Take a Bite of San Diego’s Freshest Catch

La Jolla is a stunning cliffside community situated along the coast and is home to some of the freshest seafood restaurants in San Diego. Its close proximity to the ocean ensures that their restaurants’ fish will be of premium quality and melt-in-your-mouth good. From the cocktails to the crab, these places are sure to exceed your expectations. With that said, I invite you to come take a bite of San Diego’s freshest catch!

The first noteworthy place, Herringbone, is the perfect venue for an afternoon date or weekend brunch. Located right on Herschel Ave., this eclectic yet sophisticated eatery features Chef Brian Malarkey’s "Fish Meats Field" culinary concept. This culinary theme emphasizes the importance of farm fresh cuisine with line-caught seafood and meats. By utilizing a sustainable food source, it ensures that the final product will be high grade and absolutely delicious. 

With fun twists on classic dishes like their Whole Fish Ceviche or their Buffalo Ranch Octopus, there is bound to be something for everyone. They even have tasty vegan and gluten free options. The ambience is warm and inviting with a mixture of high-end and natural finishes, like the marble dining tables which contrast the rustic wooden beams.

For a right-on-the-water dining experience, a visit to The Marine Room is an absolute must! The Marine Room brings a French take on seafood with inventive seasonal dishes that will be sure to entice your tastebuds. Executive Chef Bernard Guillas and Chef de Cuisine Ron Oliver have mastered various flavor pairings and have both been praised for their culinary works of art. 

Located on Spindrift Dr., The Marine Room is situated right on the sand and is a short distance from the shoreline. Be sure to come for an evening meal during high tide when the waves crash up along the dining room windows and the sun begins to set; the experience will be truly spectacular.  

The Shores is elegant, modern, and reasonably priced for its delectable cuisine combined with a prime location. Located on the beach within the hacienda-style La Jolla Shores Hotel on Camino Del Oro, this restaurant pays homage to its Spanish roots ranging from the large arches in the dining room to their creative menu offerings like the signature Baja omelet, which has fresh crabmeat, avocado, cheddar, scallions, cilantro cream, and pico de gallo.

The Shores only sources local, fresh ingredients with a list of their local producers and purveyors displayed online. The Shores also features special dinner menu’s, like their Lobster Boil Special, a three course meal which exhibits their most luxurious lobster for the main course, every Thursday and Friday from 5 to 10pm, from April 7th through September 30th.

For the ultimate surf and turf combo, there is no place like Eddie V’s Prime Seafood and Steakhouse. Eddie V’s La Jolla location is located right on Prospect St. and is the place to be for world-class wine, exceptional service, heavenly food, and live jazz (in their V Lounge). Their fish arrives daily from pristine waters around the world including swordfish from Block Island, scallops from George Banks, and yellowfin tuna from the Caribbean. 

Eddie V’s fine dining is both scrumptious and generous in portion sizes, with a full half-pound of Jumbo Lump crab meat in their crab cakes. They are well-known for their seafood dishes, but their prime steaks are impeccable as well, as they are hand cut and specially aged for more than 28 days to allow the meat to reach its peak flavor. For dessert, try their Hot Bananas Foster Butter Cake served with house-made butter pecan ice cream or their Hot Chocolate Godiva Cake served with cold vanilla bean ice cream.  

Private and semi-private dining accommodations are available for those who enjoy a more intimate setting. Special dining offers a personal event coordinator, customized menus, wine pairing guidance, valet parking, and state-of-the-art media technology to ensure the night will be both eventful and memorable.

Last but certainly not least, is the fine Italian seafood dishes from Manhattan of La Jolla on Fay Ave., inside the Empress Hotel. Its Italian charm and savory entrees is the secret to its well-known, award-winning success and the reason why countless celebrities have chosen to dine there. This location is a great option for those anniversary celebrations, business lunches, or holiday dinner parties. 

With homemade pasta dishes, like their Lobster Ravioli or the house specialty Cannelloni, and their live musical performances four nights a week, Manhattan of La Jolla won’t disappoint! They certainly live up to their name with their traditional Manhattan cocktail and their classic tableside Caesar Salad! 

Don’t forget to finish your meal off with a house-made Cannoli, Spumoni, Tiramisu, or New York Cheesecake. As for the decor, one can expect to be transported into an old-school 1980s New York Italian steakhouse with dim lighting, seductive art on  the walls, and enchanting jazz music. 

Whether you happen to be in town or just passing by, these La Jolla restaurants are stunning seafood spots. Life is short, so splurge a little and enjoy an enchanting coastal meal with the people that matter the most to you. With fabulous service, outstanding food, and breathtaking scenery, these five venues will have you return time and time again.

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