More than Just Lunch: An Insider's Guide to La Jolla

by Erin Chambers - 9,287 Reviews - 164 Lists

Updated: January 27, 2009

La Jolla isn't just for ladies who lunch anymore. Get the lowdown on everything this posh coastal enclave has to offer, from coffee shops to sushi bars.

On this page:La Jolla's Top Restaurants, La Jolla's Bars and Lounges, Shopping, spas and more.

La Jolla's Top Restaurants

  1. 1 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended George's at the Cove
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    1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    Consider George Hauer's pristine coastal institution the Mayor of Prospect's fine dining scene.

  2. 2 4 Star Rating: Recommended Zenbu Sushi Bar & Restaurant
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    7660 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    La Jolla sushi spot also features Pacific Rim specialties and a happening bar scene on weekends.

  3. 3 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Lean and Green
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    7825 Fay Ave Ste 180, La Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    Organic cafe specializes in healthy fast food served in eco-friendly containers.

  4. 4 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Whisknladle
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    1044 Wall St, San Diego, CA 92037 (map)

    La Jolla's latest village hangout focuses on a slow-food menu full of local ingredients, including beer and house-infused liquors

  5. 5 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Roppongi
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    875 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    La Jolla's Asian fusion hot spot offers a unique take on tapas, sushi rolls and mashed potatoes.

  6. 6 1 Star Rating: Poor The Cottage
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    7202 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    Cozy restaurant, known for California-style breakfasts, also serves lunch in the heart of La Jolla's village.

La Jolla's Bars and Lounges

  1. 7 1 Star Rating: Poor The Spot
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    1005 Prospect, La Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    Longtime La Jolla bar and grill right on Prospect delights tourists and locals alike.

  2. 8 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended 5 to Try: Rooftop Bars
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    7536 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    Downtown La Jolla bar and grill draws a local crowd ranging from middle-aged beer aficionados to college kids.

  3. 9 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Whaling Bar & Grill
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    1132 Prospect St, LA Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    The Pink Lady's luxury piano bar is a La Jolla mainstay.

Shopping, spas and more

  1. 10 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Hotel Parisi
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    1111 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    A contemporary European hotel with luxurious ammenities perched in prime view of the ocean in downtown La Jolla.

  2. 11 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended GAIA Day Spa
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    1299 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    Downtown La Jolla day spa offers holistic body treatments with extras like a spa rituals and a boutique.

  3. 12 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Go of La Jolla
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    7840 Herschel Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    Discover up-and-coming designers and a few old favorites at this eclectic boutique.

  4. 13 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Living Room Coffee
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    1010 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    Downtown La Jolla coffeehouse chain where locals and tourists relax, study and grab a quick bite. Sit in the back for peak ocean views.

  5. 14 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Butterwick, Kimberly J, Md - La Jolla Spa
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    7630 Fay Ave, LA Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    Medically directed day spa offers pampering massages and facials as well as minimally invasive laser treatments and dermal injections.

  6. 15 Michele Coulon Dessertier
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    7556 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    Family run shop with gourmet French cakes and confections hidden away in La Jolla's quaint village.

  7. 16 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Mos My Own Space
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    7840 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    New-age showroom with modern, functional and creative furniture, lighting, home accents and bedding by international designers.

  8. 17 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Warwick's La Jolla
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    7812 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    Elegant, family-owned shop stocks books, office supplies, stationary and other gift items in downtown La Jolla.

  9. 18 4 Star Rating: Recommended C Spa A Stonewater Spa & Salon
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    7851 Herschel Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    Upscale spa salon in downtown La Jolla offers personalized skin, body and hair care treatments.