The 10 best La Jolla restaurants

Not to overwhelm you, but not only is George's at the Cove one of La Jolla's most prestigious restaurants, it happens to boasts three distinct venues. The ground-floor California Modern is an oceanfront restaurant serving inspired takes on coastal cuisine—we're talking herb-crusted local yellowtail, grilled octopus, and lobster raviolis. Just above it, you'll find a sleek bar on the second level offering upscale bar bites and limited entrées, plus seasonal cocktails over hand-cut ice. Above it all, on the rooftop deck, Ocean Terrace features one of the best views in La Jolla along with a modern-American menu to boot. Decisions, decisions!

For a white tablecloth affair that’s anything but stuffy, Jason Knibb’s modern-American destination keeps diners guessing with a menu inspired by San Diego’s diverse cultures, local produce, and the chef’s hometown of Montego Bay, Jamaica. But there’s much more than the bold and beautifully arranged entreés: Nine-Ten is located inside La Jolla's oldest original hotel, the Grande Colonial, right in the heart of La Jolla Cove. Cap off your meal with a stroll around the corner and you’ll find yourself at the ocean when you can wave to barking seals at the Children’s Pool.

There’s hardly a bone to pick with Herringbone. Everything in this seafood-centric restaurant seems to achieve the perfect balance of refined and casual— Whether it’s the bulb-lit, tree-speckled, hangar-style dining room or the exciting-yet-approachable “Fish Meats Field” menu. But when your founding chef happens to be the wildly successful restaurateur Brian Malarkey—of Top Chef fame—well, that might explain some things. The food here is as inventive as ever, with top hits including grilled octopus, salt and pepper calamari, and seafood towers that keep the tables packed.

Sure, La Jolla’s beachside location lends itself to upscale dining, cliffside restaurants, and seafood-centric menus. But that doesn’t mean there’s no hope for great tacos, too. At Puesto, the Adler brothers and their cousin serve up hand-pressed blue corn tortillas stuffed with crispy melted cheese, garlic-braised seasonal veggies, chicken al pastor, cactus, Baja fish, filet mignon, and more. It’s one of the area’s most colorful settings—decorated with neon murals and Mexican tiles—and sports a handful of vibrant and fun margaritas to match.

With all the elegance of a fine-dining concept next to a world-renowned golf course—and all the rustic charm of a California craftsman—The Lodge at Torrey Pines’ signature restaurant is one of La Jolla’s classiest establishments in one of its coziest settings. It’s hard to tell where to cast your attention: the French-leaning cuisine (with dishes like caramelized sea scallops and duck breast with confit leg) or the dining room's exposed wood beams and stained-glass accents. Take it all in from a patio table overlooking the 18th hole and let Executive Chef Jeff Jackson handle the rest.

This Italian charmer is perched atop La Plaza center and not surprisingly has great rooftop seating and a view of the ocean. Situated over one of La Jolla’s busiest thoroughfares, it’s an ideal place to people watch, catch the sunset, or simply enjoy some of the city’s best pastas and wood-fired pizzas. The focus here is Italian coastal, which means standout dishes like ahi tuna crudo, Sicilian pistachio pizza with burrata, shrimp risotto, whole roasted branzino, and more. Still hungry? Top it all off with classic Italian desserts like butterscotch budino.

Gorgeous waterfront views from La Valencia Hotel, known as the "Pink Lady," aren't the only reason to visit the storied La Jolla landmark. The Med restaurant serves up California coastal cuisine with a Mediterranean influence (think crab cakes, seafood cocktails, and vegetable tagines). Sipping a pink lady cocktail is a must, and during weekend brunch the chorizo benedict is another must-try. The all-day restaurant even has a special dog menu for furry companions to chow down, too.

Forget oceanfront—this restaurant provides a dining room built directly over the sea. Here, waves crash against the windows for one of the city’s most dynamic and dramatic settings. Though the Marine Room opened in 1941, the food is nevertheless current with a rotating menu of surf and turf spiced up with togarashi aioli, hibiscus beet puree, and other creative touches. For the full experience, attend a monthly High Tide Dinner to get the best views during your meal.

Feel the aloha vibes at Duke's, a casual Hawaiian-themed restaurant. Known for their mai tai cocktails, crispy coconut shrimp, and hula pie, the restaurant also serves up specialties like macadamia nut and herb-crusted fish, seafood hot pot, and fish tacos. Arrive early for patio seating to watch the sunset over the Pacific while listening to relaxing ukulele-filled tunes. 

This casual, well-rounded and locally-sourced seafood market is so much more than a fish counter. Look to the chalkboard menu for daily sandwich specials, and browse the display case for sashimi platters, ceviches, salads, and more. You’ll also find house-made fish soups, tacos, and char-grilled entrées—you really can't go wrong. Grab it to-go and have a picnic overlooking the ocean, eat at one of the market's high-top tables, or out on its cozy patio.