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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in La Jolla

Price
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16 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Eddie V's - La Jolla restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(5851)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • La Jolla
Booked 116 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 Queenstown Village restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(317)
Price: Moderate
• New Zealand • La Jolla
Booked 21 times today
Queenstown Village in La Jolla is a hot spot due to its beautiful design and vibe. It's loved for its mix of New Zealand fare and American comfort food, and its full bar offerings with on-trend craft cocktails and local beers on draft. Reviewers rave about the friendly service, delicious food, and enchanting ambience. It's even been dubbed a 'great new restaurant' with 'excellent food and service' by patrons.
A photo of Piatti - La Jolla restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5172)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 71 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 Manhattan of La Jolla restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1797)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 19 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 Barbarella restaurant
4.5
Awesome(882)
Price: Moderate
• European • La Jolla
Booked 16 times today
Barbarella is a restaurant and full bar located on Avenida De La Playa in La Jolla Shores. Adorned with an eclectic mix of art and boasting plenty of outdoor seating, Barbarella a one-of-a-kind culinary gem with executive Chef Lynn Crawford!
A photo of The Grass Skirt restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(766)
Price: Expensive
• Polynesian • Pacific Beach
Booked 34 times today
From beverage director Eric Johnson love of tiki cocktails, to corporate executive chef Brian Redzikowski’s mastery of southeast asian cuisine, the grass skirt combines the fun, lighthearted, escapist nature of tiki culture, with the creativity and unsurpassed food and beverage quality guests have come to expect from SDCM restaurants.
A photo of Seasons 52 - San Diego - UTC restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5125)
Price: Expensive
• American • University City/Golden Triangle
Booked 66 times today
Seasons 52 is a Fresh Grill and Wine Bar offering a seasonal menu that is naturally lighter and always flavorful. Our seasonal menus feature ingredients at their peak of freshness, oak-fire grilled or brick oven roasted (without a fryer in sight) to be naturally lighter and more flavorful. We also offer an extensive list of wines by the glass and bottle. Here, you'll always feel free to enjoy every bite, every sip, every moment. Lunch and dinner daily with happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-6PM.
A photo of World Famous restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1068)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Pacific Beach
Booked 22 times today
World Famous is a hotspot due to its unique location on the beach, offering spectacular views. The restaurant's Southern Californian Coastal cuisine, including market fresh Pacific seafood and grilled steaks, has won rave reviews for its flavor and quality. The excellent service, friendly staff, and inviting ambiance make it a go-to spot for both locals and tourists. As one reviewer put it, 'Great food, excellent service and wonderful ambiance!'
A photo of Starlite restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(189)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Mission Hills
Booked 108 times today
Starlite: A timeless San Diego icon with a fresh future, helmed by Chef Ted Smith.Please note: Our establishment is 21+
A photo of Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant
3.7
Very Good(7721)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Mission Valley
Booked 147 times today
Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Denise
    Utah •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    First time here, on recommendation of friend. We really loved the old-world atmosphere. This was like going back to the 1960's in NY or LA, dark, moody, big leather booths. Love Love. Food was great and fantastic value for the price. 3 cocktails and two entrées and bill was under $200. Brought home leftovers too:) Staff was awesome. This place is over 40 years old and I can see why. We will be coming back.
    More info
    Manhattan of La JollaPrice: Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
    4.8
  • Colleen
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The ambience was lovely and the staff very friendly. Food quality was excellent. So was speed of service.
    More info
    Queenstown VillagePrice: Moderate• New Zealand• La Jolla
    4.6
  • CindyVIP
    San Diego •59 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We were expecting to have live music as they have had in the past. It was one of the few restaurants that still had it. Unfortunately, they have discontinued it also.
    More info
    Eddie V's - La JollaPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• La Jolla
    4.9
  • Lisa
    Austin •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The serenity of the back patio, under the ficus tree umbrella, is very calming and lends itself perfectly to the outstanding food and service. Piatti’s is consistent in their approach to food with no surprises. Expertly prepared lemon crème sauce covers the spinach and ricotta ravioli like velvet. I added salmon, medium temperature, it too was spot on with the seasoning and texture. I’m dreaming about going back soon.
    More info
    Piatti - La JollaPrice: Moderate• Italian• La Jolla
    4.8
  • Brittany
    Virginia •2 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Great place for dinner especially if your party includes kiddos. Portions were generous, service was superb and the ambiance eclectic. Overall good experience!
    More info
    BarbarellaPrice: Moderate• European• La Jolla
    4.5

Discover best hot spot restaurants in La Jolla

Discover the vibrant dining scene in La Jolla, San Diego, where each restaurant serves as a hot spot offering unique culinary experiences. From innovative Californian cuisine at a Michelin-recognized establishment to the rich flavors of elevated Mexican dishes, La Jolla's restaurant scene dazzles with diversity and quality. Indulge in a mix of New Zealand fare paired with American comfort food, or opt for health-conscious meals that are as tasty as they are beneficial. The ambiance across these hot spots ranges from elegant and sophisticated to friendly and lively, ensuring a memorable dining experience for every occasion. Whether you're in the mood for creative French cuisine or fresh, flavorful dishes, La Jolla’s restaurants are celebrated for their exceptional food, service, and atmosphere. This guide is your gateway to exploring top dining destinations in La Jolla, perfect for locals and tourists alike seeking quality and variety in their culinary adventures.

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