Top 6 Winter 2017 Restaurant Openings in La Jolla

La Jolla’s restaurant scene is constantly evolving, and there is never a shortage of places for those wanting to add something new into their dining rotation. From the recently opened to the works-in-progress, we’ve researched the top new spots in La Jolla — ranging from fried chicken to dumplings. We’re excited about these 7 restaurant openings that will round out everything the La Jolla dining scene has to offer!

StreetCar Merchants of Fried Chicken, Doughnuts & Coffee (Now Open)

811 Prospect Street

StreetCar Merchants has officially added a La Jolla location a few blocks away from The Cove as of late December. StreetCar’s Louisiana-style Southern food has already had great success in North Park with a customer base “overwhelmingly” made up of La Jollans, a “big surprise” to co-founder Ron Suel. On the decision to branch out to La Jolla, Suel said “I think we bring diversity to the marketplace…I’m always one to take a risk [and] our food speaks for generations.” With promises of authentic fried chicken, doughnuts warm from the fryer, and great coffee, StreetCar Merchants is one of the most exciting (and unique) restaurant openings in La Jolla this year. Takeout available.

Red O (Opening Soon!)

4340 La Jolla Village Drive

Red O, a fine dining seafood and steak establishment with a Mexican twist, will open across from Westfield UTC in the coming months. Famed chef Rick Bayless and his team head all creative and menu decisions, resulting in a world-class restaurant on par with his other restaurants. Red O occupies a higher price range for the diner, but is surely worth a visit.

Din Tai Fung (Opening Soon!)

UTC Mall

Have you been longing for a steamed dumpling and noodle restaurant in La Jolla? Finally, Taiwanese world-renowned dumpling house Din Tai Fung will be opening a new location at Westfield UTC! Their gorgeously illustrated menu includes a broad variety of dumpling and noodle dishes (and buns!) with several vegetarian and gluten-free options. We’re looking forward to the Kimchi and Pork dumplings.

Mendocino Farms (Now Open)

8795 Villa La Jolla Drive

Mendocino Farms recently opened at The Shops at La Jolla and will likely give Whole Foods a run for their money. Freshly handmade sandwiches and salads often using local, organic, hormone-free ingredients dominate a menu that also offers many vegan and gluten-free options. We’re excited for their “Foodie Favorites” sandwich selection which includes Kurobuta pork belly banh mi, Steak BLT on pretzel bun, and the Drake’s Farm Celebration sandwich featuring goat cheese. Mendocino Farms fits in a lower price range overall but may be considered to run a little high for lunch (sandwiches usually from $9.25 to $11.45). Indoors and patio dining is offered and takeout options are available.

Masala Street (Now Open)

915 Pearl Street Suite B/C

Now open on Pearl Street, Masala Street hopes to bring a “new era of Indian dining” to La Jolla . Masala Street is fusion food, where ingredients and recipes from multiple cultures are blended. Here, Grand Master Chef Hemant Oberoi takes a new perspective on Indian and Californian food with his trendsetting dishes. We’ve heard the Tacosas (samosa tacos) are very good. Be aware that this restaurant has a higher price range, but make sure to grab a reservation at this exciting fine dining establishment!