I'm looking for a few unique places to eat during my upcoming visit and was hoping this might be a good place to start. For me the food needs to be cooked and it can't make me cry, so no sushi or crazy spicy cuisines.  Also, I'd like to rule out chains such as Ruth's Chris, Flemmings, etc., not because they are bad, but because I can eat there in 50 other cities.  I've done a little due diligence already and come up with a few places that might work, but would love to hear the local opinion.

Casual:
1. Basic
2. Cafe Chloe
3. A KC BBQ place where a scene from Top Gun was filmed (name escapes me)  

Upscale
1. Blue Point Coastal Cuisine
2. Cowboy Star Restaurant
3. Cucina Urbana
4. Gas Lamp Strip Club (the cook your own food option seems interesting)

Thanks

MT

http://www.greystonesteakhouse.com/

http://www.theoceanaire.com/Home.aspx

I LOVE to eat!  For excellent views try the top of the Hyatt.

EH to 1-3 on casual  and no go to kc bbq--strip club is in the casual mode---love el vitral for upscale latin, tratorria La Strada and aqua al 2 for Italian  also Bice  (really nice)  Blue Point Cowboy Star and Cucina Urbana are great too--in little italy davanti enoteca and puerto la boca and ben cotto

Best steakhouse in San diego - Donovans. Seafood - Oceanairre or Donovans Seafood (around the corner from steakhuse).

I heard of this casual place called the Y. you should try it.

And since you mentioned cafe Chloe. I Highly recommend Cafe Chloe Wilde!

Croce's - Run by Jim Croce's widow, Ingrid.  Quite good.  Unique to San Diego.  I would eat in the bar and be close to the live music.  

Arden, want to go some time?