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Three pizzas on a table.

Where to Eat in the Coastal Town of La Jolla

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

by Grace Cassidy Updated Jan 5, 2022, 9:29am PST

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by Grace Cassidy Updated Jan 5, 2022, 9:29am PST

Isola Pizza/Facebook

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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If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

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.

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2171 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037

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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.

2000 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Small ice cream cones filled with various seafood. — Tartare cone trio.

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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.

1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

George's California Modern — George’s California Modern

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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.

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910 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

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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.

Open in Google Maps

1026 Wall St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

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.

Open in Google Maps

7863 Girard Ave #301, La Jolla, CA 92037

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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.

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7837 Herschel Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037

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The Cottage La Jolla

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

Open in Google Maps

7702 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

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.

Open in Google Maps

1030 Torrey Pines Rd G, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

A photo of himitsu food.

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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.

Open in Google Maps

1030 Torrey Pines Rd Ste B, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

A spacious dining room with colorful art on the walls.

Also featured in:

58 San Diego Eateries Adding Takeout and Delivery Options

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.

Open in Google Maps

1055 Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

A plate of ceviche in a green sauce.

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.

Open in Google Maps

7545 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Also featured in:

20 Essential San Diego Breakfast Spots

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.

Open in Google Maps

7556 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

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

Also featured in:

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.

634 Pearl St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Also featured in:

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.

Open in Google Maps

621 Pearl St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Also featured in:

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Barbarella Restaurant & Bar

2171 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037

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.

Open in Google Maps

2171 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

The Marine Room

2000 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037

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.

2000 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Small ice cream cones filled with various seafood. — Tartare cone trio.

George's at the Cove

1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

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

1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

George's California Modern — George’s California Modern

NINE-TEN Restaurant & Bar

910 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

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.

Open in Google Maps

910 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Puesto La Jolla

1026 Wall St, La Jolla, CA 92037

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.

Open in Google Maps

1026 Wall St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Catania

7863 Girard Ave #301, La Jolla, CA 92037

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.

Open in Google Maps

7863 Girard Ave #301, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Herringbone La Jolla

7837 Herschel Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037

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.

Open in Google Maps

7837 Herschel Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

The Cottage La Jolla

7702 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037

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

Open in Google Maps

7702 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Himitsu

1030 Torrey Pines Rd G, La Jolla, CA 92037

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.

Open in Google Maps

1030 Torrey Pines Rd G, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

A photo of himitsu food.

Candor by Giuseppe

1030 Torrey Pines Rd Ste B, La Jolla, CA 92037

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

Open in Google Maps

1030 Torrey Pines Rd Ste B, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

A spacious dining room with colorful art on the walls.

Karina's Cantina

1055 Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

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

Open in Google Maps

1055 Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

A plate of ceviche in a green sauce.

Harry's Coffee Shop

7545 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037

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.

Open in Google Maps

7545 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Semola

7556 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037

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.

Open in Google Maps

7556 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

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

El Pescador Fish Market

634 Pearl St, La Jolla, CA 92037

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.

634 Pearl St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

The Taco Stand

621 Pearl St, La Jolla, CA 92037

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.

Open in Google Maps

621 Pearl St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

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