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Best Authentic Restaurants in La Jolla

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65 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Catania restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2069)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 18 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
4.6
Exceptional(6556)
Price: Moderate
• Hawaii Regional Cuisine • La Jolla
Booked 179 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 Marisi restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1063)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 82 times today
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 Puesto La Jolla restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2125)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Jolla
Booked 82 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 Isola La Jolla restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(783)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 27 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
4.8
Exceptional(24)
Price: Moderate
• Indian • La Jolla
Booked 2 times 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 Aldea La Jolla restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(54)
Price: Expensive
• Regional Mexican (Baja Med) • La Jolla
Booked 4 times today
Aldea is a Baja Coastal inspired kitchen & bar located in the heart of La Jolla village. It's menu, crafted with passion and precision, is an inspiration of the vibrant flavors of Baja and SoCal coastline. Aldea, Spanish for "village," is committed to making your visit one you'll be sure to remember. Aldea, where community thrives and memories are made.
A photo of Piazza 1909 restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(817)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 29 times today
Welcome to Piazza 1909 in the heart of La Jolla! Enjoy chef Stefano's exquisite Italian cuisine and daily specials in a beautiful Mediterranean setting. Great outdoor patios and private event spaces. Gluten free pasta, pizza and Vegan menu available. Best homemade Pasta in La Jolla. Organic, free range meat and fresh Seafood. Dog friendly. DINNER Tuesday-Sunday. HAPPY HOURS Tuesday-Friday 4:30-6:00pm. Team Building cooking Classes. Private Chef Dinners & Catering. WEEKEND BRUNCH will resumes next Summer, but we welcome private luncheons any day of the week. What else to say? If you are looking for a memorable Italian dining experience, you got to the perfect spot! Grazie e ci vediamo in Piazza!
A photo of La Dolce Vita Ristorante restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1119)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 44 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 Bistro du Marché by Tapenade restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1464)
Price: Expensive
• French • La Jolla
Booked 6 times today
Bistro du Marché by Tapenade is considered authentic due to its French cuisine, cozy ambience, and friendly staff. Reviews highlight the authenticity of the food, with one saying, 'The food is authentic French and it reminds me eating at a 5-star restaurant in France.' Another reviewer, a French person, praised the authenticity of the food and experience. The restaurant's consistent, well-executed French cuisine, coupled with its authentic atmosphere, makes it a beloved spot for those seeking a genuine French dining experience in San Diego.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • MichaelVIP
    San Diego •26 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Our family of 5 were there for Christmas Eve dinner. We had reservations at 5:15 pm and were seated promptly. The service was very nice and took our drink orders and appetizer orders right away. We've been here many times before and had always enjoyed the ahi taco and calamari. This time I also had a Caesar salad which was good. The bar ran out of Bombay so could not have my usual Bombay tonic but substituted Tanqueray which was fine. The entrees included the Duke's fish, steamed fish and shrimp in the banana leaves, a filet medium rare and the seafood hot pot. And of course, you can't finish a meal without Hula pie. Our only wish for Christmas: have Prime Rib like they have at Duke's Huntington Beach. Otherwise, the experience was enjoyable and we shall be back.
    More info
    Duke's La JollaPrice: Moderate• Hawaii Regional Cuisine• La Jolla
    4.6
  • Max
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Val was AMAZING !!!! Her service, knowledge of food and wine was outstanding. Absolutely amazing experience and I will 100% be back !!!
    More info
    CataniaPrice: Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
    4.8
  • CarlVIP
    Denver / Colorado •43 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Service, food and atmosphere were wonderful; highly recommended.
    More info
    MarisiPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
    4.6
  • Lynn
    Pittsburgh / Western PA •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Great cocktails and the guacamole and chips is fantastic. Tacos are very good although some are much better than others. Shrimp tamarind is a star for our table.
    More info
    Puesto La JollaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Jolla
    4.6
  • Daniel
    San Diego •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Amazing pasta, try the carbonara. Loved the mozzarella flight appetizer.
    More info
    Isola La JollaPrice: Moderate• Italian• La Jolla
    4.8

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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