10 Best Cocktail Bars in La Jolla

“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!“

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

“Great meal. Dessert was a wow.“

“We loved our stay at the charming Cormorant Hotel! We enjoyed sitting on our deck which overlooked La Jolla Cove, shops and downtown LaJolla. The staff was really helpful and friendly; Megan went above and beyond to make sure our Anniversary stay was memorable with a welcome round of drinks to celebrate! Their Rooftop Restaurant, the Birdnest, was excellent as well, with great food and drinks and a view hard to beat! Note to travelers: as a smaller boutique hotel, there isn’t an elevator, but they do have a lift available, if needed.“

“Came this evening & wrote the review before I’d even left so I didn’t forget!
WOW not only was this service exceptional, the food was absolutely amazing! I would give this a 100 stars if I could. Thank you thank you thank you!! I don’t live close but will be recommending this place to everyone that I know is visiting & if I return this will be the first place I’ll be coming for food.“

“Great food, wonderful service!“

“One of the best spots in the area for Mediterranean food. We stumbled upon this place last year and enjoyed it so much that we came back again this year.

For the price, the quality and portion sizes make it well worth a visit. Unlike most Mediterranean restaurants that serve everything on a standard platter, the food here is beautifully presented on a long wooden board, making it perfect for sharing.

The Family Plate, which is advertised for 3–5 people, is realistically enough for about 3–4 adults, depending on everyone’s appetite. The Trio Platter is a must-order—the hummus, muhammara, and baba ganoush are all excellent. Just be careful not to fill up on the appetizers before the main course arrives.

Their wine selection is also very good. The meats were flavorful, although ours were slightly overcooked this visit. The chicken, however, had a nice crispy exterior and was delicious. The rice has a unique, light flavor that’s really enjoyable, but you may want to order an extra side since the portion that comes with the meal goes quickly. The falafel was ok, the lentil soup was good and light.

Overall, it’s a great place to bring family or friends, or simply enjoy a healthy meal before or after a beach day. It can get busy depending on the time, so expect a bit of a wait during peak hours.

The only downside is that the service can be hit or miss, as they often seem a little short-staffed. Thankfully, the quality of the food more than makes up for it.“

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

“They put us in a windowless back room for Valentine's Day. Every couple in there looked super disappointed when they realized we were in a closed room (converted storage closet) next to the bathrooms. Also, I needed a steak knife to eat my chicken. The other items we ordered were drowning in chunks of raw garlic or syrupy sauce. Overall it was poor dining experience.“

“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!“