The Duke’s in La Jolla opened in 2015, bringing a mix of Hawaiian and Californian cooking to the area. Named after Hawaiian swimmer and Olympic champion Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, the restaurant has become one of the most popular spots in the neighborhood and we recommend stopping by if you’re interested in Pacific Islander cooking. Of course, Duke’s is far from the only great restaurant in La Jolla, which is known for its cuisine almost as much as its gorgeous beaches. Here are a few of our other favorites:
The Marine Room: One of the crown jewels of San Diego’s food scene, The Marine Room features Mexican-style seafood paired with a jaw-dropping view of the ocean from its dining room. A local institution, The Marine Room has been one of the top restaurants in La Jolla since it first opened in 1941, although it can be a little pricey for some.
Bobboi Natural Gelato: After a long day of walking around in the SoCal heat, nothing hits the spot like a cold gelato from Bobboi. Voted as the best gelato restaurant in the state, Bobboi was founded by immigrants from the Italian island of Sardinia but blends traditional Italian gelato tradition with fresh Californian flavors. We highly recommend stopping here, especially if you have kids who go crazy for ice cream.
El Pescador: Although La Jolla is home to plenty of fancy restaurants, sometimes you’re just looking for something simple, and El Pescador fits the bill. Since opening 40 years ago, this seafood restaurant has been offering fresh fish daily just minutes from the ocean. We recommend the fish tacos in particular, although you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
To make the most of your trip, check out our La Jolla Self-Guided Driving Tour, or you can sign up for Action+ and gain access to over 100 tours for a single yearly price.
