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Nolita House.

24 Fabulous Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms in San Diego

From cozy chef’s tables to breezy patio terraces, there’s a plethora of private dining choices to make you and your guests feel right at home

by Helen I. Hwang
View as Map
Nolita House.
by Helen I. Hwang

Looking to host a gathering but want to leave the cooking to the professionals? Whether it’s a warm holiday gathering for out-of-town relatives or a celebratory party for 50 of your closest friends, San Diego restaurants offer private dining venues of all sizes for the vibe you want to set.

Here’s a range of versatile private dining options so you can relax while on hosting duty and enjoy the food as much as your guests will.

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Harrah's Resort Southern California

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Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay recently opened California’s first Hell’s Kitchen at Harrah’s Resort Southern California. In addition to two chef’s tables, there are two private dining options that can be combined into one large dining area. Be sure to try his signature dishes including beef Wellington and sticky toffee pudding, along with his cocktails like Fear and Loathing and Meet Your Maker.

777 S Resort Dr, Valley Center, CA 92082
(760) 751-3100
(760) 751-3100
Smoked Golden Beets
Smoked golden beets.
Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen

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Amalfi Cucina Italiana

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This waterfront Italian restaurant in San Marcos is luring guests inland with its warm Mediterranean hospitality and lakeside happenings like gondola boats and dockside shenanigans. Their private dining room, which seats up to 21 people, offers several options. Select from the Amalfi Marina Dockside Menu, the standard restaurant menu, or the set menu of popular favorites required for parties over 20 people.

1035 La Bonita Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078
(760) 653-3230
(760) 653-3230
Italian restaurant
Amalfi Cucina Italiana.

AVANT

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Rancho Bernardo Inn’s signature restaurant focuses on French and new American dishes. Within the full kitchen is the intimate private chef’s table for 12 guests for a front-and-center view. Newly appointed chef de cuisine Sergio Jimenez, who started at AVANT before apprenticing at Bertrand at Mister A’s, uses ingredients like marigold, nasturtium leaves, and sorrel from the on-site Chef’s Garden.

17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr, San Diego, CA 92128
(855) 574-5356
(855) 574-5356
restaurant
Avant at Rancho Bernardo In.

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CUCINA enoteca Del Mar

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The Flower Hill restaurant’s upstairs garden patio can be transformed into a private dining oasis. that can accommodate 60 guests for an evening soiree. The SoCal Italian kitchen offers several group dining options from family-style to plated a-la-carte dishes, which can all be paired with a selection of 200 wines. Try house-made pasta, like short rib pappardelle with cremini mushrooms, or Margherita pizzas from the fiery-hot pizza oven.

2730 Via De La Valle #1906, Del Mar, CA 92014
(858) 704-4500
(858) 704-4500
Cucina Enoteca
Cucina Enoteca.

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Pamplemousse Grille

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Caterer and chef Jeffrey Strauss works with parties of eight or more to customize menus and wine pairings. Popular private dining highlights include the smoking seafood medley with smoked lobster, shrimp, scallops, and salmon on a potato galette with caviar pepper beurre blanc. The quirkily-decorated Cow Palace, ripe for conversation starters, seats up to 45 guests while the eclectic Wine Room, with guitars on the wall, can accommodate 12.

514 Via De La Valle UNIT 100, Solana Beach, CA 92075
(858) 792-9090
(858) 792-9090
private dining room
The Cow Palace.
Pamplemousse Grille

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Adelaide

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There are several indoor and outdoor private dining spaces at this Del Mar restaurant with prime views of the Pacific Ocean. A stylish private dining room called the Pearl is set aside for parties of 12 and the Library for 40 guests while the outdoor Ocean Terrace with pier-like wooden flooring juts out closer to the water and can seat 20. Chef Nick Green has recently overhauled the menu with an emphasis on fresh seafood like Baja oysters and sashimi plates, along with meat standbys like American Wagyu ribeye and roasted Mary’s Chicken.

1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014
(858) 793-6467
(858) 793-6467
private dining room
The Pearl.
Adelaide

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Addison

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Located on the Carmel Valley hillside in Fairmont Grand Del Mar, the region’s first two-star Michelin restaurant has two options for private dining with bespoke menus customized by acclaimed chef William Bradley where seasonal California cuisine is showcased along with select wine pairings. The Chef’s Table seats up to 12 guests while a separate, 1,580-square-foot dining room with access to its own terrace can host 35 guests.

5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 314-1900
(858) 314-1900
small plate
Small plate at Addison’s
Eric Wolfinger

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A.R. Valentien

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Helmed by acclaimed executive chef Kelli Crosson, the anchor restaurant at the Lodge at Torrey Pines is ideal for an elegant feast in their timbered dining room bathed in natural light where the intimate private room can seat up to 10 people. The farm-to-table, fine-dining restaurant overlooks the 18th hole of the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course, adding a memorable touch to special occasions.

11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 777-6635
(858) 777-6635
holiday feast
Holiday feast.
The Lodge at Torrey Pines

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Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

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Ensconced in the luxury hacienda-style hotel near the iconic Salk Institute and UCSD campus is a secluded private dining room called the Hidden Feather. The 510-square-foot whimsical room has a warm, toasty fireplace to make guests feel snug during the cool SoCal evenings. Up to 30 people can sit down for a banquet-style meal.

9700 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 412-0100
(858) 412-0100
Private dining room
Hidden Feather Private Dining Room.
Estanica La Jolla Hotel & Spa

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RED O

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Situated in a corporate complex across from Westfield UTC mall, the Rick Bayless outpost has standout Mexican dishes that keep repeat customers streaming through its doors. Between 30 and 60 guests can be accommodated for private parties in event spaces that include the Tequila Garden with outdoor fire pits or the Outdoor Atrium adjacent to the main dining area. Taco bars or plated dishes of specialties like lobster and shrimp enchiladas are a few options for private events.

4340 La Jolla Village Dr, San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 291-8360
(858) 291-8360
Private dining room
Private dining room at RED O “Taste of Mexico”
Helen I. Hwang

Din Tai Fung

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The legendary soup dumpling restaurant from Taiwan lives up to its global reputation in the Westfield UTC mall. Diners can marvel at the rigorous dumpling-making process in the open window when they first walk into the dumpling mecca. Be sure to order the popular pork xiao long biao, or XLB, along with the pear lychee martini with whole lychees. A private dining room holds up to 14 guests and is available for reservations between Monday and Thursday.

4301 La Jolla Village Dr #2000, San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 375-5988
(858) 375-5988
soup dumplings
Soup dumplings.
Din Tai Fung

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The Marine Room

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A recently unveiled, sparkling new ocean-themed space, the Lounge at The Marine Room, can be booked for parties of 30 guests. Other private and semi-private booking options range from 46 to 120 guests. Delicacies include chef Mike Minor’s signature Ora King salmon cones and caviar flights paired with premium champagne or a twist on surf and turf that features Hokkaido scallops and Kurobuta pork belly.

2000 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-7222
(858) 459-7222
Salmon cone with Ora King salmon belly and kaluga caviar.
Salmon cone with Ora King salmon belly and kaluga caviar.
Marine Room

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George's at the Cove

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Once home to George’s California Modern, the ground level of the acclaimed restaurant has been turned into a flexible event space that can range from its central Ocean View room with a capacity for 140 guests to smaller dining areas. Chef Trey Foshee and his team offer a range of culinary packages, from an array of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres to a custom, seven-course chef’s tasting menu.

1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-4244
(858) 454-4244
George’s At The Cove George’s at the Cove

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Duke's La Jolla

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Named after the legendary Hawaiian surfer, Duke Kahanamoku, this restaurant allows your party to skim their way onto the private patio terrace with endless ocean views overlooking La Jolla Cove. The private Barefoot Bar can seat up to 60 guests outside or part of the patio can be partitioned for fewer in your party. End your evening with their famous decadent Kimos Original Hula Pie.

1216 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-5888
(858) 454-5888
outdoor patio space
Duke’s La Jolla.
Haley Hill Photography

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NINE-TEN Restaurant & Bar

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Feted with a Michelin Plate Distinction award, the restaurant offers fine-dining dishes masterminded by chef Jason Knibb. Housed in a European-style boutique hotel, there are a few areas available for private bookings. The Sun Room is illuminated with a skylight, a marvelous fireplace, and windows overlooking the Pacific. The Parlor Room has French-paned windows and elegant crown moldings for a party of 20. The La Jolla Room facing streetside can seat 40 people for a banquet. The entire restaurant can also be reserved for parties of 75 people.

910 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 964-5400
(858) 964-5400
private dining room
The Sun Room.
NINE-TEN Restaurant and Bar.

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Nolita House

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Across the street from Nolita Hall is its private event space that can hold 45 for a reception and 20 for seated dining. The cottage-like decor gives off a cozy home-away-from-home atmosphere with its beckoning front door and backyard-like patio that looks out to a marina. Menu highlights include the perfectly-baked scones, the melt-in-your-mouth poached lobster and grits, and seasonal veggie pizzas.

2305 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 255-8000
(619) 255-8000
private event space
Nolita House.

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Herb & Wood

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You’ll find a few distinct private dining options at celeb chef Brian Malarkey’s flagship restaurant helmed by executive chef Carlos Anthony. The Lavender Lounge for 40 people encompasses indoor and outdoor space centered on a two-sided fireplace. The Patio is secluded in a garden courtyard with seating for 60. Herbert’s has sweeping windows reaching its barrel-vaulted ceilings, along with its own entrance for up to 80 guests.

2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 955-8495
(619) 955-8495
private dining space
The Lavender Lounge
Dustin Bailey

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Bali Hai Restaurant

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For over 60 years, Bali Hai has been the go-to place for a Polynesian-themed private dining experience. The flexible spaces range from the intimate Tiki Room for 28 guests to the Hawaiian Village, a rattan-covered outdoor pavilion that can seat 200. The South Pacific Room can also host 200 guests in the sea-level room with circular windows looking out at the San Diego Bay. Menu options range from a luau buffet to plated sit-down service. Make sure to try their lethal Mai Tais with their dishes.

2230 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
(619) 222-1181
(619) 222-1181
private dining
Bali Hai Restaurant

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Garibaldi

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The fanciful indoor dining space with underwater decor has a view of the Waterfront, the USS Midway, and the old Padres field. The secluded section can hold large parties or semi-private tables for smaller groups. The Southern Italian menu features pizza oven-fired flatbreads, octopus skewers, and a grilled Sicilian Cacciocavalo cheese station.

901 Bayfront Ct Suite 1, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 436-1081
(619) 436-1081
private dining space
Garibaldi.
Kimberly Motos

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NIMA Cafe

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NIMA Cafe is Animae’s dedicated private event space with windows for walls for dramatic views of the city skyline. An upside-down Zen garden has tendrils unraveling from the ceiling. The room can accommodate up to 75 people for special events. Executive chef Tara Monsod works with the parties to customize the menu but be sure to consider her signature uni shrimp toast and Kare Kare short ribs.

969 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 432-1225
(619) 432-1225
Nima event space at Animae
Nima Cafe.
Haley Hill Photography

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Zama San Diego

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Tucked next to this massive new restaurant on a bustling Gaslamp Quarter corner is the dedicated sushi lounge area, which can double as a private dining space that seats 20 to 30 people. Zama’s kitchen serves both the main dining area and the adjacent lounge so guests can order items like tender boneless ribeye and the addictive guacamole and uni with light tortilla chips. Sushi highlights from Chef Tayuka Kudo (who’s worked at Nobu and Lumi) include Hama Pina and the exorbitant Gold Rush Roll, topped with 24-karat gold leaf.

467 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 915-5789
(619) 915-5789
Rendering of a tropical bar.
Zama.
Tucker Sadler Architects

Callie

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Chef Travis Swikard is making a splash with his award-winning Mediterranean cuisine with specialties like lemon saffron linguine and blistered pita bread made with house-milled kamut flour. Wow your guests by booking the Dali Room, which can accommodate up to 18 guests for an intimate family-style dinner. With glass doors separating the space from the rest of the restaurant, they also offer an up-close look at the activity in the kitchen.

1195 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 255-9696
(619) 255-9696
private dining room at Callie
Callie
Lucianna McIntosh

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Stake Chophouse & Bar

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This steakhouse on Coronado Island offers private dining options that range from its wine cellar room accommodating 20 guests to an outdoor patio dining area for up to 26 guests. Menu choices include filet mignon and double-cut pork chop along with sides like duchesse potatoes and butter braised mushrooms.

1309 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
(619) 522-0077
(619) 522-0077
Private wine cellar room.
Private wine cellar room.
Stake Chophouse

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Serea Coastal Cuisine

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The flagship restaurant of the legendary Hotel Del Coronado boasts views of the pristine sea. If you prefer privacy in the expansive restaurant, there are two dining options: an elegant private dining room with 22 seats for an intimate gathering or a semi-private dining area on the outdoor patio, which can accommodate up to 18 people and features ocean views.

1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
(619) 435-6611
(619) 435-6611
restaurant
Serea Coastal Cuisine.
Photo Courtesy of Serea

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Harrah's Resort Southern California

777 S Resort Dr, Valley Center, CA 92082

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay recently opened California’s first Hell’s Kitchen at Harrah’s Resort Southern California. In addition to two chef’s tables, there are two private dining options that can be combined into one large dining area. Be sure to try his signature dishes including beef Wellington and sticky toffee pudding, along with his cocktails like Fear and Loathing and Meet Your Maker.

777 S Resort Dr, Valley Center, CA 92082
(760) 751-3100
(760) 751-3100
Smoked Golden Beets
Smoked golden beets.
Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen

Amalfi Cucina Italiana

1035 La Bonita Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078

This waterfront Italian restaurant in San Marcos is luring guests inland with its warm Mediterranean hospitality and lakeside happenings like gondola boats and dockside shenanigans. Their private dining room, which seats up to 21 people, offers several options. Select from the Amalfi Marina Dockside Menu, the standard restaurant menu, or the set menu of popular favorites required for parties over 20 people.

1035 La Bonita Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078
(760) 653-3230
(760) 653-3230
Italian restaurant
Amalfi Cucina Italiana.

AVANT

17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr, San Diego, CA 92128

Rancho Bernardo Inn’s signature restaurant focuses on French and new American dishes. Within the full kitchen is the intimate private chef’s table for 12 guests for a front-and-center view. Newly appointed chef de cuisine Sergio Jimenez, who started at AVANT before apprenticing at Bertrand at Mister A’s, uses ingredients like marigold, nasturtium leaves, and sorrel from the on-site Chef’s Garden.

17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr, San Diego, CA 92128
(855) 574-5356
(855) 574-5356
restaurant
Avant at Rancho Bernardo In.

CUCINA enoteca Del Mar

2730 Via De La Valle #1906, Del Mar, CA 92014

The Flower Hill restaurant’s upstairs garden patio can be transformed into a private dining oasis. that can accommodate 60 guests for an evening soiree. The SoCal Italian kitchen offers several group dining options from family-style to plated a-la-carte dishes, which can all be paired with a selection of 200 wines. Try house-made pasta, like short rib pappardelle with cremini mushrooms, or Margherita pizzas from the fiery-hot pizza oven.

2730 Via De La Valle #1906, Del Mar, CA 92014
(858) 704-4500
(858) 704-4500
Cucina Enoteca
Cucina Enoteca.

Pamplemousse Grille

514 Via De La Valle UNIT 100, Solana Beach, CA 92075

Caterer and chef Jeffrey Strauss works with parties of eight or more to customize menus and wine pairings. Popular private dining highlights include the smoking seafood medley with smoked lobster, shrimp, scallops, and salmon on a potato galette with caviar pepper beurre blanc. The quirkily-decorated Cow Palace, ripe for conversation starters, seats up to 45 guests while the eclectic Wine Room, with guitars on the wall, can accommodate 12.

514 Via De La Valle UNIT 100, Solana Beach, CA 92075
(858) 792-9090
(858) 792-9090
private dining room
The Cow Palace.
Pamplemousse Grille

Adelaide

1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014

There are several indoor and outdoor private dining spaces at this Del Mar restaurant with prime views of the Pacific Ocean. A stylish private dining room called the Pearl is set aside for parties of 12 and the Library for 40 guests while the outdoor Ocean Terrace with pier-like wooden flooring juts out closer to the water and can seat 20. Chef Nick Green has recently overhauled the menu with an emphasis on fresh seafood like Baja oysters and sashimi plates, along with meat standbys like American Wagyu ribeye and roasted Mary’s Chicken.

1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014
(858) 793-6467
(858) 793-6467
private dining room
The Pearl.
Adelaide

Addison

5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130

Located on the Carmel Valley hillside in Fairmont Grand Del Mar, the region’s first two-star Michelin restaurant has two options for private dining with bespoke menus customized by acclaimed chef William Bradley where seasonal California cuisine is showcased along with select wine pairings. The Chef’s Table seats up to 12 guests while a separate, 1,580-square-foot dining room with access to its own terrace can host 35 guests.

5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 314-1900
(858) 314-1900
small plate
Small plate at Addison’s
Eric Wolfinger

A.R. Valentien

11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Helmed by acclaimed executive chef Kelli Crosson, the anchor restaurant at the Lodge at Torrey Pines is ideal for an elegant feast in their timbered dining room bathed in natural light where the intimate private room can seat up to 10 people. The farm-to-table, fine-dining restaurant overlooks the 18th hole of the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course, adding a memorable touch to special occasions.

11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 777-6635
(858) 777-6635
holiday feast
Holiday feast.
The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

9700 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Ensconced in the luxury hacienda-style hotel near the iconic Salk Institute and UCSD campus is a secluded private dining room called the Hidden Feather. The 510-square-foot whimsical room has a warm, toasty fireplace to make guests feel snug during the cool SoCal evenings. Up to 30 people can sit down for a banquet-style meal.

9700 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 412-0100
(858) 412-0100
Private dining room
Hidden Feather Private Dining Room.
Estanica La Jolla Hotel & Spa

RED O

4340 La Jolla Village Dr, San Diego, CA 92122

Situated in a corporate complex across from Westfield UTC mall, the Rick Bayless outpost has standout Mexican dishes that keep repeat customers streaming through its doors. Between 30 and 60 guests can be accommodated for private parties in event spaces that include the Tequila Garden with outdoor fire pits or the Outdoor Atrium adjacent to the main dining area. Taco bars or plated dishes of specialties like lobster and shrimp enchiladas are a few options for private events.

4340 La Jolla Village Dr, San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 291-8360
(858) 291-8360
Private dining room
Private dining room at RED O “Taste of Mexico”
Helen I. Hwang

Din Tai Fung

4301 La Jolla Village Dr #2000, San Diego, CA 92122

The legendary soup dumpling restaurant from Taiwan lives up to its global reputation in the Westfield UTC mall. Diners can marvel at the rigorous dumpling-making process in the open window when they first walk into the dumpling mecca. Be sure to order the popular pork xiao long biao, or XLB, along with the pear lychee martini with whole lychees. A private dining room holds up to 14 guests and is available for reservations between Monday and Thursday.

4301 La Jolla Village Dr #2000, San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 375-5988
(858) 375-5988