Andrew Mantilla / Staff Photographer

Alfiére Mediterranean Bistro doesn’t offer the typical taco from Roberto’s or pint of frozen yogurt from Paradise Yogurt. Located right on the water on Harbor Island Drive and adjacent to the Sheraton Hotel, you can appreciate downtown without the loud pubs and blaring club music. This dimly lit, swanky restaurant is named after the flag bearer that guides the community in the Venice Carnival. The paintings and murals on the walls make you feel like you’re actually in Venice with the royalty and knights in shining armor. The quiet patio, which glows under a full moon, looks straight out to the Pacific Ocean sparkling with the reflection of Downtown San Diego. The inside softly glows from the candles on each round table. Make sure you know your table etiquette and the use of each fork because you don’t want to be ‘that guy’ at whom the waiter is glaring. The menu consists of mostly Italian dishes, such as pasta, panini and pizza – all made with ingredients from local farms. Customers of Alfiére’s should dress to impress – typically casual business attire is recommended. Besides dressing the part, also anticipate a hefty price. Although the menu is full of delectable Italian Mediterranean dishes – such as Calamari Fritti, Gnocchi con Carciofi, Involtini di Vitello and Pesce Spada al Salmoriglio – make sure to prep your wallet ahead of time. For those 21 years and older, the restaurant offers a large variety of sweet red and white wines that your taste buds will love. With back-to-back Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence, Alfiére is a perfect getaway for any special occasion.

Alfiére1590 Harbor Island DriveSan Diego, CA 92101