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20 Must-Try Bites Await at the La Jolla Concours VIP Soirée Next Friday Night

Next Friday night, April 25, the La Jolla Cove transforms into a world of style, flavor, and automotive elegance as the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance VIP Soirée kicks off the 19th annual event weekend. Running from 6PM to 10PM, the all-inclusive soirée will feature 20 of San Diego’s top restaurants, each offering a curated bite in celebration of the event’s theme: “Beyond the Barn: A Gilded Journey to Restoration.”

• Meet This Years Featured Cars
• 2025’s Sunday Show: Celebration of Automotive Mascots and Milestones
• Read About This Years Friday Theme

From coastal Mexican cuisine to house-aged steaks and artful sushi, here’s a look at the restaurants you’ll meet—and the flavors they’re known for.

1. Valle (Oceanside)

Valle, located in Oceanside, brings modern Baja cuisine to the table under the direction of Michelin-starred Chef Roberto Alcocer. One of their standout bites is the Tetela—made with heritage masa, pressed chicharrones, and a bright salsa verde. This creative dish reflects the restaurant’s mission of merging traditional Mexican roots with refined culinary artistry.

2. Sushi Nekosan (San Diego)

With multiple locations in San Diego, Sushi Nekosan has made waves for its bold rolls and modern aesthetic. The Ultimate Hamachi Roll is a customer favorite, praised for its perfectly balanced flavors, torched finish, and elegant presentation that turns a casual sushi bite into a memorable moment.

3. Dobson’s Bar & Restaurant (Downtown San Diego)

A San Diego institution since 1984, Dobson’s is best known for its iconic Mussel Bisque. Served tableside and steeped in rich, briny depth, this dish is an elevated comfort classic that’s kept regulars coming back for decades.

4. Beeside Balcony (Del Mar)

Set above the streets of Del Mar, Beeside Balcony offers stunning views and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. The Seared Scallops, paired with Spanish chorizo, Romanesco cauliflower, and mango citrus sauce, are a perfect expression of sweet and savory, combining fresh seafood with global spice.

5. Glass Box (Del Mar)

Located inside the Sky Deck at Del Mar Highlands, Glass Box is a sleek, modern sushi bar that puts the chef at center stage. Their Omakase Experience lets diners surrender to the creativity of the chef—one of the most immersive and dynamic sushi offerings in North County.

6. Sea & Sky (La Jolla)

This chic rooftop restaurant atop the Cormorant Hotel in La Jolla boasts sweeping ocean views and an innovative seafood menu. The Whole Snapper, char-grilled and served with spring onions and green Romesco, is a standout plate that’s both visually stunning and deeply flavorful.

7. The Cork & Craft (Rancho Bernardo)

Combining a brewery, winery, and fine-dining kitchen, The Cork & Craft is a triple threat. Their Short Ribs—braised to perfection and often served over whipped potatoes with a rich demi-glace—are a comforting, crowd-pleasing favorite that shows off the kitchen’s range.

8. Le Coq (La Jolla)

One of La Jolla’s newest fine dining destinations, Le Coq offers French-inspired luxury with a SoCal twist. Their Tuna Tartare, topped with horseradish crème fraîche and paddlefish caviar, delivers elegance in every bite—perfectly complementing the coastal setting.

9. Piazza 1909 (La Jolla)

Housed in a historic cottage on Prospect Street, Piazza 1909 blends Italian tradition with Californian freshness. The Burrata Caprese Rivisitata reimagines a classic dish with creamy burrata, heirloom tomatoes, and basil oil—simple, seasonal, and sublime.

10. East Village Tavern & Bowl (Downtown San Diego)

This downtown favorite combines bowling lanes with bold bar bites and craft beer. Their Make-Your-Own Sliders are a hit at private events, allowing guests to build flavor combinations from a range of house-made toppings, sauces, and patties.

11. The Mental Bar (Southeast San Diego)

A vibrant Black-owned café and community hub, The Mental Bar is known for wellness-forward drinks and bites. Their signature Avocado Toast, topped with heirloom tomatoes and a balsamic glaze, is a fan favorite—simple, fresh, and full of heart.

12. The Amalfi Llama (Del Mar)

The Amalfi Llama is a stylish Latin American steakhouse located in Del Mar Highlands. Their Crab Cake with citrus aioli is a star on the appetizer menu—crispy on the outside, tender within, and elevated by zesty, herbaceous flavors that feel both coastal and comforting.

13. Monello (Little Italy)

Monello in Little Italy is known for its Milanese street food and handmade pastas. Their signature tableside pasta, tossed in a 60-pound Parmigiano-Reggiano wheel and finished with truffle oil or ragu, is both delicious and dramatic—a guaranteed showstopper.

14. NV Private Events (San Diego)

As one of San Diego’s top boutique catering and event companies, NV Private Events curates custom culinary experiences for weddings, galas, and private parties. Expect refined bites with an artistic twist, designed specifically to match the opulence of the VIP Soirée.

15. Jose’s Courtroom (La Jolla)

A La Jolla favorite for decades, Jose’s Courtroom brings lively beachside vibes and hearty Mexican food. Their Wet Pollo Asado Burrito with green chile sauce is beloved by locals—smoky, spicy, and dripping with flavor.

16. Salt and Lime (Del Mar)

Salt and Lime began as a food truck before opening a brick-and-mortar location in Del Mar. Founded by Chef Julio Rodriguez, the eatery blends Baja flavors with modern technique, offering dishes like Heart of Palm Ceviche and carne asada fries that celebrate vibrant Mexican street food.

17. Old Venice (Point Loma)

Family-owned since 1980, Old Venice offers romantic Italian dining in the heart of Point Loma. With its ivy-covered walls and garden patios, the restaurant delivers ambiance as much as flavor, serving traditional favorites like Eggplant Parmesan and house-made lasagna.

18. Cormorant (La Jolla)

The Cormorant is a boutique hotel and rooftop venue located on Prospect Street in La Jolla. Originally built in the 1940s, it was transformed in recent years into a luxury destination, home to Birdseye bar and the coastal-chic restaurant Sea & Sky—both of which will shine during the VIP Soirée.

19. Romanissimo (Gaslamp Quarter)

Romanissimo is one of the newest Italian spots to debut in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Helmed by industry veterans Vincenzo Loverso and Alessandro Minutella, the restaurant focuses on Roman-style pasta, fresh antipasti, and traditional desserts, delivering old-world charm in a sleek new setting.

20. Juicy Brucey’s Smokin’ Hot Meat (Valley Center)

This family-run BBQ operation in Valley Center is a true local gem. Run by Bruce and Danielle Barrett and their sons, Juicy Brucey’s serves mouthwatering smoked meats from their trailer kitchen, often popping up at breweries and events with crowd favorites like brisket sliders and pulled pork tacos.

From elegant seafood to smoked BBQ, and sushi to sliders, the VIP Soirée is set to be a flavor-packed celebration of San Diego’s culinary brilliance. With stunning cars, coastal views, and next-level food, your Friday night plans are officially made.