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
“Waves literally crash against the windows at high tide”
$$$$ · Restaurants · 2.8

La Jolla
“Three levels, three concepts, one spectacular ocean view”
$$$$ · Restaurants · 2.8

La Jolla
$$ · Pizza · 2.5

La Jolla
“Quaint Italian eatery serving red-sauce classics, specialty dishes & wine in a comfortable setting.”
$$ · Italian · 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
“Cafe serving up locally roasted coffee & an array of brunch-inspired fare on a beachside plot.”
$$ · American · 2.4

La Jolla
$ · 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
$ · Sushi · 2.4

La Jolla
$$ · American · 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
“Buzzy brunch & lunch spot with clever comfort food, ocean views & a patio known for people-watching.”
$$ · American · 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
“This bright blue cafe with free Wi-Fi serves soups, grilled panini & salads, plus espresso drinks.”
$ · Restaurants · 2.4

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

La Jolla
$ · Pizza · 2.4

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

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

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

La Jolla
$$ · Seafood · 2.4

La Jolla
$$ · Vietnamese · 2.4

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

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

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

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

La Jolla
$$ · Seafood · 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
$$ · Restaurants · 2.4

La Jolla
$ · Indian · 2.4

La Jolla
$$ · Thai · 2.4

La Jolla
$$ · Seafood · 2.4

La Jolla
$ · American · 2.4

La Jolla
“Sleek, contemporary pizzeria & wine bar slinging inspired Neapolitan-style pies & small plates.”
$$ · Pizza · 2.3

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

La Jolla
$ · Mexican · 2.3

La Jolla
“Longtime Chinese restaurant & bar serving a lengthy menu of Sichuan & Mandarin fare.”
$$ · Chinese · 2.3

La Jolla
“Sports bar & eatery since 1972 offers huge combo plates & margaritas inside or on the hopping patio.”
$$ · Mexican · 2.3

La Jolla
$$ · Thai · 2.3

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

La Jolla
“Enduring Italian eatery lures locals with traditional dishes, elegant environs & weekly live jazz.”
$$$ · Italian · 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
“Seafood sandwich specialist serving casual fare plus beer & wine in easygoing surrounds.”
$$ · Seafood · 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
“Cozy, easygoing Italian eatery featuring a rustic vibe, traditional fare & food-friendly wines.”
$$ · Italian · 2.3

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