40 day of event.
• Bite San Diego offers a delectable sampling of Coronado's culinary offerings from 2-5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year. The tour stops at Peohe's, Bottega Italiana, Night & Day Cafe, Alexander's Pizza, Fuzziwig's Candy Factory and Coronado Taste of Oils. Tickets are $45 per person.
• SoCal Food Tours offers a "Coronado Culinary & Nutrition Walking Tour" at 11 a.m. on Fridays and 2 p.m. on Sundays throughout the year. The tour features samples from Wine a Bit Coronado, Café 1134, Coronado Taste of Oils and Alexander's Pizza. Tickets are $49 per person.

Happiness is calling in Coronado. For more information on dining in Coronado, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority's website, download the free Coronado app at http://qr.coronadotourismdistrict.org or call (619) 236-1212.

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