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Best Mediterranean Restaurants in La Jolla

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14 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Whaling Bar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(63)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • La Jolla
Booked 16 times today
Rediscover the charm of Mediterranean dining at The Whaling Bar in La Jolla, San Diego, a delightful spot that serves up not just meals but experiences. Patrons rave about the "absolutely delicious" Lobster Roll and the "inventive" Twinkie Caesar salad, showing how the menu creatively plays with Mediterranean staples. Each dish, from the "creamy and flavorful" polenta to the "perfectly cooked" Urfa Chicken, is a testament to the skill of Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski, whose expertise adds authenticity and flair to every meal. The glowing reviews continually highlight the "exceptional" food and the vibrant ambiance, making The Whaling Bar a must-visit for anyone craving a true Mediterranean feast in a cozy, yet elegant setting.
A photo of Olive & Basil restaurant
4.2
Awesome(366)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • La Jolla
Nestled in the heart of La Jolla with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Olive & Basil offers a unique blend of Mediterranean cuisine with a Southern Californian twist. Praised for its "outstanding" hummus trio and "mouthwatering" Mediterranean dishes, this restaurant is a gem for those seeking authentic and fresh flavors. Reviewers rave about the "fresh and delicious" meals, highlighting the pulled lamb and chicken skewer platter as must-tries. With "every table offering a view of the ocean," Olive & Basil not only serves up exquisite dishes but also an unbeatable dining atmosphere. The combination of exceptional service, quality ingredients, and a vibrant setting makes this spot highly recommended for anyone craving a taste of the Mediterranean in San Diego.
A photo of The Kitchen at MCASD restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(51)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • La Jolla
Booked 37 times today
Nestled in the heart of La Jolla, The Kitchen at MCASD offers a sublime Mediterranean dining experience, capturing the essence of southern Europe, northern Africa, and the Middle East with unparalleled authenticity. Diners rave about the "spectacular cuisine" complemented by stunning ocean views, making it a must-visit in San Diego County. The menu, inspired by culinary traditions from Italy to Morocco, features dishes that are both "diverse and fresh." Patrons particularly adore the baked feta and commend the balance and freshness of each ingredient. A guest enthused, "WOW this place just brought me back to The Mediterranean... the FOOD IS Delightful!!" The combination of delicious, well-crafted meals, attentive service, and the breezy, scenic backdrop of the Pacific Ocean ensures every meal is not just eaten, but experienced.
A photo of Beeside Balcony La Jolla restaurant
4.2
Awesome(156)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • La Jolla
Booked 10 times today
Beeside Balcony in La Jolla, San Diego, is a culinary treasure that stands out for its exceptional Contemporary European cuisine. With an inviting seaside chic décor and panoramic ocean views, it offers a unique dining experience that captivates both locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is praised for its innovative dishes that skillfully blend European techniques with fresh, local ingredients. Diners rave about the quality and creativity of the meals, with one guest noting the "food was absolutely amazing" and highlighting the standout oysters and mussels. The ambiance is perfectly complemented by attentive service and an engaging owner who adds a personal touch to the dining experience. Whether it's the vibrant Mediterranean menu or the delightful cocktails, Beeside Balcony is a must-visit for those seeking a distinctive and satisfying European dining adventure in La Jolla.
A photo of Slowly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(46)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Pacific Beach
Booked 21 times today
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Pacific Beach, San Diego, Slowly Restaurant & Lounge offers an exceptional Mediterranean culinary experience that's as authentic as it is innovative. Patrons rave about the "amazing" in-house creations, from the perfectly fried branzino with crispy skin to the richly flavored broccolini paired with whipped feta and harissa sauce. Guests are consistently impressed by the fresh, high-quality ingredients and the creative twists on Mediterranean classics. The atmosphere is described as "chic yet warm," making it the perfect spot for both a casual meal and a sophisticated evening out. With glowing reviews highlighting both the food and the ambiance, Slowly stands out as a Mediterranean gem in San Diego's culinary scene.
A photo of insideOUT restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2251)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Hillcrest
Booked 41 times today
insideOUT in Hillcrest, San Diego, is a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings. Executive Chef Johnny Duran’s creative California-Mediterranean inspired menu features the freshest local ingredients, ensuring each dish is both delectable and authentically crafted. Guests rave about the quality of the seafood, with one patron describing the BBQ Garlic Prawns as "beautiful" and another applauding the Grilled Atlantic Salmon for its perfection. The vibrant ambiance, combined with consistently praised dishes, makes insideOUT a must-visit for seafood lovers seeking an elevated dining experience in San Diego’s only urban oasis.
A photo of Madison restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2997)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • University Heights
Booked 61 times today
Madison, nestled in the vibrant University Heights of San Diego, is a jewel of Californian cuisine that resonates with authenticity and culinary excellence. Praised for its "amazing food and drinks," Madison showcases the creativity of Michelin recognized Chef Mario Cassineri. Patrons consistently rave about experiences that go beyond dining, highlighting the superb service and vibrant atmosphere, especially during their themed nights like the lively 'Dinner with Dogs' and enchanting live jazz evenings. The carefully curated menu features standout dishes like the Pistachio Pesto Pasta and the Zucchini fries with spicy marinara, making every meal a celebration of California's rich flavors and innovative spirit. As one reviewer puts it, Madison is "definitely a must" for anyone seeking a quintessential Californian dining experience in San Diego.
A photo of Boujiemana restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(109)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Serra Mesa
Booked 13 times today
Voted one of the top ten best ambiance restaurants and the #1 Mediterranean food spot in San Diego, BoujieMana is a secluded gem just a two-minute drive from all the restaurants on Convoy. With over 100 parking spots, we make dining easy and convenient. Our executive chef and team use the finest ingredients from the Mediterranean or our onsite garden to create delicious and timeless dishes that change with the seasons. Whether you're enjoying charcuterie and bubbles with friends or savoring a perfectly aged steak, BoujieMana offers an unforgettable dining experience. Visit us and discover the perfect meal in our charming, hidden location.Please take a moment to make a reservation especially around the holiday season since we often have full campus events where dine in service is limited.
A photo of Beeside Balcony Del Mar restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1412)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Del Mar
Booked 20 times today
Beeside Balcony in Del Mar, CA, stands out as a beacon of Contemporary European cuisine, infused with a global Mediterranean twist that delights its guests. Helmed by Chef Christophe, a third-generation chef with Spanish, Italian, and French culinary roots, the restaurant offers a dining experience that marries coastal charm with fine dining precision. Patrons rave about the "excellent octopus" and the uniquely delicious "baklava ice cream," highlighting the creative yet authentic menu. The setting, with its "beautiful view of the ocean" and "seaside chic décor," enhances every meal, making Beeside Balcony a must-visit for those seeking an exceptional Contemporary European dining experience. Guests consistently praise the "wonderful service," the "friendly place" atmosphere, and the overall quality of the food and drinks, ensuring that every visit is memorable.
A photo of Cellar Hand restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(104)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Hillcrest
Booked 22 times today
Cellar Hand in Hillcrest, San Diego, is a beacon of Mediterranean cuisine, celebrated for its authenticity and dedication to the farm-to-table philosophy. Patrons rave about the "unique flavors and combinations that create an unforgettable dining experience," emphasizing the restaurant’s commitment to using hyper-local ingredients sourced directly from San Diego farms. The menu, crafted by the talented Executive Chef Logan Kendall, receives constant praise, with dishes like the "Aly’s Crudo" and "Thompson Heritage Berkshire pork" standing out as favorites. The ambiance, described as the "perfect blend of comfort, relaxation, and modern style," along with an "excellent wine selection," ensures that Cellar Hand is not just a meal, but a culinary journey through the essence of the Mediterranean. As a top recommendation, the restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of Mediterranean flavors in a vibrant community-focused setting.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Shiela
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    We were greeted right away and get seated even though our group is not complete yet. Food was awesome, we loved everything we ordered and service was superb. Our server was very attentive and friendly. Ambiance was great too, we dined inside since it’s a little bit chilly at night. Highly recommend this place for any celebrations/occasions. Love to come back someday 👍
    More info
    Beeside Balcony La JollaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary European• La Jolla
    4.2
  • Sheryl
    Detroit / Eastern Michigan •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    The food was outstanding. My husband who is a world class chef loved the food especially. Megan, the GM, stated she was getting heaters sooner than later. The doors were closed so if you dress warmly you’ll be fine until they get heaters. It’s a fabulous restaurant.
    More info
    The Kitchen at MCASDPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• La Jolla
    4.7
  • Hamiltonvip
    San Diego •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Man, I noticed a few bad reviews for this place but we totally disagree. This is a cool, smaller restaurant attached to the Hotel Valencia. It has a nice u-shaped bar with what seemed to be mostly locals hanging out talking with the staff. Upscale vibe but not "stuffy" La Jolla vibe. The cocktails were amazing and fairly creative. We also thought the food was excellent, contrary to what a few other folks have said. The braised short rib Mao, crispy pumpkin squash, and twinkie ceaser were the standouts. Only minor downsides were that you can smell the seals a little bit and it was a bit chilly inside, as the door was kept open. Overall we really enjoyed our experience.
    More info
    The Whaling BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• La Jolla
    4.5
  • Sherri
    Orange County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    It was our first time at Slowly! We went for my husbands bday with our two boys. They have Tuesday night date night which is a great deal! We didn’t do that this time bc I wanted him to choose anything from the menu. We had the burrata salad appetizer, pork chop, salmon risotto, signature chicken, and kids cheeseburger. All were spectacular! Our cocktails were above and beyond! The festive mule and the two different espresso martinis were so unique! This is on the top of our list for PB!
    More info
    Slowly Restaurant & LoungePrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Pacific Beach
    4.7
  • Johnvip
    Los Angeles •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Sep 28, 2024
    Young waitress ( don’t recall her name ) was excellent … food was tasty and view of the ocean was cool. Good spot
    More info
    Olive & BasilPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• La Jolla
    4.2

Discover best Mediterranean restaurants in La Jolla

Discover the vibrant Mediterranean dining scene in La Jolla, San Diego, where culinary delights meet scenic beauty. Whether you're craving traditional flavors or innovative Mediterranean-inspired dishes, La Jolla offers an array of options that cater to every palate. The restaurants here are renowned for their fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring each meal is both delicious and sustainably prepared. Diners can expect a fusion of Mediterranean tastes with Southern Californian flair, creating unique and memorable dining experiences. From the breathtaking ocean views that enhance the ambiance to the exceptional service that complements the exquisite cuisine, La Jolla's Mediterranean restaurants promise a satisfying culinary journey. This locale's dining scene is characterized by its high standards of quality and hospitality, making it a top destination for food enthusiasts seeking a taste of the Mediterranean in a picturesque coastal setting.

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