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Best Restaurants for People Watching in University City/Golden Triangle

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16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of California English restaurant
1. California English
4.3
Awesome(467)
Price: Expensive
• American • Sorrento Mesa
Booked 16 times today
Located in the Sorrento Valley, California English is the newest culinary creation from celebrity chef, Richard Blais. Blais is creating an all-day menu for California English that’ll interpret classic British dishes through the lens of Southern California ingredients.The idea is a fusion of sorts: the laid-back California lifestyle that makes San Diego so unique, mixed with a cozy pub convivial atmosphere where you can meet friends (or mates) for a pint after work, set up a client lunch with fresh oysters on the menu or have a cozy family dinner over a Sunday roast. Everything on the menu is made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients that make for fresh and flavorful dishes. The effortless vibe of casual yet stylish makes for the perfect place to celebrate the joy of the unexpected coming together to make the perfect culinary match.
A photo of The Whaling Bar restaurant
2. The Whaling Bar
4.5
Awesome(64)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • La Jolla
Booked 14 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
3. NINE-TEN
4.7
Exceptional(2922)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • La Jolla
Booked 13 times today
Led by award-winning, nationally-recognized chef Jason Knibb, NINE-TEN offers the perfect combination of sophistication and casual elegance and an ideal location along lively Prospect Street in the Village of La Jolla. Recognized with MICHELIN distinction, NINE-TEN’s globally-inspired, locally-sourced cuisine features the best of the harvest from local artisans where products are selected daily for the restaurant’s seasonal menus. Dine indoors or al fresco on our sidewalk patio or back terrace with peek views of the Pacific Ocean. Heaters and blankets are available during the colder weather. Private dining rooms are also available for groups of 8 or more. Breakfast is served Wednesday through Friday, 7 am to 11 am. Brunch is served Saturday & Sunday, 7 am to 2 pm. and features $6 mimosas and $8 Bloody Marys. Lunch is served Wednesday through Friday, 11:30 am to 2 pm. And dinner service is available Wednesday through Sunday, 5 pm to 9 pm. We look forward to seeing you soon.
A photo of Brockton Villa restaurant
4. Brockton Villa
4.5
Awesome(2772)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • La Jolla
Booked 14 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 Manhattan of La Jolla restaurant
5. Manhattan of La Jolla
4.8
Exceptional(1726)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 13 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 Arterra restaurant
6. Arterra
4.7
Exceptional(439)
Price: Moderate
• American • Del Mar
Booked 2 times today
Here at Arterra enjoy one-of-a-kind, locally inspired food with a commitment to sourcing seasonal, sustainable ingredients. Our culinary team shines a focus on supporting local San Diego Farmer’s markets and purveyors. Indulge in our curated sushi menu by Sushi Chef Andew Ho. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails featuring local distillers, and innovative signature wine list, and a selection of bottled and draft beers from the area’s top craft breweries.
A photo of Brigantine Del Mar restaurant
7. Brigantine Del Mar
4.6
Exceptional(2741)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Del Mar
Booked 21 times today
A San Diego tradition since 1969, the Brigantine has received many accolades in our 40+ year history. "BEST SEAFOOD", "BEST CASUAL SEAFOOD", "BEST HAPPY HOUR", and even "BEST SWORDFISH IN THE WORLD", according to USA Today.Well-known for our signature Clam Chowder, Grilled Swordfish, and Crème Brûlée, the Brigantine is a favorite among locals for consistently fresh seafood, succulent steaks and grilled meats. Perched between the spectacular Pacific Ocean and the hills of Rancho Santa Fe, the Del Mar Brigantine sits high above the action of the Del Mar racetrack.A lushly landscaped garden offers an unparalleled setting for weddings and outdoor-themed events. Indoors, a formal dining room looks out to the garden through floor-to-ceiling french doors. For more casual dining, the glass-enclosed deck is a year-round favorite.The Del Mar Brigantine serves dinner 7 nights a week, lunch Monday-Saturday, and brunch each Sunday.
A photo of World Famous restaurant
8. World Famous
4.6
Exceptional(993)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Pacific Beach
Booked 27 times today
Specializing in surfside dining featuring Southern California Coastal cuisine, market fresh pacific seafood, hand carved prime rib, & grilled to order steaks. Menus are written daily and inspired by sustainable California harvests.
A photo of Beaumont's restaurant
9. Beaumont's
4.6
Exceptional(915)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • La Jolla
Booked 2 times today
Established in the heart of La Jolla’s Bird Rock seaside community in 2005, Beaumont’s Neighborhood Eatery has been a central meeting spot for locals to gather for fabulous food, hand-made cocktails, and top-rated entertainment in a casual, yet contemporary atmosphere earning its title as the “heart and soul of Bird Rock”. Nightly happy hour and a fantastic dinner menu are just the beginning, because a full bar and live local music add to the great vibe. You’ll find Beaumont’s weekends a need to be at event for brunch!
A photo of Red Tracton's restaurant
10. Red Tracton's
4.7
Exceptional(1698)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Del Mar
Booked 7 times today
East coast style Steakhouse and Supper Club with roots dating back 75 years plus . Red Tracton's is know for serving only the finest in Prime Beef and Seafood. Quality and quantity is Reds trademark. Live entertainment Tuesday - Saturday at the Piano bar.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Lancevip
    San Diego •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great view of La Jolla Cove and seals, good food, interesting menu, casual but fun atmosphere, excellent and friendly service. Great place to take out-of-town guests. Highly recommend.
    More info
    Brockton VillaPrice: Moderate• Californian• La Jolla
    •
    4.5
  • Hamiltonvip
    San Diego •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 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
  • john
    Atlanta Metro •58 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Tremendous dining experience in La Jolla … highly recommended!
    More info
    NINE-TENPrice: Expensive• Californian• La Jolla
    •
    4.7
  • Caroline
    Yosemite / Mammoth Lakes •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We FINALLY made it down from Carlsbad and took advantage of the “Proper Roast Dinner with Richard Blais.” Our first time here was well worth it! The restaurant is GORGEOUS! The staff, engaging and very attentive. We thoroughly enjoyed the scrumptious prime rib dinner with wonderful sides. Everything was meticulously prepared and delicious! King Richard visited our table a few times which made our experience extra special. The sticky toffee and date cake with salted caramel ice cream is a MUST!!! Sooooo good! We will be back to try the famous ale battered cod and chips and the prime rib dip sando…
    More info
    California EnglishPrice: Expensive• American• Sorrento Mesa
    •
    4.3
  • Connievip
    Oklahoma City •57 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    The restaurant is excellent in all respects! When looking at the menu online, the Rollitini appetizer made our decision to book a reservation. Rollitini is one of our very. favorite Italian appetizers, and it's hard to find it on the menu elsewhere, and there's was excellent. We also enjoyed the Cannelloni as our entree. The Caesar salad was fresh, and the bread was melt in your mouth good. The ambience of the piano music in the bar area nearby was the perfect dinner accompaniment.
    More info
    Manhattan of La JollaPrice: Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
    •
    4.8

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