For those lucky San Diegans, listening to gently crashing ocean waves or enjoying the Pacific views of La Jolla Coves at the shore is a fairly typical way to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. For the rest of us, a vacation in Southern California will just have to do.
Poseidon on the Beach
1670 Coast Blvd.
Del Mar, California 92014
858-755-9345
www.poseidonrestaurant.com
Spicy flavors from the Mediterranean. Moroccan-born chef Jamal lends a touch on the generous side to his delicious seafood starters. Three appetizers is enough for a tasty meal with a house Chardonnay by the glass. Both the bar and the restaurant were super crowded on a Friday night, so reservations are suggested. Reserve a table by the window where the waves reflect moonlight. You’ll be dining under heat lamps if it’s chilly and looking smack at the ocean just yards from your table. Sunny days or warm evenings, enjoy your meal served at the outdoor patio with the beach at your feet. Or, head for happy hour on the beach every Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Even the locals are impressed by these views.
Jake’s Del Mar
1660 Coast Blvd.
Del Mar, California 92014
858-755-2002
www.jakesdelmar.com
Two’s a match. Jake’s Del Mar is on the sand right next door to Poseidon. It’s a million-dollar view, and they light up the waves at night. You couldn’t be any closer to the ocean without getting wet. This is one of a family of restaurants that really knows their seafood with locations in Malibu; Huntington Beach; Tahoe; and Maui, Kauai, and Waikiki. A supporter of the San Diego Food Bank, Jake’s donates a portion of proceeds from the sale of every Chef’s Special ordered daily, adding to the $26,000 raised to date. Aloha Happy Hours on weekdays and Saturdays from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Prawns, calamari, mussels priced from $6.
Crab Catcher Restaurant
1298 Prospect St.
La Jolla, California 92037
858-454-9587
www.crabcatcher.com
Skip down a few stairs from street level to a phenomenal view of La Jolla Coves and Sunny Jim Cave from the bluffs above the divers, rocks, and seals. Do call ahead to reserve a window table, as there are only a few. Be early to protect your booking, since parking in downtown La Jolla is not easy, or use the parking garage at $10. Try the happy hour from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., with $3 margaritas and $1.50 oyster shooters. Live music on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 p.m. The dinner menu is pricey, a surprise considering the casual atmosphere of the venue.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
1270 Prospect St.
La Jolla, California 92037
858-459-5500
www.eddiev.com
Don’t even think of coming without a reservation. Eddie V’s is the newest restaurant with a view in La Jolla, replacing the defunct Chart House. The hostess indicated the wait for a table on Friday was “one hour and 40 minutes.” There are a good number of tables with ocean views by big corner windows, but if you go with a party, the private room has no windows. Perfectly chilled Chardonnay at the rooftop outdoor bar with fire pit and live music most evenings. Few seats, so be prepared to stand with your drinks while appreciating an orange sunset reflected on the Pacific. The menu features seafood entrees mainly under $30; add dollars for steak. There are gluten-free options. Again, valet parking beats a parking ticket.
George’s at the Cove
1250 Prospect St.
La Jolla, California 92037
858-454-4444
www.georgesatthecove.com
The bar and restaurant on all three levels at George’s is a San Diego top spot. The problem with George’s is that while the food is very tasty and the jalapeno bell pepper Bloody Mary is great, the views are so spectacular that it is difficult to remember what you had. Signature drinks abound. If a Blue Cheese Martini sounds too fattening, try The Skinny with Absolut at 120 calories. A word regarding acrophobia: The terrace is up high, and you do feel like you’re hanging out over the ocean at the outdoor tables. The highlight of a December lunch visit was the sight of two whales spouting and diving for a good 15 minutes in full view of the delighted restaurant-goers. Planning ahead? Daily sunset times are posted online.
