Mentioned by Time Out San Diego
The 10 best restaurants in La Jolla
"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 ethnic diversity, local produce and the chef’s hometown of Montego Bay, Jamaica. But there’s much more than the bold and beautifully arranged entreés—and Knibb’s lauded tasting menu—which this spot is known for: Head straight to the bar for one of the best happy hours in the city, stop by earlier for the prix-fixe lunch that rotates monthly, or enjoy fresh pastries and house-smoked salmon at breakfast and brunch. Cap it all off with a stroll around the corner and you’ll find yourself at the ocean—then wave hi to the barking seals at the Children’s Pool."
"#yolkporn alert — head over to this ritzy restaurant for brunch to get a taste of their famous short ribs with the bonus of poached eggs. If you like what you taste, Nine Ten has a great prix fixe menuto splurge on."
"Another mainstay of La Jolla’s dining scene is Nine-Ten, which in addition to boasting some of the best fine dining in San Diego also has one of the best wine lists."
"The centrally located, award-winning Bertrand at Mister A’s penthouse restaurant offers fine American cuisine and spectacular views of San Diego, including the skyline, bay, Balboa Park, Coronado, Point Loma, and the zoo. Relish in the amazing flavors of the classic lobster bisque, steak tartare, or gourmet beer-battered fish and chips. French restaurateur, Bertrand Hug, bought Mister A’s in 2000 and invited Chef de Cuisine, Stephane Voitzwinkler, to create simplistic, yet delectable dishes with European influences made from seasonally available, locally-sourced ingredients."
"Is it a coincidence that celebrating marriage proposals, wedding anniversaries and Valentine’s Day in this swoon-inducing setting is practically the law in San Diego?. If you have to ask, you’ve never sat at tables 50 or 52, where your view of the city skyline and landing planes makes you feel up in the clouds."
"You’ll have to plan ahead if you want to partake the elegance of Mister A’s. This sophisticated rooftop restaurant is one of San Diego’s toughest reservations (and for good reason). Dining at Mister A’s is a coveted experience."
"The Brigantine Restaurant Group’s beautiful new waterfront dining hub opened in July 2020, providing a much-needed open air, safely distanced venue that comes with free million dollar views of the bay. Housing Brigantine Seafood and Oyster Bar, Ketch Grill & Taps, Portside Coffee and Gelato and Miguel’s Cocina, a second level Ketch Brewing Tasting Deck and Topsail rooftop terrace lounge, Portside Pier is a destination for date night, a casual hang, or happy hour with your besties. How to order: Reservations for Brigantine Seafood and Oyster Bar can be made via OpenTable, and patio tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis."
"The Brigantine’s Portside Pier offers dining options to please everyone’s palate – from fresh seafood and authentic Mexican, to pub fare, coffee and gelato; not to mention first-rate views of San Diego Bay!. Dress code: CasualPhone: +1 619-719-4960. Learn MoreMake a Reservation"
"It’ll be hard to miss the shiny geodesic dome of this dining spot alongside North Harbor Drive. Portside Pier houses Brigantine Seafood and Oyster Bar, Miguel’s Cocina, Ketch Grill and Taps, and Portside Coffee and Gelato— all sharing a public viewing deck."
"North Park is rearing to go and The Original 40 Brewing Company couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome back guests for outdoor dining!. There’s no duo more iconic than the location’s juicy OG Burger, piled high with lettuce, red onion, tomato, white cheddar cheese and garlic aioli served with house-cut fries, coupled with one of their house-brewed beers. Get your fill Monday through Thursday from 3PM to 9PM, Friday and Saturday from noon to 10PM, and Sunday from noon to 8PM."
"The brewhouse is open to the taproom but even so, the space feels surprisingly homey (possibly because of the wall of plants). On any given day, there are about 15 of the brewery’s beers on tap plus a handful of guest brews. Particularly nice is the fact that there’s a small wine list, so if someone in your group isn’t a beer lover, they can still have a drink."
"3117 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104(619) 255-7380Read About Their Journey Here$$ | Brewery. Disclaimer: When I visited I was provided complimentary service. My opinions are my own."
"With a very famous sister restaurant in Tijuana, this warm and friendly South Bay spot showcases traditional Mexican breakfasts including excellent takes on classic dishes like chilequiles and huevos rancheros, both available in several variations."
"A post shared by skybound coffee☕️ (@skyboundcoffee) on Jun 6, 2014 at 7:37am PDT. Skybound is your go-to coffee or lunch break lounge. They offer healthy sandwiches, with vegan options, and renders a consistently pleasing customer service."
"Such good food that anything you choose on the large menu will leave you happy. Worth it for the portions!"
"A photo posted by Faith Leonard (@faithld77) on Nov 26, 2016 at 3:07pm PST. Cafe Bassam is a unique vintage coffee house in Bankers Hill and reviewers rave that it has the best coffee in San Diego!. Owner, Bassam Shamma claims it is the “first coffee house in San Diego,” saying, “Of course other places had coffee,” Bassam said."
"This is a cafe that is in the city for three generations now, which is great. It is now part of the community!. The story of how the cafe started is great."
"This new dessert joint offers handmade French pastries, amazing macarons, and some to-die-for truffles. Be sure to visit, and try their coconut salted caramel macarons as well as the creme brulee and chocolate truffles!"
"A post shared by skybound coffee☕️ (@skyboundcoffee) on Jun 6, 2014 at 7:37am PDT. Skybound is your go-to coffee or lunch break lounge. They offer healthy sandwiches, with vegan options, and renders a consistently pleasing customer service."
"With a brand new 2018 menu, this Irish-inspired restaurant is helmed by Food Network Champion Chef Maeve. Their menu features a little bit of everything!. Attack your sweet tooth head on with Brioche French Toast, or try a traditional egg scramble or Eggs Benedict (they have four options)."
"7660 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037(858) 274-1733Save Your Seat ASAP$$ | Bakery | Brunch Restaurant. This awesome spot is home to Food Network’s Chef Maeve. She won Holiday Baking Championship and has been featured on other Food Network shows."
"From biscuits and gravy to fresh Benedicts, this place has everything you could want to start your day off the right way."