LA Jolla for Dinner's Best Restaurants [Updated 2024]

From casual spots with delicious food to fancy establishments where you can dress up and enjoy a night out, the variety of dining options in LA Jolla never disappoints. I've had the pleasure of trying out 13 different restaurants, each with its own unique atmosphere and flavors.

Whether you're a seafood lover or prefer something more meaty, there's an option for everyone. So grab a friend, a date, or even just yourself and get ready to explore some of the best restaurants in LA Jolla for dinner!

NINE-TEN Restaurant & Bar

Highlights
Great food quality
Friendly staff
Beautiful seating outside
Half-price wine on Wednesday
Incredible desserts

First of all, the food quality at NINE-TEN is simply great. Each dish was crafted with precision and care, and the flavors were out of this world. I highly recommend trying their seasonal dishes as they use only the freshest ingredients.

The staff is incredibly welcoming and friendly, which made our dining experience even more enjoyable. They were happy to provide recommendations and ensure that we had everything we needed throughout our meal.

We decided to sit outside in their beautifully decorated seating area, which added a touch of elegance to our dining experience. The ambiance was perfect for a romantic date night or a small gathering with friends.

For all you wine lovers out there, be sure to visit on Wednesday when they offer half-price wine bottles! It's too good of a deal to pass up.

And last but not least - dessert! The desserts at NINE-TEN are absolutely incredible. From their chocolate lava cake to their crème brûlée, each bite was pure decadence.

In conclusion, NINE-TEN Restaurant & Bar is definitely one of the best restaurants in LA Jolla for Dinner. With great food quality, friendly staff, beautiful seating outside, half-price wine on Wednesday, and incredible desserts - it's an experience you won't want to miss!

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Manhattan Of La Jolla

Highlights
Live music and art
Table side preparations
Great food quality
Amazing service

As soon as I walked in, I was immediately drawn to the live music and unique art pieces that adorned the walls. It created a lively atmosphere that made me feel like I was in the heart of Manhattan.

The menu offered a variety of options, but what really stood out were the table side preparations. Watching our server prepare our Caesar salad right in front of us added an exciting element to the dining experience. And let me tell you, the food quality did not disappoint! From succulent seafood dishes to perfectly cooked steaks, every bite was a delight for my taste buds.

What truly set this restaurant apart was their amazing service. Our waiter was attentive without being overbearing and had a great sense of humor. He recommended some delicious cocktails that paired perfectly with our meals.

Overall, Manhattan Of La Jolla exceeded my expectations with their live music, art, table side preparations, great food quality and amazing service. It's definitely earned its spot on my list of best restaurants in LA Jolla for Dinner.

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Barbarella Restaurant & Bar

Highlights
Wonderful staff
Engaging atmosphere
Delicious food
Perfect for special occasions

As soon as I walked into Barbarella Restaurant & Bar, I was immediately drawn to the engaging atmosphere. With dim lighting and a modern decor, it was the perfect spot for a date or a night out with friends. The wonderful staff greeted me with smiles and made sure my dining experience was nothing short of amazing.

When it came to ordering, I was impressed by the variety of options on the menu. From seafood to steak, there were plenty of choices that catered to everyone's taste buds. I decided to try their signature dish - the lobster risotto. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The flavors were rich and creamy, and the lobster meat was cooked to perfection. It was truly a dish that left me wanting more.

Barbarella Restaurant & Bar is definitely a great option for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries. It has a classy yet relaxed vibe that makes you feel special without breaking the bank.

Overall, I highly recommend giving Barbarella Restaurant & Bar a try if you're looking for delicious food, an engaging atmosphere, and a wonderful staff that makes your dining experience unforgettable!

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Brockton Villa

Highlights
Great view
Excellent service
Delicious French toast
Decadent brunch classics

First of all, let's talk about the view. Wow. The restaurant is situated right on the beach and offers a stunning ocean view that will take your breath away. It's definitely the perfect spot for a romantic evening out or to impress your out-of-town friends.

The service was also excellent. Our waiter was attentive and offered plenty of suggestions from their extensive menu. Speaking of which, the food was amazing! While they're known for their brunch classics, we decided to try some dinner options and were not disappointed. However, I have to say that their French toast stole the show. It was so deliciously decadent that I'm pretty sure it melted my taste buds.

All in all, I had a fantastic experience at Brockton Villa and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great dinner spot with an unbeatable view. Just make sure you save some room for dessert - you won't regret it!

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The Cottage

Highlights
Amazing food
Best scones
Great brunch
Recommended dishes
Beautiful location

First things first, let's talk about the amazing food. I'm a picky eater, but The Cottage managed to satisfy my taste buds with their unique and delicious dishes. From appetizers to desserts, everything was spot on.

Now, let's talk about their famous scones. Trust me; these scones are not just another ordinary scone you can find anywhere. They're the best scones in LA Jolla! Biting into one of these will make you feel like you're on cloud nine.

Although I'm here for dinner, I have to give a shout out to their great brunch as well. It's always crowded because it's that good!

Let's move on to the recommended dishes. My personal favorite was the grilled artichoke - so flavorful! Another dish that stood out was the pancetta-wrapped shrimp - so juicy and delicious.

The location is also worth mentioning. The Cottage is located in a beautiful spot in La Jolla near the ocean, making it an ideal place for a romantic dinner or special occasion.

All in all, I highly recommend The Cottage for anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience in LA Jolla. Don't forget to try their scones - they're worth every calorie!

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Bernini's Bistro

Highlights
Cozy atmosphere
Amazing garlic bread and pizza
Short Rib Pasta is outstanding
Friendly service and owners
Great drink choices

Stepping into Bernini's Bistro, I was struck by the cozy and warm atmosphere. The friendly service and owners made me feel right at home. But let's get to the main event- the food! First up, the garlic bread. Oh my goodness, is there anything better than fresh-out-of-the-oven garlic bread? It was simply amazing.

Next up, pizza. And let me tell you, Bernini's Bistro does not disappoint in this department. The pizza was crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside with just the right amount of toppings. I could have eaten it all night.

Now onto my favorite dish of the night - Short Rib Pasta. This dish was so flavorful and tender that I couldn't help but savor every bite. Every ingredient was cooked to perfection and blended together seamlessly.

To wash down all this deliciousness, Bernini's Bistro has a great selection of drinks that complemented our meal perfectly.

Overall, I had an outstanding experience at Bernini's Bistro. If you're looking for someplace cozy with phenomenal food and friendly service then this is definitely a must-try spot in LA Jolla for Dinner!

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The Spot La Jolla

Highlights
Atmosphere
Delicious drinks
Friendly staff
Varied menu
Close to coastline

First off, the atmosphere at The Spot is unbeatable. With its cozy and warm lighting, it feels like you're eating in a charming cottage by the sea. Speaking of the sea, The Spot is conveniently located near the coastline so you can take a relaxing stroll after your meal.

Now let's talk about the drinks. Oh boy, they were delicious! From their signature cocktails to their impressive wine list, I was blown away with every sip. I highly recommend trying their mojito- it will leave you wanting more.

The staff at The Spot are also incredibly friendly and welcoming. They made me feel right at home and provided excellent recommendations for food and drinks.

Speaking of food, their menu is very varied with options ranging from classic burgers to fresh seafood dishes. I tried their fish tacos and they were simply divine.

Overall, my experience at The Spot La Jolla was fantastic. If you're looking for a great spot for dinner in LA Jolla with impeccable drinks and food, plus friendly staff and charming atmosphere that will make your mouth water, then look no further than The Spot!

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Bistro du Marché by Tapenade

Highlights
Unreal food
Fresh ingredients
Crisp French bread
Amazing bartender
Unbelievable service

First, let me just say that the food was absolutely unreal. I had the pleasure of savoring some of the freshest ingredients in LA Jolla. The flavors were so bold and vibrant, it was like a party in my mouth!

But what really stood out to me was the crisp French bread - magnifique! It was so good, I actually asked for seconds. And don't even get me started on their amazing bartender! They whipped up some of the best cocktails I've ever tasted.

However, what really made my experience unforgettable was the unbelievable service. The staff went above and beyond to make sure my dining experience was perfect. From recommending menu items to ensuring my glass was always full, they truly exceeded all expectations.

Overall, Bistro du Marché by Tapenade is definitely one of the best restaurants for dinner in LA Jolla. The food is top-notch and the service is impeccable. If you're looking for a place to impress your date or just want to treat yourself to an incredible meal, this is definitely a spot worth checking out!

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Mystique Dining of La Jolla

Highlights
Immersive experience
Delicious 5-course meal
Renowned magicians and themed shows
Intimate and unique atmosphere
Great for special occasions

The moment I stepped into Mystique Dining, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. The restaurant offers an immersive experience that indulges all your senses. From the elegant decor to the magical atmosphere, everything was perfect.

The 5-course meal was nothing short of amazing. Each dish was beautifully presented and tasted fantastic. The ingredients were fresh, and the flavors were well-balanced. I particularly enjoyed the Lobster Bisque and the Wagyu Beef.

What sets Mystique Dining apart from other restaurants in LA Jolla is their renowned magicians and themed shows throughout the night. From card tricks to illusions, I was entertained throughout the evening. It's not often you get to enjoy a delicious meal while being entertained by world-class magicians.

The intimate and unique atmosphere makes it a great place for special occasions like anniversaries or proposals. The staff is attentive and friendly, adding to the overall experience.

Overall, my experience at Mystique Dining of La Jolla exceeded my expectations. It's definitely one of my top picks for the best restaurants in LA Jolla for dinner. If you're looking for a magical evening filled with delicious food and entertainment, this is the place for you!

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Osteria Romantica

Highlights
Authentic Italian
Fresh pasta
Impeccable service
Creamy Gnocchi
Delicious salmon

As soon as I stepped into Osteria Romantica, I was transported to Italy. The atmosphere was cozy and intimate with warm lighting and rustic decor. But the real star of the evening was the authentic Italian cuisine. Every dish was made with fresh ingredients that perfectly captured the flavors of Italy.

The fresh pasta was simply divine, and the creamy gnocchi melted in my mouth. But what really set Osteria Romantica apart from other Italian restaurants in LA Jolla was their impeccable service. Our waiter was attentive and knowledgeable about every dish on the menu.

I couldn't resist trying the salmon which I had heard so much about, and it did not disappoint. It was cooked to perfection, flaky yet moist with a delicious crust on top.

Overall, Osteria Romantica exceeded my expectations and left me feeling satisfied and happy. If you're looking for an authentic Italian experience in LA Jolla for Dinner, this is definitely a place worth checking out!

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Duke's La Jolla

Highlights
Ocean view
Delicious desserts
Friendly staff
Coconut shrimp
Patio dining

Right from the moment I walked in, I was immediately captivated by the breathtaking ocean view. It felt like I was on a romantic getaway with my partner, even though we were just enjoying a dinner together.

The staff at Duke's La Jolla is one of the friendliest I've ever encountered. They greeted us with warm smiles and made sure we had everything we needed throughout our meal. And let me tell you, the meal was absolutely divine!

I highly recommend trying their coconut shrimp as an appetizer - it was crispy, flavorful, and left us wanting more. The entrees were just as impressive and beautifully presented.

But what about dessert? Well, let me tell you that Duke's La Jolla has some of the most delicious desserts I've ever tried! From the classic Hawaiian dessert Haupia to their signature Hula Pie, every bite was heavenly.

To top it all off, dining on their patio surrounded by good food and great company is definitely something you don't want to miss out on.

Overall, Duke's La Jolla is a must-visit for anyone looking for exceptional food with an amazing ocean view.

The Marine Room

Highlights
Superior experience
Delightful changing menu
Beautiful and delicious food
Top-notch view
Mixed service levels

First of all, let me tell you that my experience at The Marine Room was superior. From the moment I walked in, I knew that this was going to be a special night. The atmosphere is elegant but not stuffy, and the view is absolutely breathtaking. It's no wonder why it's known as one of the best restaurants in LA Jolla for Dinner.

The menu at The Marine Room varies depending on what's fresh and in season, which makes it a delightful surprise every time you visit. Each dish looked like a piece of art and tasted even better than it looked. The food was both beautiful and delicious, making it hard to choose just one dish.

The view from The Marine Room is top-notch since you get to enjoy your meal right next to the ocean while watching waves crash against the windows. However, while some servers were exceptional, others were just average so service levels can be a bit mixed.

Overall, my experience at The Marine Room was fantastic! While there were some minor issues with service levels, the quality of food and ambiance made up for it. If you're looking for an unforgettable night out in LA Jolla for Dinner with beautiful views and delicious food then I highly recommend giving The Marine Room a try!

Eddie V's Prime Seafood

Highlights
Ocean view
Excellent food
Exceptional service
Special occasion friendly
Luxurious atmosphere

First of all, let's talk about the ocean view. It's breathtaking! You can almost hear the waves crashing against the shore as you enjoy your meal. It's like dining on a cruise ship without the seasickness.

Now, onto the most important aspect - the food. All I can say is wow, Eddie V's Prime Seafood did not disappoint! From the appetizers to the main course, every dish was filled with flavor and cooked to perfection. I especially recommend trying their seafood platter; it has everything from oysters to crab legs and it's big enough to share with a friend or two.

The exceptional service at Eddie V's also deserves recognition. The staff was incredibly attentive and friendly without being overbearing. They made sure our water glasses were always full, offered great wine recommendations, and even brought out a complimentary dessert for us to celebrate our special occasion.

Speaking of special occasions, this restaurant is definitely special occasion friendly. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or just a fancy date night out, Eddie V's Prime Seafood sets the perfect luxurious atmosphere for any celebration.

In conclusion, if you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience in LA Jolla for Dinner that checks all the boxes - ocean view, excellent food, exceptional service, special occasion friendly and luxurious atmosphere - then look no further than Eddie V's Prime Seafood!