Is there parking at Manhattan Of La Jolla?

There's no valet, but public parking is available nearby on Fay Ave in La Jolla. Street parking can be tight on weekends, so arrive early or plan to circle a bit—part of the La Jolla experience.

Do I need a reservation, or can I just walk in?

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner after 6pm when the spot gets busy. Walking in on a Saturday night without one will likely mean a wait, but the bar area sometimes accommodates walk-ups with live piano music as a consolation.

What's the dress code like?

It's a dressed-up spot—think business casual to cocktail attire. You'll fit right in at this level; Crocs won't work, but jeans and a nice top will do fine. This is where people celebrate, so guests tend to look put-together.

Is this place good for kids?

Yes, it's marked kid-friendly and handles groups well. The lively atmosphere and live piano music around 7pm make it engaging for families celebrating special occasions, though the noise level and upscale vibe mean very young kids might get restless.

What should I order on my first visit?

Go for the steak—it's a steakhouse at its core, and the kitchen takes pride in execution. Ask your server what's fresh that night. The Italian options are strong too, but skip anything butter-heavy if you prefer lighter fare; some diners have noted dishes run rich.

When's the best time to visit to avoid a long wait?

Earlier in the week or before 6pm on weekends will be quieter. If you're going on a Saturday night, come with a reservation, or plan to arrive right at opening. The live piano and energy kick in around 7pm, so that's peak atmosphere time.

Do you have vegetarian and dietary options?

Yes, vegetarian options are available on the menu. Call ahead if you have specific dietary restrictions—the kitchen is accommodating, but you'll want to confirm they can work around gluten-free or other needs before you sit down.

Manhattan Of La Jolla — Italian in La Jolla, San Diego

“Manhattan Of La Jolla recreates the old-school Manhattan steakhouse experience — live piano, dark wood, tableside service — in a village known for its ocean views and California casual.”

While most La Jolla restaurants capitalize on the coastline, Manhattan runs the opposite direction: mahogany paneling, white tablecloths, and a piano bar that could've been lifted from a 1960s supper club. It's the only spot below the bluff where you'll see sport coats and heels on a regular Tuesday, and where the lighting is deliberately dim enough to feel like evening regardless of the marine layer outside.

The Italian-American menu follows suit — veal piccata, osso buco, Dover sole prepared tableside. Chef Toney runs a kitchen that favors richness over restraint; dishes arrive heavy on butter and cream, which is either exactly what you want or a problem depending on your appetite. The Manhattan (yes, they serve a dish named after themselves) is the signature order, though regulars also go for the veal.

Live piano starts around 7pm most nights, and the bar area fills quickly with a crowd that knows the words to standards. If you're planning dinner, request the bar side for the music — the dining room feels formal by comparison. Reservations are essential on weekends, and the Saturday night scene runs late by village standards.

Parking is street-only along Fay Avenue; arrive 10 minutes early to circle. Weekend evenings after 6pm bring a wait even with reservations, especially when the piano player draws a following. The Crocs review is real — this is not a flip-flops-and-board-shorts kind of place.

Downside: the food skews rich. If you're sensitive to butter or prefer lighter preparations, order carefully or skip it entirely. The atmosphere is the draw here — if you want a night that feels transported from another era, with live jazz and tableside flourishes, Manhattan delivers. If you want coastal and vegetable-forward, Trilogy is three blocks away.

Manhattan Of La Jolla

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