Top 10 Restaurants in La Jolla
La Jolla is not only home to stunning ocean views, but it also has some of the top cuisines in all of San Diego. Ready to go on a gastronomic tour of this iconic sea town? We’ve rounded up 10 of the best restaurants in La Jolla, CA.
#1. Nine-Ten
NINE-TEN Restaurant & Bar, recognized with MICHELIN Guide 2022 distinction, offers farm-to-table Southern California cuisine dreamt up by award-winning Chef Jason Knibb and Pastry Chef Jose Alonzo III. The unique part of their menu is that it showcases seasonal foods dictated by the local harvest, so no year is ever the same! One of their amazing dishes on the menu, featured above, is their delicious Poached Salmon in Vichyssoise Sauce.
Enjoy a meal in their casually elegant, modern La Jolla restaurant, or al fresco on the sidewalk patio and terrace — both of which have a stunning ocean view of La Jolla. The restaurant also offers a wonderful wine cellar and special prix fixe menus with pairings from the extensive list. Whether breakfast, lunch, brunch, or dinner, NINE-TEN is a must-try and probably the best restaurant for anyone visiting La Jolla, or even if you’re a local looking to explore San Diego’s fine dining.
#2. Puesto
Little did you know that it’s possible to take a trip south of the border in the middle of La Jolla at one of our favorites, Puesto. This is one of the stops on our La Jolla walking tour where you can enjoy delectable Mexican fare including handmade blue corn tortillas, their selection of gourmet tacos, and one of their scrumptious margaritas. we make it a mini on our San Diego tours so you can save up for the next destination!
This local Mexican restaurant gem has not one, not two, but three locations across San Diego — including their location downtown and another one in Mission Valley. A few of the larger plates we highly recommend are the gluten-free Pozole (crispy melted cheese, braised Salmon Creek Farms pork, avocado, cabbage, radish, cilantro, crunchy hominy), and the Enchilada Suizas (free range Jidori chicken, chile verde sauce, Oaxacan style cheese, Mexican crema, pickled red onion, avocado).
#3. Catania
You can’t miss one of the best restaurants in La Jolla with a view, none other than the 2022 Michelin Star awardee — Catania. This chic retreat on the top floor of the Plaza Center features Mediterranean colors and ceramic tiles, as well as a large terrace with panoramic coastline views. In the historic heart of La Jolla, find this cool and hip retreat on the top floor of the Plaza Center. The artfully designed dining room features sunny Mediterranean colors and ceramic tiles. A large, elegant terrace offers panoramic coastline views.
Are you planning to stop by the best spots for happy in La Jolla? You can go early for dinner, cocktails, and their aperitivo. Enjoy top-notch Italian dishes with modern twists including the orecchiette mingled with slow-braised duck ragù accented by tomato coulis, porcini mushrooms, and freshly grated parmesan, or Neapolitan-style pizza from their wood-burning oven. All we can say is, “Delizioso e sorprendente!”
#4. Paridisaea
Paradisaea, pronounced Para-di-s-aea, is the new kid on the block but they have definitely left their mark quickly becoming one of the best La Jolla restaurants. Housed in the historic Piano Building, Paridisae is a fusion of food, cocktails, art, and warm hospitality brought to the vibrant Bird Rock community.
Their California cuisine menu ranges from seafood dishes such as Baja oysters with frozen passion fruit sangria, and halibut crudo with Thai basil, finger lime, cherries, and chili oil, to Dungeness crab tagliatelle with local sea urchin, tomato, saffron, and Meyer lemon, and wagyu beef nachos with guacamole mousse and cheddar-jack fondue.
If you’re a San Diegan that’s extra hungry, they have larger plate options such as poached white sea bass in a green chili-Szechuan peppercorn broth, a pastured roast chicken with chimichurri, and a Liberty Duck breast with duck fat French fries, and sauce au poivre.
#5. Cherry Wine
Modern Asian-fusion cuisine plus an ocean-view patio equals one of the best restaurants in La Jolla — Cherry Wine. This is one of the only restaurants with a selection of Myanmar dishes and is located nearby La Jolla cove, where you can check out the stunning waters as well as the seals and sea lions in their natural habitat.
Cherry Wine is a local fave that’s family-owned and operated with the mission to bring authentic Myanmar dishes — such as their award-winning poke bowl and delicious sushi rolls. A few of the must-try items on the menu are their Super Rainbow Roll, Crunchy Unagi Roll, Hamachi Curry, Golden Coconut Noodles, the OG Poke Bowl, and the Thai Mussel Poke Bowl.
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Most Popular#6. Marine Room
Go on a culinary journey featuring seafood creations made with globally-influenced flavors and a restaurant with prime views of the La Jolla Shores at The Marine Room. With over 75 years in business, Marine Room has become a La Jolla cultural icon in itself that has been visited by locals, tourists, celebrities, and world figures.
Eye-level to waves on La Jolla shores, enjoy impeccable sunsets and mouth-watering dishes in both the lounge and main dining room such as the Moroccan Lamb Lollipops (red horseradish cream, tzatziki, pistachio-almond crunch, mint chimichurri), the Dry Aged Bluefin Tuna Carpaccio (lemon oil, ginger, yuzu, black winter truffle, garlic chili aioli), and from the main dining room the Beechwood Salmon (bok choy, red pepper, pea purée, ancho aioli, mushroom), the Whole Seabream (Mediterranean pan sauce, cilantro pesto), Pacifico Seabass (squid ink risotto, watercress cream, romesco sauce) and Dry Aged Prime Tomahawk (32oz dry aged ribeye, Campari tomato, charred onion).
#7. Shorehouse Kitchen
If you’re looking to try one of the best La Jolla restaurants while on a food tour in San Diego, you’ll love Shorehouse Kitchen’s farm-to-table approach to breakfast and lunch. Their espresso and coffee are ground in-house daily using their own blend of African and Central American Coffee Beans. They also juice Valencia Oranges for the freshest glass of orange juice around and partner with a local ranch for veggie-fed brown eggs. For breakfast, their Crispy Parmesan Risotto & Honey Cured Bacon Benedict or Pork Carnitas Chilaquiles are two of our favorites! If you’re craving something on the sweet side, their Caramelized Tahitian Vanilla Bean French Toast with Berries and Chantilly Cream is to die for! The Pear & Pancetta Flatbread and Salmon, Shaved Fennel & Burrata Salad are not to be missed on their lunch menu. You can pair whatever you are eating with local California bubblies, wine, or beer! If you’d like to bring your dog along, they have a special “doggie menu” just be sure to abide by their rule of “All Four on Floor Policy.”
#8. Piatti La Jolla
Established in 1987, Piatti La Jolla offers finely crafted fresh Italian cuisine. The calling card of their menu is the homemade pasta that they roll, cut, and cook by hand every day. Offering a fresh spin on Italian cuisine, Piatti gives you the perfect opportunity to bring the entire family together to enjoy gourmet Italian dishes. It is also hailed as one of the best restaurants in San Diego for Valentine’s Day.
Like the Italian inspirations, Piatti is meant to be a community hub. This rings true with restaurants not only in La Jolla but several locations in Northern California, Texas, and Washington. Pizza lovers, you have to try the classic Margherita (san marzano tomato sauce, mozzarella, olive oil, basil), the Hot Salami (house-made Italian sausage, applewood smoked bacon, san marzano tomato sauce, oregano, mozzarella). Pasta lovers: you will be obsessed with their authentic Lasagna (meat ragu, mozzarella, ricotta, parmigiano-reggiano), the Cannelloni (braised short rib, mozzarella, spinach, ricotta, salsa rosso), and the Rotolo wild mushrooms, spinach, ricotta, porcini mushroom cream sauce).
#9. Javier’s
Located at the newly remodeled Westfield UTC plaza, Javier’s is a restaurant that gives you a taste of elevated Mexican food in a friendly and romantic atmosphere. A few of the things on the menu are hand-shaken margaritas, rare tequilas, craft daily cocktails and an impressive collection of beer and fine wines.
Dine either in the main dining room, one of the al fresco patios, or in their impressive bar surrounded by one of the West Coast’s most vast collections of the world’s finest tequilas. You’ll love their fresh original Mexican food and the vibes at Javier’s. Just a few of the must-try items on the menu at Javier’s are the Trio de Ceviche (your choice of Ahi, Camarón, Pescado, or Pulpo), the Empanadas De Camarón (stuffed with shrimp, rajas, crema Mexicana, salsa quemada), Mole Poblano (bone-in airline chicken breast, mole poblano sauce, arroz), and Costilla de Res (osso bucco short ribs, potatoes, tomato & serrano sauce).
#10. Sugar and Scribe
Last, but certainly not least is the home of Food Network Champion Chef Maeve, Sugar & Scribe. This is considered a quintessential hangout when visiting La Jolla beach and is inspired by classic bakeries found across the globe. Sugar and Scribe is a restaurant for all occasions — it includes sit-down dining, a bakery counter, a coffee bar, and dog-friendly patio.
Sugar and Scribe sources from only the best and makes virtually everything from scratch. Their all-day breakfast menu includes California faves like the Blueberry Love Pancakes, Crabby Jones Benedicts and Blazin’ Chilaquiles. Lunch is extra tasty as well with choices of everything from the La Jolla Avocado Toast (smashed avocado, arugula, shaved parmesan, heirloom
Tomatoes, balsamic reduction, micro basil, radish flower), and the Artichoke Chicken Salad Sandwich (artichoke, roasted chicken, tarragon, celery, onion, lemon aioli, parsley, chives, and arugula on a croissant
And no visit is complete without a taste from the bakery. From a scone to the wedding cake of your dreams, their award-winning bakery is always stocked with delicious treats. Find them all here: https://www.sugarandscribe.com/bakery.
No matter where you end up on your food tour of La Jolla beach, whether you’re looking to try some of the best brunch in La Jolla or bars, we hope you have a scrumptious time. AND, we’d also love to be your tour guides — contact us for more information on our La Jolla walking tour! If you’re interested in exploring all of the best bites at our favorite beach neighborhoods, check out our private San Diego beach tour!
Written by: Melissa
Melissa hails from San Jose, CA, and has been a San Diego local for five years now after a 10-year long pit stop in Los Angeles. In L.A., she began her writing career crafting digital content for a wide range of clients, including The Real Talk Show, Sharon Osbourne, Hank Azaria, Time Life, and Cardinal Financial. She’s excited to be able to use her passion for writing to introduce people to some of the best spots in San Diego, many of which she has already frequented or has on her ever-expanding list of things to do … In her spare time, she enjoys taking her puppy Milo to all of the best dog beaches in SD, grabbing a glass of wine or a cup of joe at new places, and hosting watch parties for The Bachelor/ette TV show.
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