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Best Authentic Restaurants in La Jolla

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74 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Catania restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2135)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 28 times today
Inspired by an Italy road-trip Chef Ryan and I (Arturo) took back in 2008, we’re pleased to introduce Catania, the newest member of the Whisknladle Hospitality family. Here, we’ll be featuring simple, seasonal and authentic Italian Coastal Cuisine (None of the Italian version of TexMex you see most other places). Our commitment to authenticity will be evident in our use of wood burning ovens and grills, an all Italian wine list as well as an exclusively craft Italian Beer program. (Yes, Italy has an amazing craft beer movement nobody’s heard about.)
A photo of Duke's La Jolla restaurant
4.5
Awesome(6757)
Price: Moderate
• Hawaii Regional Cuisine • La Jolla
Booked 166 times today
We are open for indoor and outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery! Visit dukeslajolla.com to view our menus or place an online takeout order.You don’t need to cross the Pacific to get a taste of Hawaii. Duke’s La Jolla is San Diego’s island-inspired home, honoring the Ambassador of Aloha, Duke Kahanamoku, with coastal cuisine of Hawaii, craft cocktails and a genuine spirit of aloha. It’s the same authentic hospitality and panoramic ocean view that you’ll find at all of the California and Hawaii Duke’s restaurants, paying tribute to the Duke and welcoming you to celebrate life like the legend himself.
A photo of Puesto La Jolla restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2175)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Jolla
Booked 83 times today
Owned and operated by a Mexican American family whose best memories all include tacos. Puesto is an award-winning Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar providing an innovative approach to authentic Mexican flavors. Puesto has garnered national acclaim for its Mexico City-style crispy melted cheese tacos, served on handmade non-GMO, organic, maíz azul stone-ground tortillas. In addition to tacos, offerings include a selection of fresh catch ceviches, guacamoles, starters and ensaladas, courtesy of Chef/Partner Luisteen Gonzales. The bar program showcases the best of Mexico City through the use of fresh ingredients in our hand crafted cocktails and housemade Micheladas, tequilas, mezcals, Baja craft beers, and Valle de Guadalupe wines you can’t find elsewhere. We’re honored to have been featured by media outlets nationally and internationally, some of which include National Geographic, Huffington Post, Insider, Zagat, Eater, Food and Wine, LA Times and the Michelin Guide.
A photo of Le Coq restaurant
4.5
Awesome(455)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French • La Jolla
Booked 43 times today
Le Coq is James Beard Best Chef finalist Tara Monsod’s new wave French steakhouse. Inspired by the modern Parisian culinary landscape, chef Tara reinvents classic dishes through her signature approach, blending cross-cultural references and ingredients for a distinctly SoCal expression of French cuisine. Bright touches and hyper-seasonal products ground the menu with San Diego style, while nods to chef Tara’s Southeast Asian background are interwoven throughout. Located in downtown La Jolla in a 1930’s historic building with exposed brick walls, steel trusses, and a barrel-vaulted ceiling. Into this storied shell is inserted a posh 1970’s diner club.
A photo of La Dolce Vita Ristorante restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1196)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 53 times today
La Dolce Vita is located in a European courtyard setting at International Shops off Prospect St. Loyal to its name La Dolce Vita (The Sweet Life), is a place to sit back and relax in our cozy and romantic indoor dining room or our charming outdoor patio to enjoy a hearty meal along with a bottle of wine while listening to Italian tunes. We serve genuine Italian cuisine in a fine dining setting at affordable prices.
A photo of Isola La Jolla restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(814)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 15 times today
My Nonna's name was Isola, a wonderful cook who gave me a passion for food and fresh, simple ingredients.I have vivid memories of my grandmother turning plain bread into amazing desserts, simple apples into incredible fritters sprinkled with a little sugar and honey, and even treating my sunburns with olive oil. Thirty years later, I still savor every meal and moment.Isola is proud to serve the finest local ingredients, dalla vite, from the vine. I hope you enjoy every bite, plucked from my family tree for your table. Buon appetito!
A photo of Taste of the Himalayas restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(24)
Price: Moderate
• Indian • La Jolla
Booked 1 time today
At Taste of the Himalayas, we will provide you with a glimpse of the inherited culture and tradition of the sub-continent and will serve you the exotic flavors and authentic tastes of the finest cuisines from India and Nepal.
A photo of Comedor Nishi restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(5)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Jolla
Booked 2 times today
Comedor Nishi is a distinctive spot in La Jolla, California, blending Mexican, Japanese, and European flavors. Experience a warm, modern atmosphere where Chef Pancho Ibáñez, with over 30 years of culinary expertise, presents a menu designed to delight. Comedor Nishi is not just a restaurant; it’s a gathering place for friends and family to enjoy delicious food and create lasting memories. Visit Comedor Nishi and embark on a culinary journey that will keep you coming back for more.
A photo of The Marine Room restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(8404)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • La Jolla
Booked 74 times today
For generations of San Diegans, the “Seahorse” symbol of The Marine Room has long stood for its dramatic on-the-surf location and California coastal cuisine. Considering this rare blend of culinary excellence, uncompromising service and beachfront setting, it’s no wonder The Marine Room has become a true San Diego landmark. We invite you to San Diego's iconic dining destination and experience how each tide brings something new to The Marine Room. You’re not reserving a table – you’re joining a 80-year tradition.
A photo of Piazza 1909 restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(866)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 23 times today
Experience Authentic Italian Cuisine at Piazza 1909 in La Jolla!Located in the heart of La Jolla near [landmark], Piazza 1909 offers a true taste of Italy. Enjoy Chef Stefano’s award-nominated cuisine, featuring homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and organic, free-range meats. Must-try dishes include Grandma Bice’s homemade lasagna, seafood pasta, branzino, and cotoletta alla milanese.What truly sets Piazza 1909 apart? We’re a family-owned restaurant where friends work together to provide exceptional hospitality and team service. Chef Stefano has been nominated Best Italian Chef in La Jolla, as well as our fresh pasta!***Why Visit Us?✅ Dinner: Tuesday–Sunday | Happy Hour: Tue–Thu, 4:30–6 PM✅ Vegan & gluten-free options✅ Dog-friendly with a special Dog Menu✅ Team-building cooking classes & private chef dinners✅ Professional cateringWe’re a proud sponsor of the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance—visit our booth this April! Grazie, and see you at Piazza 1909!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Cheryl
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Delicious swordfish plate and pulled pork sandwich were superb. We didn’t want the meal to end because every bite was so scrumptious! Mai Tai’s, coconut shrimp appetizer, and a fantastic Hula Pie with Kioki coffees ended our meal just perfectly! And the view was spectacular from the patio. Can’t say enough good things about our birthday celebration meal! Highly recommend for lunch or dinner while in San Diego seeking the island vibe.
    More info
    Duke's La JollaPrice: Moderate• Hawaii Regional Cuisine• La Jolla
    4.5
  • mikeVIP
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    This was one of the best dinners we’ve had in a while. Our fav was the mussels appetizer. Excellent. Ambience is great and service was excellent. Would definitely go back again when in the area.
    More info
    Le CoqPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French• La Jolla
    4.5
  • Gerard
    New York City •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    La Dolce Vita was magnificent to say the least! From the moment we arrived and right through 3 courses the service was excellent. We had six people in our party and all of us LOVED our meals. A 5 star experience for sure! Next time we are in San Diego we will be back.
    More info
    La Dolce Vita RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• La Jolla
    4.8
  • Omid
    Jacksonville / Northeast Florida •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We had a wonderful experience at Catania. The service was outstanding and couldn’t have been better. The food was amazing. One of our all time favorite places. We will be back!
    More info
    CataniaPrice: Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
    4.8
  • Pat
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Lovely place, great tacos, drinks and sides in a lively setting. Our busgirl, Liz , was particularly good at helping us sort out the menu. The crispy cheese added to each of the meat tacos was so tasty. The Mexican street corn added to the beans and rice was just delicious and we had lots left over to bring home.
    More info
    Puesto La JollaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Jolla
    4.7

Discover best authentic restaurants in La Jolla

Discover the true essence of authenticity with our curated list of restaurants in La Jolla, San Diego, where the keyword 'authentic' isn't just a descriptive term—it's a promise. Each dining establishment featured offers a unique interpretation of authenticity, whether through their culinary techniques, sourcing of local ingredients, or the cultural heritage they represent. From the Mediterranean influences of a chef with European roots to the Japanese precision in a sushi bar inspired by Tokyo, each restaurant commits to delivering an authentic dining experience. La Jolla itself is renowned for its vibrant dining scene, blending coastal charm with gourmet sophistication, making it a prime destination for food enthusiasts seeking both relaxation and excitement. The restaurants in this area are praised not only for their exceptional cuisines but also for their ability to transport diners to different parts of the world through each bite. Expect to find menus that are crafted with both passion and respect for tradition, where every dish tells a story of authenticity. Whether you're craving the hearty, healthy offerings of a kitchen inspired by integrative medicine, the intricate flavors of traditional sushi, or the rich, comforting tastes of French cuisine, these restaurants cater to all palates while emphasizing genuine, high-quality food. Each location not only promises an authentic meal but also an atmosphere that compleates the experience—be it a casual balcony overlooking the ocean or a cozy bistro that feels like a corner of France. If you're in La Jolla and searching for a dining experience that is as genuine as it is delightful, these restaurants are your gateway to a world of authentic flavors. Perfect for both locals and visitors, they offer a taste of the world in the heart of San Diego.

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