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

From cozy cafes to trendy bistros, I've tried them all. Whether you're a local or just passing through, finding the perfect spot for lunch can be overwhelming.

But fear not! I've narrowed down the top 13 best restaurants in LA Jolla for lunch.

So sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and let me guide you through the ultimate foodie tour of our beautiful city. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

The Cottage

Highlights
Amazing Stuffed French Toast
Delicious Braised Beef Hash
Best Strawberry Scones
Perfect Location Near Beach Trail

First of all, the location is just perfect for those who want to enjoy a nice meal after a refreshing walk along the beach trail. As I entered the restaurant, I was immediately impressed by its cozy and warm atmosphere.

Now, let's talk about the food. Oh my goodness! The highlights table doesn't do justice to how amazing the Stuffed French Toast really is. It's served with fresh berries, whipped cream and powdered sugar. The taste was simply divine and definitely a must-try if you visit The Cottage.

If you're more into savory dishes, then I'd highly recommend trying out their Braised Beef Hash. The meat was cooked to perfection and paired perfectly with crispy potatoes.

For those with a sweet tooth, don't forget to order their Strawberry Scones. They were moist, fluffy, and had just the right amount of sweetness.

Overall, my experience at The Cottage was delightful. From the welcoming service to the scrumptious food options available on their menu; it's definitely a place worth visiting when in LA Jolla for Lunch.

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Brockton Villa

Highlights
Great view
Excellent customer service
Sublime French toast
Decadent brunch classics
Attentive servers

First and foremost, the view was absolutely breathtaking. Sitting on the terrace, I could see the waves crashing on the shore while enjoying my meal which added an extra layer of enjoyment to my lunch experience.

The customer service at Brockton Villa is excellent. The servers were attentive and friendly, making sure that every aspect of our meal was perfect. They even suggested some great options from their menu that we would've never thought to try otherwise.

Speaking of the menu, let's talk about the food! I ordered their famous French Toast which was nothing short of sublime. It was fluffy, sweet and had a hint of cinnamon which added an extra kick to it. My friend ordered one of their decadent brunch classics and raved about how delicious it tasted.

What impressed me most about Brockton Villa was how attentive they are towards their customers' needs. The servers were constantly checking in with us to ensure that we were happy with our meals and that we had everything we needed.

All in all, Brockton Villa is definitely one of the best restaurants in LA Jolla for Lunch. With its stunning view, excellent customer service, and delicious food, it's a must-visit for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience.

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NINE-TEN Restaurant & Bar

Highlights
Great food quality
Classically elegant interior
Half-price bottles of wine on Wednesdays
Tuna crudo and Napoletano desserts are incredible

Firstly, the food quality at NINE-TEN is absolutely great. The restaurant has a classically elegant interior which adds to the overall dining experience. The menu is diverse and offers a range of options for even the pickiest eaters.

One thing I loved about NINE-TEN was their Wednesday deal where they offer half-price bottles of wine. Who doesn't love a good discount on high-quality wine? It's the perfect opportunity to indulge in some good wine without breaking the bank.

Now let's talk about the food. The tuna crudo was an absolute standout dish. The freshness of the fish paired with the tangy flavors made it a memorable culinary experience. And don't even get me started on their desserts! The Napoletano dessert was simply incredible - it's like heaven in every bite.

Overall, my experience at NINE-TEN Restaurant & Bar was fantastic - from the ambiance to the food quality, everything exceeded my expectations. If you're looking for a great spot for lunch in LA Jolla, NINE-TEN Restaurant & Bar should definitely be at the top of your list!

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The Taco Stand

Highlights
Amazing Tacos
Hot and Fresh Food
Good Outside Seating
Affordable Prices

First of all, let me say that the tacos were simply amazing. The meat was tender and juicy, the toppings were fresh, and the tortillas were warm and soft. I can confidently say that these tacos were some of the best I've had in LA Jolla.

The food was served hot and fresh, which is always a plus for me. And to top it off, they have good outside seating where you can enjoy your meal while taking in some sun and people watching.

Another great aspect of The Taco Stand is their affordable prices. You can get a delicious meal without breaking the bank. It's perfect for those who want to enjoy a tasty lunch without spending too much money.

Overall, if you're looking for an exceptional taco experience in LA Jolla, then The Taco Stand is definitely worth checking out. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later!

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Shorehouse Kitchen

Highlights
Outdoor Seating
Friendly Staff
Great Food
Beachside Location

First of all, the outdoor seating was a treat. It is always pleasant to eat while enjoying the beautiful California weather. The staff was very welcoming and made me feel at home. They were also helpful in recommending dishes from their menu.

Now let's talk about the food! I must say, I was thoroughly impressed with their offerings. Their menu had a variety of options ranging from healthy salads to mouth-watering burgers. The ingredients used were fresh and flavorful, making every bite a delightful experience. I especially enjoyed their fish tacos and sweet potato fries - they were simply delicious!

But what made my lunch even better was the beachside location. The view was breathtaking, and it added another layer of enjoyment to my meal.

Overall, Shorehouse Kitchen is definitely one of the best restaurants in LA Jolla for Lunch. From outdoor seating to friendly staff, great food, and an unbeatable location - this place has it all! Don't just take my word for it; go check it out yourself!

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Bernini's Bistro

Highlights
Cozy atmosphere
Amazing garlic bread
Short rib pasta
Trout with almonds
Wood fire pizza oven

Walking in, I was immediately struck by the cozy atmosphere. The lighting and decor were perfect for a lunchtime retreat. Now, let's talk about the food. First, let me tell you that the garlic bread is amazing. I could eat it all day and still want more!

For my main course, I opted for the short rib pasta and oh my goodness, it was incredible! The meat was so tender it practically melted in my mouth and the pasta was cooked to perfection. My friend ordered the trout with almonds, which was equally delicious. We both agreed that we would come back just to have those dishes again.

One thing that stood out to me at Bernini's Bistro is their wood fire pizza oven. The aroma of fresh pizzas being cooked filled the air and made my mouth water. Unfortunately, we were too full to try one this time around but it gives us a reason to come back!

Overall, Bernini's Bistro is a must-visit restaurant in LA Jolla for Lunch. With its cozy atmosphere, amazing garlic bread, short rib pasta and trout with almonds dishes - it's definitely worth checking out!

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Cove House

Highlights
Spectacular outdoor seating views
Delicious Stone Crab Blat
Great beach house vibe
Tasty happy hour food and drinks
Excellent service

First of all, let me just say, WOW! The outdoor seating area at Cove House is absolutely stunning. From the moment I sat down, I was mesmerized by the breathtaking views of the ocean. It's no wonder this spot is so popular among locals and tourists alike.

But let's talk about the food. I ordered the Stone Crab Blat and it was a game-changer. The combination of crispy bacon, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and succulent stone crab made for a delectable sandwich that exploded with flavor in my mouth.

The beach house vibe at Cove House is simply charming. It's like being transported to a cozy cottage by the sea where you can relax and enjoy your meal without any stress or worries. And let me tell you, their happy hour is not to be missed! The drinks were refreshing and delicious and the food was just as tasty.

Lastly, I must mention how impressed I was with the service at Cove House. Our server was friendly, attentive and went out of his way to ensure our experience was top-notch.

In conclusion, if you're looking for an exceptional dining experience in LA Jolla for Lunch with stunning views, delicious food, great ambiance and excellent service - Cove House is definitely worth checking out!

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Catania

Highlights
Ocean view and open air
Large drink menu
Coastal Italian cuisine
Friendly and attentive service
Delicious food, especially the octopus

Before I even get to the food, let's talk about the stunning ocean view that greets you when you walk in. It's like a postcard come to life! And if that wasn't enough, the open-air seating makes for a breezy and refreshing lunch experience.

Now onto the important stuff - the menu. Catania boasts an impressive drink selection, so be sure to arrive thirsty. But what really caught my attention was their Coastal Italian cuisine. The flavors were fresh and bold, just like the waves crashing outside.

The service here is top-notch too. The staff was friendly and attentive without being overbearing. They made me feel like I was dining with old friends.

But let's cut to the chase - what about the food? My taste buds were dancing after trying their octopus dish. It was cooked to perfection and seasoned just right. If seafood isn't your thing, don't worry - there are plenty of other delicious options on the menu.

Overall, my experience at Catania was unforgettable. Between the ocean view, large drink menu, coastal Italian cuisine, friendly service, and delicious octopus dish, this restaurant has everything you could want for a memorable lunch in LA Jolla.

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Barbarella Restaurant & Bar

Highlights
Friendly staff
Engaging atmosphere
Delicious food
Perfect for dates

First off, the atmosphere was engaging and had a certain charm that made me feel like I was in a cozy French bistro. The staff were incredibly friendly, greeting me with warm smiles and making sure my dining experience was top-notch.

But let's talk about the food. Oh boy, the food! Each dish I tried was bursting with flavor and simply delicious. From the refreshing Caesar salad to the savory steak frites, every bite was full of culinary delight. It's clear that the chef puts a lot of thought into each dish and uses only the freshest ingredients.

And let's not forget about how perfect it is for dates. With its dim lighting, intimate setting, and impressive wine list, Barbarella Restaurant & Bar is an excellent choice for a romantic lunch date. I'd recommend this spot to anyone looking for a quality meal in LA Jolla.

Overall, my experience at Barbarella Restaurant & Bar was exceptional. The friendly staff, engaging atmosphere, and delicious food definitely make it one of the best restaurants in LA Jolla for Lunch.

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Manhattan Of La Jolla

Highlights
Mob-boss vibe
Table-side prep
Friendly service
High quality food
Great wine list

From the minute I walked in, I felt like a member of the mob. The dark wood furniture and dim lighting gave off a serious mob-boss vibe that made me feel like I was in my own version of The Godfather.

The table-side prep was definitely a highlight of my meal. Watching the skilled servers prepare my dish right in front of me added an element of excitement to lunch that I don't normally experience.

But what really stood out to me was the friendly service. Despite the intimidating decor, the staff at Manhattan Of La Jolla were incredibly welcoming and made me feel right at home.

Of course, we can't forget about the food. The high quality ingredients and attention to detail made every bite a delight. And let's not forget about their impressive wine list - perfect for those who want to enjoy a glass (or bottle) during their lunch break.

Overall, I highly recommend Manhattan Of La Jolla for anyone looking for a unique dining experience with great food and excellent service. It's definitely worth checking out if you're in LA Jolla!

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The Spot La Jolla

Highlights
Delicious drinks and food
Reasonable prices
Friendly staff
Excellent food variety
Highly recommended

First of all, I have to say that this place is a hidden gem. The Spot La Jolla exceeded my expectations in every way. From the moment I walked in, the friendly staff made me feel right at home. They offered great recommendations and even helped me find a seat.

As I looked over the menu, I was impressed by the excellent food variety they had to offer. Whether you're looking for something light or hearty, they have it all! And let's not forget about their drink selection – absolutely delicious!

Now let's talk about the price point. The Spot La Jolla is truly a great value for what you get. Their prices are reasonable and you won't break the bank by dining here.

Finally, after my meal, I can confidently say that this spot is highly recommended. The quality of the food and service are superb and it's clear that they care about their customers' satisfaction.

So if you're looking for a place to dine in LA Jolla for Lunch, give The Spot La Jolla a try – you won't be disappointed!

Duke's La Jolla

Highlights
Ocean View
Excellent Food
Delicious Desserts
Friendly Staff

First of all, the ocean view from the restaurant is simply breathtaking. I couldn't take my eyes off it! As I settled down, I was greeted by a friendly staff who made me feel right at home.

As for the food, let me tell you that it was nothing short of excellent. The menu had a great variety of options to choose from and everything sounded so delicious that I had trouble deciding what to order. Eventually, I went with their fish tacos and boy, was it a good choice! The fish was cooked to perfection and the flavors were spot on.

But wait, there's more! The desserts were simply divine. I had their signature Hula Pie which was an absolute delight. It was so good that I wanted to have seconds but unfortunately, my stomach didn't agree with me on that one.

All in all, Duke's La Jolla is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for a great lunch experience in LA Jolla. With its stunning ocean view, excellent food, delicious desserts and friendly staff, it definitely deserves a spot on the list of best restaurants in LA Jolla for Lunch.

Cody's La Jolla

Highlights
Delicious food
Beautiful view
Friendly service
High quality
Great experience

Walking in, I was immediately struck by the beautiful view of the ocean. The restaurant is located right on the beach, and you can see waves crashing against the shore while enjoying your meal. It's definitely a great spot for a lunch date or a casual business meeting.

The menu at Cody's La Jolla is full of options that are sure to satisfy any craving. I opted for their famous lobster roll, which was absolutely delicious. There was an abundance of fresh lobster meat piled high on a perfectly toasted bun, accompanied by a side salad that was equally as delicious.

What really stood out to me at Cody's was the friendly service. The staff were attentive and made sure my experience was top-notch from beginning to end. They were knowledgeable about the menu and offered recommendations that did not disappoint.

Overall, I had a great experience at Cody's La Jolla. The food was high quality and the service was exceptional. Although it may be on the pricier side, it is definitely worth it for both locals and tourists alike who want to indulge in some amazing seafood with an unbeatable view of the ocean.