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Three pizzas on a table. Isola Pizza/Facebook

Where to Eat in the Coastal Town of La Jolla

From street tacos to fine dining, this seaside neighborhood offers something for everyone

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With one of San Diego’s most varied dining scenes, La Jolla’s restaurants offer everything from street tacos to the finest dining in town. Here are some of the best places to eat west of the 5.

Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission.

Note: map points are listed north to south.

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Barbarella Restaurant & Bar

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This stylish La Jolla Shores stalwart has a menu has an eclectic menu, ranging from pizza and tuna salad sandwiches to huevos rancheros and lemon pancakes.

The Marine Room

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One of La Jolla’s crown jewels, the waterfront Marine Room is now being helmed by executive chef Mike Minor after the retirement of local legend Bernard Guillas. Minor, who is also heading up kitchen operations at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club and the Shores Restaurant, has refreshed the Marine Room’s menu with dishes that reflect his passion for regional Mexican cuisine.

Small ice cream cones filled with various seafood.
Tartare cone trio.
The Marine Room

George's at the Cove

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A La Jolla institution, known for fabulous food and equally impressive views, is currently operating its Level2 bar and rooftop Ocean Terrace.

George's California Modern
George’s California Modern
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NINE-TEN Restaurant & Bar

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This longstanding local favorite offers fine dining from executive chef Jason Knibb. Don’t miss his signature Jamaican jerk pork belly and his take on the Italian classic caccio e pepe.

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Puesto La Jolla

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The La Jolla outpost of Puesto was the first of what is now quite an empire. Though tacos are its calling card, the restaurant is also known for its excellent cocktails and housemade beer.

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Catania

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From a rooftop perch above Girard Avenue, this Whisknladle Hospitality restaurant serves an accomplished array of Italian dishes, from crudos to pizzas to wood roasted seafood, in a beautiful indoor-outdoor setting.

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Herringbone La Jolla

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Herringbone’s menu features everything from a vegan bolognese to a buffalo octopus starter, and the La Jolla location has a spacious outdoor patio that’s perfect for a date night.

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The Cottage La Jolla

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With frequent lines on the weekend, this longtime staple is known for its bustling breakfast and brunch business.

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Himitsu

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This intimate sushi bar and patio is the domain of chef Mitsu Aihara, a Sushi Ota alum who offers an omakase experience as well as sushi rolls and la carte dishes.

A photo of himitsu food. Haley Hill

Candor by Giuseppe

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One of San Diego’s most respected caterers runs this friendly neighborhood restaurant. Though the menu leans Italian, there’s also a great burger.

A spacious dining room with colorful art on the walls. Haley Hill Photography

Karina's Cantina

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Specialists in mariscos, the Karina Group’s La Jolla outpost offers its popular tacos, ceviche, seafood cocktails and more along with festive margaritas.

Harry's Coffee Shop

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As a family-owned restaurant operating since 1960, Harry’s Coffee Shop boasts the title of La Jolla’s oldest diner. Head in for everything from potato pancakes and eggs Benedict to lunch favorites like a BLT or a chicken salad sandwich.

Official Image [Harry’s Coffee Shop]

This intimate restaurant is a creation of the Ambrogio15 team, serving contemporary Italian cuisine from chef Daniela Martinez and their Michelin-starred consulting chef that includes a progressive chef’s tasting menu.

A black plate with risotto, roasted pumpkin, and steak. Roman Durta

El Pescador Fish Market

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This community mainstay doubles as a fish market and a sit-down restaurant. Starting with the freshest of seafood, its grilled fish, sandwiches, and salads are always a hit.

Official Image [El Pescador]

The Taco Stand

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Serving Tijuana-style street tacos, this original location of the prolific chain continues to be a success in La Jolla with a frequent line out the door.

Barbarella Restaurant & Bar

This stylish La Jolla Shores stalwart has a menu has an eclectic menu, ranging from pizza and tuna salad sandwiches to huevos rancheros and lemon pancakes.

The Marine Room

One of La Jolla’s crown jewels, the waterfront Marine Room is now being helmed by executive chef Mike Minor after the retirement of local legend Bernard Guillas. Minor, who is also heading up kitchen operations at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club and the Shores Restaurant, has refreshed the Marine Room’s menu with dishes that reflect his passion for regional Mexican cuisine.

Small ice cream cones filled with various seafood.
Tartare cone trio.
The Marine Room

George's at the Cove

A La Jolla institution, known for fabulous food and equally impressive views, is currently operating its Level2 bar and rooftop Ocean Terrace.

George's California Modern
George’s California Modern
Courtesy photo

NINE-TEN Restaurant & Bar

This longstanding local favorite offers fine dining from executive chef Jason Knibb. Don’t miss his signature Jamaican jerk pork belly and his take on the Italian classic caccio e pepe.

Courtesy photo

Puesto La Jolla

The La Jolla outpost of Puesto was the first of what is now quite an empire. Though tacos are its calling card, the restaurant is also known for its excellent cocktails and housemade beer.

Courtesy Photo

Catania

From a rooftop perch above Girard Avenue, this Whisknladle Hospitality restaurant serves an accomplished array of Italian dishes, from crudos to pizzas to wood roasted seafood, in a beautiful indoor-outdoor setting.

Official Image [Catania]

Herringbone La Jolla

Herringbone’s menu features everything from a vegan bolognese to a buffalo octopus starter, and the La Jolla location has a spacious outdoor patio that’s perfect for a date night.

Official Image [Herringbone]

The Cottage La Jolla

With frequent lines on the weekend, this longtime staple is known for its bustling breakfast and brunch business.

Official Image [The Cottage]

Himitsu

This intimate sushi bar and patio is the domain of chef Mitsu Aihara, a Sushi Ota alum who offers an omakase experience as well as sushi rolls and la carte dishes.

A photo of himitsu food. Haley Hill

Candor by Giuseppe

One of San Diego’s most respected caterers runs this friendly neighborhood restaurant. Though the menu leans Italian, there’s also a great burger.

A spacious dining room with colorful art on the walls. Haley Hill Photography

Karina's Cantina

Specialists in mariscos, the Karina Group’s La Jolla outpost offers its popular tacos, ceviche, seafood cocktails and more along with festive margaritas.

Harry's Coffee Shop

As a family-owned restaurant operating since 1960, Harry’s Coffee Shop boasts the title of La Jolla’s oldest diner. Head in for everything from potato pancakes and eggs Benedict to lunch favorites like a BLT or a chicken salad sandwich.

Official Image [Harry’s Coffee Shop]

Semola

This intimate restaurant is a creation of the Ambrogio15 team, serving contemporary Italian cuisine from chef Daniela Martinez and their Michelin-starred consulting chef that includes a progressive chef’s tasting menu.

A black plate with risotto, roasted pumpkin, and steak. Roman Durta

El Pescador Fish Market

This community mainstay doubles as a fish market and a sit-down restaurant. Starting with the freshest of seafood, its grilled fish, sandwiches, and salads are always a hit.

Official Image [El Pescador]

The Taco Stand

Serving Tijuana-style street tacos, this original location of the prolific chain continues to be a success in La Jolla with a frequent line out the door.

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