San Diego Restaurant Week: La Jolla Edition
San Diego Restaurant Week happens twice a year (January and then again in September or October) and is one of the most exciting culinary events of the season. Participating San Diego County and La Jolla restaurants offer designated fixed-cost menus throughout the week, each being two or three courses — an appetizer (sometimes two), a main dish, and a dessert. Most restaurants participate in either lunch or dinner, though some are doing both this year, and some choose to do a prix-fixe menu instead. Here are some of our picks for San Diego Restaurant Week in La Jolla!
For Lunch
Puesto
Where: 1026 Wall Street, La Jolla 92037
Cost: $15 per person
Cuisine/What to Get: Mexican, seafood. Puesto is a chic, casual spot that’s known for their epic tacos and incredible margaritas! Taco options include Chicken al pastor, zucchini and cactus, Maine lobster, and plenty more. There is a great selection of shared plates, bowls, and appetizers, as well as a few traditional Mexican desserts.
Spice & Rice Thai Kitchen
Where: 7734 Girard Ave #C, La Jolla 92037.
Cost: $10 per person for two courses
Cuisine/What to Get: Thai, Asian, fusion. From traditional noodle dishes like Pad Thai to main courses like yellow curry, cashew nut chicken, and Thai stir fry, there is plenty to choose from on this extensive menu! As one of the only Thai restaurants in La Jolla, this is a great spot to grab a casual lunch during the week — and it won’t break the bank.
Brockton Villa
Where: 1235 Coast Blvd, La Jolla 92037
Cost: $15 per person for two courses; two courses with wine pairing $20
Cuisine/What to Get: American, California, contemporary. Housed in a beautiful historic cottage right on the coast (with great ocean views), Brockton Villa is a great place for a more casual lunch. Main dishes include Beer Braised Corned Beef Sandwich, a Grilled Atlantic Salmon BLT, and a Cove Club. For dessert, we suggest their ‘world famous’ Coast Toast, which is a rich French Toast topped with vanilla ice cream.
Olive and Basil
Where: 8008 Girard Ave No 220, La Jolla 92037
Cost: $15 per person for two courses
Cuisine/What to Get: Greek, Mediterranean, Persian, seafood. Enjoy incredible Mediterranean food just steps away from La Jolla Cove! Olive and Basil is a great lunch deal for SDRW. The Hummus Platter is the way to go for the appetizer; main dishes include items like a chicken skewer plate, Gyro plate, and their signature Olive and Basil Pasta. You can add baklava or Persian ice cream to your meal for an extra $6.
Galaxy Taco
Where: 2259 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla 92037
Cost: $20 for two courses
Cuisine/What to Get: Galaxy Taco is a chic casual spot for tacos down at La Jolla Shores, and a great lunch spot for during the week. Shareable appetizers include made-to-order guacamole, Mexican chicken and rice soup, and a Mexican Caesar Salad. For the main dish, diners can choose any two tacos from their selection of nine — including Baja fried fish, Barbacoa short rib, Quesa Carnitas, and grilled avocado; to name a few! It’s a kid-friendly spot (complete with a kids menu), so this is a great place for families.
For Dinner
Catania
Where: 7863 Girard Avenue #301, La Jolla 92037
Cost: $50 per person for three courses; entire menu is available
Cuisine/What to Get: Italian, contemporary. Catania is known for its authentic, handcrafted Italian dishes. We recommend starting with the Wagyu Beef Carpaccio or the Braised Beef Meatballs, both of which are hit appetizers. Main entrées on the Restaurant Week Menu include a variety of pizzas, pastas, and a few select fish (including Whole Branzino and Grilled Swordfish) and chicken dishes.
Mustangs & Burros
Where: 9700 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla 92037 (at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa)
Cost: $30 per person for three courses
Cuisine/What to Get: Delight in a delicious three-course dinner on Mustangs & Burros’ hacienda patio this SDRW. This casual La Jolla restaurant serves up Baja-inspired cuisine for lunch and dinner; creative dishes are both locally inspired and locally sourced by the in-house culinary team, who also take a personalized approach to an innovative spirits program. Special new Baja-inspired entrée options for Restaurant Week include grilled Mahi Mahi, Bavette steak with lobster-corn risotto, and pan-seared duck with cherry balsamic.
The Grill at Torrey Pines
Where: 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla 92037
Cost: $40 per person for three courses
Cuisine: American, California contemporary. Complete with a beautiful backdrop, the Grill at Torrey Pines sits atop the cliffs next to Torrey Pines State Reserve and the golf course, inside the Lodge at Torrey Pines. The spot is known for its fresh take on California cuisine and dedication to farm-to-table fare. For appetizers, we recommend the Ahi Tuna Carpaccio or the Green Goddess Salad. Entrée items include Wood-grilled Tri-Tip and a yummy Hot Smoked Salmon.
NINE-TEN Restaurant
Where: 910 Prospect Street, La Jolla (inside the Grande Colonial Hotel)
Cost: $50 per person for three courses; $75 per person with wine pairings
Cuisine/What to Get: American, California. NINE-TEN is an award-winning restaurant in the heart of the Village, known for its fresh, farm-to-table California contemporary cuisine. Appetizers include items like Short Rib Ravioli and Grilled Octopus, entrée dishes include Prime Beef Short Rib, Steelhead Salmon, and Anson Mills Far Verde + Roasted Vegetables.
Duke’s La Jolla
Where: 1216 Prospect Street, La Jolla 92037
Cost: $40 per person for three courses, your choice of entrée from a prix-fixe menu
Cuisine/What to Get: Hawaiian, Seafood, Contemporary. Duke’s has a wide ranging menu with plenty of options, including seafood, steaks, and more. We suggest starting with the classic Maui Onion Soup, followed by either the BBQ Baby Back Ribs or the Sautéed Macnut & Herb Crusted, which is a parmesan and panko-dusted fresh fish topped with tomato lemon caper butter, jasmine rice, and bok choy macadamia nut slaw.
The Marine Room
Where: 2000 Spindrift Dr., La Jolla 92037
Cost: $50 per person for three courses
Cuisine/What to Get: French, Seafood. The Marine Room is a world-class restaurant that sits right on the water and treats diners to incredible views of the crashing waves as they eat. You can’t go wrong with any dish on the menu here! Our favorite appetizer is the Lobster Bisque, while some of the delicious dinner menu available specially for Restaurant Week include Red Walnut Zaatar Coated Maine Diver Scallops and Sea Salt Crispy Skin Branzino. Signature entrées (regular menu items) are available for $15 more per person.
George’s at the Cove: Ocean Terrace
Where: 1250 Prospect St., La Jolla 92037
Cost: $30 per person for three courses
Cuisine/What to Get:American, contemporary, California. George’s at the Cove is famous for its sweeping ocean views and incredible patio dining. You just can’t beat the atmosphere for a night out with great food! Appetizer menu items for Restaurant Week include an assortment of small seafood plates (grilled octopus, fresh fish tacos, and Ahi tostadas), and this year’s dinner options on the Restaurant Week menu include Spaghetti with Clams, Sesame Crusted Tombo, Grilled Faroe Island Salmon, and Pork Tacos; to name a few!
For more information on all of the La Jolla restaurants participating in SDRW, including those in downtown San Diego and the rest of San Diego county, visit sandiegorestaurantweek.com!
