La Jolla Travel Guide

"Exquisite Craftsman-style architecture", a study in gleaming woods and stained-glass light fixtures amid the "ethereal surroundings" of the Torrey Pines golf course and the Pacific, "amazes" the "high rollers" who habituate this "fantastical dining experience" in La Jolla, No. 1 in this Survey for Decor in San Diego; just as "unforgettable" is chef Jeff Jackson's "amazing", "innovative" Californian cuisine, which utilizes "farm-fresh local produce" and is "presented with creative flair" by "impeccable" servers; P.S. "sitting outside is paradise" "for romance and business" alike.

"By George, it's still superb!" – this incarnation of the La Jolla "classic" features chef Trey Foshee's "brilliant", "edgy", "light", "delectable Californian" cuisine, boasting "the freshest ingredients" and "elegant flavor pairings" (even before the first bite, "the dishes come alive" as the "warm" servers explain them); the "contemporary" decor (an "abundance of glass and steel") "ranks high" but will always place second to the "spectacular sunsets" "over the ocean" – and though "you pay for the privilege", it's "worth the pretty penny."

For an experience that's "heaven on earth", "go at high tide" and watch the "waves crashing on the windows" here at La Jolla's "grand-slam" "grande dame", a "beachside" "tradition" where "dynamo" chef Bernard Guillas puts an Eclectic "twist" on "world-class" French cuisine that's "expertly prepared and beautifully plated"; service that "exemplifies elegance" adds to its "reputation" as a "place to celebrate life's big moments" (especially with "guests who are picking up the tab").

"Flavors that make your palate dance" are the stock and trade of chef Jason Knibb's "beautifully plated" Californian-Eclectic dishes made with "organic produce" "straight from the market" at this "stylish little" "champ" in La Jolla's Grande Colonial hotel ("try the innovative Mercy of the Chef" tasting menu – "you won't know what hit you!"); it may be "a little spendy", but it's "worth the splurge" when you factor in "impeccable wines", "incredible desserts" and "engaging" service.

"Sit out on the patio beneath the big ficus tree strung with lights" at this "vibrant eating spot" in La Jolla, where "every dish" on the "rustic Italian" menu, from the "heavenly" "garlic dipping oil" to the "fantastic pastas", "is a winner"; the "attentive" servers "give great recommendations" regarding the "decently priced wine list" – but you might not be able to hear them, because the noise level is often "deafening."

"Amazing Asian-fusion" small plates are "creatively crafted" and "presented as if every one were headed for the cover of Gourmet magazine" at this La Jolla "winner"; it's "elegant without being stuffy" inside, while the "beautiful outdoor fire-pit seating" gets the "stylish crowd" to engage in "excessive frivolity" (abetted by "a full selection of sake" no doubt); P.S. your "best bets" are the "half-price (yes, half-price) tapas and sushi 3–6 PM daily", so "order up a storm and share with friends."

"You're in for a great experience" when you venture "off the beaten" La Jolla path to this "close-to-ideal" New French "destination" where diners "trust" chef Jean-Michel Diot's "obvious commitment to quality ingredients" in creating "inventive" dishes that display "harmonious flavors and a counterplay of textures" (they're "well matched" by "extraordinary wines" too); it may be "a little stark" for being so "expensive", but it's "quiet and intimate", and "cordial" servers make sure everyone "goes home happy."

Come to "get lost in the beauty of the La Jolla coastline" from "the terrace overlooking the cove" ("some tables" inside have views too), then "stay for" the "delicious", often "inventive" "coastal Italian" cuisine prepared at this "bellissimo" trattoria known for "top-notch ingredients" and "great fish"; the "villalike setting" includes "multi-level seating" around a "neat atrium" and a "romantic garden", all of which imparts an "overall charming and rejuvenating experience."

"If you don't want to deal with the lines at SeaWorld", this "small but excellent aquarium" maintained by a respected "research institution" may be "just the right size" (the "crowds are never overwhelming") for enjoying "fascinating" displays that include an exhibit on global warming and "hands-on" areas that let visitors "touch a sea cucumber" or two; also making a big splash is a striking "setting overlooking the ocean" in "beautiful La Jolla."

A "true tournament course with magnificent views of the Pacific", this "magical" "seaside monster" has cemented its place "in the history of golf given the epic 2008 U.S. Open victory by Tiger Woods"; with "brutal rough" and "par 4s [that] feel like par 6s", it just may be the "best value in the country with a San Diego resident card", and while out-of-towners find it "overpriced" for the "spartan" muni facilities, most conclude "you have to play it once, so pony up the money, take in the views and just have fun."