Best Family Style Restaurants in La Jolla

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodChineseFusion / EclecticComfort Food

Regions

North San DiegoSan Diego

Neighborhoods

Del MarHillcrestKearny MesaLa JollaMission BayMission Valley

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

15 restaurants available nearby

1. Marisi

4.6

Exceptional(1164)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • La Jolla

Booked 71 times today

Discovering Italy by way of La Jolla, Marisi focuses on Italian hearth cooking with an emphasis on handmade pastas, fine wine and classic cocktails. The menu celebrates the rich diversity of cuisine from across Italy, fashioned in a time-honored tradition of handmade all day, every day. A dream that lives between the Italian and La Jolla coasts, suspended between tides instead of time — a mood more than a plot. A visit that feels a lot like coming home, if home was a warm, charming villa off the Amalfi coast. Marisi is a taste of something you want to remember. We hope you love it.

2. The Whaling Bar

4.7

Exceptional(97)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • La Jolla

Booked 20 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.

3. Paradisaea

4.7

Exceptional(610)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • La Jolla

Booked 37 times today

A celebration of food, cocktails, art, and warm hospitality. Housed in the historic Piano Building, in the heart of the vibrant community of Bird Rock, Paradisaea is a destination restaurant and bar, that San Diegans frequent for crave-able, accessible fare, executed at the highest level.

4. Lucrezia

4.5

Awesome(633)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • La Jolla

Booked 62 times today

A contemporary twist on Italian cuisine, Lucrezia is a culinary delight. Located in the heart of La Jolla in San Diego, we offer unique culinary experiences that transport our guests to a sunny terrace overlooking the Amalfi Coast. Join us for the next voyage.The ingredients and combinations found in our kitchen evoke the very mystique of Italian summers. We are curators of fine ingredients – the way they translate beautifully into our dishes is what makes us unique. Our dishes were carefully crafted to transport our guests to the most beautiful regions of the land. Travel the Italian countryside through our menu, and select your dish for the evening.La Nostra Famiglia: Passionate about food and good service, Grupo Hunan was born in 1993 in Mexico City to create unique experiences that become part of the best moments of your life. As an expert in over five different gastronomies, Grupo Hunan is set to satisfy all senses.Looking forward to welcoming you soon ! :)

A photo of Pacific Catch - La Jolla restaurant

5. Pacific Catch - La Jolla

4.4

Awesome(672)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • La Jolla

Booked 28 times today

Pacific Catch, the Bay Area’s premier fishhouse restaurant group, is opening its first location in San Diego County in October at Westfield UTC. The menu features sustainable seafood served in a wide variety of styles from appetizers and sharing plates to healthy bowls, sushi, tacos and burgers, complemented by a full bar and craft cocktails. The new restaurant will offer two destination patios, an open air cocktail bar, intimate booths and communal dining tables for larger parties. With ample street level parking adjacent to the restaurant, it’s a convenient option for all-day dining

6. Cesarina

4.9

Exceptional(5720)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Ocean Beach

Booked 176 times today

Cesarina is a grandmother, a mother, a daughter—our personification of a nurturer who feeds and cares for her community. From meticulous attention to detail and fresh ingredients to the warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a celebration of the power of food and family.

7. Cannonball

4.5

Awesome(1180)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Sushi • Mission Bay

Booked 28 times today

Refreshing craft cocktails, seriously tasty sushi, and California cuisine are just the start of what you’ll savor at Cannonball. Whether you choose to get cozy within our intimate cocktail lounge or out on the rooftop terrace, you’ll be treated to truly spectacular Mission Beach views every bite and sip. Dive into culinary creativity at Cannonball—there’s nothing quite like it!For larger parties, please contact us directly at info@cannonballsd.com

A photo of Rustic Root - Solana Beach restaurant

8. Rustic Root - Solana Beach

4.4

Awesome(58)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Del Mar

Booked 80 times today

Modern rooftop destination featuring local, seasonal cuisine & craft cocktails in stylish surrounds.

A photo of Cucina Enoteca - Del Mar restaurant

9. Cucina Enoteca - Del Mar

4.4

Awesome(2754)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Del Mar

Booked 38 times today

Say hello to the sister restaurant of San Diego’s award winning CUCINA urbana! CUCINA enoteca’s menu features Italian classics with a modern twist, traditionally coursed or served family-style, and made with the freshest local, organic and sustainable ingredients. Enjoy wine by the glass or visit the wine shop and select a bottle from over 100 selections at retail price ($10 corkage fee applies).

10. Cellar Hand

4.6

Exceptional(142)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Farm-to-table • Hillcrest

Booked 18 times today

Nestled in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego, Cellar Hand embodies a commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and community. Through a farm-to-table approach, our menu showcases hyper-local seasonal fare. Our extensive wine list highlights the diverse terroir of California, serving as an extension of founder’s Pali Wine Co. Santa Barbara County winery. By fostering deep connections with local artisans, farmers, fishers, and stewards, Cellar Hand strives to be a destination where guests can savor the essence of California’s bounty in every bite and sip.Enjoy our exposed kitchen, an indoor-outdoor bar, outdoor fire pits, and artwork by Nick Perr. Opened Wednesday - Sunday with daily happy hour specials and weekend brunch!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
RockVIP
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The most beautiful dinning experience!! We can't wait to go again.
More info
ParadisaeaPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• La Jolla
•
4.7
M
MichelleVIP
Orange County •2 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Overall, it’s a fun place to go with authentic Italian food. A bit pricey. The noise level is high, so it’s hard to have a conversation.
More info
LucreziaPrice: Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
•
4.5
M
mikeVIP
East Tennessee •10 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
Good quality, good service, good presentation but small amount of food for the high price
More info
MarisiPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
•
4.6
E
Eliza
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
4.0
Dined 5 days ago
Great food, lots of choices. The Mixed Catch is a good value
More info
Pacific Catch - La JollaPrice: Expensive• Seafood• La Jolla
•
4.4
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
The food was delicious, the service was excellent. We had a wonderful evening.
More info
The Whaling BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• La Jolla
•
4.7

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