Best Restaurants for People Watching in University City/Golden Triangle

16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of California English restaurant

1. California English

4.4

Price: Expensive

• American • Sorrento Mesa

Booked 17 times today

Located in the Sorrento Valley, California English is the newest culinary creation from celebrity chef, Richard Blais. Blais is creating an all-day menu for California English that’ll interpret classic British dishes through the lens of Southern California ingredients.The idea is a fusion of sorts: the laid-back California lifestyle that makes San Diego so unique, mixed with a cozy pub convivial atmosphere where you can meet friends (or mates) for a pint after work, set up a client lunch with fresh oysters on the menu or have a cozy family dinner over a Sunday roast. Everything on the menu is made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients that make for fresh and flavorful dishes. The effortless vibe of casual yet stylish makes for the perfect place to celebrate the joy of the unexpected coming together to make the perfect culinary match.

2. The Whaling Bar

4.6

Exceptional(83)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • La Jolla

Booked 30 times today

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.

3. NINE-TEN

4.7

Exceptional(2941)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • La Jolla

Booked 27 times today

Led by award-winning, nationally-recognized chef Jason Knibb, NINE-TEN offers the perfect combination of sophistication and casual elegance and an ideal location along lively Prospect Street in the Village of La Jolla. Recognized with MICHELIN distinction, NINE-TEN’s globally-inspired, locally-sourced cuisine features the best of the harvest from local artisans where products are selected daily for the restaurant’s seasonal menus. Dine indoors or al fresco on our sidewalk patio or back terrace with peek views of the Pacific Ocean. Heaters and blankets are available during the colder weather. Private dining rooms are also available for groups of 8 or more. Breakfast is served Wednesday through Friday, 7 am to 11 am. Brunch is served Saturday & Sunday, 7 am to 2 pm. and features $6 mimosas and $8 Bloody Marys. Lunch is served Wednesday through Friday, 11:30 am to 2 pm. And dinner service is available Wednesday through Sunday, 5 pm to 9 pm. We look forward to seeing you soon.

4. Brockton Villa

4.6

Exceptional(2784)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • La Jolla

Booked 18 times today

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 Manhattan of La Jolla restaurant

5. Manhattan of La Jolla

4.8

Exceptional(1746)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • La Jolla

Booked 30 times today

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.

6. Arterra

4.8

Exceptional(438)

Price: Moderate

• American • Del Mar

Booked 3 times today

Here at Arterra enjoy one-of-a-kind, locally inspired food with a commitment to sourcing seasonal, sustainable ingredients. Our culinary team shines a focus on supporting local San Diego Farmer’s markets and purveyors. Indulge in our curated sushi menu by Sushi Chef Andew Ho. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails featuring local distillers, and innovative signature wine list, and a selection of bottled and draft beers from the area’s top craft breweries.

A photo of Brigantine Del Mar restaurant

7. Brigantine Del Mar

4.6

Exceptional(2761)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Del Mar

Booked 26 times today

A San Diego tradition since 1969, the Brigantine has received many accolades in our 40+ year history. "BEST SEAFOOD", "BEST CASUAL SEAFOOD", "BEST HAPPY HOUR", and even "BEST SWORDFISH IN THE WORLD", according to USA Today.Well-known for our signature Clam Chowder, Grilled Swordfish, and Crème Brûlée, the Brigantine is a favorite among locals for consistently fresh seafood, succulent steaks and grilled meats. Perched between the spectacular Pacific Ocean and the hills of Rancho Santa Fe, the Del Mar Brigantine sits high above the action of the Del Mar racetrack.A lushly landscaped garden offers an unparalleled setting for weddings and outdoor-themed events. Indoors, a formal dining room looks out to the garden through floor-to-ceiling french doors. For more casual dining, the glass-enclosed deck is a year-round favorite.The Del Mar Brigantine serves dinner 7 nights a week, lunch Monday-Saturday, and brunch each Sunday.

8. Bleu Boheme

4.8

Exceptional(3555)

Price: Expensive

• French • Kensington

Booked 27 times today

"World travel and its pleasures; items brought back from different places for décors; great stories shared with others; and very importantly, simple, yet delicious recipes from different cultures. Our mission is humble. It is simply for people coming to our restaurant to be transported around the world, and to travel with us for an evening, to a place of well-being and happiness."Bleu Bohème is designed to create a feeling of France's past generations. It mixes the Bohemian and artistic free spirited left bank of Paris with the roots and tradition of the rural areas. Bleu Bohème is a neighborhood restaurant that serves accessible, affordable and comforting French cuisine.

9. Beaumont's

4.6

Exceptional(920)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • La Jolla

Booked 22 times today

Established in the heart of La Jolla’s Bird Rock seaside community in 2005, Beaumont’s Neighborhood Eatery has been a central meeting spot for locals to gather for fabulous food, hand-made cocktails, and top-rated entertainment in a casual, yet contemporary atmosphere earning its title as the “heart and soul of Bird Rock”. Nightly happy hour and a fantastic dinner menu are just the beginning, because a full bar and live local music add to the great vibe. You’ll find Beaumont’s weekends a need to be at event for brunch!

10. World Famous

4.6

Exceptional(1014)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Pacific Beach

Booked 24 times today

Specializing in surfside dining featuring Southern California Coastal cuisine, market fresh pacific seafood, hand carved prime rib, & grilled to order steaks. Menus are written daily and inspired by sustainable California harvests.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Jane
Charlotte •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We thoroughly enjoyed this delicious meal! The chef is pretty brilliant with fusing flavors that enhance the meal. We highly recommend!
More info
NINE-TENPrice: Expensive• Californian• La Jolla
•
4.7
E
EricVIP
Philadelphia County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Awesome restaurant! Great food, music, if you’re thinking about it…Go!!
More info
Manhattan of La JollaPrice: Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
•
4.8
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver / Colorado •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
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
M
MarloVIP
San Diego •26 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Love this hidden gem. The staff are fabulous, the food is delicious with beautiful presentation and their craft cocktails are magic. Amazing happy hour and a fun tipsy tea. Don’t forget to try the scones. Gorgeous outside area as well especially when the weather is nice. Haven’t tried the Sunday brunch yet but I can’t wait to get there soon.
More info
California EnglishPrice: Expensive• American• Sorrento Mesa
•
4.4
N
Nahal
San Diego •10 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 30, 2024
The Whaling Bar is hands down our favorite local spot, whether it’s for a cozy date night or an evening out with friends. The atmosphere is fantastic, the cocktails are exceptional, and the food never disappoints. We love everything on the menu, but our personal favorites are the celery salad, Caesar salad, the baos, and the chicken—each dish is perfectly executed. We’re also lucky enough to have George as our server every time we dine here. He’s simply the best, making every visit even more memorable with his friendly demeanor and excellent service. And don’t forget to save room for dessert! The burger dessert is an absolute must-try. We can’t wait to come back again soon!
More info
The Whaling BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• La Jolla
•
4.6

Best Restaurants for People Watching in University City/Golden Triangle

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Award-winning

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16 restaurants available nearby

1. California English

2. The Whaling Bar

3. NINE-TEN

4. Brockton Villa

5. Manhattan of La Jolla

6. Arterra

7. Brigantine Del Mar

8. Bleu Boheme

9. Beaumont's

10. World Famous

See what locals rave about

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