best places to eat in la jolla
Discovering the best places to eat in La Jolla is a challenging task. There are various options available on the market, which means that you have many choices. Fortunately, I made the research for you and I have discovered the best places to eat. Chow down on the freshest ingredients for breakfast or lunch. Along the way, you’ll notice an array of ocean views, scenic bays and modern high rises. The diverse dining options in La Jolla offer international menus and creative culinary dishes perfect for a date night or family outing.
La Jolla is an amazing place to visit. It is a great place for families, couples, and individuals to enjoy the beautiful weather and beach. One of the most important things to do when visiting La Jolla is to eat at some of the best restaurants in La Jolla. Below are some of the best places to eat in La Jolla:
1) The Sardine Factory
The Sardine Factory is a great place to get fresh fish tacos, ceviche, burritos, and more. The restaurant has many locations across San Diego County and even has one on the beach!
2) The Cove Restaurant
The Cove Restaurant is located right near the oceanfront in La Jolla Shores and offers spectacular views of the ocean while you dine on their delicious seafood dishes. You can also see seals playing in the water or sea lions sunbathing nearby while you enjoy your meal!
3) Tommy’s Restaurant
Tommy’s Restaurant has been serving up their famous chili burgers since 1946! They have locations all over San Diego County including one right near La Jolla Cove that offers outdoor seating so you can enjoy your meal while taking in views of this beautiful area!
La Jolla is a beautiful and scenic area of San Diego, California. It has many delicious restaurants that are sure to satisfy any palate. Here are some of the best places to eat in La Jolla:
- The Marine Room
If you want to eat at one of the most upscale restaurants in La Jolla, then The Marine Room is the place for you. This restaurant offers an amazing view of La Jolla cove and serves up some of the best seafood in town. If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, then try their California-style clam chowder or a delicious salad with fresh fish like salmon or tuna steaks. You can even get popcorn shrimp! The Marine Room also offers live entertainment which makes it a great place for date night or large parties.
- Torrey Pines Gliderport
If you’re looking for something more casual than The Marine Room but still want some great food, then Torrey Pines Gliderport might be right up your alley! They have all kinds of delicious sandwiches like turkey avocado, BLT’s and even vegetarian options if that’s more your thing! They also offer salads such as Caesar salad or chicken caesar salads as well as pasta dishes
unique restaurants in la jolla
1. George’s at the Cove
George’s at the Cove is where many La Jollans take their out-of-town guests to showcase our seaside jewel. It’s located across from La Jolla Cove, and each of its three levels has a different theme and menu.
Ocean Terrace, on the rooftop, has pretty ocean views and more casual dining (we love it for lunch with a view); Level2 is more of an upscale bar with outstanding craft cocktails and a happy hour; and on the bottom floor, California Modern offers a fine dining menu with an emphasis on tasting menus including the exclusive 12-14 course experience called TBL3 (reservations required as this privilege is for one table per night).
Make a reservation, especially during peak season in the summer.
What to order: The menus are seasonal, but top recommendations include the Fish Tacos (fancier at California Modern, whereas Ocean Terrace fish tacos are more traditional), Black Bean Soup, and Grilled Octopus. For drinks, the La Jolla cocktail with chili-infused tequila is one of their more popular choices.
2. The Marine Room
The Marine Room has been a local institution and one of the best restaurants in La Jolla since opening in 1941. Its seasonal menu and chefs have received multiple awards and accolades.
The view is one of the best in La Jolla since it’s at sea level, adjacent to the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, and built on the sand at La Jolla Shores beach.
Waves crash against the windows at high tide, which they celebrate during their seasonal High Tide dinners and breakfasts.
It’s elegant dining yet approachable (business casual dress is recommended) with a fantastic happy hour in the bar. The seasonal menu is a carefully crafted mix of French and California-style seafood influences.
What to order: Everything is undeniably delicious, but you won’t want to miss the lobster bisque and center-cut filet mignon.
3. NINE-TEN
Located in the Grande Colonial Hotel on (910) Prospect Street, NINE-TEN is one of the best restaurants in La Jolla for a menu determined by what is in season while keeping some guest favorites on the menu.
It’s perfect for a night out, whether it’s a celebration or just a date night. The veteran Executive Chef, Jason Knibb, has been at the helm for the past decade and trained under highly-respected names like Wolfgang Puck.
Try his “Mercy of The Chef” dinner, a six-course tasting meal for your table. It’s also a perfect place for wine enthusiasts with an incredible cellar of eclectic, hard-to-find, and value wines, especially because Wednesday means that bottles of wine are half-priced. The hotel offers valet to all guests and visitors to NINE-TEN restaurant.
4. Catania
Located in the La Plaza shopping center at the corner of Girard Ave and Wall Street, Catania delivers higher-end Italian in a relaxed atmosphere with a nice outdoor terrace that overlooks La Jolla’s downtown.
Their menu offers everything from decadent dishes to crowd-pleasers like their wood-fired pizzas. Fun fact: They are known for their specialty meatballs.
What to order: If you’re looking for pizza: the Margherita is simple but always delicious, and the Sicilian Pistachio is good when you want something a little more off the beaten path. If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, the Duck Sugo Orecchiette pasta dishes is for you.
affordable restaurants in la jolla
Himitsu
Himitsu offers highly authentic Japanese cuisine in the form of traditional nigiri sushi and tapas-like plates. Executive chef Mitsu Aihara has been crafting sushi for a long time, including at the award-winning Sushi Ota, and only opened this restaurant after receiving a blessing from his mentor, so he’s serious about the quality of his food.
The dishes rotate weekly depending on what seafood is the best and freshest on the market at the time. It’s one of the intimate La Jolla restaurants with an 8-person bar and a 20-person outdoor patio.
What to order: The Himitsu Roll (Spicy Salmon and Crab, Scallop, Jalapeno, Cilantro Aioli, Lemon Zest) and the Sashimi Salad (Tuna, Albacore, Yellowtail are go-to’s. For the lighter palate, go for the Seared Maine Scallop. Lunch offers a selection of Donburis.
A.R. Valentien
Located in the lovely California Craftsman-style boutique hotel, The Lodge at Torrey Pines, A.R. Valentien is named for the 20th-century California artist whose works are exhibited throughout the restaurant (and elsewhere in museums around San Diego).
Seasonal menu items are mostly locally-sourced, and diners can choose to sit inside or dine al fresco on the intimate patio overlooking the pool and golf course. It’s a great spot for date night, though popular with families, too.
Eddie V’s La Jolla
One of the most popular fine dining La Jolla restaurants is Eddie V’s. It’s popular for date nights, but we also like the happy hour on the Pacific Ocean view patio.
You’ll dine on some of the finest seafood and hand-cut steaks with panoramic ocean views in the cozy dining room, intimate bar (with live jazz music), or the outdoor terrace.
What to order: Order the Oysters and Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes appetizers. I also love the Georges Banks Scallops entree and an Iceberg Wedge BLT salad.