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Best Cozy Restaurants in La Jolla

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85 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Whaling Bar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(64)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • La Jolla
Booked 13 times today
Rediscover The Whaling Bar in La Jolla, blending historic charm and modern luxury. Once beloved in the La Valencia hotel, it's back after ten years, mixing its rich legacy with today's elegance. Known for its cozy atmosphere and top-notch service, it's been updated for contemporary tastes without losing its heritage essence. Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski, with a background in America's top kitchens and Iron Chef America, leads the culinary journey, offering a menu that combines classic and innovative approaches. The Whaling Bar invites both old fans and new to enjoy luxury and become part of La Jolla's ongoing story.
A photo of Brockton Villa restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2772)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • La Jolla
Booked 10 times today
Great Food * Epic SunsetsBrockton Villa is a beautiful historic home converted into a restaurant located directly across from the ocean. Our seaside location offers a spectacular view of the world-famous La Jolla Cove, and has become a favorite "show off" spot for locals and visitors alike. We are known for our breakfasts, including our famous Coast Toast. Our chef creates many other wonderful dishes seasonally for lunch and our dinner service.Our house is the perfect place for you to host your next party. Whether it be a wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, baptism, bridal shower, baby shower, or any special occasion.Brockton Villa loves families! Please don't forget to include your little ones in your reservation count!
A photo of Queenstown Village restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(248)
Price: Moderate
• New Zealand • La Jolla
Booked 12 times today
La Jolla's new hot spot has arrived!! NZ eats opens its newest Queenstown location in La Jolla village. With a beautiful design and decor the vibe is what everyone is raving about. Serving brunch and dinner every day with a mix of New Zealand fare and American comfort food. Full bar offerings with on trend craft cocktails, local beers on draft. and the first retail wine list for a restaurant in La Jolla. Come in and discover your new favorite restaurant!
A photo of Isola La Jolla restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(780)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 16 times today
My Nonna's name was Isola, a wonderful cook who gave me a passion for food and fresh, simple ingredients.I have vivid memories of my grandmother turning plain bread into amazing desserts, simple apples into incredible fritters sprinkled with a little sugar and honey, and even treating my sunburns with olive oil. Thirty years later, I still savor every meal and moment.Isola is proud to serve the finest local ingredients, dalla vite, from the vine. I hope you enjoy every bite, plucked from my family tree for your table. Buon appetito!
A photo of Aldea La Jolla restaurant
4.0
Excellent(50)
Price: Expensive
• Regional Mexican (Baja Med) • La Jolla
Booked 2 times today
Aldea is a Baja Coastal inspired kitchen & bar located in the heart of La Jolla village. It's menu, crafted with passion and precision, is an inspiration of the vibrant flavors of Baja and SoCal coastline. Aldea, Spanish for "village," is committed to making your visit one you'll be sure to remember. Aldea, where community thrives and memories are made.
A photo of Manhattan of La Jolla restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1725)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 12 times today
Manhattan of La Jolla transports you to the best of New York via the cozy, upscale village of La Jolla. Located in the Empress Hotel on Fay Avenue, it is an elegant, casual and classy place where you would expect to see Old Blue Eyes or Danny Ocean romancing a beautiful woman while she sips her Cosmo over dinner. With quality Italian charm, Manhattan offers classic cocktails that get you into that New York swing--and the entrees are as good as it gets. Liberal olive oil, garlic, lemon and pepper complement the Zagat Award winning veal chop, steaks and seafood. Signature scampi, classic cannelloni, pasta al dente, and other succulent dishes, plus professional service and decor make this a terrific spot for a romantic dinner or mixing business and pleasure. Manhattan in La Jolla gets you the best of both worlds. Manhattan is an award winning La Jolla favorite, celebrating its 36th year.
A photo of La Dolce Vita Ristorante restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1103)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 26 times today
La Dolce Vita is located in a European courtyard setting at International Shops off Prospect St. Loyal to its name La Dolce Vita (The Sweet Life), is a place to sit back and relax in our cozy and romantic indoor dining room or our charming outdoor patio to enjoy a hearty meal along with a bottle of wine while listening to Italian tunes. We serve genuine Italian cuisine in a fine dining setting at affordable prices.
A photo of The Kitchen at MCASD restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(51)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • La Jolla
Booked 27 times today
The Kitchen @ MCASDOcean view dining in the heart of La Jolla.Menu draws inspiration from the regions of southern Europe, northern Africa, and the Middle East. Including Italy, Greece, Spain, Turkey, Israel, Morocco, and otherslocated at the newly renovated Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
A photo of Piatti - La Jolla restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5037)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 42 times today
Established in 1987, Piatti offers finely crafted fresh Italian cuisine. The soul of the menu is our housemade pasta that we roll, cut and cook by hand everyday. Offering a fresh take on the neighborhood Italian trattoria, Piatti combines a warm, inviting atmosphere, seamless service and an immersive market experience so you can enjoy Piatti at home. Whether dining in or taking home, Piatti brings friends and family together.
A photo of Piazza 1909 restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(811)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 11 times today
Welcome to Piazza 1909 in the heart of La Jolla! Enjoy chef Stefano's exquisite Italian cuisine and daily specials in a beautiful Mediterranean setting. Great outdoor patios and private event spaces. Gluten free pasta, pizza and Vegan menu available. Best homemade Pasta in La Jolla. Organic, free range meat and fresh Seafood. Dog friendly. DINNER Tuesday-Sunday. HAPPY HOURS Tuesday-Friday 4:30-6:00pm. Team Building cooking Classes. Private Chef Dinners & Catering. WEEKEND BRUNCH will resumes next Summer, but we welcome private luncheons any day of the week. What else to say? If you are looking for a memorable Italian dining experience, you got to the perfect spot! Grazie e ci vediamo in Piazza!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Lancevip
    San Diego •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Great view of La Jolla Cove and seals, good food, interesting menu, casual but fun atmosphere, excellent and friendly service. Great place to take out-of-town guests. Highly recommend.
    More info
    Brockton VillaPrice: Moderate• Californian• La Jolla
    4.6
  • Hamiltonvip
    San Diego •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Man, I noticed a few bad reviews for this place but we totally disagree. This is a cool, smaller restaurant attached to the Hotel Valencia. It has a nice u-shaped bar with what seemed to be mostly locals hanging out talking with the staff. Upscale vibe but not "stuffy" La Jolla vibe. The cocktails were amazing and fairly creative. We also thought the food was excellent, contrary to what a few other folks have said. The braised short rib Mao, crispy pumpkin squash, and twinkie ceaser were the standouts. Only minor downsides were that you can smell the seals a little bit and it was a bit chilly inside, as the door was kept open. Overall we really enjoyed our experience.
    More info
    The Whaling BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• La Jolla
    4.5
  • Tomvip
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Beautiful and creative decore sets it apart from most other restaurants. Menu was creative and affordable. Food was very good.
    More info
    Queenstown VillagePrice: Moderate• New Zealand• La Jolla
    4.6
  • Emil
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 17, 2024
    Great service and hospitality. Food was scrumptious, I would definitely recommend!
    More info
    Aldea La JollaPrice: Expensive• Regional Mexican (Baja Med)• La Jolla
    4
  • Edwardvip
    San Diego •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 11, 2024
    Our favorite neighborhood restaurant: great pasta, good pizza (crust a touch too thick to my liking), good happy hour, great value for pizza Tuesday, responsive service (special shout out to Olavo). and our favorite lasagna on "Funday" Sunday.
    More info
    Isola La JollaPrice: Moderate• Italian• La Jolla
    4.7

Discover best cozy restaurants in La Jolla

Discover the charm of La Jolla with a selection of cozy dining experiences perfect for any occasion. Whether you're in the mood for a sophisticated meal or a casual outdoor gathering, our curated list of restaurants in La Jolla, San Diego, captures the essence of coziness and comfort. Each venue boasts a welcoming ambiance, from intimate seating to warm, friendly service, ensuring a memorable dining experience. Enjoy the local flavors and expertly prepared dishes, where the focus is on quality and satisfaction. La Jolla's dining scene reflects its scenic surroundings with a mix of laid-back bistros and upscale eateries, making it ideal for both relaxed and refined palates. Explore our list to find the perfect spot that combines delightful meals with a cozy atmosphere, all set in the stunning locale of La Jolla, San Diego.

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