LA Jolla's Best Family Restaurants [Updated 2024]

With 13 different restaurants on my list, I've tasted everything from classic American burgers to authentic Mexican cuisine. But let me tell you, narrowing down the top picks was no easy feat!

From ambiance to menu options, each restaurant has its own unique qualities that make it stand out. So, without further ado, let's explore the best family restaurants in LA Jolla that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters!

The Cottage

Highlights
Amazing food
Delicious scones
Great brunch
Picturesque area
Friendly service

The Cottage is a quaint and charming restaurant situated in a picturesque area, making it the perfect spot for a family brunch. As soon as I stepped inside, the friendly service made me feel right at home.

But let's talk about the food. Oh my! The dishes were simply amazing! From their fluffy pancakes to their crispy bacon, everything was cooked to perfection. But what really stood out were their delicious scones - they were so good that I ended up ordering more to take home with me.

The overall experience was fantastic, and I would definitely recommend The Cottage to anyone looking for a great family restaurant in LA Jolla. It's perfect for those who want to indulge in some scrumptious treats while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a place where you can have a great meal with your loved ones while feeling like you're dining in a cozy cottage somewhere in the countryside, then look no further than The Cottage!

You might also want to check out the best family restaurants in San Diego.

Brockton Villa

Highlights
Great view
Excellent service
Amazing French toast
Decadent brunch options
Attentive servers

First and foremost, the view from this restaurant is breathtaking! I was able to enjoy my meal while looking over the Pacific Ocean. It was so serene and peaceful that I nearly forgot I was in a bustling city.

The service at Brockton Villa is top-notch. The servers were extremely attentive and always made sure we had everything we needed. They even offered suggestions for menu items when we couldn't make up our minds.

Now onto the food, which was simply amazing. The French toast was out of this world - perfectly cooked with just the right amount of sweetness. And the brunch options were nothing short of decadent. From eggs benedict to avocado toast, there's something for everyone.

Overall, Brockton Villa is a must-visit if you're looking for a fantastic family restaurant in LA Jolla. The combination of great views, excellent service, and delicious food makes it a perfect spot for any occasion. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

You might also want to check out the best family restaurants in Escondido.

The Spot La Jolla

Highlights
Delicious and Reasonable
Friendly Staff
Excellent Food Variety
Coastal Location
Highly Recommended

First things first, the food! The menu has an excellent variety of options that cater to everyone's taste buds. From seafood to burgers, they have it all. And let me tell you, the food is delicious! I was pleasantly surprised by how reasonable the prices were too. It made me happy to know that I wasn't breaking the bank while enjoying a good meal.

But what really stood out to me was their friendly staff. They greeted us with a warm welcome and made sure our dining experience was top-notch. They even helped us choose dishes from the menu and offered recommendations based on our preferences.

The cherry on top was definitely the coastal location of The Spot La Jolla. Sitting outside on their patio with a view of the ocean made my meal even more enjoyable.

Overall, I highly recommend this restaurant for families looking for a great meal in a beautiful location. With its excellent food variety, friendly staff, and coastal location, The Spot La Jolla truly lives up to its name as one of the best family restaurants in LA Jolla.

You might also want to check out the best family restaurants in Encinitas.

Bernini's Bistro

Highlights
Cozy atmosphere
Amazing garlic bread
Short rib pasta
Great drink choices
Wood fire pizza oven

Upon entering the restaurant, I was greeted by a cozy atmosphere that felt like home. The decor was simple yet elegant, making it a perfect spot for a family dinner or date night. But let's get to the important part: the food.

To start off, I must mention their amazing garlic bread - it was so good, I almost wanted to skip the rest of the meal and order more of it! However, I decided to move on and try their short rib pasta which was absolutely divine. The meat was cooked perfectly and melted in my mouth with every bite. My kids enjoyed their wood-fired pizza which had the perfect crust-to-topping ratio.

But what impressed me most were their drink choices - they had something for everyone! From signature cocktails to local craft beers, there was no shortage of options. And let's not forget about their wine selection - it was extensive and included some rare finds.

Overall, Bernini's Bistro is definitely one of the best family restaurants in LA Jolla. With its cozy atmosphere, amazing garlic bread, delicious short rib pasta, great drink choices and wood-fire pizza oven; it's definitely worth visiting with your family or friends.

You might also want to check out the best family restaurants in Chula Vista.

Barbarella Restaurant & Bar

Highlights
Romantic ambiance
Friendly staff
Delicious food
Accommodating

Walking into Barbarella, I immediately noticed the romantic ambiance with dimmed lighting and candlelit tables. But don't let that fool you - this is still a great place for families. The friendly staff made us feel welcomed and were accommodating to our needs, including my picky eater son.

Now, let's talk about the delicious food. From start to finish, every dish was full of flavor and cooked to perfection. The menu has plenty of options for both adults and kids, making it easy for everyone to find something they love. I highly recommend their brick oven pizzas and seafood dishes - they were absolutely divine.

What really stood out to me was how accommodating the staff was when it came to my son's food allergies. They went above and beyond to ensure his meal was safe for him to eat without compromising on taste or quality.

Overall, Barbarella Restaurant & Bar is a fantastic family-friendly restaurant in LA Jolla that offers a romantic atmosphere with delicious food and friendly service. It's definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a great dining experience with your loved ones.

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Shorehouse Kitchen

Highlights
Great food
Wonderful staff
Outdoor seating
Relaxed atmosphere
Near beach/shops

Firstly, the food was simply great. From their breakfast burrito to their avocado toast, every bite was full of flavor and freshness. I especially loved that they used locally sourced ingredients.

The staff was also a highlight of my visit. They were wonderful, making sure our family felt welcome and taken care of throughout the meal.

One of the best things about Shorehouse Kitchen is their outdoor seating area. It's a perfect spot to enjoy your meal while taking in some fresh air and sunshine.

The atmosphere at this restaurant is relaxed and casual, making it an ideal spot for families with kids of all ages.

Lastly, Shorehouse Kitchen is conveniently located near both the beach and shops, making it a great place to stop by after a day out exploring LA Jolla.

Overall, I highly recommend Shorehouse Kitchen as one of the best family restaurants in LA Jolla. The food is delicious, the staff is fantastic, and the outdoor seating area adds an extra touch of charm to your dining experience.

You might also want to check out the best patio restaurants in San Diego.

The Taco Stand

Highlights
Amazing tacos and food
Good amount of outside seating
Affordable prices
Fresh and hot food
Friendly staff

Upon arrival, I was greeted by a friendly staff who immediately made me feel welcome. As I looked around, I could see that there was a good amount of outside seating available which was perfect for my family. We quickly ordered and eagerly awaited our food.

The tacos were definitely the highlight of the meal. They were filled with amazing flavors, and each bite was like a fiesta in my mouth! The freshness and heat of the food just added to the overall experience. It's clear that they only use high-quality ingredients to make their food.

What surprised me most about The Taco Stand were their affordable prices. For such good quality food, I expected to pay more than what we actually did. It's great to know that you don't have to break the bank for some delicious tacos.

Overall, my experience at The Taco Stand was nothing short of fantastic. With their amazing tacos, fresh and hot food, friendly staff, and affordable prices - it's no wonder why this restaurant is one of the best family restaurants in LA Jolla.

If you're looking for an exceptional taco experience with your family or friends, then head over to The Taco Stand!

You might also want to check out the best halal restaurants in San Diego.

Piazza 1909

Highlights
Intimate back patio
Superb food and drinks
Excellent service and ambiance
Accommodating staff
Vegan-friendly options

First of all, the ambiance is top-notch with an intimate back patio that's perfect for a family gathering. The staff is incredibly accommodating and attentive, making sure that every member of the family has a great time.

Now let's talk about the star of the show: the food! I must say, Piazza 1909 knows how to cook up some delicious dishes. Every bite was bursting with flavor and made my taste buds dance in joy. And don't even get me started on their drinks - superb!

For those who have dietary restrictions, Piazza 1909 offers vegan-friendly options so everyone can indulge in their delectable meals.

Overall, I had a fantastic experience at Piazza 1909. If you're looking for an excellent family restaurant in LA Jolla, this is definitely one for your list. The service is exceptional, the ambiance is cozy and inviting, and most importantly, the food and drinks are absolutely scrumptious.

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Wheat & Water

Highlights
Good pizza
Chill staff
Cozy ambiance
Tasty shrimp
No wait to sit

First of all, I was pleasantly surprised by the chill and friendly staff. They were very welcoming to my family and me, which made us feel at home from the get-go. We sat down in a cozy ambiance that had a nice rustic touch to it.

As we looked through the menu, I couldn't help but notice that they specialize in pizza. And let me tell you, their pizza is top-notch! The crust was crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, just how I like it. My kids devoured it within minutes!

But that's not all. We also ordered some shrimp as an appetizer and boy oh boy, were they tasty! It was perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of spice.

What impressed me even more was that we didn't have to wait long to be seated despite being a busy evening. That's always a plus when you have little ones who can get antsy quickly.

Overall, Wheat & Water is definitely one of the best family restaurants in LA Jolla, as it offers good food, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere for families of all sizes to enjoy together.

You might also want to check out the best italian restaurants in Little Italy San Diego.

Osteria Romantica

Highlights
Authentic Italian
Exceptional service
Handmade pasta
Must-try gnocchi
Delicious seafood

First of all, let me tell you that if you're looking for authentic Italian food, this is the place to be. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with exceptional service and felt like part of the family.

Now, let's talk about the food. The handmade pasta was a game-changer. You could really taste the love and effort that went into making it. But what really stole the show for me was their gnocchi. It was like biting into a cloud that had been seasoned by angels. Trust me when I say you must try it.

If seafood is more your thing, don't worry - they've got you covered there too. The flavors in their seafood dishes were so fresh and bold that I almost felt like I was on a boat in Italy.

Overall, Osteria Romantica is a top pick for families looking for an unforgettable Italian meal. Bring your appetite and prepare to be impressed!

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Duke's La Jolla

Highlights
Ocean view
Delicious food
Friendly staff
Great desserts

First of all, let's talk about the view. The ocean view from Duke's La Jolla is absolutely breathtaking. It's like dining on the edge of the world! But don't worry, you won't fall off because the staff are very professional and attentive.

Speaking of staff, they were so friendly and welcoming that I felt like I was part of their family. They even made recommendations for us based on our dietary restrictions and preferences. It was like having a personal chef!

Now let's move on to the most important aspect of any restaurant: the food. And let me tell you, Duke's La Jolla did not disappoint. The menu had a great selection of seafood dishes as well as other options for those who prefer something else. And everything we tried was simply delicious! From appetizers to entrees, each dish was full of flavor and beautifully presented.

But wait, there's more! Don't forget to save room for dessert because Duke's La Jolla has some great desserts too. We tried their famous Hula Pie and it was like a party in my mouth! A delicious combination of macadamia nut ice cream, chocolate cookie crust, hot fudge, whipped cream and more nuts on top - it's definitely worth trying.

Overall, Duke's La Jolla is an amazing family restaurant with stunning views, delicious food, friendly staff and great desserts. You won't regret visiting this place!

You might also want to check out the best italian restaurants in Downtown San Diego.

Richard Walker's Pancake House

Highlights
Unique breakfast menu
Gluten-free options available
Friendly staff
Short wait time

Walking into the restaurant, I was immediately impressed with the cozy atmosphere and the friendly staff greeting me at the door. As soon as I sat down, I was handed a menu that had my mouth watering in no time. There were so many unique breakfast options to choose from that it took me a while to decide what to order!

Thankfully, the wait time wasn't too long and before I knew it, my meal had arrived. The presentation was on point, and I could tell by just looking at it that it was going to be delicious. And boy, was I right! The pancakes were fluffy and flavorful, and the gluten-free options made it easy for anyone with dietary restrictions to enjoy a meal here.

Overall, Richard Walker's Pancake House exceeded my expectations. From the unique breakfast menu to the friendly staff and short wait time – everything about this restaurant was amazing. If you're on the hunt for a family-friendly spot for breakfast or brunch in LA Jolla, then look no further than Richard Walker's Pancake House!

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The Promiscuous Fork

Highlights
Friendly service
Great burgers
Outdoor seating
Surf & turn grilled cheese sandwich
Hawaiian vibes

First off, the service was incredibly friendly and welcoming. The staff made sure our family felt right at home as soon as we walked in. Once we were seated at a table with an amazing view of the ocean, I perused the menu and decided to try their famous burgers. Let me tell you, they did not disappoint! The burger had a perfect combination of juicy meat and fresh toppings that left my taste buds dancing.

But what really caught my attention was their surf & turf grilled cheese sandwich. Yes, you read that right – surf & turf grilled cheese! It's a unique twist on a classic favorite that will blow your mind. The sandwich is stuffed with lobster and steak, accompanied by melted cheese between slices of bread lightly toasted to perfection.

The outdoor seating area was ideal for enjoying the Hawaiian vibes while indulging in our meals. It's clear that The Promiscuous Fork takes pride in creating a relaxed atmosphere for its customers.

Overall, I highly recommend this restaurant for families looking for a laid-back dining experience with great food and excellent service. Don't miss out on The Promiscuous Fork during your next visit to LA Jolla!

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