Herb & Wood

"At Herb & Wood, the mocktail menu is as thoughtfully crafted as the rest of the bar program. The Lemon & Herbs combines fresh lemon juice, roasted lemon and thyme syrup, grenadine, and soda for a bright, herbaceous sip. For something deeper, the H&W Ponche layers warming cinnamon and clove with tamarind, hibiscus, green apple, and pineapple — a drink that tastes like a summer night. Set around an open-frame bar under soaring industrial wood arches, with a fireplace-warmed, plant-filled atrium, the space is as inviting as the drinks themselves." - Kelly Bone

"Herb & Wood is still a stunning spot to see and be seen in, with its California-meets-Mediterranean menu of grilled meats, pasta, and wood-fired pizza that keeps diners coming back. Start with pork belly with vadouvan aioli or roasted oysters with bone marrow before exploring the rest of the menu with dishes like a wagyu New York strip, oxtail gnocchi, and a mushroom pizza." - Candice Woo, Helen I. Hwang

"Herb & Wood is still a stunning spot to see and be seen in, with its California-meets-Mediterranean menu of grilled meats, pasta, and wood-fired pizza that keeps diners coming back. Start with pork belly with vadouvan aioli or roasted oysters with bone marrow before exploring the rest of the menu with dishes like a wagyu New York strip, oxtail gnocchi, and a mushroom pizza." - Candice Woo, Helen I. Hwang

"Part of the Puffer Malarkey Collective, the Little Italy restaurant is serving a four-course dinner with highlights like smoked salmon tartlets, beef carpaccio, confit duck cassoulet, lobster gnocchi, and prime rib. The 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. seatings cost $110, while the grand seating at 9 p.m. costs $115 and includes caviar service. The later seating will have DJ entertainment and a Champagne toast at midnight." - Helen I. Hwang

"Find a few distinct private dining options at Brian Malarkey’s flagship San Diego restaurant, helmed by executive chef Carlos Anthony. The Lavender Lounge for 40 people encompasses indoor and outdoor space centered on a two-sided fireplace. The Patio is secluded in a garden courtyard with seating for 60. Herbert’s has sweeping windows reaching its barrel-vaulted ceilings and an entrance for up to 80 guests. The Loft is a semi-private space for 12 to 24 guests." - Helen I. Hwang