The Ultimate Dining Guide to La Jolla
Thinking of a cute little southern California seaside town to get away? Then you’ve come to the right spot. Pronounced luh-ho-yuh, this town looks like something out of the movies, or the wallpaper on your laptop where it looks too nice to be real! With the beach and mountains and trails for hiking, the only thing left to do is eat some fantastic food. Here’s a list of some of the best La Jolla restaurants to help sort that out.
1. The Taco Stand
621 Pearl Street, La Jolla, California 92037
(858) 551-6666
This spot was inspired by the taco stands in Tijuana and adventures you experience along the Baja Peninsula. The Taco Stand is a small restaurant located on the south side of La Jolla and what it lacks in size or grandeur, it makes up for with a menu and flavors that will be etched in your memory for years to come. They have some of the best pollo asada and carne asada tacos you will ever try thanks to their family recipes. Their menu consists of a rich list of Cali-Mexican foods that deliver the best of both worlds. Make sure to try a churro for dessert!
2. Nine-Ten Restaurant and Bar
910 Prospect St. La Jolla, CA 92037
(858)964-5400
Looking for a finer dining experience? Then 9 out of 10 chances you are going to love the Nine-Ten restaurant! To start off, their wine list is one of their best features, and better yet, stop in on a Wednesday to take part in the discounted wine specials. Run by Jason Knibb who has worked in the restaurant industry in many countries, this restaurant will deliver the best upscale dining experience with three and four-course meals. The owner has Jamaican roots and the menu reflects that. They’re serving up some mouthwatering Jamaican jerk pork, port braised short ribs, and more. Check out Nine-Ten for some of the best fine dining in La Jolla.
3. Eddie V’s
1270 Prospect St La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-5500
As a seaside town, you might be expecting to try out some seafood and there is no better place than Eddie V’s. The restaurant offers fine dining with a casual vibe. Their patio offers a terrific view of the pacific ocean, but that’s not the only thing that will make you smile. Their wide menu selection offers everything from fresh seafood to your regular burger and fries, and at a fir price too. Enjoy calamari, oysters, Maine lobster bisque or lobster tacos, the classic crab cake, and an endless list of beer, wine, and cocktails. This quaint place will deliver on everything from food to ambiance.
4. Duke’s La Jolla
1216 Prospect St La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-5888
Nested above the cove at La Jolla, this restaurant will give you a sunset ocean view that will make you swoon. They offer an array of dishes that range from tacos to kimchi and seabass. Honoring Duke Kahanamoku, the Aloha Ambassador, and Olympiad who introduced surfing in the states, the restaurant brings the taste of Hawaii to San Diego. Their entrees include shoyu, Maui onions, fresh tuna tacos, and pair them with a lilikoi daiquiri. Their kalbi ribs in kimchi stew are also a fan favorite thanks to the love for some cross-border cuisine. To wrap it up, it is not a Duke’s experience if you have not had the Hula pie with some macadamia ice cream resting on a crust of Oreos.
5. The Shores Restaurant
8110 Camino Del Oro La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 456-0600
Since 1970 when the hotel first opened its doors, visitors from all over the world have enjoyed beachfront fun, accommodation, and food at The Shores. As one of the best La Jolla restaurants, culinary prowess comes to life at the edge of the sea. The hotel offers three dining choices for guests. You can dine at the restaurant, at the Marine in the outdoor seating, or have a personal barbecue at the beach. With Chef Bernard Guillas and Percy Oani, you can be assured of world-class taste of food and drink. The restaurant’s three Michelin stars are proof of quality for any culinary experience you will have there.
If visiting here, you should try the ahi tuna wontons and the baja fish tacos. Happy hour visitors can enjoy light bites like truffle wedge fries or double-fried buffalo wings. With unbeatable ocean views, and a wide choice of food items to select from, you might be surprised at how affordable the experience will cost.
6. George’s at the Cove
1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454- 4244
When it comes to food, George’s has it all from fresh seafood dishes to chicken and steak, as well as pasta options. When it comes to the views, George’s has it all and then some! Sit up on the rooftop and enjoy some insane views of the pacific while having lunch or dinner. If you look close enough, you can probably see the fishermen getting your lobster for lunch! Just kidding, but on a real note, that is how fresh their food is. George’s will absolutely have something for everyone.
7. Puesto La Jolla
1026 Wall Street, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-1260
Puesto is a classic Mexican spot you have to check out if you’re in the La Jolla area. The atmosphere is unbeatable and the food is top notch. They’ve got everything you can ask for from different guacamole variations, several taco options, bowls, taquitos and of course Taco Tuesday deals! Put this one on the top of your list next time you’re craving some delicious tacos.
8. Wheat and Water
5737 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 291-8690
Take your pick from their awesome selection of white or red pies like the chicken pesto or meatball pie, starters like the goat cheese fritters, or even try the bacon onion jam burger! Wheat and Water is a super cool joint to hang out, get a beer, and split some real good food with friends. They even have specialty breakfast pizzas which are a must try.
9. Sugar and Scribe Bakery
7660 Fay Ave Suite I, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 274-1733
If Sugar and Scribe isn’t already your favorite hangout spot in La Jolla, it will be soon. There’s plenty of room if you want to get comfy and eat or get some work done, a coffee bar, and a dog-friendly patio outside. They have a full breakfast menu indulging mouth watering items like their smothered and covered skillet, Irish cast iron quiche, the crabby jones bene, and more. They also have plenty of brunch cocktails you’ll want to add to your order. If that isn’t enough deliciousness, they also have a bakery where they’re making their own bread, cakes, pastries, and so many other fresh items. This is the go-to spot for all of your brunch and bakery needs!
10. Deli-icious
1237 Prospect St UNIT J, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 456-6235
This small neighborhood deli with lovely courtyard seating has just about any sandwich you could want. For breakfast, try something like an acai bowl or oatmeal and add some fruit to it, or go for the classic breakfast sandwich or breakfast burrito. When it comes to lunch time, boy are there options. Choose from a hot sandwich like a ruben or a cold sandwich like The Monster. They also have veggie sandwiches and hot paninis. Try their gluten free bread if you like and still get all those delicious sandwich toppings. Order a side of their soup of the day and some potato salad and you’re in for a treat!
11. Catania
7863 Girard Avenue #301 F3, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 551-5105
This coastal Italian restaurant is serving up some classic Italian dishes in a casual, yet elevated setting. If you get the chance, sit on their outside patio where you can watch the sunset over the ocean from your table. It truly is a sight to see. Their menu is ever changing as the chefs come up with new ideas, so there will always be something new to try! They have some tasty appetizers to start off with like their arancini and crudo. For dinner try one of their many pasta dishes or the wood fired pizza. The atmosphere is hard to beat here between the comfortable setting, sunset views, and flavorful dishes.
12. Cove House
8030 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 999-0034
Cove House is a super comfortable, laid back spot serving up some tasty breakfast and lunch (and it doesn’t hurt that you can sit outside and have a great view of the ocean). Choose from breakfast options like avocado toast, french toast, and chilaquiles. For lunch, you have options from bowls and salads, sandwiches and burgers, and tacos. They have some delicious drinks to pair with your meal like the cove runner, Irish breakfast, the classic mimosa, and many other creations. Between the view, the fresh, hot food, and the cocktails, you’ll be coming back for more real soon!
Editors Note: This article was originally published on November 11, 2021 and last updated on February 17, 2022. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
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