#1 Restaurants In San Diego & La Jolla
With warm temperatures and panoramic ocean views year round, San Diego is the ideal endless summer destination. Locals and visitors alike indulge in San Diego’s diverse activities and bustling culinary scene. From farm-to-table freshness and seafood staples to authentic Mexican cuisine, San Diego has something to satisfy all palates. Now that your itinerary is set, here’s a round-up of some of the city’s most happening restaurants.
BREAKFAST
LAZY HIPPO (DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO)
Located in the historic Gaslamp District, the Lazy Hippo is San Diego’s one-stop shop for all of your favorite breakfast plates. Swing by this quaint venue for a comforting meal or a cup of coffee as you read your favorite book. From decadent French toast and savory Eggs Benedict selections to authentic Mexican dishes and crisp salads, the eclectic fare at the Lazy Hippo is sure to satisfy your tastebuds.
BROCKTON VILLA RESTAURANT (LA JOLLA)
Housed in one of La Jolla’s original beach cottages, Brockton Villa offers patrons a charming view of the world-famous La Jolla Cove. Let the crisp, salty air and the sound of the crashing waves be your backdrop as you indulge in one of Brockton Villa’s fresh, seasonal breakfast staples. If you can’t get enough of this sea-side, culinary oasis, be sure to try out their lunch and dinner menus which feature succulent blue crab bennies for breakfast, grilled Atlantic salmon on tomato sourdough for lunch, and, for dinner, their famous cioppino, teaming with the delicacies of the sea!
BRUNCH
NINE-TEN Restaurant & Bar (LA JOLLA)
At NINE-TEN Restaurant & Bar, guests will enjoy the unique seasonal style of “Evolving California Cuisine”. Iron Chef Jason Knibb and celebrated Pastry Chef Rachel King are the renowned talents behind La Jolla’s award-winning NINE-TEN. The diverse menu is devoted to showcasing farm-to-table creations, inspired by daily excursions to local artisan providers, including the acclaimed Chino Farms. Only the finest artisan cheeses; market-fresh seasonal produce; herbs, greens, and vegetables from their own hydroponic vertical garden; and fresh seafood selections that arrive daily from the North Pacific, Atlantic, and Hawaii, are served at this unforgettable cuisine experience.
LUNCH
HODADS (DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO)
Known for their iconically hearty hamburger patties and creamy milkshakes, this family-owned burger joint is a must do for foodies, especially burger lovers. Hodad’s eclectic decor and loud and fun atmosphere make it a favorite for locals and visitors.
View this post on InstagramLike #GoingBig? Then you should be going to @hodads1904 #BurgerLovers #SanDiego #GoBigorGoHome
DUKES (LA JOLLA)
Named after legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku, Duke’s airy, two-story venue offers patrons stunning views of La Jolla Cove and serves traditional Hawaiin dishes with a modern twist like their take on ceviche with fresh fish and passion fruit and the banana leaf steamed fish and shrimp. Relaxed meets sophisticated at Duke’s making it an ideal lunch stop. So come on by and be a part of Duke’s ‘ohana.
CASUAL DINNER
LA PUERTA RESTAURANT AND TEQUILA BAR (DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO)
Tacos, Tunes, and Tequila… that’s what La Puerta Restaurant and Tequila Bar is all about! Tucked into the Gaslamp Quarter, La Puerta is a festive dive that serves quality Mexican cuisine and specialty drinks. La Puerta’s Sinaola-inspired family recipes ensure that their dishes and drinks are prepared with fresh ingredients every day. After your meal, be sure to stick around for some live music!
SHORE RIDER (LA JOLLA)
Come as you are and indulge in La Jolla’s endless summer vibe at Shore Rider. Enjoy craft beers and tasty bites at this open-air, quintessential beachside hangout. Their straightforward menu of good, honest eats includes the juicy Beach Burger on brioche bun, nachos, ahi poke and all sorts of fish preparations.
SIT DOWN DINNER
WATER GRILL (DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO)
Heralded as “the best seafood in Southern California” by USA Today and Zagat Guide, Water Grill serves patrons quality seafood and prime meats. The nautical inspired ambiance and palatable menu make the Water Grill an ideal destination to enjoy fresh, hip seafood.
View this post on Instagram✨ Seafood dreams ✨ 📸 @alex.floyd enjoying the best that SD has to offer 👏😍 #seafoodtower
THE MARINE ROOM (LA JOLLA)
Named one of Open Table’s “100 Most Scenic Restaurants in America,” The Marine Room offers patrons a unique, “dining on the surf” experience. Take in breathtaking views of the La Jolla surf and sunset as you enjoy some of the finest seafood that San Diego has to offer. The coastal flavors abound at this upscale, special event eatery like cashew coriander coated blue crab cake, fennel pollen butter basted lobster tail and a tantalizingly tart hibiscus meyer lemon tart for dessert.
SATISFY YOUR SWEET TOOTH
CHOCOLATE CREAMERIE (DOWNTON SAN DIEGO)
From decadent gelato and crepes to handcrafted chocolates and desserts, Chocolate Creamerie is the perfect spot to satisfy your sweet tooth. For those craving to mix savory and sweet flavors, the cafe also serves fresh paninis, salads, and pasta dishes. Oh, and coffee lovers, be sure to indulge in their specialty espresso drinks!
SUGAR AND SCRIBE (LA JOLLA)
Food Network Champion Chef Maeve’s Sugar and Scribe is stocked with tempting treats and savory bites. Sophisticated meets relaxed at this classic bakery. Stop by the bakery counter for their popular petit fours made with vanilla, blackberry, and almond or make a reservation at the establishment’s restaurant and dig into a long luxurious brunch. This full-service eatery is something you don’t want to miss!
OLD TOWN TROLLEY TOURS
With staples like these within close proximity to Old Town Trolley’s Hop-On Hop-Off Tour stops within the heart of downtown, it’s no wonder San Diego has been put on the national dining map. On Old Town Trolley’s La Jolla & San Diego Beaches Day Tripper Tour, you’re a hop-skip-and a jump from all the beach area restaurants listed here as well.
No La Jolla & San Diego Beaches Day Tripper tour dates currently available. Please check back in 2024.
Whether your San Diego itinerary is packed with activities or you’re more of a go-with-the-flow type of traveler, the city’s culinary scene is sure to accommodate your travel plans. Whether you take the original hop-on hop-off tour or the La Jolla beaches tour, foodies, prepare yourselves for a taste of paradise!