Restaurants in La Jolla
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Best Restaurants
“Very fun and lively atmosphere! The design is very well done. The food was great, I personally loved the oysters as they were served differently than I have experienced. The jalapeño Caesar salad was also amazing! Had a kick! Main dishes I enjoyed were the burger, and the chicken, very good and flavorful. Very fun and different cocktails to choose from along with fun zero proof options which is great if you do not drink alcohol. Service was spectacular, very kind, professional and knowledgeable about the menu. We will be coming back!”
“An amazing restaurant! The fish is so fresh that it sparkles!! Get the omakase!! And we will definitely be back And that means traveling there from Northern California. It’s that good.”
“We met friends for dinner and what an amazing experience it was! Each course was delicious and the presentation was second to none. The service was genuine and every staff member was attentive and made us feel welcome. Can’t wait to come back!”
“Recomiendo todo Es un súper lugar cómodo ,bendecido Su personal y su comida Es lo máximo Sus bebidas no hay comparación ,su personal de la barra es súper Cada vez que tengo la bendición de estar en ese lugar me hacen sentir muy especial Todo absolutamente todo lo recomiendo Gracias CATANIA”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“We had the absolute best experience at Eddie V's. Our waiter, Max, was amazing: knowledgeable and engaging. The support team of food runners was great. View was one of the best in La Jolla. We will be back!”
“The food was so salty! The lobster bisque and the raviolis tasted the same!”
“I recently had the pleasure of dining at Candor in La Jolla, and it's safe to say that I found a hidden gem. Chef Giuseppe's culinary skills are truly impressive. The arancini were crispy and packed with flavor, while the short ribs were incredibly tender and delicious. The fisherman stew was a delightful medley of fresh seafood, and even the burger exceeded my expectations. The cozy ambiance and friendly staff added to the overall relaxed and enjoyable experience. If you're looking for a memorable dining experience in La Jolla, Candor is definitely worth a visit.”
Restaurants with Delivery
“Very fun and lively atmosphere! The design is very well done. The food was great, I personally loved the oysters as they were served differently than I have experienced. The jalapeño Caesar salad was also amazing! Had a kick! Main dishes I enjoyed were the burger, and the chicken, very good and flavorful. Very fun and different cocktails to choose from along with fun zero proof options which is great if you do not drink alcohol. Service was spectacular, very kind, professional and knowledgeable about the menu. We will be coming back!”
“Excellent fresh food, falafel is amazing, and many vegetarian options. Neat craft soda flavors. Staff really cares about serving high quality food and very friendly and helpful. I wish I would have come to try this place sooner! Tasty and healthy. Not at all like American fast food. 👌❤️”
“Recomiendo todo Es un súper lugar cómodo ,bendecido Su personal y su comida Es lo máximo Sus bebidas no hay comparación ,su personal de la barra es súper Cada vez que tengo la bendición de estar en ese lugar me hacen sentir muy especial Todo absolutamente todo lo recomiendo Gracias CATANIA”
“Tina made my visit to The Melt unforgettable with her warm welcome, genuine kindness, and exceptional service. She guided me to the perfect meal, which was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Her attentiveness was perfectly timed—never intrusive, yet always making me feel valued. Thanks to Tina, I left with a full stomach, a big smile, and an experience worth sharing.”
“I recently had the pleasure of dining at Candor in La Jolla, and it's safe to say that I found a hidden gem. Chef Giuseppe's culinary skills are truly impressive. The arancini were crispy and packed with flavor, while the short ribs were incredibly tender and delicious. The fisherman stew was a delightful medley of fresh seafood, and even the burger exceeded my expectations. The cozy ambiance and friendly staff added to the overall relaxed and enjoyable experience. If you're looking for a memorable dining experience in La Jolla, Candor is definitely worth a visit.”
“Enjoyed it totally! 2 nd time and will go back again. Love the food and the menu”
“Sandpiper is perfect - fantastic food, good prices, chill vibe, fresh seafood, great oysters, great beer, TVs at the bar, and wonderful service. It’s a dream, and the corn skillet cake side is perfect as a dessert too.”
Outdoor Dining
“My wife is half Cuban on her mother side, and I can attest that this spot is the real deal. Not only is the ropa vieja was perfect! The Yuca fries were awesome, the empanadas were fantastic, and the black beans paired with everything. The rice was warm and buttery, and the service was so fast I was shocked the food was ready. Those place is a gem that you can’t miss if you enjoy Cuban food and atmosphere! My wife is a vegetarian and she got the veggie empanadas, and it was her favorite.”
“Recommend this place of you want the best of everything! Service was on time ,thoughtful , and diligent. The food was fresh, delicious, and just phenomenal ! Atmosphere was tranquil, good music too . Next time, I hope to sit right by the window, our view was still lovely. Thank you again ,till next time !”
“Shiku Sushi has the best atmosphere for dining, from their amazing menu and service. You are greeted the minute you enter and each server has a smile for you. I love the rolls, and I try different ones each visit. Casanova, Summer Beach Body to name a few. This Sushi bar is a MUST when you're visiting. You won't be disappointed!”
Online Reservation Available
“A gem of a place inside an unassuming beachside hotel. Fine dining, very experienced and charismatic staff. Excellent food and drink in a sexy anbiance and the entertainment by Tad Sisler (and others) is outstanding. True professionals at their art form make for a wonderful experience! The art is worth noting and really absorbing the beauty of it.My fav place ... we even drive 2 hours for it.”
“I am sorry that I do not recall our server's name. He was exceptional in his knowledge of wine, food pairing, and his recommendations were EXQUISITE. Lean, handsome, gentleman with short brown curly hair. Excellent service all around. I arrived before my date. He offered me a delicious brut. He paid attention to detail, offered suggestions at the precise time, and followed up with care. I had the steak and frites off the bar menu. Complimented well with the garlic aioli for the fries, a chimmichurri, and a demi glaze for the tender steak. My date had the scallops. He suggested the perfect wine pairings. I had the seghesio Zin. He had the sonoma cutrer chardonnay. The dessert was a creamy cheesecake. All cooked and prepared to perfection.
Update*** came back from impromptu stop to watch the drone show for the 4th and enjoyed the steak and frites at the bar. Maybe even better than the first time with more chimichurri :) service at the bar was phenomenal and all the staff were gracious and friendly.”
“The food is always great. We've dine here a number of times over the year's and have always enjoyed it. The only negative I would like to mention is the poor selection of bread at the table. I always like a good bread to start my meal but esp more importantly to enjoy it with my pasta at a good Italian restaurant. I would like to suggest a new bread vendor to match the tasty pasta dishes Osteria Romantica always offers. See you again soon.”
“The Cottage never disappoints. Manager Jason is a terrific ambassador. Staff are always polite and professional and the food is top shelf.”
“Recommend this place of you want the best of everything! Service was on time ,thoughtful , and diligent. The food was fresh, delicious, and just phenomenal ! Atmosphere was tranquil, good music too . Next time, I hope to sit right by the window, our view was still lovely. Thank you again ,till next time !”
Takeout Restaurants
“Always the best service from start to finish. The chemistry between the servers is top tier. Food is always great. I rotate between the Crab&Crawfish Cake Benedict and a few others but no matter what I always get the Jurassic Pork or Asiago Chicken Fennel as a side! The fresh squeezed orange juice is my favorite. They also have a great drink menu for those brunch days!”
“I want to say yes and recommend them. But I can't because I have a subscription to their coffee but they sent me the wrong coffee. it's been about a week, I've call a few times, left two voice mail messages, I've emailed as well and I have not gotten any response at all. The coffee I bought and subscribed to is good, but I can't continue to do business with a company that won't respond to their customers to fix their mistakes.”
“Butter roll perfection warm, soft, and buttery enough to make you question every other sandwich you’ve ever had. The lobster? Fresh, sweet. I did try adding extra lobster, but honestly, it didn’t change my life enough to justify the price save that cash for dessert or another roll.
The place is tiny, with just a few outdoor tables, but you’re surrounded by adorable little shops, so it’s basically like eating luxury seafood in a postcard. The vibe is super chill and informal the kind of place where you can wear flip flops, sip your drink, and watch people browse stuff they don’t need.
Easily one of the best lobster rolls I’ve ever had.”
“You can go just about anywhere and find a FroYo shop with a wide variety of flavors and toppings. What really makes Yogurt World UCSD special is the service and the atmosphere. Both times I have gone here with my daughters, we have been treated like important guests and made to feel welcome. The owner even gave little duck toys to each of my daughters, which made their day. He even took an interest in my story, which I truly appreciated.
We have a favorite FroYo place here in San Diego, and it is Yogurt World UCSD!”
“My sister came along with me to San Diego for work from Irvine, and I give her the credit for finding this place. WOW! This place blew me away.
Our order:
🍵 two 20 oz matcha lattes - 10/10 thank you so much for putting the right amount of ice - not too much!! Our matcha lattes did not feel diluted at all. The additional $0.50 we paid for the extra 4 oz was well worth it.
🥣 Mediterranean bowl - 10/10, what a delicious combination of ingredients! I want to make this at home as a pick me up. It reminded me of the best parts of pesto pasta but without any pasta!
🌯 Soy Chorizo burrito - 10/10 we were told that the so Cal burrito is also a popular menu item. The personal preference of our cashier was the soy chorizo burrito and it did not fail!! The two are essentially the same except the type of meat (for the most part, so we’re told hahaha)
What drew us to this place has been the featuring of Parutea’s matcha. The matcha quality truly is amazing. It’s delicious.
The plating was crisp and clean - everything about the restaurant was seamlessly put together. It was a haven for good food and a way to start the morning peacefully! There’s a good number of people trickling in as soon as the restaurant opened.
The people here are kind, present, and respectful. I’m so grateful for you all.
They offer milk alternatives including pistachio milk! The food is cooked to just the right temperature where the flavors stand out because of the temperature at which the food is presented.
Next time - I can’t wait to try the pastries 😋
God bless you all!”
“Love this place, they have a coffee for whatever your tastes are. I’m impartial to their iced coffee myself. Also seems to be very popular for sitting and doing work etc. but not overly crowded. Definitely recommend giving it a try if you are near any of their locations 👍🏻”
“Shiku Sushi has the best atmosphere for dining, from their amazing menu and service. You are greeted the minute you enter and each server has a smile for you. I love the rolls, and I try different ones each visit. Casanova, Summer Beach Body to name a few. This Sushi bar is a MUST when you're visiting. You won't be disappointed!”
“The atmosphere and view, food and drinks are unbeatable. Staff is friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. Cody’s is a fantastic establishment that I visit every time I am in La Jolla!”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“My fiance and I ordered for a delivery from here last night. We ordered the Supreme Pizza which includes a variety of meat and veggies their garlic knots and a calzone like pizza bite. The Garlic Knot stuffed with cheese pepperoni and jalapeno was amazing! I'm really picky with bread dough and they had top-notch quality. Our pizza tasted fresh and tasty. A little spicy too! Quality is great I was very pleased. And it traveled well! 10 and out of 10 great pizza spot”
“We are here on vacation and this was so amazing. The atmosphere with outdoor seating was perfect for our little family. The host was so kind and genuine! The food was so delicious and fresh. Great four our young kids. My five year old wolfed down a whole açaí bowl. She said how it this so good! It really was the best açaí bowl I have ever had.
We can’t wait to come back.
I would suggest to the owners to get a bigger sign. It’s hard to pick out.”
“What a wonderful hidden gem! We got açaí bowls, the breakfast sandwich, bagel and the Mexican coffee and horchata iced coffee and everything was soooo good. My faves were the Mexican coffee and sandwich. The owner was very nice and informative on where to park, Sights to see, etc. highly recommend!”
“Amazing food, staff is friendly but I didn’t read into it and didn’t realize it was mainly for ordering out or delivery. They don’t have a dine in option more of a few tables outside to eat, which was nice and quiet. Would recommended for delivery or pickup for sure. Food was all great!!”
“Da italiana, ho cenato più volte in questo fantastico ristorante e vi dico che il cibo è ottimo. Qualità dei prodotti 🔝, servizio impeccabile. Il locale è veramente tanto delizioso. Ve lo consiglio vivamente non rimarrete delusi!”
Cheap Eats
“This spot is definitely gorgeous for a coffee break. Awesome view and clearly a local student/staff favorite. They grilled our egg salad sandwich in the panini maker and the iced matcha latte was delicious. The crew here helpful And warm. Also very quick. I only wish there was more “bar style” seating for those who tend to linger for hours on their own instead of taking up a whole table. It’s been super crowded with no seating the last few months bc people tend to stay for hours working. Which I totally understand. But for a UCSD alum like me, I may just wanna sit for half an hour maybe an hour at most and often there is no seating. That’s my only suggestion. Add single person searing. But I’ll definitely be back and hope to come before a “rush”. The line can get very long. (I get it. I used to work in a cafe at the Price Center and it was crazy there). Also would Love if they stayed open later. One can only hope.”
“Karaage Rice Bowl was good for the price. Although more expensive than other on campus options, the chicken was juicy and cooked perfectly and overall the dish was very balanced. Portion was very good, even for someone who eats a lot. Although it's not the best I've ever had, certainly worthwhile to stop by.”
“The Che Cafe has been a staple of the UCSD campus, and the San Diego music community for decades now. I’ve been lucky to attend and perform at this beautiful venue located in La Jolla (just minutes away from La Jolla Shores) and must say there is no other place like it. The stage is as straight forward as they come, but they also setup bands outside in the courtyard to maintain a flow of non-stop music. I’d give it less stars because the parking issue has never, and will never be fixed, but the venue is worth the 5 stars alone. It’s thanks to them that many hardcore/indie/scramz bands are able to have amazing show in San Diego.”
“This place did not disappoint. I would include a picture but the smell was so good I didn’t have time before I started eating. We are here from Texas and are so happy to have found this spot. Nothing else has compared to the quality and craft put into this chicken. It is dangerous how close this is to the hotel. We will definitely be back!! And we loved the decor.”
“they elevated my culinary experience with a masterful fusion of authenticity and artistry, transforming traditional mexican dishes into moments of pure delight. the carne asada tacos were a revelation, the meat tender and smoky, wrapped in tortillas that seemed to carry the soul of generations. the guacamole was impossibly fresh, a bright medley of creamy avocado, citrus, and just the right touch of spice. even the simplest elements—a warm bowl of pozole or a basket of perfectly salted chips with salsa—were crafted with care and precision. every bite felt like an ode to the rich tapestry of mexican cuisine, leaving me both nourished and deeply impressed.
Dietary restrictions: good
Parking: good”
“We stopped by a famer's market on a random Sunday afternoon in La Jolla and stumbled upon this food vendor making incredible looking food that made our mouths water, so naturally, we had to give them a try! They have an all-vegetarian menu which is what initially drew my Husband and I over to their tent, and when we saw the grill master cooking up some good eats, we knew we made a good choice! We ordered the chilaquiles to share, they come topped with soyrizo (plant based chorizo) and the red ranchero sauce and were the perfect amount for sharing. They were one of the most delicious chilaquiles we had ever tried, I definitely recommend giving this business a try!”
“🔱 LOCATION: on the UCSD campus
⏱️ WAIT TIME: long line at 12:30 PM on a weekday — waited about 30 minutes to order, so probably not the best place for a quick bite during peak hours
🥣 CUSTOMIZATION: most people customize their acai bowls here by choosing their base, granola, fruit, nut butters, toppings, sweeteners, and powders
🫐 SELECTION: more options than most acai spots, lots of variety in every category!
🍓 ORDERING: assembly-line style — move down the counter while staff build your bowl in real time (you can see all of the ingredients through a glass display)
😊 STAFF: friendly!!
Overall: my acai bowl was yummy and healthy but deducting one star because of the wait :)”
“The most adorable setting serving absolutely delicious food. Fast friendly servers are all smiles and so sweet. The coffee is incredible and if you like Unicorns, well, that's doable here too! Don't miss it. Loved our experience.”
“Butter roll perfection warm, soft, and buttery enough to make you question every other sandwich you’ve ever had. The lobster? Fresh, sweet. I did try adding extra lobster, but honestly, it didn’t change my life enough to justify the price save that cash for dessert or another roll.
The place is tiny, with just a few outdoor tables, but you’re surrounded by adorable little shops, so it’s basically like eating luxury seafood in a postcard. The vibe is super chill and informal the kind of place where you can wear flip flops, sip your drink, and watch people browse stuff they don’t need.
Easily one of the best lobster rolls I’ve ever had.”
“Celebrating a Milestone for a family member, one of my favorite types cuisine....I would go back again !!!”
“Such an awesome place with great food and an awesome beach setting! Whenever I come to San Diego to visit family, I will always come here after a great day on the water.”
Latest Reviews
“Shiku Sushi has the best atmosphere for dining, from their amazing menu and service. You are greeted the minute you enter and each server has a smile for you. I love the rolls, and I try different ones each visit. Casanova, Summer Beach Body to name a few. This Sushi bar is a MUST when you're visiting. You won't be disappointed!”
Most Popular Restaurants
“Tina made my visit to The Melt unforgettable with her warm welcome, genuine kindness, and exceptional service. She guided me to the perfect meal, which was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Her attentiveness was perfectly timed—never intrusive, yet always making me feel valued. Thanks to Tina, I left with a full stomach, a big smile, and an experience worth sharing.”
“I got the ube pancakes and sourdough breakfast plate, sooo good! The price is reasonable, since the seating is first come first dibs. No wait time since you order up front and free to find a seat. The inside can be cooler if the windows are open but they said it’s broken, so it was pretty toasty. Not a kid-friendly place, so don’t bring a bulky stroller unless you find a spot outside to eat.”
“I enjoy my morning coffee and breakfast so much. The desserts in the coffee shop are so delicious. In the evening I like the cocktails. I love the fig and prosciutto flatbread, the salads, kung pao calamari, and the chicken. I haven’t tried all of the new chef’s new menu items, but I will.”
“My wife is half Cuban on her mother side, and I can attest that this spot is the real deal. Not only is the ropa vieja was perfect! The Yuca fries were awesome, the empanadas were fantastic, and the black beans paired with everything. The rice was warm and buttery, and the service was so fast I was shocked the food was ready. Those place is a gem that you can’t miss if you enjoy Cuban food and atmosphere! My wife is a vegetarian and she got the veggie empanadas, and it was her favorite.”
“Great food and service! Some really hard working staff there!”