Is there parking at Sea & Sky?

The restaurant is located on the 11th floor of a hotel, so you'll use the hotel's parking structure. Parking is available but can fill up during peak times—arrive early for dinner or consider valet if offered.

Do I need a reservation?

Yes, reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner and weekend brunch. The spot has limited seating and commanding views that draw crowds; walk-ins may face long waits or unavailable tables.

What's the best time to visit if I want to avoid a wait?

Weekday lunch and late breakfast (after 10 a.m.) tend to be less crowded. If you're coming for the sunset experience at dinner, arrive by 5:30 p.m. to secure a table with optimal light, or go happy hour when it's less packed and prices drop.

What should I order first?

Start with the Half Grilled Snapper—it's a signature dish with a fiery peppery finish that draws consistent praise. The green juice at breakfast is also worth ordering. Happy hour is when the value shines, so consider timing your visit around those specials.

Is this a good spot for a special occasion?

Absolutely. The 11th-floor location, ocean and sky views, live music, and attentive service make it ideal for anniversaries, proposals, or celebrations. Fair warning: it's expensive, but the experience justifies the cost for occasions that matter.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes—the menu includes dedicated vegetarian selections, and the kitchen is responsive to dietary requests. The green juice and lighter fare also work well if you're looking for plant-forward options.

There's no mention of outdoor patio seating in reviews, so dog-friendly accommodations are unlikely. Call ahead to confirm before visiting with a pet.

What's the dress code?

It's fine dining with a coastal vibe—smart casual to dressy is appropriate. You won't be out of place in nice jeans and a button-down, but the setting leans toward putting in effort for dinner.

Sea & Sky — American in La Jolla, San Diego

“Sea & Sky occupies the entire 11th floor of Hotel La Jolla, delivering sweeping Pacific views that competitors at street level simply can't match.”

Unlike Trilogy's rooftop or The Cottage's ground-level garden, Sea & Sky sits high enough to clear every building between you and the horizon — you're dining above the marine layer, looking straight down the coastline toward Scripps Pier and Torrey Pines. Every table angles toward floor-to-ceiling windows, and sunset reservations book out days ahead for good reason.

The kitchen runs coastal-California with serious execution. The half grilled snapper arrives fiery with pepper, exactly the kind of precise heat that takes time to dial in. The flank steak add-on gets mentioned repeatedly — worth the upcharge if you're sharing. Happy hour (timing varies, ask when booking) brings the prices down considerably, and the green juice program at breakfast suggests they're thinking beyond the standard hotel restaurant playbook.

Service moves at a considered pace. Dennis and the team know their regulars, but don't expect rushed turnover — dishes take time because they're cooking to order, not reheating from a steam table. Live music on select evenings adds atmosphere without overwhelming conversation.

Practical notes: Parking is hotel valet or the public structure across La Jolla Shores Drive. The elevator ride to 11 is part of the experience — you'll feel it as you rise above the village. Reservations are essential for dinner, especially Thursday through Saturday. Walk-ins work better at lunch or late breakfast when the morning rush clears. Prices sit at the higher end even for La Jolla, but the view premium is real.

The space works equally well for anniversary dinners and business lunches where impressing out-of-town clients matters. Just don't arrive expecting quick-turn breakfast before a beach walk — this isn't that kind of spot.

Sea & Sky

FAQ

Google Reviews

BonVivant Reviews

Similar Spots

Salud

Trust Restaurant

Juniper & Ivy

Complementary Spots

Brick & Bell Cafe - La Jolla Shores

Hiatus Pool Lounge

Contact & Hours