Best Southern American Restaurants in La Jolla

86 restaurants available nearby

1. NINE-TEN

4.7

Exceptional(2934)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • La Jolla

Booked 19 times today

Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of La Jolla, San Diego, NINE-TEN stands out as a beacon of farm-to-table excellence. Under the helm of nationally-recognized chef Jason Knibb, the restaurant has earned a MICHELIN distinction for its commitment to locally-sourced, seasonally-inspired cuisine. Diners rave about the exceptional quality of dishes such as the "best duck breast I’ve ever had" and praise the innovative "Mercy of the Chef" tasting menu. With ingredients carefully selected daily from local artisans, NINE-TEN not only promises but delivers a dining experience that is both authentic and sublime. Whether you're enjoying a meal on their cozy terrace with ocean views or indulging in the warmth of their elegant indoor setting, NINE-TEN is a true gem in farm-to-table dining.

A photo of Mediterranean Room - La Valencia Hotel restaurant

2. Mediterranean Room - La Valencia Hotel

4.4

Awesome(1711)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • La Jolla

Booked 34 times today

Nestled in the picturesque La Jolla neighborhood, the Mediterranean Room at La Valencia Hotel offers a spectacular dining experience that truly embodies the essence of American cuisine with a unique coastal twist. Celebrated for its ocean views and locally-sourced ingredients, this restaurant provides a menu that is both innovative and comfortingly familiar. Guests rave about dishes like the "Wagu burger to die for" and the "best tomato bisque I’ve ever tasted." Whether it’s the delectable brunch offerings or the exquisite dinner plates, every meal is crafted to perfection. As one guest put it, "The food, the staff, the view - all incredible!" making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the best of American dining in San Diego.

3. Brockton Villa

4.5

Awesome(2779)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • La Jolla

Booked 24 times today

Brockton Villa, nestled in the picturesque La Jolla, San Diego, offers an unmatched American dining experience. Renowned for its iconic "Coast Toast," which has been dubbed "the best French toast ever," this historic seaside home turned restaurant captures the essence of American cuisine with a creative twist. Patrons rave about the quality of the food and the authenticity of dishes like breakfast tacos and seafood linguine, complemented by breathtaking ocean views. One diner praised, "The food and service were absolutely amazing!!! Incredible views as well!" Brockton Villa isn't just about food; it's about creating unforgettable experiences, whether it's a casual brunch or a special celebration. This gem truly stands out with its combination of culinary excellence and stunning location.

4. Aldea La Jolla

4.6

Exceptional(55)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • La Jolla

Booked 4 times today

Aldea La Jolla, nestled in the vibrant heart of La Jolla Village, is a Steakhouse that captures the essence of high-quality, Baja Coastal-inspired cuisine. With its "HUGE and delicious" ribeye, as one enthusiastic diner described, Aldea stands out not only for its inviting atmosphere but also for the exceptional quality of its steaks. Reviewers consistently rave about their dining experiences, highlighting the "fantastic" steak and "absolutely delicious" food that exceeds expectations. The commitment to using fresh, authentic ingredients shines through in every dish, making Aldea a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable Steakhouse experience in La Jolla.

A photo of Bernini's Bistro & Bar restaurant

5. Bernini's Bistro & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(591)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • La Jolla

Booked 18 times today

Bernini's Bistro & Bar in La Jolla, San Diego, is a treasure trove of Contemporary American cuisine, delighting locals and visitors alike for over 24 years. Known for its "incredible" Lasagna and wood-fired pizzas, Bernini's offers a menu that is both diverse and bursting with flavor. Reviewers rave about the “delicious” and “well-prepared” meals, highlighting dishes like the blackened salmon and cioppino as must-tries. The restaurant's ambiance is consistently praised, creating the perfect backdrop for dining experiences that are as memorable as they are delicious. With "excellent service" and a "warm" atmosphere, Bernini's stands out as a top choice for those seeking authentic and high-quality Contemporary American fare in a charming neighborhood setting.

A photo of The Shores Restaurant - La Jolla Shores Hotel restaurant

6. The Shores Restaurant - La Jolla Shores Hotel

4.3

Awesome(2438)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • La Jolla

Booked 28 times today

At The Shores Restaurant in La Jolla, San Diego, diners are treated to an unparalleled seafood experience, boasting fresh catches and stunning ocean views. Esteemed for its unbeatable ambiance and quality, the restaurant's seafood offerings receive rave reviews, with one guest exclaiming, "The food was outstanding, the view was awesome, and the wait staff very courteous and knowledgeable." Executive Chef Michael Vaughn's creative flair shines in dishes like the "superb" AHI appetizer and the seasoned swordfish, celebrated for its high quality. With the Pacific Ocean as its backdrop, The Shores not only promises delicious seafood but also an unforgettable beachside dining experience, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers in La Jolla.

7. Paradisaea

4.7

Exceptional(568)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • La Jolla

Booked 26 times today

Nestled in the historic Piano Building in the heart of La Jolla's vibrant Bird Rock community, Paradisaea epitomizes the essence of Californian cuisine with its commitment to quality, flavor, and local sourcing. Celebrated for its "crave-able, accessible fare executed at the highest level," this destination restaurant has become a local favorite, with diners praising its "amazing food and service" and the "extraordinary" chef's tasting menu. The ambiance, described as both "vibrant" and "soothing," complements the meticulously prepared dishes, from the fresh oysters to the flavorful steak au poivre, each "beautifully presented and delicious." Paradisaea's dedication to the Californian tradition of fresh, innovative dining is evident, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly remarkable meal in La Jolla.

8. The Fishery

4.7

Exceptional(3069)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Pacific Beach

Booked 72 times today

Nestled just blocks from the ocean in North Pacific Beach, San Diego, The Fishery epitomizes exceptional Californian cuisine with its dedication to fresh, local ingredients. Celebrated for its coastal-inspired menu, the restaurant has earned accolades such as the Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence from 2018 to the present. Patrons consistently rave about the quality and creativity of the dishes. One diner exclaimed, "Best Seafood in San Diego. All the food items were well made, tasty and delicious." With its focus on seasonality and a superb wine list that complements the vibrant flavors of each dish, The Fishery offers an authentic taste of California's rich coastal bounty in a setting that's as welcoming as it is picturesque.

A photo of The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines restaurant

9. The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines

4.6

Exceptional(2350)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • La Jolla

Booked 58 times today

The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, San Diego, epitomizes the essence of farm-to-table cuisine with its commitment to locally sourced ingredients and wood-fired specialties. Nestled in a scenic resort, the restaurant offers a menu that celebrates the bounty of Southern California, with patrons raving about the "best hamburger I have ever had" and the freshness of dishes like the avocado toast. The inviting ambiance, complete with stunning views and cozy fire pits, enhances the dining experience, making each meal not just a feast for the palate but also a moment to cherish. Reviewers consistently praise the delicious, slow-cooked menu items and the attentive service, affirming The Grill's status as a top destination for authentic farm-to-table dining.

A photo of Slowly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

10. Slowly Restaurant & Lounge

4.7

Exceptional(56)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Pacific Beach

Booked 17 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Pacific Beach, San Diego, Slowly Restaurant & Lounge offers an exceptional Mediterranean culinary experience that's as authentic as it is innovative. Patrons rave about the "amazing" in-house creations, from the perfectly fried branzino with crispy skin to the richly flavored broccolini paired with whipped feta and harissa sauce. Guests are consistently impressed by the fresh, high-quality ingredients and the creative twists on Mediterranean classics. The atmosphere is described as "chic yet warm," making it the perfect spot for both a casual meal and a sophisticated evening out. With glowing reviews highlighting both the food and the ambiance, Slowly stands out as a Mediterranean gem in San Diego's culinary scene.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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Best Southern American Restaurants in La Jolla

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86 restaurants available nearby

1. NINE-TEN

2. Mediterranean Room - La Valencia Hotel

3. Brockton Villa

4. Aldea La Jolla

5. Bernini's Bistro & Bar

6. The Shores Restaurant - La Jolla Shores Hotel

7. Paradisaea

8. The Fishery

9. The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines

10. Slowly Restaurant & Lounge

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