3 Restaurants in La Jolla Offering More Than Good Food

1. The Marine Room

La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, 2000 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla, CA | (858) 459-7222 | Online

Opened in 1941, The Marine Room quickly became famous as the pounding surf created dramatic displays of the La Jolla Shores for the guests to watch, especially during their popular High Tide breakfast, offered on select days during the winter months. Food is magic here, and Executive Chef Bernard Guillas and Chef de Cuisine Ron Oliver bring an international influence to their cuisine, so much so that they wrote a cookbook called Flying Pans in which they tell of their traveling tales from around the globe with recipes to match. Relying on the bounty of the farmers’ markets, fishermen, and ranchers, chef Guillas creates a cuisine that allows him to share his love and passion for cooking while showcasing his local heritage. From local seafood favorites to the seasonal and exotic, the menu is an elegant and everlasting tale of two chefs.

What to order:

Some of my favorite dishes include the Forest Mushroom Duck Casserole, Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog Brûlée and the Pistachio Crusted Lamb Rack.

2. A.R. Valentien

​11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA | (858) 777-6635 | Online

The Lodge at Torrey Pines is home to A.R. Valentien, one of San Diego’s most notable and refined restaurants. You will certainly feel transported whiling away the hours in a charming dining room with a beautiful view of the Torrey Pines Golf Course and the Pacific Ocean just off the bluffs in the distance. Executive Chef Jeff Jackson and Chef de Cuisine Kelli Crosson offer a cuisine that revolves around the seasons, assuring superb freshness and taste with every bite. "Chef Jackson and I share the same philosophy on food—keep it simple and perfect," says Crosson. "When it’s simple, you must focus on your technique and there’s no room for error."

What to order: 

The charcuterie section of the menu is one of my favorites, especially the Duck and Pistachio Pâté and Short Rib Terrine with Celery Aioli, Zucchini Pickles. Artisanal and farmhouse cheeses are outstanding, and the meat and seafood options range anywhere from Roman Style Duck Breast to Niman Ranch Pork Loin and East Coast Scallops.

3. NINE-TEN

Grande Colonial La Jolla, 910 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA | (858) 964-5400 | Online

Escape to Nine-Ten located inside The Grande Colonial Hotel in La Jolla for an unforgettable gastronomic experience! This is a restaurant where people come for great food and wine, whether wearing a coat and tie or jeans and a button-down shirt. Executive Chef Jason Knibb passionately redefines California cuisine with eloquent presentations and spice-laden touches from his Jamaican background. By gathering veggies and herbs from a garden just outside the back door of the kitchen, Knibb honors his commitment to create innovative cuisine using only the freshest, local ingredients. Those wanting a true epicurean experience should try out the "Mercy of the Chef" dinner special where they can enjoy a special prix fixe menu created for the entire table at the whim and inspiration of the Chef. Most recently, Chef Knibb was named San Diego’s 2014 "Chef of the Year" by the California Restaurant Association. The award, presented by San Diego’s Mayor, Kevin Faulconer is considered San Diego’s most prestigious restaurant honors.