Restaurants in La Jolla

“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.”

“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!”

“I love this place. This place have amazing atmosphere with a great vibe, plus a delicious selection of tacos appetizers and drinks.”

“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.”

“Been here multiple times now! Service is always great and the waitress in the lounge recognizes you and remembers people! Highly recommend and will be back next time I’m in town!”

“Great meal. Dessert was a wow.”

“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!”

“Delicious, fresh food, made from scratch pasta, wood fired meat and pizzas....and outstanding service!”

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

“Amazing coffee and friendly staff! Double almond cappuccino my go to! My kids has gluten allergy and tuna melt with gluten free was the best they were happy and will be back”

“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.”

“Tahini meals have amazing flavor balance and freshness. It’s so great to have a bowl or pita with a diversity of vegetables all fresh and chopped to ideal sizes for human enjoyment.”

“Love what they have brought to our San Diego farmers markets!!!! A must for exceptional American artisanal cheeses!!!”

“Blaine was absolutely fantastic from the time we approached the counter to when he came out giving out samples of the ice cream to customers sitting on the dinning room. He was very personable! Hard to find great people working in the industry! Our second visit here and the food brought us back, as the previous visit the young girl at the counter was not very friendly.”

“It is my second visit in two weeks. There is no better venue for happy hour. Location great, ambiance classy, food delicious. Service impeccable. I think you can tell I love it. Give it a try but you might want to make a reservation.”

“We attended the 20th annual Celebrate the Craft. It was fantastic and we thoroughly enjoyed the event. The waitstaff at the bar was friendly and provided excellent service.”

“We went here for lunch on a weekday so that it's not so busy in LaJolla. Parking was still an issue and we ended up parking in a lot for $20.

We were seated at the last table by the window. Yes! Gorgeous view of the ocean, the many varieties of birds, and sea lions sunbathing on the beach below.

We took advantage of their great lunch special. You get to choose an appetizer and entree. We both chose the pork belly bao and a full size ramen combo for $18. The Me So Hot ramen was delicious with a nice heat. Delicious!”

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

“If you try this place— you will forget all others. This place is the bomb . Com!
My gf is a harsh critic too, and she kept saying “wow” “ this is so good” and I was thinking the same thing! Great amount of food. This is our second time here and I wanted to try something new, so I got the Super Delsushi Roll, that was a home run, slam dunk. We also got the Pink lady and spicy tuna roll, also delicious and great sizes.
Also the hosts was very friendly and light spirited, she made these with love and you could definitely tell! Definitely coming back as she said more things will be added to the menu and the eating area will get an upgrade. Can’t wait to be back!”

“Great food, wonderful service!”

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

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

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

“Absolutely delish and the nicest people work at the bakery..”

“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! ✌🏽❤✊🏽”

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

“Best ceviche on tostadas I’ve had in SD! The food is super fresh and tasty, and the staff is awesome - friendly and very nice! Great ambiance and playlist as well!!

We love the red snapper tostadas, shrimp ceviche, and the taco arabe (the cheesy shrimp taco is amazing!!!)

Highly recommend if you’re craving tostadas with fresh seafood :)”

“These are honestly the best salads I have ever had. They are layered and dressed perfectly. I have ordered at least once a week since their opening in OB. The staff is friendly, efficient and the space is immaculate! I cannot say enough good things about Mary’s Salads!”

“This is a family favorite. We come here every time we visit Cali”

“I had a delicious feta deluxe toast and black coffee the other day at Better Buzz. The whole morning crew was so nice, and I'm looking forward to coming back again. Thanks Emily, Morgan, Karen, and Tori!”

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

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

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

“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!”

“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.”

“Smaller space but awesome location, great food, and solid drinks. Food was better than anticipated, particularly when the reviews made it seem like a cocktail place.”

“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.”

“Don't miss this outstanding Italian restaurant if you're in La Jolla. The food is authentic and excellent. The service is perfect, and it's a delightful space in which to enjoy a fabulous meal.”

“I just wrote this review on Tripadvisor on 5/22/23 Title: A family run restaurant just like in old Italy! Cafe Milano is a hidden gem. After dining there for the first time and being incredibly impressed by the entire experience, I was amazed that my wife and I could get seated without a reservation. There should be a line of patrons waiting outside this establishment every evening they're open. Cafe Milano may be La Jolla’s best kept restaurant secret. First off, I love the ambience of its interior. The place is very attractively decorated in dark, earthy tones with tables covered in white cotton tablecloths with matching napkins. It is clean and very well maintained. The family members (owner, his wife, his sister, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law), do all the cooking, setting up of the tables, greeting and seating the clientele, and serving the food. Actually, there's also a family friend, Bri, who was our lovely and attentive server. It felt like I had stepped back in time to dine at an intimate ristorante tucked away in a small courtyard off a cobblestoned street in Firenze in the ‘70’s. Our dinner started with a glass of wine and a generous serving of bread. Our first course was a Caesar salad for two which was one of the tastiest Caesars I have ever had. For a main course, we both chose a grilled salmon over fettuccine with olives and capers. It was perfectly done to our liking and huge, the biggest serving of a filet I had ever had. In fact, our server offered to box up the remainder of our salmon when we were only half done, apparently because most diners can't finish it at one seating. We did. However, when we were finished, we were stuffed with no room for dessert - but Pasquale, the owner, tempted us with a piece of tiramisu that was out of this world in yumminess for which we somehow managed to find the space. I'll tell you this. When we return to place our order, which will be very soon, my dinner plan will leave room for one of their myriad dessert choices. Right now, I have my eyes on one of their three tartufo offerings.”

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

“You are well cared for at Manhattan of La Jolla. Nancy and staff treat you as if you are family they are happy to see again. Piano bar volume is just right and pleasantly entertaining. Baked ziti was out of this world. Penne pommodoro was a little watered down (probably too much pasta water before saucing) otherwise it would have been 5 stars. We will definitely be 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.”

“Walked there from La Jolla Lutheran Church today. The service was tops. I had the Kung Pao Scallops lunch which came with soup and appetizers. It was excellent. Already planning my next visit.”

“Our server, Eve, was phenomenal! We dined there tonight with a party of 10 which included 4 kids. Eve was on top of everything! The food was yummy and came out fast. I highly recommend Nautilus based on variety of food options, yummy drinks and excellent service!”

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

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

“Friendly staff and good food and shake. Will be back on my next visit to SD.”

“If you’re on the UCSD campus and craving real Chinese food, this place is honestly a gem. The food is amazing, the atmosphere is warm and lively, and the employees make you feel welcome. What really stood out to me is that the owner himself walks around, talks to customers, checks in, and makes sure everyone is having a good time. It feels very welcoming.

And I have to say this, the Oreo boba here is my personal favourite!”

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

“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.”

“great sandwich. best in town in my opinion”

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

“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🩷”

“Of the best lobster roll outside. Lobster West in La Jolla serves up a buttery, packed-to-the-brim roll that's pure happiness. It's my go-to spot in San Diego for a seafood fix. Every bite is perfection, and the staff is super friendly. You can't beat it”

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

“This was the most amazing cookie that I ever tried in my life, even though it was kinda hard, but you just have to warm it up and yeah, I really liked eating here. Definitely coming back for more. Definitely tell my friends about this. I’m here just for free cookie bye.”

“I got mango Smoothie with boba. I love it.”

“Yummy and lots of flavor rotations downing on what day of the week you come. Be on the lookout on Reddit and campus for club promotions, where you can get 10-15% off”

“poor service. food came not as ordered. took a long time to get food. had to flag down another waiter to get attention. party melt over cooked. 1 1/2 hour waist of time. both doors left open so we were swatting flying away from food”

“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!”

“Excellent food and service!”

“Okay so it's a tiny spot, I wouldnt come with a grouper larger than 4 to sit in here and eat but the food was damn good! So so crunchy and the sauces we had were great, on the higher end of wing prices but honestly very worth it. Really great flavor, didn't taste oily or like old dirty grease and seriously ao crispy you might bite your lip. Order to go for a party”

“Had a BLAST here with a couple of broskies 😂 food was buss, and lets just say Jeff at the register absolutely slayed and gave me a free drink. Give this man a raise chat ❤️‍🩹”

“I found out their match is from Paru on insta and double checked with the barista. Very good quality Matcha and their banana cream on top really impressed me. Definitely need to go back for its Matcha!”

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

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

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

“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.”

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

“i missed the matcha crookie, but the chocolate monkey bread, cinnamon croissant, and almond croissant were so good. i wish they had a bigger space tho, and parking is kinda bad”

“Delicious döner wraps and amazing baklava.”

“really really good pizza. pizza bases made fresh on site.”

“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.”

“The best homemade chili on campus by far!! It is one of RS's signature dishes. Friendly and fun staff!! Will definitely be enjoying more good eating here!!”

“good service and good food”

“Cute place overlooking a very beautiful street in la jolla. I always get there mexican mocha, but this time i went for their pistachio latte and omg it is so delicious. their croissant with egg is the best thing on the planet.”

“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.”

“Always check your order before leaving because if they run out of something they will NOT tell you or offer something else as a replacement, which I think is pretty rude.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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!”

“I tried the grilled shrimp taco. Nicely seasoned and the tortilla was nice. High price point with tip + tax for what it is. Wish they used more environmentally friendly products.”

“My husband and I stopped by after seeing Eddie Izzard's Hamlet right down the street. I got the Damon Bruce and my husband got thr Hollywoo. Both were fantastic (though I tried both and think i picked best). The dirty sauce was surprisingly sweet, and the only complaint I have is that it was sweeter than I would have liked. Did not stop me from devouring the deliciousness, though. I will be back if I am in the area again.”

“Located in a medical building. Not busy mid-morning. Friendly staff with made to order breakfast. The bacon breakfast burritos and salads are good with homemade chips on the side.”

“So delicious! My coworkers and I have started to go here whenever we meet up for lunch. The prices are very good given the location, and the atmosphere and service are pleasant. Highly recommend!”

“love my home away from home! amazing community, good vibes, and everyone who comes in is always so welcoming and genuine �� not too mention the coffee is the BEST on campus. trust.”

“Warm and Welcoming community center for all.”

“Found parking -it's free!
There was a line out the door which made me think twice about going but because of time i choose to wait.
They had St Patty's theme drinks which were very creative including a Thin Mint Cold brew with Foam, a matcha drink, and can't remember the last one.... 😓

I got a Chacoinno .... a mushroom, cacao, plus more mix. It was such a good coffee I would Definitely”

“I happened upon this hidden gem when visiting my beloved grand nephew, Gareth. Ordering my staple meal for the last 52 years of my sorrowful life, the only thing that brings light to my years other than Gareth, my pizza. After waiting a mere 2 hours 23 minutes and 12 seconds on the dot, this homunculous of a pizza arrived within my vicinity. From its mere presence alone I felt my tongue quiver with excitement. Gareth.”

“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!”

“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!!”

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

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

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

“Had a BLAST here with a couple of broskies 😂 food was buss, and lets just say Jeff at the register absolutely slayed and gave me a free drink. Give this man a raise chat ❤️‍🩹”

“Blaine was absolutely fantastic from the time we approached the counter to when he came out giving out samples of the ice cream to customers sitting on the dinning room. He was very personable! Hard to find great people working in the industry! Our second visit here and the food brought us back, as the previous visit the young girl at the counter was not very friendly.”

“We were celebrating my fiancés birthday and our server Molly was delightful. All of her recommendations were spot on. We don’t drink and she suggested the best tasting mocktails. The entrees and dessert were absolutely delicious. The view over looking the cove was romantic. Overall Molly made this an unforgettable experience and we will definitely be coming back.”

“You are well cared for at Manhattan of La Jolla. Nancy and staff treat you as if you are family they are happy to see again. Piano bar volume is just right and pleasantly entertaining. Baked ziti was out of this world. Penne pommodoro was a little watered down (probably too much pasta water before saucing) otherwise it would have been 5 stars. We will definitely be back again.”

“This is my go to spot in La Jolla. Great food, great cocktails, great wine selection. I usually enjoy Piper Champagne. Michael had excellent service the whole night. Fresh Espresso, comfy chairs with water views.”

“Amazing food, staff & atmosphere!”

“Great food, wonderful service!”

“My bride and I just spent 4 nights at the hotel. It was very nice. The restaurant, to us, is the crown jewel. We had a superb dinner. The seafood was fabulous, our server (Steven) was a delight and of course the sunset! We had breakfast on our last morning and it was very good! We came here years ago when it was Elarios and we were not disappointed this time either! We will return!”

“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.”

“Don't miss this outstanding Italian restaurant if you're in La Jolla. The food is authentic and excellent. The service is perfect, and it's a delightful space in which to enjoy a fabulous meal.”

“Contemporary decor, varied menu, great service and Delisious food!! We'll be back!”

“Amazing coffee and friendly staff! Double almond cappuccino my go to! My kids has gluten allergy and tuna melt with gluten free was the best they were happy and will be back”

“I needed my protein and this Burger was my delicious fix! Prompt service for someone who was hungry. The burger was juicy and flavorable...I felt the crisp of the lettuce.”

“Tried La Jolla Boba for the first time and overall had a good experience. The staff members provided quick service while keeping their friendly attitude when they served our drinks. I ordered the Strawberry Matcha and the Strawberry Shortcake Smoothie. The Strawberry Matcha provided a nice drinking experience because its matcha taste stayed delicate as it combined with strawberry flavors. The Strawberry Shortcake Smoothie was also good, creamy and refreshing.

The drinks maintained a consistent quality and the prices were reasonable at $7.50 each for the regular size. The shop was empty during my visit so I experienced complete silence while I relaxed there. A nice perk is that they vouch for parking, which makes stopping by more convenient in La Jolla.”