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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to La Jolla

Soup date spots

A bowl of soup that feels intimate enough for a date, rather than something you only eat when you are sick or alone.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
TAKARAMONO SUSHI image 1
TAKARAMONO SUSHI image 2
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Sushi restaurant

Small sushi restaurant with authentic atmosphere and subtle Japanese decor creates a quiet, intimate vibe. Space feels comfortable and unpretentious, with an open front allowing fresh air inside. Fish quality stands out as exceptionally fresh and high-grade.

Miso soup features fresh salmon and sometimes truffle oil, adding a unique twist. The soup stands out as delicious and distinctive compared to typical versions.

Pleasing to the eyes and mouth, this spot offers a visually appealing and delicious experience. It works well for a romantic setting.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is incredibly fresh."

"I loved the fresh sushi here; it's my favorite spot."

"The miso soup with salmon and truffle oil was delightful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, due to limited seating.

2

Omakase is available Monday through Thursday with 24 hours advance reservations.

3

Parking is available nearby, but can be limited during peak hours.

02
Crab City (La Jolla Cove) image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Outdoor seating overlooks ocean views and a lively street, creating a peaceful atmosphere with a warm, family-run vibe. Music plays softly, adding to the chill environment. The setting suits quiet conversations and relaxed dining.

Noodle soup features fried tofu and fresh greens like zucchini and choy in a chicken broth base. Vegetable rice noodle soup offers a hearty, comforting option suitable for chilly days.

Frequent visits mark this spot as a go-to for anniversaries and special nights. The menu features noodle soup and a veggie phแปŸ with chicken broth that includes fried tofu and fresh greens like zucchini and choy.

People are saying

"The seafood boil here is packed with garlic, butter, and spice."

"The pho broth is rich, authentic, and perfect for a chilly evening."

"I thought this was the best place for a seafood boil."

Good to know

1

The menu includes Vietnamese dishes like rice plates and bรกnh mรฌ.

2

Prices are reasonable, with many dishes under $20.

3

Reservations are not required, and seating is usually available.

03
Aroi Thai On Prospect image 1
Thai restaurant

Restaurant offers ocean and beach views with semi-outdoor patio seating that creates a cozy and warm atmosphere. The vibe is laid-back and pet-friendly, attracting those who enjoy relaxing meals with scenic surroundings.

Soups here come with bold flavors and solid heat, like the boat soup with a level 7 kick. The Tom Yum soup and duck noodle soup stand out for their perfect seasoning and balance.

Sticky mango rice and succulent, crispy duck stand out as great shared dishes. The bussin noodles and authentic flavors make it a solid choice for a Sunday day date spot.

People are saying

"The Thai food here is so flavorful and authentic."

"The Tom Yum soup here is awesome and flavorful."

"The food here is so delicious, it's perfect for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all week long with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Street parking is available, but can be hard to find.

3

Reservations are not required, and seating is often available immediately for lunch.

04
Zoya image 1
Restaurant

Open space with extraordinary decor and warm family-style vibe creates an inviting atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating options complement a full bar and on point music choice. Upscale energy suits those seeking authentic Mediterranean flavors in a beautiful setting.

Thick texture and great flavor define the lentil soup here. It stays healthy, light but filling, and looks appealing for photos.

A standout is the take me on a date pizza with its sweet and savory mix that pairs well with the house mocktail. Meals here fit well for couples looking for a relaxed date night.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"The chicken shawarma here is the best I've ever had."

"I found the lentil soup to be excellent and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day with $5 beer options.

2

Outdoor seating is available for guests with dogs.

3

The menu offers a variety of Mediterranean dishes.

05
La Corriente La Jolla image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space blends French cafรฉ and beach bungalow styles with beautiful decor and terrace seating. Atmosphere stays laid back and soothing, ideal for conversation. Guests enjoy authentic Mexican flavors and warm hospitality.

Siete mares soup stands out with its rich flavors. Complimentary soup samples add a nice touch to the experience.

Quieter evenings create a relaxed vibe with just a few locals and families around. The menu features soft shell crab tacos and several other delicious dishes that make for a pleasant shared meal.

People are saying

"I've never had a fresher, crispier fish taco."

"The ceviche and fish tacos here are incredibly fresh and flavorful."

"This clam chowder is the most delicious bowl I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour ends promptly at 6pm; order before then to get the discount.

2

The restaurant has limited seating, so expect a wait during peak hours.

3

Parking is not available; consider alternative transportation options.

06
Chin's Szechwan - La Jolla image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small space with about six booths inside and a few tables outside creates an intimate, cozy atmosphere. Warm lighting and tasteful decor blend traditional Chinese elements with modern style, making it a quiet, vibey spot. Popular and often busy, it draws diners who appreciate consistent quality and generous portions.

Wonton soup comes packed full of goodies and has a great flavor. Hot and sour soup also appears as a solid option alongside other dishes.

Service includes attentive waitstaff that enhance the experience. Suitable for date nights with a relaxed vibe. The setting works well for casual meals and family outings.

People are saying

"I found Chin's Szechwan to be a great Chinese food spot."

"The food here is 10/10, with balanced flavors and vibrant presentation."

"The wonton soup here is packed full of goodies."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted due to the small size of the restaurant.

2

Expect to wait for a table during busy dinner hours, especially on weekends.

3

Lunch prices are lower than dinner prices, providing a more affordable option.

07
Pamir Kabob House image 1
Afghan restaurant

Dining space blends Afghan cultural decor with floor seating and cloth tablecloths, creating a warm, homely atmosphere. Slow Afghan instrumental music plays softly, enhancing the family-friendly, inviting vibe. The setting suits both casual family meals and romantic dinners.

Soups here feature lamb and mutton, offering rich, hearty flavors. They share similarities with Indian and Uzbek soups, often served alongside kebab and rice.

Couples often return for the intimate atmosphere and shared meals. Some experience a sharing fee when splitting dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, flavorful, and freshly made."

"The food here is phenomenal and delicious."

"The soup here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is generally available on Pearl Street.

2

If parking on Pearl Street is not available, side street parking is an option.

3

The restaurant is family-friendly.

08
Beeside Balcony La Jolla image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Open-air Mediterranean restaurant offers breathtaking ocean views and an elevated patio that reduces street noise. Live music sets a classy beach town vibe with a vibrant atmosphere that feels both lively and welcoming.

Cioppino soup features mostly mussels and clams with little fish. Tomato soup comes alongside pork chop and filet mignon dishes. Bread served with soup can be greasy.

Early dinner dates offer a relaxed vibe with a focus on seafood dishes like octopus, which some may find unique. The setting suits couples looking for a quiet, enjoyable meal together.

People are saying

"The food at these dinner spots was spectacular and did not disappoint."

"The drinks here are unique and delicious."

"The cioppino soup was out of this world and so flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great prices on drinks and appetizers.

2

The happy hour menu is available upon request from the staff.

3

Parking is generally easy, but can be difficult during peak hours.

09
Girard Gourmet image 1

Small bakery with homey vibe and old world style kitchen offers limited indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels warm and family-friendly, focusing on comfort rather than fancy decor. Frequented for high quality homemade recipes and a wide variety of fresh bakery and deli items.

Soups here have exceptional flavor even when they look simple. Options include lamb barley, carrot, and 15 bean soups, all consistently delicious and perfect for a cozy lunch.

Five-star attention from staff and owners creates a warm atmosphere. Cinnamon jam rolls offer a sweet finish for dessert.

People are saying

"I loved the freshly made salads and sandwiches at this lunch spot."

"The soup here is delicious and flavorful."

"The spinach and mushroom quiche here is delicious."

Good to know

1

Girard Gourmet is open from 7 AM to 6 PM every day.

2

Expect a line during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Street parking can be tricky; plan accordingly.

10
El Pescador Fish Market image 1

Fish market and restaurant combine with fresh seafood display behind a glass counter. Outdoor patio lined with cacti offers a relaxed coastal vibe and spacious seating options. The atmosphere feels buzzy and inviting, drawing people who appreciate fresh fish and casual dining.

Seafood soups like cioppino stand out with rich flavors. Soups come alongside dishes like ceviche and sandwiches, all tasting fresh and satisfying.

Seafood dishes like grilled octopus and Cioppino stand out for date nights. The calamari steak sandwich offers a unique option priced around $17.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The grilled octopus here is amazing for Date Spots."

"The clam chowder soup was pretty good and full of clams."

Good to know

1

El Pescador Fish Market operates on a first come, first serve basis; no reservations accepted.

2

Expect long lines on Saturday afternoons, especially during peak hours.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early to secure a spot.

11
The Grill at Torrey Pines image 1
American restaurant

Outdoor dining overlooks a golf course and sea view, creating a relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere with live music and a bonfire area. The setting feels comfortable and scenic, especially during evening hours. The place attracts golfers, families, and friends gathering for casual meals and drinks.

Roma tomato soup stands out with a rich, comforting flavor. It pairs well with pan-seared grilled cheese featuring perfectly melted cheese inside.

Celebrations include dishes like citrus salad paired with Cardiff crack steak and classic options like Sloppy Joe and burgers. The menu suits a casual yet special meal for couples.

People are saying

"I took in the beautiful golf course view from our outdoor table."

"The Date Spots here serve delicious comfort food like tomato soup and grilled cheese."

"The tomato soup with grilled cheese is delicious comfort food."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner service to avoid long wait times.

2

The average meal cost is around $30 per person, excluding drinks.

3

The restaurant offers a scenic patio for outdoor dining with ocean views.

12
The Spot La Jolla image 1

Bar and grill with ocean views and an indoor-outdoor second story creates a lively, cozy atmosphere. Outdoor seating is dog friendly and popular, while multiple sports TVs show several games simultaneously. The place fills up and gets loud, especially later in the evening.

French onion soup stands out with a twist of rye bread and a different cheese, topped with a great crouton and a tasty base. Lobster soup and meatball soup of the day also offer solid options.

Fish tacos come out perfect and the chicken bacon Alfredo offers a rich, satisfying option for a date meal.

People are saying

"The bar food here is some of the best I've ever had."

"The service here is so friendly and attentive for date spots."

"Their French onion soup has a tasty base with lots of cheese."

Good to know

1

Parking at The Spot can be challenging.

2

They have Trivia Night on Tuesdays.

3

Happy Hour gives $3 off appetizers.

13
Taste of the Himalayas image 1
Indian restaurant

Small, family-owned restaurant offers ocean-facing views with colorful Himalayan-themed decor. Atmosphere feels cozy and casual, suitable for relaxed meals or date nights. Outdoor seating includes heaters for comfort, enhancing the peaceful vibe.

Daal soup stands out as a warm, fresh option often paired with curries or naan. Other soups like Himalayan Chicken appear alongside dishes like chicken momos in lunch specials.

Shrimp pakora, daal soup, chana masala, and chicken korma create a diverse meal for two. The setting suits a date night with flavorful dishes.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be authentic and flavorful, just like back home."

"The food here is outstanding, full of flavor, and perfect for Date Spots."

"I thought the daal soup was the best I have ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a view of La Jolla.

2

There is ample parking nearby.

3

The restaurant is Halal, which is amazing in La Jolla.

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