The Perfect Evening Out: The Best Spots for Cozy Winter Dining in San Diego
If cozy string lights, festive holiday décor, intimate dining spaces, and warm, inviting menus sound like the perfect evening out in San Diego; you are definitely in for a treat this winter in your favorite SoCal city.
Ambiance is everything this season, with many enjoyable scenarios for the perfect winter's night out in San Diego. We invite you to enjoy the coziest winter dining experiences in the most unique atmospheres that are perfect for an evening out with friends, an intimate dining experience with romantic vibes, or a festive family outing with all the holiday bells and whistles.
The Dana on Mission Bay offers the perfect backdrop for your holiday and winter festivities in San Diego. Our waterfront, pet-friendly hotel in San Diego focuses on the perfect décor, comfortable rooms, and a festive atmosphere for guests. And, we are close to all the best and most unique holiday experiences in San Diego. Cheers to comfortable rooms, cozy winter dining options, and festive holiday nights out in San Diego!
San Diego’s Most Festive Bars for a Perfect, Cozy Holiday Night Out
Firefly Eatery & Bar (Onsite at Hotel)
Enjoy the best cozy dining experience in a bayside setting at our very own on-site Firefly Eatery & Bar. Enjoy dinner and drinks under romantic string lights, setting the mood along with twinkling marina and poolside views, outdoor fire pits, and ambiance-warming heaters. Guests will relax and unwind this holiday season in a festive atmosphere without even leaving The Dana. Celebrate the season with our Holiday Dinner Special, featuring a Rosemary-Crusted Prime Rib, on December 24th, 25th, and 31st.
Miracle at Draft (1.2 Miles from Hotel)
When it comes to Christmas bars in San Diego, Miracle at Draft is a favorite! This waterfront Christmas-themed cocktail pop-up bar is decorated with the best over-the-top holiday decor and even offers seasonal drinks in collectible mugs like Mistletoe Kisses, Not Your Granny’s Fruitcake, and Frosty’s Vacation. Try the Short Rib Ragu or a traditional Pazole for dinner! This festive spot near your hotel room at The Dana has the perfect atmosphere to snuggle up and sip handcrafted cocktails celebrating the best flavors of the season. Great place for evening plans after a day at Winter Wonder Beachside at Belmont Park.
Sippin' Santa at the Grass Skirt (3.6 Miles from Hotel)
Happening November 20 through December 31, 2025, Sippin’ Santa at the Grass Skirt is one of the most popular Christmas pop-up bars in San Diego. This island-themed Christmas bar in Pacific Beach is decorated in its holiday finest, including twinkling palms and tiki-inspired holiday décor. Dine on tiki-inspired food and drinks as you're transported to a festive island holiday paradise with seasonal cocktails including Coco Ho Ho Ho, Sippin’ Santa, Holiday on Ice, and Jingle Bird. Dinner includes your island favorites like the best bao, noodles, bowls, and burritos in San Diego. Enjoy a daily menu of holiday food specials, as well as seasonal cocktails for the occasion.
Barbarella (9.6 Miles from Hotel)
Known for their exciting, immersive holiday atmosphere and décor, Barbarella in La Jolla offers a festive scene everyone will love beginning on November 20 and lasting through January 4, 2026. Enjoy some downtime with friends or family at one of the best Christmas bars during your San Diego winter vacation. This one-of-a-kind culinary gem is decorated for the season and is transformed into a magical winter wonderland with seasonal cocktails including the "Oh Christmas Tree" shooter, Candy Cane Lane martini, and Whiskey for Santa drink specials. The holiday menu includes delicious Lamb Rack Medallions, Fettuccine Bolognese, and their popular mint chocolate lava cake, along with a variety of daily holiday dinner, drink, and dessert specials in their retro-cozy seaside restaurant!
Cozy Restaurants in San Diego
Cesarina (2.7 Miles from Hotel)
Opened in 2019 by three Italian natives, Cesarina honors the Italian matriarchy with its mission to create a social, merry atmosphere that nurtures the community as a mother would. Everything is made in house at this popular open-air PASTIFICIO (pasta factory), with a cozy, family vibe with authentic food and a warm and inviting rustic charm and ambiance. It’s the perfect way to spend a winter's evening in San Diego, with traditional holiday decorations, and soft warm blankets for chilly nights under the stars.
Starlite (4.9 Miles from Hotel)
(Photo: @ikaiapal)
Possibly one of the most inviting and unique restaurants in San Diego, Starlite is a swanky eatery with craft cocktails and an elevated dining experience that will leave you wanting more! Choose from three unique dining areas that include star-studded skies, jungle patios, beautiful waterfalls. The food, décor, stars, and ambiance are key to setting up the perfect evening. Enjoy wine and cocktails while sharing plates of Wagyu Beef or local Yellowtail Tartare appetizers or main dishes of Bison Short Ribs and Jidori Chicken for a unique dining experience, and an evening you won’t want to end!
Wolf in the Woods (5.4 Miles from Hotel)
A classic yet modern New Mexican restaurant, Wolf in the Woods has created the perfect aesthetic of Native American, European, and Hispanic cultures. Voted Restaurant of the Year in 2024, this popular San Diego eatery is passionate about old and new world-inspired wines and recipes with the main goal of offering a warm, creative, space for guests. With interior décor that is inspired by the legendary folklore and art of native New Mexico, Wolf in the Woods offers a warm and welcoming ambiance for a memorable evening.
Juniper & Ivy (5.7 Miles from Hotel)
An abandoned warehouse has been transformed into Juniper & Ivy, a popular San Diego restaurant with a big, open kitchen where diners can watch the Chef Team in action! The ambiance is impeccable with one of the most creative and refined menus in San Diego. Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience in the enticing bar area, sit in the zen-like, dimly lit wood-beamed main dining room, interact with the culinary team at the Chef's counter, or enjoy the beautiful SoCal weather under the stars on the covered patio for the perfect relaxing holiday evening.
Born & Raised (6.1 Miles from Hotel)
Located in a renovated former 1930s-era drugstore, the current home of Born & Raised has been transformed into a “mid-century modern meets art deco” fine-dining steakhouse. Classic, timeless, and opulent, this 250-seat concept restaurant is the perfect spot for cozy, winter dining in San Diego. This Little Italy restaurant has lavish features including oak pillars, a six-tiered brass and crystal chandelier, and the perfect showmanship with many dishes being prepared tableside for guests. They also have an inviting, and romantic lantern-lit rooftop terrace with velvet chairs, a marble bar, and warming views of the Little Italy rooftops.
Wormwood (7.8 Miles from Hotel)
This inviting and relaxing French spot with a Bohemian vibe has perfect date night written all over it! The ambiance! The food! The views! Yes, please and thank you! The elegant yet whimsical ambiance is enhanced by the vintage Paris design with a brick-walled courtyard and patio. This unique and cozy San Diego restaurant and Absinthe Bar also comes with the rare opportunity for a guest dining experience at a Chef’s Table, an Absinthe Tasting, and live music and entertainment.
Get Cozy This Winter at The Dana on Mission Bay
The Dana on Mission Bay is the perfect place to stay this winter while you wine and dine your way around San Diego’s best holiday restaurants and pop-ups. You’ll be close to all the best places for celebrating the season, like the coziest restaurants, festive pubs, over-the-top holiday happenings, and the most romantic places for a seasonal cocktail or magical meal.
Make plans today for the perfect stay in the perfect suite at our Mission Bay hotel this winter. Take advantage of these specials and offers when making your reservation and prepare to relax and enjoy the holidays in our cozy coastal oasis in San Diego.
