Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in La Jolla

This trendy La Jolla joint is "the spot" for nightlife and premium cuisine. The bar is popular among thirty-something professionals. Expect to find large crowds, particularly on weekends. Many customers visit this place for one main culinary reason: steak. Utilizing the famous Al Farber's Char-Crust Spices, this restaurant offers a bevy of tantalizing steak specialties. Try the hometown-favorite Junior Seau Steak. And, for those customers who cannot get enough of the homemade barbeque sauce, purchase a bottle to take home. They also serve great hamburgers and sandwiches.

Only steps away from the famous La Jolla Shore, this establishment is always crowded with locals, ranging from college students to business professionals. An eclectic assortment of tables and chairs is accompanied by lively jazz music playing overhead. In addition, a surprisingly extensive menu features breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Popular entrees include the Tuna Melt, Shrimp Pasta Salad, and Turkey Lasagna. Meanwhile, dozens of pastries line a glass display case at the order counter. Choose from tarts, cakes, croissants and danish.

The atmosphere at this popular restaurant and bar is best characterized as colorful. The bright yellow sign, along with a front door featuring yellow, blue and green prints, welcome guests into the restaurant. Once inside, guests will notice colorful tabletops as well as mural-covered walls. The small, busy restaurant offers juke box music and a big bar. Carne asada- grilled steak, tops the menu, including combination of tacos, tortas and burritos. The place also offers marinated steak with a cheese enchilada and guacamole. Jose's Court Room is the place for great craft cocktails and delectable eats done the authentic Mexican way.

Puesto Mexican Street Food stays true to its name, and serves up tacos, salads, tostadas and the like, with a twist. A combination of fast food and casual dining is what you can expect when you dine in at Puesto. Customers can choose three different gourmet tacos for USD13, selecting from options like the Tamarindo Shrimp, Octopus, Baja Fish, Filet Mignon and Lobster Tacos among others. Patrons can also enjoy a drink from the full service bar, with cold beers, select wines, specialty cocktails and traditional tequila and mezcal available.

Featuring handcrafted brews, tasty entrees and an upbeat atmosphere, this restaurant is popular among locals and tourists alike. Inside, the bar holds a prominent spot, spanning one long wall. Tall tables are accompanied by a black and white decor. An outside patio is also available. The lunchtime menu offers pizzas, soups, salads, sandwiches and more. At dinnertime, try one of the house specialties. Creole Chicken Penne Pasta and Lobster Tacos Vera Cruz are both customer favorites. Remember to try a handcrafted lager or ale with your meal.

Named after an ancient port city on Sicily’s east coast, Catania offers an assortment of coastal Italian delicacies that are sure to delight your palate. Menu offerings include contemporary Italian dishes like Braised Beef Tongue, Crispy Octopus and Wild Boar Pasta. Complement the meals with draft and bottled brews, wines or Italian sodas. Situated atop La Plaza Center, the restaurant also allows you to enjoy sweeping views over La Jolla Cove while you enjoy the creative delicacies and delectable drinks. If you are craving for inventive Italian food, on a clear evening in the middle of summer, it’s hard to think of a better place to be.