There are countless great restaurants in and around La Jolla. When we have come we typically have stayed with friends and eat/cook at home. But these are some of our favorites. Enjoy!

Parakeet Cafe: Vibrant shop with amazing breakfast items and coffee. Everything from your fancy California avocado toasts, acai bowls, breakfast sammies (on croissants and other brioche buns), and other morning egg things like burritos. Also have lunch items

The Kitchen at MCASD: Get a reservation in the Sahm Seaview Room for breakfast or brunch/lunch. This restaurant is located within the Museum of Contemporary Arts San Diego. The views are amazing as is the architechture.

Sugar & Scribe: Breakfast/Brunch spot serving mimosas, bloody mary's and other morning vices. Pancakes, waffles, lox, soups/salads/sandwiches, egg skillets and more.

Blue Whale: Open for breakfast lunch and dinner, but we've only been her for breakfast. Known for their acai bowls and smoothies. Lunch and dinner they have lots of poke bowls, lobster rolls and more.

The Cottage: Classic spot serving a classic all american breakfast. Think 2 eggs and some sides, pancakes, benedict things and omelettes.

Wayfair Bread and Pastries: Located in Birdrock this joint has amazing pastries and sandwhiches available.

It's worth noting that Parakeet, Blue Whale and Sugar & Scribe offer carry out options of pastries and to-go coffees.

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters: Located in Birdrock/Hermosa (where Chase and Jen have spent most of their time) this place is always buzzing in the morning. We preferred their iced drinks as the hot tends to be a bit more acidic and artisan than your standard cup. Grab a cup and enjoy a walk through Birdrock and Hermosa neighborhoods - the homes are stunning over here!

Better Buzz: This is a chain but a hip fun spot to grab coffee with an open air concept. They also serve food but we've never had any from here.

Lark & Owl: Small shop serving sandwiches, pizzas and salads. This is where we like to snag a sandwich and head to the beach with a beverage and take it all in. They also offer smoothes. They do not serve alcohol.

Taco Stand: You kinda have to come here while you're here. Service is quick, food is great and it's overall just a casual laid back vibe. Everything is homemade. You order at the counter and snag a seat. And it's exactly what you think it is: tacos and Mexican beer.

Oscar's: Could this be better than taco stand? We'll let you be the judge. This is another one of our absolute favorite places. They have two locations: one in Pacific Beach and one in North Pacific Beach (kind of near Birdrock). They have fresh ceviche and out of this world tacos. They do not serve alcohol.

Burger Lounge: Chase made me put this on the list. This is his contribution to this entire website. They have burgers. (they're actually really good but I have a feeling all you east coasters will want in and out anyway🍔)

Puesto: Did somebody say maragaritaaas! Great spot right in La Jolla if you're looking for just a marg and some chips and salsa or maybe a full meal. Also a good people watching spot.

Chef Jun: Craving sushi? The further you get from the coastline the better the sushi is...in California. This is in a random location but the sushi is out of this world. Recommend going but you'll need a car or take an uber to get there.

Catania: Italian restaurant. Okay so we've actually never been here but have wanted to go. Check it out and let us know how it was.

La Sala Lounge: Located in La Valencia Hotel (big pink hotel you really can't miss it), this cocktail bar is phenomenal. Don't expect a bargain but expect well made drinks and great ambiance. Come during the day so you get the eclectic and iconic view.

Whaling Bar: Located the front of La Valencia Hotel this is a revival/re-opening of what was once a historic bar housing star-studded guests. It originally opened in 1949, closed temporarily and has recently re-opened in 2024. On the more expensive side.

We Olive & Wine Bar: Wine. Cheese. Views. Charming spot that has a nice outdoor deck with a great wine selection.

Birdseye Rooftop Restaurant and Bar: Located on top of the Cormorant Hotel, they offer great cocktails and excellent view right in the heart of La Jolla.

Shore Rider Bar: Great spot for beer that's always busy. It can be tricky to find parking near here but if you're staying at La Jolla Beach Club or Hotel La Jolla you could walk here. There's also several restaurants through here.

Pacific Beach Bars: PB has a larger variety of sports bars and more dive bar vibes. Once you hit the boardwalk you'll come across places like Waterbar, PB Alehouse, PB Shore Club, and the list goes on.

Speakeasy Spots: Look this isn't NYC, but if you're looking for something quirky and off the beaten path these can be fun. The Grass Skirt, Captains Quarters, Raised by Wolves