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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in La Jolla

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34 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Queenstown Village restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(284)
Price: Moderate
• New Zealand • La Jolla
Booked 38 times today
Queenstown Village is a new hotspot in San Diego, serving a mix of New Zealand fare and American comfort food. It's raved for its vibe and ambiance, with many reviewers praising the friendly service, delicious food, and beautiful decor. It's also commended for its full bar offerings, including craft cocktails and local beers. So, if you're looking for a beautiful dining experience with great food and service, it's definitely worth the drive.
A photo of George's at the Cove restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3698)
Price: Moderate
• American • La Jolla
Booked 111 times today
Georges at the Cove is a renowned oceanfront dining destination located in the heart of La Jolla overlooking the Pacific Ocean and northern coastline. Here, we celebrate the best of San Diego’s distinct lifestyle with a choice of comfortable environments, and menus that showcase seasonal, local ingredients in fresh, simple preparations.
A photo of Barbarella restaurant
4.2
Awesome(866)
Price: Moderate
• European • La Jolla
Booked 6 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 Bistro du Marché by Tapenade restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1495)
Price: Expensive
• French • La Jolla
Booked 22 times today
Bistro du Marché by Tapenade is a gem in San Diego. Reviews rave about its 'consistently delicious food', 'amazing service', and 'beautiful atmosphere'. It's described as 'the best French restaurant in San Diego' with 'authentic French cuisine'. Even the ambience is likened to eating in NYC or France, making it a 'worthwhile drive' according to several patrons. It's more than just a meal, it's an enchanting experience that you won't regret!
A photo of The Amalfi Llama - San Diego restaurant
4.5
Awesome(443)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • University City/Golden Triangle
Booked 43 times today
The Amalfi Llama reimagines the culinary landscape by seamlessly merging the allure of a rustic live-fire steakhouse with the flavors of Italian cuisine, a culinary haven where genuine cooking, down-to-earth cuisine and stylish flair intertwine. Guests embark on a journey from Southern Patagonia to the Mediterranean coast of Italy as they indulge in a multisensory experience that transcends boundaries – from the soothing cream decor to the intimate ambiance of crackling embers accompanied by the melodies of vintage Italian vinyls. Embracing the essence of a modern farmhouse, The Amalfi Llama revolves around an open parrilla grill and wood-burning oven, harnessing fire, smoke, coals and embers to craft dishes. The restaurant’s ethos also meets design with Latin American and Mediterranean influences, resulting in an inviting environment adorned with light woods, natural light and subtly elegant finishes, defying traditional steakhouse and Italian restaurant conventions.
A photo of The Fishery restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3126)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Pacific Beach
Booked 45 times today
BEHIND EVERY GREAT SEAFOOD RESTAURANT IS A WAREHOUSE STOCKED WITH FRESH SEAFOOD. The Fishery Restaurant & Market is located just a few blocks from the ocean in North Pacific Beach. The restaurant menu reflects ‘coastal cuisine’ with a simple yet serious focus on the best our coastal fisheries and local farms have to offer. The passion that drives Chef Mike Reidy is evidenced by flavors that can only be achieved using ingredients at their peak of seasonality and freshness. The Fishery was awarded the prestigious Award of Excellence for its Wine List from Wine Spectator in 2018- Present. Our wine list is inspired by the great wines of Europe and their American counterparts and we strive to showcase real, natural, food friendly-wines with a sense of place.The Fishery Market showcases fresh fish, prepared seafood, salads, sauces and marinades.
A photo of Scuderie Italia restaurant
4.5
Awesome(361)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Pacific Beach
Booked 7 times today
Scuderie (scoo-de-ree-ye) is often referred to, in Italy, as a racing team garage. In the spirit of teamwork we welcome you to Scuderie Italia, our luxurious home providing you with impeccable service and simple, comforting Italian food and pizza. Our true Napoletana pizza is proudly made by our vibrant pizzaiolo, Gimmy Piperku, who also heads the kitchen serving handmade pasta and other popular Italian dishes. Enjoy your meal on either one of our our covered patios or dine inside surrounded by beautiful photos of Italian engines and bright racing yellows. Nothing brings people together like good food and we have that for you and your crew!Buon appetito~ Leonardo and Christine Landini
A photo of True Food Kitchen - San Diego UTC restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1088)
Price: Expensive
• American • La Jolla
Booked 20 times today
True Food Kitchen in San Diego UTC is a gem for those seeking a culinary adventure. The restaurant's focus on fresh, flavorful dishes crafted from conscious ingredients makes it a must-visit. As one reviewer put it, 'True Food UTC is great, not only for the food, but the warm and attentive staff.' The consistent high ratings for food, ambience, and service make it a drive-worthy destination. The fact that it is located in a nice location with friendly staff adds to the overall experience. So, if you're up for a healthy, flavorful meal in a pleasant atmosphere, True Food Kitchen is definitely worth the drive!
A photo of Bazille - Nordstrom University Town Center restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(191)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • La Jolla
Booked 2 times today
This full-service restaurant with a casually sophisticated atmosphere features bistro cuisine and a full bar. Enjoy fresh salads, specialty entrées, signature cocktails, a wine list and housemade desserts.Nordstrom is located along Genesee Avenue, between La Jolla Village Drive and Nobel Drive. Bazille is located on the 2nd floor, overlooking the main courtyard of the newly expanded UTC. We offer a full bar with wine, beer & hand crafted cocktails, as well as open patio dining. We are open for dine-in service, covered, heated outdoor patio dining and to-go orders with Curbside Pickup. Call (858) 812-3582 to place your order.Join us for Brunch on weekends;July 4th hours: 11am-5pm
A photo of Miss B's Coconut Club restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(127)
Price: Moderate
• Caribbean • Mission Beach
Booked 5 times today
What you’ll find here is classic, Caribbean-inspired American food with tiki flair. Cubano Roasted Pork, Jerk Chicken and Coconut Shrimp are in synch with the mambo rhythm of your appetite, and our house-ground burger is one like you won’t find anywhere in town. Jumbo Coconut Shrimp and a list of Street Cart items will have you coming back to try them all, whether you order something “to go” from our walk-up counter, stay to eat on our spacious outdoor patio, or take a seat inside.Coconut Club’s décor evokes a celebration of Mission Beach’s nautical and maritime past, which takes form as an inspired interpretation of a 30’s-style sailor tiki club. Rum is the star here, and has a leading role in our creative list of grownup cocktails, which includes shareable, tiki-inspired punches and bowls to drum up conversations and generate a buzz. Coconut Club is also a purveyor of fuel that fires the craft beer frenzy, with 20 local and microbrew tap handles.

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Discover best worth the drive restaurants in La Jolla

Discover the enchanting dining scene in La Jolla, San Diego, where each restaurant beckons with a unique promise of culinary delight. Renowned for their high-quality ingredients and exceptional service, these dining spots in La Jolla are truly "worth the drive." Whether you crave the sophistication of meticulously prepared French cuisine, the exotic flavors of Japanese fare, or the comforting touch of American dishes with a twist, La Jolla offers a diverse taste experience that caters to discerning palates. Each establishment not only emphasizes fresh, local produce but also presents a setting that enhances every meal, whether it's the casual elegance of a Californian gem or the intimate ambiance of a sushi bar. The consistent praise for the food's flavor, the ambiance's charm, and the staff's attentiveness underlines the commitment to a memorable dining experience. So, if you're looking for a meal that promises more than just satisfying hunger but an adventure that's well worth the drive, La Jolla's restaurants are your go-to destinations.

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