If you’ve been searching high and low for La Jolla restaurants on the water, we’ve got you covered.
Keep reading for places with fabulous views and amazing food!
We get that finding the best La Jolla restaurants on the water can be tricky. Whether you’ve visited places in the past with obstructed views or food that wasn’t up to scratch, some beach-side locations can be total letdowns.
But on this list of restaurants in La Jolla on the water, we’ve handpicked tried and tested spots that never disappoint.
From budget-friendly spots to upscale picks, these La Jolla restaurants on the water won’t let you down.
So, let’s dive right into our top 10 picks for La Jolla restaurants on the water, that’ll have you full-to-bursting in no time!
The Best La Jolla restaurants on the water…
Brockton Villa Restaurant
Brockton Villa Restaurant is at the top of our list of La Jolla restaurants on the water!
This gorgeous Californian restaurant is regarded for its spectacular views over the water from its stunning patio.
Oh, and it’s one of the La Jolla restaurants on the water with an impressive menu to boot!
Every dish is uber-fresh and designed to appeal to surf folks and beachgoers.
So, you can expect delicious smoothies, salads, brunch favorites, and grilled meats.
And if you’re a fish fan, this is among the La Jolla restaurants on the water that takes advantage of its location.
Boasting everything from local grouper to shrimp risotto and BBQ salmon, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu!
Read more about La Jolla: 35 fun things to in La Jolla, for every budget!
Mediterranean Room
Next up on our list of La Jolla restaurants on the water is Mediterranean Room.
This upscale spot has been one of the most popular restaurants in La Jolla on the water since it opened as the views are unbeatable.
You can thank the slightly elevated above-ground setting for that!
The cuisine is a unique fusion of Californian fare and Mediterranean flavors which blends perfectly with the European décor.
Not only is this one of the La Jolla restaurants on the water that has been given multiple awards, but it’s almost always packed out.
So, if you’re looking to dine here for dinner or a weekend brunch, we highly recommend booking online.
Although this is one of the La Jolla restaurants on the water that offers indoor dining, it’s best to dine on the patio if you can.
Throw in a few cocktails and you’ll have a night to remember!
Read more about La Jolla: Top 12 best breakfast places in La Jolla!
Shores Restaurant
If you’re on the hunt for La Jolla restaurants on the water, then you simply can’t beat Shores Restaurant.
This is one of our top picks for La Jolla restaurants on the water if you adore beachside views and rustic, beachy vibes.
Oh, and don’t forget the delicious seafood dishes and farm-fresh picks on their carefully curated dinner menu!
We’ve always had this near the top of our list of restaurants in La Jolla with a sea view as it’s so laid-back.
Everything from the Baja-inspired menu to the gentle lapping of the waves is so calming.
And the cocktail menu? Simply sublime!
Regardless of whether you’re looking for La Jolla restaurants on the water for a relaxed dinner or an anniversary, Shores is a great choice.
Read more San Diego food ideas: Where to find the best Seafood Boil in San Diego!
JRDN Restaurant
JRDN Restaurant is the next place on our list of La Jolla restaurants on the water and it’s right inside Tower 23 Hotel.
It’s on the fancy side and boasts a menu of sophisticated Californian classics (with a twist!) in an upmarket dining room.
We’ve always been fans of the Ahi Poke Nachos, but you truly can’t go wrong with anything here.
As JRDN is one of the La Jolla restaurants on the water that offers next-level ocean views and excellent eats, a reservation is a must.
We suggest heading to OpenTable to snag your spot before they’re all snapped up!
If you’re not planning to visit for dinner, this is also among the best La Jolla restaurants on the water for breakfast bites.
What can’t this place do?
Lahaina Beach House
If you’re on the hunt for budget-friendly La Jolla restaurants on the water, check out Lahaina Beach House.
This quaint beachfront bar is ideal for grabbing burgers, tacos, and other beach bites.
It’s cash-only which can be a bit of a drag if you’re a card-first shopper.
But these guys make up for the inconvenience with unmatched prices, an enormous patio, and a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for watching the sunset.
Their bumper burgers slathered with sauce and topped with cheese will always be our go-to picks.
But this is one of the La Jolla restaurants on the water that also serves affordable beers, cocktails, and wines.
Hooray for cheap eats in La Jolla that’ll keep you feeling full (and buzzed!) without breaking the bank!
Read more San Diego inspiration: 45 unique things to do in San Diego!
Baja Beach Café
Next up on our list of amazing La Jolla restaurants on the water, we have Baja Beach Café.
This lively Mexican spot has been among the go-to La Jolla restaurants by the water for boardwalk visitors for years.
And if you’re wondering why, it’s because they have an amazing Happy Hour and serve the best burgers and tacos in town.
Throw in the Frosty Mega Margaritas and cold beers and you’ll have a night to remember.
To make things even more appealing, this is one of the La Jolla restaurants on the water that keeps the kitchen open until 12:30 am!
So, if you’re bumming around the beach and need a light bite before hitting the hay – check these guys out.
Read more about La Jolla: Our favorite cheap eats in La Jolla! For budget-friendly travelers!
The Marine Room
We couldn’t write a list of the best La Jolla restaurants on the water without mentioning The Marine Room.
This elegant fine-dining spot is tucked away on Spindrift Drive and it offers breathtaking views over the water.
The dining room is understated and minimalist, featuring bright white furniture, high ceilings, and enormous windows that instantly draw you in.
When it comes to the menu, this is one of the La Jolla restaurants on the water that focuses on local seafood.
From the Hamachi crudo to the Spanish octopus and delicate crab cakes, you’ll just be able to taste the freshness.
Before leaving, don’t forget to try a few of their signature cocktails.
They truly cement this place as one of the top La Jolla restaurants on the water. Great stuff!
Read more about San Diego: 38 fun things to do in San Diego at night!
Waterbar
If you’re looking for chilled-out restaurants in La Jolla with a sea view that serve delicious seafood and craft cocktails, head to Waterbar.
Like, right now!
These guys have virtually redefined brunch in La Jolla by having a next-level raw bar, an egg station, and amazing breakfast sandos.
But brunch isn’t all that makes this one of the top La Jolla restaurants on the water.
These guys have killer dinner and dessert menus that’ll have you salivating over fresh fish tacos, lobster rolls, and farm-fresh cheeseburgers. *Swoon*.
Once you’ve had your fill of the food, make sure you grab a few cocktails to finish the night with a bang.
Read more San Diego food recommendations: Top 20 places for Mexican food in San Diego
La Jolla restaurants on the water: Kono’s Café
The last place on our list of the best La Jolla restaurants on the water is Kono’s Café.
And it’s certainly a worthy contender when it comes to hearty cheap eats and phenomenal views over Pacific Beach.
We’d say that this should be at the top of your list of La Jolla restaurants on the water to visit if you’re pinching pennies.
You can get an incredible meal for under $10 (and have change to spare!), making it a fabulous place for affordable dishes in San Diego.
Although this isn’t our top pick for La Jolla restaurants on the water for booze, it’s fabulous for coffee, iced teas, and hot chocolate!
So, if you’re traveling to San Diego with kiddos, this should be your first pitstop before a day at the beach.
Read more about San Diego: Top 20 best restaurants in San Diego with a view!
We hope this list of the top La Jolla restaurants on the water has given you plenty of ideas and inspiration!
Which of these restaurants in La Jolla on the water will you be checking out first?
This part of San Diego is one of the best, and there are so many wonderful La Jolla restaurants on the water, as you now know!
On a summer’s day, there’s nothing better than choosing one of these gorgeous La Jolla restaurants on the water, picking a perfect table, and enjoying some good food.
Look we know there is plenty of things to do in La Jolla, but dining at one of these La Jolla restaurants on the water, is a classic Californian experience you won’t want to miss!
Read more about San Diego: 26 things to do alone in San Diego
