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Best Fun Restaurants in La Jolla

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162 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Le Coq restaurant
1. Le Coq
4.5
Awesome(293)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French • La Jolla
Booked 37 times today
Le Coq is James Beard Best Chef finalist Tara Monsod’s new wave French steakhouse. Inspired by the modern Parisian culinary landscape, chef Tara reinvents classic dishes through her signature approach, blending cross-cultural references and ingredients for a distinctly SoCal expression of French cuisine. Bright touches and hyper-seasonal products ground the menu with San Diego style, while nods to chef Tara’s Southeast Asian background are interwoven throughout. Located in downtown La Jolla in a 1930’s historic building with exposed brick walls, steel trusses, and a barrel-vaulted ceiling. Into this storied shell is inserted a posh 1970’s diner club.
A photo of Duke's La Jolla restaurant
2. Duke's La Jolla
4.6
Exceptional(6547)
Price: Moderate
• Hawaii Regional Cuisine • La Jolla
Booked 115 times today
We are open for indoor and outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery! Visit dukeslajolla.com to view our menus or place an online takeout order.You don’t need to cross the Pacific to get a taste of Hawaii. Duke’s La Jolla is San Diego’s island-inspired home, honoring the Ambassador of Aloha, Duke Kahanamoku, with coastal cuisine of Hawaii, craft cocktails and a genuine spirit of aloha. It’s the same authentic hospitality and panoramic ocean view that you’ll find at all of the California and Hawaii Duke’s restaurants, paying tribute to the Duke and welcoming you to celebrate life like the legend himself.
A photo of Catania restaurant
3. Catania
4.8
Exceptional(2069)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 26 times today
Inspired by an Italy road-trip Chef Ryan and I (Arturo) took back in 2008, we’re pleased to introduce Catania, the newest member of the Whisknladle Hospitality family. Here, we’ll be featuring simple, seasonal and authentic Italian Coastal Cuisine (None of the Italian version of TexMex you see most other places). Our commitment to authenticity will be evident in our use of wood burning ovens and grills, an all Italian wine list as well as an exclusively craft Italian Beer program. (Yes, Italy has an amazing craft beer movement nobody’s heard about.)
A photo of Marisi restaurant
4. Marisi
4.6
Exceptional(1061)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 41 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.
A photo of The Whaling Bar restaurant
5. The Whaling Bar
4.5
Awesome(74)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • La Jolla
Booked 34 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 NINE-TEN restaurant
6. NINE-TEN
4.7
Exceptional(2933)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • La Jolla
Booked 9 times today
NINE-TEN is a fun restaurant because of its fantastic food, great service, and beautiful ambiance. As one review says, it's a place where 'excellent food and service' come together in an 'elegant yet relaxed' setting. Another mentions the 'innovative and well-executed cuisine with local ingredients' and the 'perfect wine pairing recommendations'. Plus, the 'mocktails are also fun and flavorful'. So, it's a place where you can enjoy great food in a relaxed atmosphere with friendly service!
A photo of Puesto La Jolla restaurant
7. Puesto La Jolla
4.6
Exceptional(2122)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Jolla
Booked 52 times today
Owned and operated by a Mexican American family whose best memories all include tacos. Puesto is an award-winning Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar providing an innovative approach to authentic Mexican flavors. Puesto has garnered national acclaim for its Mexico City-style crispy melted cheese tacos, served on handmade non-GMO, organic, maíz azul stone-ground tortillas. In addition to tacos, offerings include a selection of fresh catch ceviches, guacamoles, starters and ensaladas, courtesy of Chef/Partner Luisteen Gonzales. The bar program showcases the best of Mexico City through the use of fresh ingredients in our hand crafted cocktails and housemade Micheladas, tequilas, mezcals, Baja craft beers, and Valle de Guadalupe wines you can’t find elsewhere. We’re honored to have been featured by media outlets nationally and internationally, some of which include National Geographic, Huffington Post, Insider, Zagat, Eater, Food and Wine, LA Times and the Michelin Guide.
A photo of Eddie V's - La Jolla restaurant
8. Eddie V's - La Jolla
4.9
Exceptional(5630)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • La Jolla
Booked 95 times today
Eddie V's Prime Seafood is a luxury dining destination known for the seafood flown in from pristine waters around the world, as well as its premium hand-carved steaks. Dishes are artistically prepared and feature an ever-changing array of seasonal seafood, along with critically acclaimed prime center-cut steaks broiled to perfection. The restaurant's award-wining wine list, which has been recognized by Wine Spectator, has more than 300 wines curated by Eddie V's very own Advanced Sommelier. In the V Lounge, guests can sip classic creative cocktails and enjoy signature appetizers.
A photo of Brockton Villa restaurant
9. Brockton Villa
4.5
Awesome(2777)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • La Jolla
Booked 20 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
10. Queenstown Village
4.6
Exceptional(254)
Price: Moderate
• New Zealand • La Jolla
Booked 9 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!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Richelle
    California Central Coast •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We went for my birthday with my parents and in-laws! It was our first time but we heard good things. I’m so happy we tried it out! Phenomenal food and service! I am pregnant so I couldn’t drink, but the non alcoholic options are actually really good! Thank you!
    More info
    MarisiPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
    •
    4.6
  • Kelsey
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Great spot to pop in for drinks/appetizers. More of a tapas style dining experience than a full dinner entree spot, but the quality of the food and the atmosphere is worth it! Our server was extremely attentive, welcoming, and friendly. The caesar "twinkie" salad and kale salad were to die for--probably some of the best salads I've ever had. The potato gnocchi and the whipped ricotta were also incredible. For the portion size, the price is on the high end, but great spot to visit during the holidays as it's connected to La Valencia Hotel, which is magical at Christmas!
    More info
    The Whaling BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• La Jolla
    •
    4.5
  • JohnVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •31 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Food is always great and the staff are super friendly. Just a great all around atmosphere on a cold winters night
    More info
    CataniaPrice: Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
    •
    4.8
  • MonicaVIP
    Mexico City •99 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Everything we ordered was delish. We started with the bread and butter which is always great. We then had the bistro and celery salad, always a great choice, very tasty. The pork croquettes are delish. The swordfish, chicken,lamb and short ribs are all super delicious, the potato cakes with egg roe are awesome, the sautéed mushrooms are super tasty. Finally the cheesecake and pistacho desserts are a great finally.
    More info
    Le CoqPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French• La Jolla
    •
    4.5
  • ColleenVIP
    New York City •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Fun place, great food, excellent service! Will definitely be back. Nice casual vibe overlooking the water. 
    More info
    Duke's La JollaPrice: Moderate• Hawaii Regional Cuisine• La Jolla
    •
    4.6

Discover best fun restaurants in La Jolla

Discover the vibrant and enjoyable dining scene in La Jolla, San Diego, where fun meets culinary excellence. Whether you're seeking a lively atmosphere for a special occasion or a casual get-together, La Jolla offers a rich array of restaurants that prioritize both creativity and quality. Each establishment brings its unique twist to the dining experience, featuring everything from innovative New American cuisine to traditional Japanese dishes, all crafted with local ingredients and a touch of flair. Expect not only delicious meals but also impeccable service and a welcoming ambiance that complements the fun vibe of each location. Dine al fresco to enhance your experience with stunning views or enjoy a cozy setting indoors. La Jolla's dining scene is truly a testament to its commitment to both fun and food, making it a perfect destination for food lovers looking for an enjoyable and memorable meal.

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