$$Japanese, Sushi
"Irasshaimase!" is the greeting commonly heard upon entering this cozy little sushiya. You’ll want to plan ahead to snag one of the eight coveted seats at the pristine counter, but it’s well worth the forethought, as these friendly chefs take great pride in discussing the quality of their fish and the techniques used to prepare your meal. It’s also a front row seat to their admirable knife skills.Such affability extends to the dining room, where servers flash big smiles and loads of greenery as well as natural wood come together to create a truly serene effect. Omakase is the way to go, but th
$$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.
$$$$Californian
Chef Elijah Arizmendi cut his teeth in New York kitchens before returning home to open this sophisticated tasting menu concept on the third story of La Plaza La Jolla. Whether it's California-raised Iberico pork or locally caught fish, the region's bounty is celebrated on a menu that reflects French and Japanese influences. A meal could begin with canapes like tempura-fried sweet potato topped with caviar; yellowtail in a crispy nori tube; and a rose meringue with beets and green yogurt, before moving into impressive dishes like crisp-skinned ocean tilefish with petite fennel and pomegranate,
$$$$Californian, Contemporary
Just look to its name to get a sense of what Paradisaea is all about. This La Jolla spot has an upscale tropical theme, where bar chairs are enlivened with a floral pattern and everything feels sunny and warm, especially outside on the patio. As might be expected, the mood extends to the bar, where tiki drinks take center stage. The kitchen turns out simple, contemporary cooking featuring local ingredients with Asian and tropical inflections. Case in point? A classic coconut shrimp, though here it's grilled over a robata and served with a coconut-lime dipping sauce. Northern halibut is fried t
$$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
$$$Contemporary
Every element of this setting seems to exude a California-casual meets country-club vibe. Inside, choose from one of the Craftsman post-and-beam dining rooms, warm with amber lanterns and stained-glass light fixtures; or simply head outside to dine on the patio overlooking the pool and 18th hole of Torrey Pines Golf Course. The city's unending growing season means that there is a boundless harvest of local ingredients to inspire this kitchen. Begin with Dungeness crab flan surrounded by watercress, Belgian endive and roasted grapes, drizzled with tangy balsamic dressing. Then, indulge in eleva
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
A.R. Valentien in Del Mar offers stunning views of the golf course and ocean. Reviews highlight high-quality, flavorful food and excellent service, with recommendations for persimmon salad and daily soups. However, some guests report slow meal pacing and inconsistent service, while others find dishes overly rich or disappointing. Although a minority cite poor value, the overall rating remains strong. It suits travelers seeking scenic dining and refined cuisine, though patience may be required during peak hours due to potential service delays.
Ideal for visitors prioritizing scenery and refined cuisine; book ahead and allow ample time for dining.
$$$Contemporary
Restaurant