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
$$ · Pizza · 2.5
La Jolla
“Intimate, wood-beamed eatery with elegant, seasonal American fare & a deck with golf-course views.”
$$$$ · Restaurants · 2.4

La Jolla
$ · American · 2.4

La Jolla
“Airy two-story destination for Hawaiian-inspired fare with outdoor seating and ocean views.”
$$ · 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
“Trendy eatery offering hip foodies an innovative menu along with wine & craft beer.”
$$ · American · 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
“Perched atop La Plaza Center, this coastal Italian specialist serves up wood-fired pizzas & more.”
$$$ · Pizza · 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
“Simple but revered breakfast menu served all day & an old-school diner decor draw eclectic crowds.”
$ · American · 2.4

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

La Jolla
$ · Pizza · 2.4

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

La Jolla
$$ · Thai · 2.4

La Jolla
$$ · American · 2.4

La Jolla
“Quaint Italian eatery serving red-sauce classics, specialty dishes & wine in a comfortable setting.”
$$ · Italian · 2.4

La Jolla
$$ · Seafood · 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
“Buzzy brunch & lunch spot with clever comfort food, ocean views & a patio known for people-watching.”
$$ · American · 2.4
La Jolla
$$ · Restaurants · 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
$ · Indian · 2.4

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

La Jolla
$ · Sushi · 2.4

La Jolla
$$ · 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
$ · American · 2.4

La Jolla
“Snug spot doling out nigiri sushi & Japanese small plates prepped by a Sushi Ota alum.”
$$$ · Japanese · 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
“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
“Classic pub grub & drinks served late in a casual tavern atmosphere with a fireplace.”
$$ · Pizza · 2.3

La Jolla
“Laid-back all-day haunt featuring outdoor seating adjacent to a celebrated golf course.”
$$ · American · 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
$$ · Thai · 2.3

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

La Jolla
$ · Mexican · 2.3

La Jolla
$$ · American · 2.3

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

La Jolla
$ · Tacos · 2.3

La Jolla
“Inspired Californian-Mediterranean dishes & revered Sunday brunch buffet in the La Valencia Hotel.”
$$$ · Seafood · 2.3

La Jolla
“Cozy pub in a renovated bungalow offering creative burgers & many beers from all over the world.”
$$ · American · 2.3

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