Hi! Wanted to come here again to ask about a special restaurant for our wedding anniversary. It would be nice to go on the actual date 11/19 but I know not always easy to secure difficult reservations. I’m still trying to get to go to Hayato but it’s too late now to plan for it (crossing fingers maybe a last minute reservation opens up!?). My husband said Melisse and Citrin weren’t available on the day. Any suggestions for an amazing experience? I know Kato is on my list. I wanted something unique and memorable. Maybe a once in a lifetime thing?? For my birthday we went to Vespertine and it was a such a unique (and very expensive) time! I’ve also done Providence, Spago, Manzke, N/Naka, Gwen, Nusret.
Has anyone tried Niku? I also saw someone mentioned Somni before. They’re opening up in December/NYE I believe. That’s another recommendation I want to eventually try! I also know Addison is on my radar but that’s all the way in San Diego.
I would suggest Kato. It’s unique, memorable, and most importantly delicious. It’s also usually a pretty easy reservation, so you should be able to get it on the day of
Honestly: Addison. Just do it. It’s worth the journey. It’s better than every restaurant you just mentioned (and I’m a huge fan of Vespertine) and blows them away in terms of overall experience. It will be obvious soon after you get there that it was the right choice. FWIW – I don’t think the Fairmont Grand Del Mar (where the restaurant is located) is very special or worth the price (unless you’re into golfing?). (Edit in response to rohto’s post: I don’t know of a better hotel choice nearby though. Certainly the Fairmont is miles better than the Marriott Del Mar. Also, my wife and I don’t do “relaxing” stuff like sit by the pool or go to the spa, so YMMV. Mainly, I was not impressed by the room, which seemed dated.)
Somni would be a great choice, but you’re unlikely to get reservations any time soon.
Niku LA is nowhere close to what you’re describing. Don’t go there. Niku SF is good but still below the level of what you’re describing.
My FTC confession is: I don’t love Kato, but I do think it should be in the running for this.
Another possibility is Hayato, but you’d have to try the waitlist.
Yeah Addison is a level above the rest. We celebrated our anniversary down there a couple years ago and stayed at the hotel for a couple nights which we loved. However, I’m perfectly happy sitting in the sun by the pool reading a book so YMMV.
I asked and they told me no, but then the next day they called for a spot on the waitlist and we drove down so YMMV, it was labor day weekend so maybe that was why
When I had a meeting at the Fairmont and stayed there for 2 nights I emailed them and asked to be on the waiting list and about 3 days prior they called me and offered 5 pm reservation which I declined, then they offered 7:30.
We liked the restaurant but concluded that for us unless we happen to be in the area we would not make a special trip just for Addison. Everything was quite excellent, and one dish with rice was quite amazing!
What are you looking for in a ‘special’ restaurant besides the food quality?
That was my take. It was a VERY very good 3* restaurant where every dish was delicious, and a few of them were quite memorable. But it was only because we were driving thru the area on the way to Valle de Guadalupe that we stopped in.
I can have just as great of a night at Kato or Providence here.
Thank you for all of your input! I would love to take a trip and go to Addison but unfortunately time does not allow. Our anniversary is on a weekday and we only have time for a night of dinner! I would love to have a last minute reservation for Hayato but that’s impossible. I think we are going to try for Melisse! I’ll definitely keep you updated.
