The Smokehouse Restaurant at Ponte Winery - San Diego

This was the best restaurant we visited in the San Diego area. The tables are outdoors, covered with crisp white linen with a view of the vineyards. It has a very European vibe and paired with the excellent food and fresh wine, I could have sat there all day.

We ordered the wine country salad with candied walnuts, cranberries and feta cheese and the pizza di parma. They started us off with some olives and pickles seasoned with fresh herbs and an artichoke and lime dip with bread. It was absolutely divine. Our server was very attentive and generous with the wine pouring. We had ordered a wine tasting just before our table was ready and we were able to pop in and out to the bar to continue the tasting as we ate lunch. Expect to spend about $45 - $50 for two people for lunch, including wine.

This is a beautiful place to come for a romantic date, with friends, or for a dream wedding location. I would go back in a heartbeat.