$$$Chinese Contemporary
24 Suns from Chef/owner duo Nic Webber and Jacob Jordan retains the nimble mindset of its pop-up roots with an ever-evolving rotation of dishes and ingredients that are driven entirely by the season. Set in a former dive bar that has been transformed into a comfortable space with tables, booths, and bar seating, this spot filters fine dining through a casual lens. The menu is split between snacks and dumplings, chef's selections, and shareable plates for the table, while the wine list features a nice mix of by the glass and bottle, as well as sake. This is the sort of place to order without li
$$$Contemporary
Located in a midcentury Quonset hut enlivened with eclectic outdoorsy decorations, this rough-and-tumble counterpart to more glamorous nearby Jeune et Jolie has plenty of fun with its theme, down to the teepee on the patio. The centerpiece is a custom-built 12-foot wood-burning hearth, which lends an appropriate note of smoke to many of the kitchen’s offerings, from vegetables like crispy roasted broccoli with a tangy chermoula sauce, or grilled octopus with Jimmy Nardello peppers. Meatier options like slow-cooked brisket or a hefty tomahawk steak for two will sate even the burliest appetites.
$American
What happens when a fine dining chef leaves the white tablecloths behind? Enter Tanner's Prime Burgers, from Chef Brandon Rodgers. As expected, this place is all about the hallowed beef; single-source USDA prime, to be exact. Naturally, burgers are the go-to order, available in single or double sizes with toppings like American cheese, bacon, caramelized onions, and more in a brioche bun. Of course, fries are the perfect sidekick, and theirs are fried in beef tallow and double cooked for a perfectly crisp exterior. Still hungry? Order their vanilla tallow ice cream sandwich crafted from two ch
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.8/5 · 80 reviews
Tanner's Prime Burgers in Waunakee holds an average TripAdvisor rating of 3.8/5 based on 80 reviews. Food quality is mixed; while burgers and fish fries are praised, some diners found portions small or taste average. Service varies significantly, with complaints about slow pacing, lack of organization, and self-seating, though others appreciated efficiency. The atmosphere is ideal for sports viewing, featuring numerous TVs and a bustling bar vibe, but some noted unpleasant odors near restrooms. Value is generally considered decent for the pub-style setting. It suits groups looking for a casual game-day spot, provided expectations for service speed are managed.
Recommended for sports-watching groups, but visit during off-peak hours for better service.
$$$International
This restaurant's creative cooking continues to draw patrons for both special occasions as well as date night. The dark and seductive décor manages to be elegant without a hint of pretense, but one glance at the parking lot and you know that this spot is favored by a moneyed lot. Sushi is well-loved here, but it would be a shame to miss the chef’s creative and internationally influenced dishes. For instance, blue cheese soufflé with anise-orange marmalade shows off a European bent, while miso-glazed cod with shrimp dumplings is resoundingly Asian.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Fairhaven, MARKET Restaurant + Bar is noted for its seafood and sushi. Most reviews praise the fresh, delicious food, particularly oysters, scallops, and fish dishes, alongside friendly and professional service. The atmosphere is casual, offering indoor and covered outdoor seating. However, some customers report slow meal pacing, high noise levels during peak times, and occasional issues with greasiness or overpowering sauces. While isolated negative feedback exists regarding food safety and service, the overall high ratings suggest it remains a reliable choice for seafood enthusiasts.
Suitable for diners seeking casual seafood who can tolerate noise during peak hours.
$$$Contemporary
Every element of this setting seems to exude a California-casual meets country-club vibe. Inside, choose from one of the Craftsman post-and-beam dining rooms, warm with amber lanterns and stained-glass light fixtures; or simply head outside to dine on the patio overlooking the pool and 18th hole of Torrey Pines Golf Course. The city's unending growing season means that there is a boundless harvest of local ingredients to inspire this kitchen. Begin with Dungeness crab flan surrounded by watercress, Belgian endive and roasted grapes, drizzled with tangy balsamic dressing. Then, indulge in eleva
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
A.R. Valentien in Del Mar offers stunning views of the golf course and ocean. Reviews highlight high-quality, flavorful food and excellent service, with recommendations for persimmon salad and daily soups. However, some guests report slow meal pacing and inconsistent service, while others find dishes overly rich or disappointing. Although a minority cite poor value, the overall rating remains strong. It suits travelers seeking scenic dining and refined cuisine, though patience may be required during peak hours due to potential service delays.
Ideal for visitors prioritizing scenery and refined cuisine; book ahead and allow ample time for dining.
$$Japanese, Ramen
This Japanese import, whose first shop was opened in Akita Prefecture before spawning numerous offshoots, has been a local hit since day one. Set in a Clairemont strip mall, it attracts a crowd. Inside, one may expect efficient service and a no-frills vibe.On the menu, ramen is the main attraction. Diners are faced with few choices: the house broth is a rich, porky tonkotsu enhanced with miso; while the tantanmen is a unique take on Sichuan dan dan noodles, bolstered with ground pork and a touch of spice. Each item comes with excellent springy noodles and the option of add-ons—the ajitama egg,
$$$Japanese, Sushi
You’ll be on the clock at this tiny sushi spot, where the omakase is a 90-minute experience, but despite such punctuality, you will savor every bite here. In fact, you’ll find yourself slowing down to savor each and every creation from the talented chefs. However, seats here are hard to come by so be sure to reserve ahead of time or risk serious FOMO.Like other top tier sushiyas, they source both locally with San Diego uni and across the globe with Peruvian scallops and of course, plenty of Japanese species. A chalkboard menu keeps diners apprised of the current lineup, and for those who are s
$$italian, pizza
In the historic heart of La Jolla, find this cool and hip retreat on the top floor of the Plaza Center. The artfully designed dining room features sunny Mediterranean colors and ceramic tiles. A large, elegant terrace offers panoramic coastline views.Come early for their aperitivo (cocktails and snacks), but make sure you stay to explore this kitchen’s modern twists. Start with a daily salad special, featuring lovely flavors like beet chips and butternut squash, crowned by ahi tuna crudo with poppy seeds and basil leaves. Then dive into a Neapolitan-style pizza from the wood-burning oven, or d
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews
Catania in La Jolla offers scenic views and Italian cuisine. Food quality is generally praised, with standout dishes like baked branzino, grilled octopus, duck orecchiette, and mushroom pizza. However, some reviews note average sauces or unexceptional pasta. Service is typically described as friendly and professional, though occasional complaints cite slow pacing or inexperience. The atmosphere features a lovely ocean view and comfortable indoor/outdoor seating, with minor issues regarding noise or temperature reported. Value perceptions vary; while some find the high quality reasonably priced, others consider it expensive. Overall, it is a solid choice for dining with a view.
Suitable for visitors seeking dining with a view and fresh Italian cuisine.
$$$$Californian
Chef Elijah Arizmendi cut his teeth in New York kitchens before returning home to open this sophisticated tasting menu concept on the third story of La Plaza La Jolla. Whether it's California-raised Iberico pork or locally caught fish, the region's bounty is celebrated on a menu that reflects French and Japanese influences. A meal could begin with canapes like tempura-fried sweet potato topped with caviar; yellowtail in a crispy nori tube; and a rose meringue with beets and green yogurt, before moving into impressive dishes like crisp-skinned ocean tilefish with petite fennel and pomegranate,
$$Japanese, Sushi
"Irasshaimase!" is the greeting commonly heard upon entering this cozy little sushiya. You’ll want to plan ahead to snag one of the eight coveted seats at the pristine counter, but it’s well worth the forethought, as these friendly chefs take great pride in discussing the quality of their fish and the techniques used to prepare your meal. It’s also a front row seat to their admirable knife skills.Such affability extends to the dining room, where servers flash big smiles and loads of greenery as well as natural wood come together to create a truly serene effect. Omakase is the way to go, but th
$$$$Californian, Contemporary
Just look to its name to get a sense of what Paradisaea is all about. This La Jolla spot has an upscale tropical theme, where bar chairs are enlivened with a floral pattern and everything feels sunny and warm, especially outside on the patio. As might be expected, the mood extends to the bar, where tiki drinks take center stage. The kitchen turns out simple, contemporary cooking featuring local ingredients with Asian and tropical inflections. Case in point? A classic coconut shrimp, though here it's grilled over a robata and served with a coconut-lime dipping sauce. Northern halibut is fried t
$$Seafood
Nestled within a restored mid-century warehouse in North Pacific Beach, The Fishery is exactly what it claims. As if you needed further proof, there’s even a premier seafood market housed at its center. You would be hard-pressed to find fish fresher than the selection offered here, and the open kitchen does wonders with this market-driven menu overseen by these talented chefs, who let the quality product shine bright. Appetizers to consider include their calamari sided by a spicy aioli, delicious oysters, or a seafood tower. Then, twirl your fork into their house-made fettuccine tossed with lo
$$$Contemporary
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