Restaurants in La Jolla

“Great food and service! Some really hard working staff there!”

“What happens when fine dining meets meal prep ? Urban plates you nailed it. Who knew best steak ive had could be prepared fast and efficiently delivered to my door. Wow 🤩 5 stars . RFK approved.”

“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!”

“The food was so salty! The lobster bisque and the raviolis tasted the same!”

“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”

“I can’t say enough great things about this place!

I had the opportunity to take some awesome clients here tonight at their suggestion. I was so happy with their choice!

Eddie V’s truly goes above and beyond. When I made our original reservation, I shared that this was for a business meeting with clients I love. I requested a table as close to the water as possible. Damn, did they deliver. If we’d have gotten any closer, they’d have had to serve us in kayaks on the water itself.

From the moment we walked in, it was clear that this place takes service very seriously. Our server, Daniel M, had his game on lock! This guy made us feel like we were the only table he had, and I know he was busy. As a former service industry member, I know how difficult that is. He absolutely killed it!

We started out with some Yellowfin Tuna Crudo, Calamari, and their lump crab cake.

The Crudo was unbelievable. It was served on a large, chilled platter in a citrusy and somewhat spicy dressing. Each piece had a thin slice of Fresno Chili (I think) on top with a micro green of some type. It was the perfect amount of heat, crunch from the raw chili and micro green, and the Tuna could not have been any fresher. 10/10

I’m not even sure how they held the crab cake together, because it was almost all crab meat. I have never had a better one, actually. It was served with an aioli which had whole grain mustard in it. The mix of creamy aioli and acidity of the mustard was incredible. Again, 10/10.

The calamari was a really different one. It was served on a bed of fried Vermicelli noodles for presentation. The calamari was perfectly seasoned and is exactly what you want when you order that dish. What set it apart was the chilis, cashews, and scallion on top. It was also uniquely served with a citrusy and gingery sauce, rather than the traditional sauces you get everywhere else. Once again, 10/10.

Moving onto entrees. One of my clients and I both ordered the 22 oz. Prime bone in Ribeye Oscar style. My other client ordered the salmon, which she said was perfectly cooked and she loved.

Ok. Let me break this steak down for you, because sweet Jesus that was perfect. We both ordered it medium rare. It was edge to edge perfectly medium rare. It almost made me wonder if they have some Sous vide and pop them in a pan to finish. That’s what I do at home and when steak is pure perfection like that, it isn’t cheating it’s working smarter to deliver the best product to your customer. The crab and Béarnaise sauce made this like a 47/10.

We ordered the butter poached lobster mashed potatoes which were basically a vessel to deliver lobster and dairy to your dome. 10/10

The Brussels sprouts were absolutely out of this world. More cashews for texture, a glaze that I can’t even explain, and the perfect amount of crunch to tenderness. 10/10

Now, for the truffle Mac and cheese. I have never had a better Mac and cheese in my life. I have no idea how they pack that much truffle flavor in that sauce. I wish I did. The crumble on top of Panko, butter, a bit of cheese, and shavings of black truffle made this one of the best dishes I’ve eaten in a very long time, and maybe even in my life. 500/10

I ordered the smoked Old Fashioned which is served table side. They arrive at your table with a glass overturned and some type of wood shouldering underneath to impart that perfect smokiness. When they upright the glass, smoky aromas fill the air and everyone has to know what’s going on at your table. The server then takes a massive ice cube and puts it in your glass. The pre-stirred and strained drink is then poured over the ice and your skewer of orange zest and a cherry are placed on top. It’s perfect.

By the time we were done, all of us were too stuffed for dessert, but we would have done it if we had any space le”

“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.”

“Loved the salads here!! we had the Thai Crunch and Kale Ceaser!! The Ceaser was my FAV. The dressing was SO GOOD. Big portions and friendly staff! We will definitely be back! Oh and their homemade cookies 😋😋😋😋”

“I really enjoyed coming here with my friends. Mari was super kind and welcoming when I walked in. One of the best ordering experiences I’ve ever had. The music is great and the menu options are to die for.”

“This is my absolute favorite place to eat on in campus. The food here is so consistent and always such a great way to start my day. 100% authentic middle eastern food experience, a hidden gem! Not to mention the staff’s unmatched hospitality — Raz, Moody, Gennessa just to name a few (and there are many great ones)! If you are looking for a banging pita sandwich, this is your place.”

“Enjoyed it totally! 2 nd time and will go back again. Love the food and the menu”

“For an on-campus restaurant the food isn't bad, and the atmosphere, with tall glass windows, high ceilings, and both booths and bar seating, is actually pretty nice in the summers.”

“Absolutely delicious food, superb service, nice atmosphere, great drinks! We were welcomed immediately upon arrival, and everyone was very attentive and helpful. Every single thing we ate tasted fabulous! It was a fun experience and I highly recommend it!

Kid-friendliness: Yes kid-friendly

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes accessible”

“Darin was great! Thank you, our dinner was delicious”

“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.”

“Favorite new spot in La Jolla.
Food is awesome, cool atmosphere and great service! The Arabe shrimp tacos are the best tacos I ever had! And the grilled cauliflower is killer!”

“Amazing spot for coffee in La Jolla.

The place is beautiful and the lavender latte and pistachio croissant were both delicious perfection.

We hung out for an hour or so and the place stayed busy the whole time on a Monday afternoon and it’s clear why.”

“Absolutely amazing cuisine! Exceptional customer service! I would come again!”

“My family and I had a wonderful time yesterday. Thanks for the great food and conversation! - The Cole's from Idaho”

“Absolutely excellent! I bought an assortment of pastries and croissants which exceeded my expectations. Everything I tried was delicious and very flaky, buttery goodness. I am a customer for life.”

“Simply the absolute best. Everything is ridiculously amazing and the owner ROCKS!”

“The Cottage never disappoints. Manager Jason is a terrific ambassador. Staff are always polite and professional and the food is top shelf.”

“Popped in here for a mocha and was greeted by friendly people! Family run and very welcoming. Both my mocha and blueberry muffin were excellent!”

“Our “go to” sushi restaurant in the village. Everything is always fresh, especially the king salmon sushi and sashimi. The non-sushi dishes are quite good as well (ramen, buns, salads). Nice view and decent service - no issues at all but don’t expect Eddie V’s approach. Their model is more flexible such that different people can take your order and deliver the food.”

“I don't usually leave such long reviews, but this place is probably my favorite place in San Diego County.

My wife and I have been to Jeff's Burgers only half a dozen times and it's always feels like such a special occasion (only because we don't live very close by). If we lived in the area I swear this would be my weekend tradition. The menu is simple, but not boring. The staff is working their butts off, but still always so friendly. And the food is always a knock out of the park.

On our most recent visit, October 19 2024, it was a fairly busy time of day. Late lunch, around 2:30pm. Every seat was taken and there was a line out the door, but no one was impatient, these burgers are known to be worth the wait. The woman at the register (who I learned later was the General Manager, Marina) was helping the little boy in front of us decide how he liked his burger. With or without onions? pickles? etc. She was never pushy and let him take his time figuring out how he liked his food. She cared, in a way that was so loving, to make sure he was going to have a meal he enjoyed. With every interaction she prioritized the customer's experience of the establishment and the food over everything else. In between customers she assured everyone waiting in line that she appreciated our patience and that she would help us soon. When it was time to take our order she was the sweetest thing.

When she asked for my name so that they could call it out when our order was ready she had a great reaction to me saying "Jeff", because of the likeness to the restaurant's name. We all agreed that she should take my wife's name (Selina) down instead because it was more fun to say. She even spelled it right on the first try, which is uncommon, and she credited it to French being her native language and that is how it is commonly spelled in French.

We got seated outside on their little patio, which is small but cute. I will say that initially their seating area can seem cramped and leave you wishing for a little more elbow room, but I have found that it forces you to interact with the folks sitting around you in a way that feels kind of nice. When you are sitting outside, in a beach town, under a pink umbrella, and you need to ask your neighbor to excuse you are you squeeze by with a chocolate milkshake in one hand and a box of burgers in the next, no one can be grumpy or upset. Every single customer here is always in a good mood, and it is noticeable.
This place is just pure joy.

When my wife's name was called out the Manager handed my our food and I insisted on getting her name. Her name is Marina Zablit. When I met her I assumed she must own the place based on the love and care she was putting in to every action and word that came out of her mouth.
I don't know is she is a mother, but she has that community "mom" energy that just makes you feel at home.

This restaurant cooks all of the orders on one flat top grill, and everything is cooked to order with perfection. Their burgers come out hot and ready. Their milkshakes are real home-made milkshakes, like you dream about from when you were a kid. The fries are real, none of that frozen processed junk that doesn't even taste like a potato anymore.

I am leaving such a long review because I know what it is like to watch a little town lose it's soul to big business. I am a third generation Encinitas beach town local. My family moved here in the early 1940s. My family has watched these local towns lose their little Mom and Pop shops, and lose their very soul to corporations tourism.

But somehow, places like Jeff's Burgers and nestled in there still. Still keeping the local soul alive. Still cranking out the best this town has to offer.
It's not just food, it is the whole package.

I am counting the days until my next visit, and y”

“Don Carlos Taco Shop is a La Jolla institution for great Mexican fast food. Great friendly staff and good food. I use for take out exclusively.”

“Awesome food, great drinks and service! Nicole is awesome!”

“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!”

“everything was perfect. the presentation, the taste, it was an overall great experience”

“Best Chinese and Mai Tai's in San Diego or maybe the US”

“This restaurant never disappoints us! Always amazing food and service! Love love coming here.”

“Amazing food. Amazing service. In town for the week and am so glad we found this place!”

“Great meal. Dessert was a wow.”

“Amazing food, staff & atmosphere!”

“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.”

“Celebrating a Milestone for a family member, one of my favorite types cuisine....I would go back again !!!”

“The atmosphere is very nice. I highly recommend the Ceaser Salad, ask for more "Twinkies" and you must try "The Hamburger". The drinks are great. The dishes are good, could consider them overseasoned to some.”

“Amazing food. Casual atmosphere. Great service to go along with the great food”

“The evening was wonderful. Manny is an amazing waiter. He gives you the time to really dine and enjoy yourself.
Thank you Manhattan for making our 30th anniversary a memorable one.
The Shumway-Huey family”

“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.”

“Where do I begin? This isn’t your average hotel restaurant serving just hotel guests. This is a million-dollar, five-star dining experience with stunning views! It deserves to be a destination in itself, attracting visitors specifically for the food. From the ambiance, music, and jazz nights to the exceptional cuisine and staff, everything is top-notch.
Make sure to ask for the complementary bread, to die for.. we ordered it twice.
Plus, you get validated parking! Enjoy a meal in La Jolla without the hassle of street parking—just luxurious convenience!
This is my 3rd time at the place. Never disappoint!”

“Convenient spot to our hotel, and the food was excellent - pork shank osso bucco and halibut mains, plus a very good salad that they split with no charge. But the service was severely lacking. Our server seemed grumpy and not interested in serving us, and he didn't. Other team members brought out our food, which is understandable, but he never checked in to see how it was, and we had to flag him down as our wine never arrived. To which his only response was to show us that he put it on the bill. We couldn't even find him until we were half through our meals. We also didn't get water refills. Also do note if sitting outside, there is a bar directly across the street that is quite loud. Its fine, just know its not an overly romantic peaceful setting.”

“Food is delicious! The views are spectacular! And service is always top-notch!”

“The homemade corn tortillas where so good that even my hater wife loved them. Fish was fresh, staff was friendly and the patio was perfect with the small firepit.”

“Ordered the full size sampler. It was so tasty and I loved that I could try all the options and not be limited to one. It was perfect for 2 of us to share. But if you are hungry, it might not be enough for 2 people. The bread is absolutely delicious... toasted and buttered to perfection!”

“Courteous, entertaining staff, they make you feel comfortable.”

“Smoothies were great, the interior is clean and comfy, and the people were very friendly. For all this they don’t overcharge, and these smoothies are cheaper than others around La Jolla.”

“A special place for both long time locals and newbies. Good for a delicious double cappucino a long work session on the laptop.”

“This place is hard to not go to every week with that delicious rotating menu. The staff is always nice and friendly when you walk in. Wish they weren't so good and didn't sell out on special releases but man they're great!”

“Small cupcake shop. You place your order at their counter and they hand you your cupcake in a small box. They have a good variety, including dog friendly cupcakes.”

“It’s always the best. Pinky is the sweetest!! We never miss Harry’s when we visit La Jolla. It’s a locals tradition!”

“I discovered Yogurt World last year and have have been coming frequently ever since!! The froyo is outstanding (it doesn’t have that weird artificial/overly sweet flavor that I’ve found at most froyo chains) and the flavors are incredibly creative. The owner is also the NICEST man and the prices are reasonable. My favorite flavors are Saffron Rose, Black Sesame, Taro, Matcha, and Chocolate Brownie. The saffron rose is pictured here in both photos, and the multi flavor photo also has matcha (green), taro (purple), and chocolate brownie. The saffron rose reminds me so much of faloodeh and malabi, which are so hard to find in the US. The last photo is the flavors schedule. Highly recommend!! A perfect place to decompress after class.”

“The service are excellent, the baristas and kitchen staff always be very helpful and friendly. We try the so cal burrito with sausage and a lox bagel and it was on fireeee!! Also a drinks the matcha was incredible and the brown sugar cinnamon latte also was so delicious.”

“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.”

“We’re visiting from Austin Tx and decided to try Philz, it was one of the best coffees we’ve had in a long time. The pastries were so delicious as well. Everyone was so nice and welcoming. I hope you all come to Austin someday🩷”

“Delicious food, kind staff, great atmosphere. We spilled our fresh coffee all over our table and I went in to ask for a rag and one of the staff was so kind about it and insisted she clean it up for us. She then remade our coffee for free to replace the spilled one. Always love coming to the Buzz when in La Jolla!”

“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.”

“one of the best bakeries in SD...definitely the best caneles we've ever had! The menu changes every once in a while but we can always count on them to have delicious treats. Our favorites right now are the caneles and the monkey bread!”

“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!”

“Excellent food and service!”

“Great flavours! Great atmosphere!! Great service!!!”

“Really good food 10/10. I had the tender box with 2 pcs of chicken, and oh my god, it's a good size portion. I highly recommend the tender box. Really good, crispy chicken, and the devil's kiss sauce is quite spicy but good.”

“Amazing food with lot of healthy options”

“A coworker ordered for our spring orientation. The pizza was amazing!!”

“Place is super small I loved it! And the food is super yummy!! The ladies who served our food were super nice and super welcoming!! I definitely recommend eating here!! If I would give more stars I could!! ♾️/10!!”

“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”

“This place really surprised me. I am very picky when it comes to Middle Eastern food but this place was good. The place was clean. People were nice. Flavor was good.”

“A couple of months ago my friends and I all went to visit La Jolla cove. However what I would come to find out then was they were all going to be an HOUR late. I needed to use the restroom so I went to the nearest place from where I parked. By sheer luck I stumbled upon Spiro's.

Knowing that I couldn't wait for them to eat lunch, I decided to try Mediterranean cuisine by myself for the first time. I asked the friendly cashier what was popular and she recommended the chicken gyro which is what I got. That gyro was gone in 10 seconds to say the least.

Additionally, the atmosphere was very welcoming with open doors, a very aesthetically pleasing design, and family pictures on display to show the history of the business I presume. They also had water with fruit and some kind of tea/coffee on the house!

After my friends finally made it to La Jolla I told them they had to try Spiro's.

Parking: If you go on the weekend attempting to find street parking is a nightmare. I probably looped La Jolla for 20 minutes before I gave up and paid for parking (fair warning it is pricey and costs $25 at the time of this post!)”

“AMAZING FOOD! Service with kindness and care! 10 out of 10!! Can’t wait til I’m back in town to come again!”

“The shop was clean and tidy. My husband and I got adobada tacos, carne asada tacos and carne asada nachos. It was all delicious and portions are generous. Food came out quick and HOT. Service was good.”

“On campus Sushi bar All Eats incred. That is all.”

“We sat at Sam Cha’s sushi bar and it was amazing. This will be our go-to place for sushi. Great food, fun ambiance, easy parking. We can’t wait to return.”

“I honestly only ever eat Chicken Pad Thai when it comes to Thai food and honestly this place doesn’t do it too poorly. The chicken can be a hit or miss. I’ve had the driest nastiest chicken breast sometimes, but then i’ll go and it’ll be some really decent chicken thigh.

I also have to say that I like how spacious the interior is and the proximity to the restrooms. You can get there, wait a little until a table is free and then just drop your stuff off while you wash your hands and settle in. I go to the General Store before coming here and get all my drinks there (1$ Arizonas).

Overall, it’s a solid place. Definitely not DAYGOEATSCERTIFIED✅ but I can say that I approve and if you want Thai food in a pinch here on campus, this is not a bad contender.

I also would ask for no green onion (Idk why I didn’t like it at this place).”

“Very good place to get your açaí bowls and smoothies, definitely recommend the Fit 4 Iife. Services quit and fast, and the atmosphere is mid. You just order a smoothie and get it, lime nothing else. Very good experience, but a tad expensive.

Kid-friendliness: It’s good

Wheelchair accessibility: Just a shop, mid”

“Locally owned, by Lisa. She's wonderful, we've been stopping by pre-covid and post-covid for years, from Surprise, AZ. Great spot to chill at during your vacation. We will always come back by! ✌🏽❤✊🏽”

“This place is clean, food is made fresh and was so healthy in fact that my kids ate everything on their plate and drank their smoothies fully.

Kid-friendliness: Kids ate everything! Staff was kind and accommodating :-)”

“Absolutely one of my favorites “Fruit toast” delicious toast with almond butter, banana, strawberry, chia seeds, cinnamon and honey 💥”

“AMAZING FOOD! Service with kindness and care! 10 out of 10!! Can’t wait til I’m back in town to come again!”

“Delicious, hot, Chai latte. Love to stop in while visiting LaJolla.”

“Best ice cream in town and it’s open late.”

“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.”

“Friendly, fast, fresh and always delicious”

“I love coming to this café! The lattes are always perfectly made, and the atmosphere is so cozy. The staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming, which makes every visit a pleasure. It's my go-to spot for a great cup of coffee. Highly recommend!”

“Friendly Barista & a Great listener ☕😁☕ 'Gino' I love the outdoorsy convenience of the coffee truck @ 4009 Park Blvd. corner of Lincoln & Park.”

“The food is great and the pricing is better. Everyone that works here is super nice and it is the best option for food within 10 miles of all the work buildings around here. This place cannot be beat.”

“Their ramen, especially tonkostu ramen is actually good. The only reason I'm giving 4 stars is their portial is small considering their price, and believe or not I don't eat a lot. Prepared for desserts if u r having this as a meal.”

“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!”

“Got the chicken gyro, you can replace chicken with falafel if vegetarian. Wonderful tzatziki sauce and pita. Speedy service as well. If you need a quick lunch and this place is a 10 min walk. Go here!”

“Recently opened in my nighhborhood. Surprisingly very delicious pizza (half chicken/half dry meat). It is now my favorite pizza already. Owners are friendly and service was pretty fast. I'll come back to try other stuff on the menu.”

“Love the new Crispy Tofu so many vegetarian and vegan options.”

“Super cool and clean environment, one of the staff held the door for us on the way in, Perez served our food and was easy to talk to. The food was super good and good experience over all!!”

“What happens when fine dining meets meal prep ? Urban plates you nailed it. Who knew best steak ive had could be prepared fast and efficiently delivered to my door. Wow 🤩 5 stars . RFK approved.”

“Food is delicious! The views are spectacular! And service is always top-notch!”

“I’ve been coming to this specific CAVA for over a year now and every time I’m met worth the nicest and warmest experiences. Really really appreciate everyone in there that clean that’s place as poppin as it is!!
Much love❤️”

“I really enjoyed coming here with my friends. Mari was super kind and welcoming when I walked in. One of the best ordering experiences I’ve ever had. The music is great and the menu options are to die for.”

“�����Great service! fantastic view!”

“Wonderful view of the beach and ocean and great mud pie!”

“Absolutely amazing place for brunch!! We are literally still here eating as I write this review!! PHENOMENAL FOOD SERVICE AND EVERYTHING!! My mom who is a picky eater enjoyed her food gosh it was so delicious. You definitely need to try this place.”

“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 don't usually leave such long reviews, but this place is probably my favorite place in San Diego County.

My wife and I have been to Jeff's Burgers only half a dozen times and it's always feels like such a special occasion (only because we don't live very close by). If we lived in the area I swear this would be my weekend tradition. The menu is simple, but not boring. The staff is working their butts off, but still always so friendly. And the food is always a knock out of the park.

On our most recent visit, October 19 2024, it was a fairly busy time of day. Late lunch, around 2:30pm. Every seat was taken and there was a line out the door, but no one was impatient, these burgers are known to be worth the wait. The woman at the register (who I learned later was the General Manager, Marina) was helping the little boy in front of us decide how he liked his burger. With or without onions? pickles? etc. She was never pushy and let him take his time figuring out how he liked his food. She cared, in a way that was so loving, to make sure he was going to have a meal he enjoyed. With every interaction she prioritized the customer's experience of the establishment and the food over everything else. In between customers she assured everyone waiting in line that she appreciated our patience and that she would help us soon. When it was time to take our order she was the sweetest thing.

When she asked for my name so that they could call it out when our order was ready she had a great reaction to me saying "Jeff", because of the likeness to the restaurant's name. We all agreed that she should take my wife's name (Selina) down instead because it was more fun to say. She even spelled it right on the first try, which is uncommon, and she credited it to French being her native language and that is how it is commonly spelled in French.

We got seated outside on their little patio, which is small but cute. I will say that initially their seating area can seem cramped and leave you wishing for a little more elbow room, but I have found that it forces you to interact with the folks sitting around you in a way that feels kind of nice. When you are sitting outside, in a beach town, under a pink umbrella, and you need to ask your neighbor to excuse you are you squeeze by with a chocolate milkshake in one hand and a box of burgers in the next, no one can be grumpy or upset. Every single customer here is always in a good mood, and it is noticeable.
This place is just pure joy.

When my wife's name was called out the Manager handed my our food and I insisted on getting her name. Her name is Marina Zablit. When I met her I assumed she must own the place based on the love and care she was putting in to every action and word that came out of her mouth.
I don't know is she is a mother, but she has that community "mom" energy that just makes you feel at home.

This restaurant cooks all of the orders on one flat top grill, and everything is cooked to order with perfection. Their burgers come out hot and ready. Their milkshakes are real home-made milkshakes, like you dream about from when you were a kid. The fries are real, none of that frozen processed junk that doesn't even taste like a potato anymore.

I am leaving such a long review because I know what it is like to watch a little town lose it's soul to big business. I am a third generation Encinitas beach town local. My family moved here in the early 1940s. My family has watched these local towns lose their little Mom and Pop shops, and lose their very soul to corporations tourism.

But somehow, places like Jeff's Burgers and nestled in there still. Still keeping the local soul alive. Still cranking out the best this town has to offer.
It's not just food, it is the whole package.

I am counting the days until my next visit, and y”

“It’s always the best. Pinky is the sweetest!! We never miss Harry’s when we visit La Jolla. It’s a locals tradition!”

“Amazing spot for coffee in La Jolla.

The place is beautiful and the lavender latte and pistachio croissant were both delicious perfection.

We hung out for an hour or so and the place stayed busy the whole time on a Monday afternoon and it’s clear why.”

“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.”

“It is an okay place for a fast bite of sushi. Atmosphere is average. Service was average. Food was just edible. Not bad but not really good. Mediocre.”

“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.”

“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.”