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Best Authentic Restaurants in La Jolla

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21 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Catania restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2058)
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(6519)
Price: Moderate
• Hawaii Regional Cuisine • La Jolla
Booked 76 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 Puesto La Jolla restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2108)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Jolla
Booked 46 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 Taste of the Himalayas restaurant
4.5
Awesome(21)
Price: Moderate
• Indian • La Jolla
Booked 1 time 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 RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla restaurant
4.3
Awesome(2673)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • La Jolla
Booked 23 times today
Dining at RED O is an experience like no other that offers a unique combination of Prime Steak and Seafood with Rick Bayless’ signature Mexican inspired influences. With sustainably sourced and local ingredients, RED O creates flavorful dishes true to the authentic flavors of Mexico. RED O’s team of friendly employees creates a welcoming atmosphere that parallels the luxury resort interior of the restaurant. RED O also features an impressive bar and lounge where you’ll find specialty cocktails, an extensive tequila list and an award winning wine list. The bar also offers Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m. daily and Late Night Happy Hour from 9-11pm Friday-Saturday.
A photo of Ambrogio15 restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(828)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • Pacific Beach
Booked 4 times today
Ambrogio15 is an authentic Pizzeria with a unique Milano gourmet pizza recipe. Reviewers are consistently impressed with the high-quality ingredients and the authenticity of the Italian cuisine. The restaurant is described as 'exceptional', 'fabulous' and 'authentic'.
A photo of Puesto Mission Valley restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1982)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Mission Valley
Booked 72 times today
Puesto is family-owned and operated by first generation Mexican American brothers Eric, Alan and Alex Adler, alongside their cousins Isidoro and Moy Lombrozo and founding chef and partner Luisteen Gonzalez. With eight locations in California, Puesto provides an innovative and contemporary approach to authentic Mexican cuisine. Sourcing its ingredients locally and regionally, the restaurant has earned national acclaim for its Mexico City-inspired tacos made with non-GMO organic, heirloom Masienda blue corn stone-ground tortillas, crispy melted cheese and scratch salsas.
A photo of Solare Ristorante Lounge restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2429)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Point Loma
Booked 13 times today
Family-owned and operated, Randy Smerik and his team are dedicated to providing an amazing dining experience for you. Our authentic Italian cuisine features a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. including fresh pasta made each morning and organic produce, wild fish, and hormone free meat.
A photo of Glass Box Asian Coastal Inspired Kitchen + Bar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(237)
Price: Moderate
• Sushi • Carmel Valley
Booked 13 times today
A transparent authentic cultural experience of Asian infused cuisine, continuously redefining “fresh”.
A photo of The Godfather Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1859)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Kearny Mesa
Booked 20 times today
The Godfather, a Balistreri restaurant, is an Italian monument in downtown San Diego providing authentic cuisine from the hills of Italy. Established in 1974, The Godfather is a sophisticated and classy establishment that centers around generational recipes from both Northern and Southern Italy. Over the years, the quality of food and standard of service has never declined and thus garnered The Godfather a national recognition as one of the top twenty-five Italian restaurants in the entire nation. The menu is filled with classic favorites based in steak, chicken and pasta. For an intimate evening for two, try the Sicilian kiss prix fixe meal that includes a bottle of champagne.

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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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