Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Salad and dessert spots in La Jolla

You want a meal that starts with a crisp salad and ends with a proper dessert.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Dora Ristorante image 1
Dora Ristorante image 2
Dora Ristorante image 3
View all
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers beautiful design with an open-style kitchen that creates an intimate, home-like atmosphere. The vibe balances upbeat and classy, making it cozy yet upscale. Guests enjoy a heated outdoor patio with blankets, enhancing comfort in cooler weather.

Octopus and squash stand out as unforgettable salad choices. Fennel pairs well with persimmons and comes perfectly dressed and presented.

Desserts stand out with rich flavors and varied options. Each dish offers a satisfying finish that justifies the indulgence.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully curated."

"The squash salad was unforgettable, perfectly dressed and presented."

"The desserts here are light yet packed with rich flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is available inside the Theatre District Parking Structure near the La Jolla Playhouse.

2

Parking rates are $4.50 per hour with a maximum of $36.

3

Expect a 30% upcharge for additional portions without prior disclosure.

02
The Whaling Bar image 1
Restaurant

Vintage decor blends with modern touches to create a warm ambiance that suits romantic dinners and casual drinks. The space features carefully preserved historic elements alongside flawless design, offering a nostalgic yet fresh vibe. Cocktails and food receive high praise, enhancing the top-tier atmosphere.

Caesar salad stands out with giant crispy croutons that are creamy inside, creating a unique texture. Celery Salad offers a fresh twist, and the Urfa Chicken adds a flavorful, distinctive touch.

Desserts include a playful burger dessert with a chocolate-covered ice cream patty and caramel cake. The dessert menu stands out as the most interesting part of the meal.

People are saying

"The bar staff here is so welcoming and kind."

"You have to try the Caesar salad; it's the best I've ever had."

"You have to try the hamburger dessert; it's a playful twist."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-5 p.m. with limited menu options.

2

Valet parking is available at the connected hotel.

3

The kitchen closes at 10 p.m., not 11 p.m.

03
Bistro Pazzo image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, intimate Italian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and quiet, friendly vibe. Features a cute patio where dogs are welcome, offering peaceful outdoor seating. Known for top-notch pasta dishes and a romantic, family-oriented setting.

Salads feature fresh ingredients with options like a lemony Caesar and a spinach salad paired with salmon. The pazzo salad stands out alongside other dishes like meatballs.

Desserts include a huge slice served as a surprise for special occasions. Other sweets at the bistro are delicious and complement the meal well.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here are amazing and delicious."

"The Italian food here, especially the lasagna, is the best I've ever had."

"Their desserts here are delicious."

Good to know

1

Dinner service starts from 4 pm.

2

Bistro Pazzo accommodates large parties, including groups of 11.

3

The restaurant is kid-friendly, making it suitable for families.

04
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.

Fresh onions stand out in the salad, which is a typical Afghani style. Shrimp and beef kabobs come with a green salad and generous rice portions.

Desserts feature light and fluffy crusts and come with complimentary options during celebrations. The cherry blossom tea stands out as a sweet finish.

People are saying

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

"The desserts here are light, fluffy, and absolutely delicious."

"I thought the salad was freshly made and tasty."

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.

05
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.

Salads come with a refreshing mix and a dressing that blends lemon and toasted cumin for real flavor. They pair well with grilled meats and dips, adding a crisp, fresh element to the meal.

Desserts feature a unique pistachio and rose flavor combination and a Tres Leches that differs from expectations but satisfies. All desserts are consistently delicious.

People are saying

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

"I found the salads here to be super fresh and flavorful."

"You have to try the pistachio tres leches dessert."

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.

06
Eddie V's Prime Seafood image 1
Seafood restaurant

Panoramic ocean views define the setting, especially from the outdoor patio with heated lamps and a fire pit for warmth. The atmosphere stays elegant and quiet, welcoming guests with attentive service and thoughtful touches like table decorations and complimentary champagne. The place draws those seeking a refined dining experience paired with stunning scenery.

Complimentary desserts come with celebrations, often including a warm butter cake banana foster. Desserts are delicious and sometimes offered with champagne to mark special occasions.

People are saying

"The ocean view here is spectacular and to die for."

"They surprised us with a complimentary dessert that was out of this world."

"The fish here is fresh and cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Reservations are essential as the restaurant is often fully booked.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm daily with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Valet parking is recommended due to limited street parking availability.

07
TAKARAMONO SUSHI image 1
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.

Kyuri Tataki offers a simple but delicious cucumber salad. Salmon oshi and cucumber salad bring a refreshing and savory touch to the menu.

Premium grade matcha shines in the ice cream and affogato, offering a less sweet option. The cheesecake dessert stands out as incredible and special. Birthday celebrations include desserts with a candle for a personal touch.

People are saying

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

"The sushi here is fantastic, with exceptionally fresh fish."

"The sushi here is top notch, especially the nigiri."

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.

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.

Beet salads stand out with fresh arugula and vibrant flavors. Caesar salad comes with perfectly cooked salmon. Bacon and cheese add a rich touch to the greens.

Baklava ice cream cake stands out as a dessert highlight. Family-style desserts follow a multi-course dinner with appetizers, salad, and entree choices.

People are saying

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

"I wish I had the salad dressing on the side."

"The baklava ice cream cake is my new favorite dessert."

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
Osteria Romantica image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy Italian restaurant with authentic vibe and beautiful patio featuring sunset views and outdoor heaters. Atmosphere feels like a charming small Italian town, warm and inviting with peaceful street closure. Tables sit close together, creating an intimate but tight setting.

Salads feature fresh beet options and a variety of choices including a notable fig salad. Portions are generous and sometimes split without extra charge.

Desserts feature Tiramisu, Cannoli, and Nutella cheesecake with a side of Limoncello offered after the meal.

People are saying

"The fresh, flavorful Italian food, especially the pasta, is amazing."

"The beet salad was super fresh and perfect."

"The desserts, like the cannoli and tiramisu, were amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and walk-ins are usually accommodated.

2

The restaurant is kid-friendly and offers a variety of options for children.

3

Prices are considered affordable for the quality of food and service.

10
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse image 1

Spacious restaurant with indoor and outdoor patio seating, including heated porch that welcomes dogs. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting with a mix of sports screens adding energy. Offers a variety of house-brewed beers and a lively bar scene.

Salads come in fresh and crisp varieties with big portions served cold. Options like the Steak Wedge and mozzarella salads stand out for their flavor.

Great desserts stand out here, with the Pzookie dessert being a notable option. Staff like Darin K offer kind and helpful service when ordering sweets.

People are saying

"The service at these dinner spots is attentive and kind."

"Jeremy was an amazing server who made us giggle."

"I thought the desserts here were the best ever."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 7pm daily with discounted appetizers and drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended for larger groups, especially during peak hours.

3

The restaurant has limited handicap parking available in front.

Discover more

La Jolla, San Diego

Area guide
Loading Map...