Top Restaurants in the La Jolla Shores

La Jolla is known as San Diego’s European tourist destination, and we can’t blame them. With high–end shopping, incredible cuisine and epic views of the ocean (even the seals dig it), La Jolla is the place to visit. But locals and tourists alike have forgotten to go past the Cove and over to the Shores where dining is truly at its FINEst. Don't miss out as we take you to some of the best restaurants in La Jolla!

Piatti's in La Jolla

 2182 Avenida De La Playa La Jolla, CA 92037

Piatti’s is one of the oldest and best restaurants in La Jolla Shores. Piatti’s is located on the corner of El Paseo Grande and Avenida De Playa and has served Californian–Italian cuisine for more than 20 years. Its warm atmosphere and tree-covered patio strung with twinkling lights create a romantic ambiance. This gem is the perfect place to gather for holidays and even wedding rehearsal dinners. To start, enjoy their complementary (and unforgettable!) garlic olive oil dipping sauce. Their must-have winter item is the popular favorite Housemade Ricotta Butternut Squash in a walnut sage cream sauce.

La Jolla's The Marine Room

2000 Spindrift Dr. La Jolla, CA 92037

For more than 70 years, the Marine Room has been one of the finest restaurants in San Diego County, located right on the beach next to the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. When the tide is in you sometimes feel you are on a ship on the ocean; it's an epic place to watch the sunset. The Marine Room is a timeless venue for traditions: birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and gorgeous weddings. Chef Bernard has created a one–of–a–kind holiday menu. The Hokto King Trumpet Mushroom Casserole is filled with butternut, chorizo, sage fig biscotti and finished with lillet truffle essence. The king trumpet mushrooms are from Hokto farms with a meaty texture and flavor, organically cultivated in San Marcos. Second, try the Trilogy of Lobster, Ahi Tuna and Pompano, with green papaya, sesame brittle, caviar and wasabi oil. The lobster is made from 8/10 Maine Lobster tail wrapped in leek, seasoned with vanilla bean, lemon zest, and togarashi. Finish with the Cervena Farm Elk Loin, with wattleseed, boniato, eggplant, rhubarb jam and cacao nib gastrique.

Shorehouse Kitchen

2236 Avenida De La Playa La Jolla, CA 92037

The latest to the Shores restaurant scene, Shorehouse Kitchen is a popular breakfast and lunch spot where you can bring your dog (they have their own doggie menu). The atmosphere is friendly and comfortable with a beach house feel. Their products are all locally based. What sets them apart from other restaurants is that they make fresh-squeezed orange juice daily, have Kyoto /cold brew coffee and make their own coconut milk and macadamia nut milk daily. They also serve dinner five nights a week, which includes Cabernet braised short ribs and desserts made by Pastry Chef Sandy. Chef Sandy also makes their breakfast pastries, buttermilk biscuits and house-made cherry granola. The most popular dish at breakfast is the risotto benedict or breakfast grilled cheese sandwich!  (Aside of hash browns is a must!) 

Barbarella Restaurant and Bar

 2171 Avenida De La Playa La Jolla, CA 92037

Barbarella Restaurant and Bar is another one–of–a–kind restaurant, serving fresh, organic and local ingredients for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Barbarella's uniqueness comes from its focus on their customers, providing a neighborhood atmosphere. They provide a warm and comfortable atmosphere that gives that cozy, sitting–by–the–fireside feel. The evenings provide a romantic, mellow setting perfect for a first date or 60th anniversary. Suitable for any occasion, they host parties in their private dining room and share guest special occasions on their special day. Their must-have item is the wild salmon dinner with heirloom tomato, potato puree, and basil beurre blanc. Be sure to try their special seasonal cocktails!