The best restaurants in La Jolla, according to people who actually live here.
La Jolla earns its reputation on the cliffs and the cove, but keeping it means knowing which storefronts are here for residents and which exist only for the rental car crowd.
La Jolla
“Three levels, three concepts, one spectacular ocean view”
$$$$ · Restaurants · 2.8
La Jolla
“Waves literally crash against the windows at high tide”
$$$$ · Restaurants · 2.8

La Jolla
$$ · Pizza · 2.5
La Jolla
“Intimate, wood-beamed eatery with elegant, seasonal American fare & a deck with golf-course views.”
$$$$ · Restaurants · 2.4

La Jolla
$$ · Seafood · 2.4

La Jolla
$ · Indian · 2.4

La Jolla
$ · American · 2.4

La Jolla
“Airy two-story destination for Hawaiian-inspired fare with outdoor seating and ocean views.”
$$ · American · 2.4

La Jolla
“Californian daytime cuisine served on a patio with a white picket fence or inside a vintage home.”
$$ · American · 2.4

La Jolla
$$ · American · 2.4

La Jolla
“Quaint Italian eatery serving red-sauce classics, specialty dishes & wine in a comfortable setting.”
$$ · Italian · 2.4

La Jolla
“Simple but revered breakfast menu served all day & an old-school diner decor draw eclectic crowds.”
$ · American · 2.4

La Jolla
$$ · Sushi · 2.4

La Jolla
“Rooftop cafe offering an organic, vegan, gluten-free menu, smoothies, boho-chic decor & ocean views.”
$$ · Vegan · 2.4

La Jolla
$ · Pizza · 2.4

La Jolla
$$ · Thai · 2.4

La Jolla
“Perched atop La Plaza Center, this coastal Italian specialist serves up wood-fired pizzas & more.”
$$$ · Pizza · 2.4

La Jolla
“Japanese spot serving sushi, hot entrees & sake in a relaxed space with black-&-red decor.”
$$ · Sushi · 2.4

La Jolla
“Spicy curries, noodles & other Thai fare dished up in easygoing surrounds with patio seating.”
$$ · Thai · 2.4

La Jolla
“Pasta, pizza & other Italian dishes made with local ingredients, served in a 1909 beach house.”
$$ · Italian · 2.4

La Jolla
$$ · Seafood · 2.4

La Jolla
“Seafood market since 1974 offers just-caught cuts to-go or prepared on a sandwich, taco or salad.”
$$ · Seafood · 2.4
La Jolla
$$ · Restaurants · 2.4

La Jolla
$$ · Vietnamese · 2.4

La Jolla
“Mexican standards, breakfast items & vegetarian options in a small eatery with outdoor seating.”
$ · Mexican · 2.4

La Jolla
“Cafe serving up locally roasted coffee & an array of brunch-inspired fare on a beachside plot.”
$$ · American · 2.4

La Jolla
“Fast-food style tacos, burritos & churros served in a colorful shop with a retro vibe.”
$ · Restaurants · 2.4

La Jolla
“Buzzy brunch & lunch spot with clever comfort food, ocean views & a patio known for people-watching.”
$$ · American · 2.4

La Jolla
$ · Sushi · 2.4

La Jolla
$$ · Seafood · 2.4

La Jolla
“This bright blue cafe with free Wi-Fi serves soups, grilled panini & salads, plus espresso drinks.”
$ · Restaurants · 2.4

La Jolla
“Trendy eatery offering hip foodies an innovative menu along with wine & craft beer.”
$$ · American · 2.4
La Jolla
“Happening brunch & dinner spot revered for its French toast & patio with views of La Jolla Cove.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.4

La Jolla
$ · American · 2.4

La Jolla
$$ · Indian · 2.3

La Jolla
“A casual setting with bright green walls & a menu focused on fresh juices, sandwiches, & cafe fare.”
$ · Restaurants · 2.3

La Jolla
$$ · American · 2.3

La Jolla
“Cozy, easygoing Italian eatery featuring a rustic vibe, traditional fare & food-friendly wines.”
$$ · Italian · 2.3

La Jolla
“Classic pub grub & drinks served late in a casual tavern atmosphere with a fireplace.”
$$ · Pizza · 2.3

La Jolla
“Laid-back all-day haunt featuring outdoor seating adjacent to a celebrated golf course.”
$$ · American · 2.3

La Jolla
“Irish-style pub chain serving breakfast, bar bites, burgers & more in a casual, traditional space.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.3

La Jolla
“Breezy outdoor eatery with a straightforward menu, craft beer & casual, surf-inspired decor.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.3

La Jolla
$$ · Thai · 2.3

La Jolla
“Sophisticated Mediterranean restaurant in an upscale dining & entertainment hub with a bar & cafe.”
$$$ · American · 2.3

La Jolla
“Inventive takes on seasonal cuisine amongst chic, contemporary decor in the Grande Colonial Hotel.”
$$$ · American · 2.3

La Jolla
“Coastal cuisine & craft cocktails served in a sleek space on the Hotel La Jolla's 11th floor.”
$$$ · American · 2.3

La Jolla
“Snug spot doling out nigiri sushi & Japanese small plates prepped by a Sushi Ota alum.”
$$$ · Japanese · 2.3

La Jolla
“Modern counter-serve burger spot serving grass-fed beef, free-range turkey & quinoa varieties.”
$$ · American · 2.3

La Jolla
$ · Tacos · 2.3

La Jolla
“Inspired Californian-Mediterranean dishes & revered Sunday brunch buffet in the La Valencia Hotel.”
$$$ · Seafood · 2.3