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Best Romantic Restaurants in La Jolla

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61 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Le Coq restaurant
1. Le Coq
4.5
Awesome(333)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French • La Jolla
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 Marisi restaurant
2. Marisi
4.6
Exceptional(1090)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • La Jolla
Discovering Italy by way of La Jolla, Marisi focuses on Italian hearth cooking with an emphasis on handmade pastas, fine wine and classic cocktails. The menu celebrates the rich diversity of cuisine from across Italy, fashioned in a time-honored tradition of handmade all day, every day. A dream that lives between the Italian and La Jolla coasts, suspended between tides instead of time — a mood more than a plot. A visit that feels a lot like coming home, if home was a warm, charming villa off the Amalfi coast. Marisi is a taste of something you want to remember. We hope you love it.
A photo of The Whaling Bar restaurant
3. The Whaling Bar
4.6
Exceptional(84)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • La Jolla
Rediscover The Whaling Bar in La Jolla, blending historic charm and modern luxury. Once beloved in the La Valencia hotel, it's back after ten years, mixing its rich legacy with today's elegance. Known for its cozy atmosphere and top-notch service, it's been updated for contemporary tastes without losing its heritage essence. Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski, with a background in America's top kitchens and Iron Chef America, leads the culinary journey, offering a menu that combines classic and innovative approaches. The Whaling Bar invites both old fans and new to enjoy luxury and become part of La Jolla's ongoing story.
A photo of Brockton Villa restaurant
4. Brockton Villa
4.6
Exceptional(2784)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • La Jolla
Great Food * Epic SunsetsBrockton Villa is a beautiful historic home converted into a restaurant located directly across from the ocean. Our seaside location offers a spectacular view of the world-famous La Jolla Cove, and has become a favorite "show off" spot for locals and visitors alike. We are known for our breakfasts, including our famous Coast Toast. Our chef creates many other wonderful dishes seasonally for lunch and our dinner service.Our house is the perfect place for you to host your next party. Whether it be a wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, baptism, bridal shower, baby shower, or any special occasion.Brockton Villa loves families! Please don't forget to include your little ones in your reservation count!
A photo of NINE-TEN restaurant
5. NINE-TEN
4.7
Exceptional(2943)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • La Jolla
NINE-TEN, located in the lively La Jolla neighborhood, offers an intimate yet relaxed dining experience. The restaurant is praised for its romantic ambiance, with reviews mentioning 'romantic', 'cozy', 'friendly', and 'perfect evening'. It's the perfect spot for a date night or special occasion. The Michelin-distinction chef, Jason Knibb, curates seasonal menus featuring locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant's atmosphere lends itself to conversation rather than shout, and the wine list is a home run.
A photo of The Marine Room restaurant
6. The Marine Room
4.6
Exceptional(8257)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • La Jolla
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 Manhattan of La Jolla restaurant
7. Manhattan of La Jolla
4.8
Exceptional(1750)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • La Jolla
Manhattan of La Jolla transports you to the best of New York via the cozy, upscale village of La Jolla. Located in the Empress Hotel on Fay Avenue, it is an elegant, casual and classy place where you would expect to see Old Blue Eyes or Danny Ocean romancing a beautiful woman while she sips her Cosmo over dinner. With quality Italian charm, Manhattan offers classic cocktails that get you into that New York swing--and the entrees are as good as it gets. Liberal olive oil, garlic, lemon and pepper complement the Zagat Award winning veal chop, steaks and seafood. Signature scampi, classic cannelloni, pasta al dente, and other succulent dishes, plus professional service and decor make this a terrific spot for a romantic dinner or mixing business and pleasure. Manhattan in La Jolla gets you the best of both worlds. Manhattan is an award winning La Jolla favorite, celebrating its 36th year.
A photo of La Dolce Vita Ristorante restaurant
8. La Dolce Vita Ristorante
4.8
Exceptional(1135)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Jolla
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 Piatti - La Jolla restaurant
9. Piatti - La Jolla
4.7
Exceptional(5072)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Jolla
Established in 1987, Piatti offers finely crafted fresh Italian cuisine. The soul of the menu is our housemade pasta that we roll, cut and cook by hand everyday. Offering a fresh take on the neighborhood Italian trattoria, Piatti combines a warm, inviting atmosphere, seamless service and an immersive market experience so you can enjoy Piatti at home. Whether dining in or taking home, Piatti brings friends and family together.
A photo of Javier's - La Jolla restaurant
10. Javier's - La Jolla
4.6
Exceptional(3572)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Jolla
JAVIER'S presents a rich heritage of elevated Mexican cuisine in a friendly, captivating ambiance. Enjoy hand-shaken margaritas, rare tequilas, craft cocktails and a vast selection of beer and fine wines. Dine with us in the main dining room, al fresco patios, one of our semi private dining rooms, or at the exquisite bar surrounded by one of the West Coast's largest selection of the world's finest tequilas. We at JAVIER'S consider all our wonderful customers a part of our family and thank them for their support and sharing in the success and joy that is JAVIER'S. Come experience the freshness of our original Mexican cuisine in a warm, friendly environment at one of our five locations.Please be advised we don't allow strollers. If you bring your stroller we have a designated area to store your stroller while you dine.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • DebraVIP
    New York City •96 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Very nice ambiance greets you, and strong overhead heaters even would make outdoor dining palatable. The service was very pleasant- Ian was our server who was very accommodating and efficient. The food was a cut above, everything was delicious and well presented, and the wine list was excellent as well, but everything was pricey. Dessert was not a large portion nor amazing- so $16 was overpriced for what you got- but on balance I would definitely recommend this place for a well- paced delicious dinner.
    More info
    MarisiPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
    •
    4.6
  • RichardVIP
    San Diego •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Excellent restaurant and chef. Menu selections are varied and you can't go wrong. We live in La Jolla Village and of the many places to eat, this is our "go to" place. Staff wonderful, polite and professional. An overall great experience.
    More info
    NINE-TENPrice: Expensive• Californian• La Jolla
    •
    4.7
  • James
    Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    This could be one of the best restaurants altogether that I have ever been to! Great service, delicious food, a terrific menu and engaged and pleasant servers. My wife and I have decided that this will be our absolute “Go To” restaurant for sure!!
    More info
    Le CoqPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French• La Jolla
    •
    4.5
  • MicheleVIP
    Las Vegas •41 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Great unique bar. The espresso martinis are fantastic!
    More info
    The Whaling BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• La Jolla
    •
    4.6
  • OpenTable Diner
    Denver / Colorado •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 5 Jan 2025
    Beautiful view from the deck and atmosphere was relaxing in the historic villa. Food was unique and delicious. Came during happy hour so discounts on appetizers and drinks were awesome as well.
    More info
    Brockton VillaPrice: Moderate• Californian• La Jolla
    •
    4.6

Discover best romantic restaurants in La Jolla

Discover the essence of romance in La Jolla's dining scene with our carefully selected restaurants perfect for that special date night or memorable occasion. Each venue in La Jolla offers a unique blend of ambiance and cuisine, ensuring an intimate experience with settings ranging from ocean views and live music to cozy, candlelit atmospheres. These restaurants are renowned for their use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, creatively crafted into exquisite dishes by top-tier chefs. The dining scene in La Jolla is vibrant yet relaxed, making it an ideal backdrop for both new love and lasting relationships. Whether you prefer a lively seaside setting or a quiet, private corner, La Jolla's romantic dining spots provide the perfect mix of charm, sophistication, and culinary excellence. Experience the romance of La Jolla's dining offerings, where every meal is an opportunity to create unforgettable moments.

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