Restaurants Near La Jolla Shores: The Local Surfer’s Dining Guide

Closest to La Jolla Shores Beach (~200 yards or less from the sand)

When you can still feel the sand between your toes and your hair’s still damp from your last wave, these are the go-to spots:

• Jeff’s Burgers 🍔
   The unofficial surfer refuel station. Big, juicy burgers, hot fries, and a relaxed beach-town vibe that says “come as you are.” Perfect for those post-surf hunger pangs that only a burger can cure.
  
• Dough Mama 🥯
   Early openers with fresh bagels, egg sandwiches, and solid coffee. Ideal for grabbing something light before a morning paddle-out or a hearty bite after.
  
• Shorehouse Kitchen 🍳
   Bright, airy, and full of surf chatter on weekends. Expect hearty omelets, benedicts, and smoothies. Big portions—just what you need after burning calories in the waves.
  
• The Cheese Shop 🥪
   A La Jolla Shores institution. Their towering sandwiches and world-famous oatmeal cookies are legendary among the surf crowd.
  
• Brick & Bell ☕
   Home of the best scones in town and a coffee line filled with sandy flip-flops. Perfect pre-surf caffeine boost.
  
• Shore Riders 🌊
   If La Jolla Shores had a clubhouse for surfers, this would be it. Known for massive breakfast burritos, refreshing smoothies, and healthy post-surf plates. Whether you want to go light with an acai bowl or all-in with a plate of fish tacos, Shore Riders delivers the fuel you need without losing that beachy, laid-back feel.
  
  

Restaurants Near La Jolla Cove (a short drive or long walk from the Shores)

Heading toward the Cove opens up more variety, from quick eats to upscale dinners:

• Duke’s La Jolla 🌺
   Hawaiian-inspired with poke bowls, grilled fish, and tropical cocktails—plus panoramic ocean views. Great for watching the sunset after an afternoon surf.
  
  
• El Pescador Fish Market 🐟
   Part seafood market, part casual café. Known for its poke, fish burritos, clam chowder, and fresh daily catches. A must for seafood lovers.
  
  
• Local Taco Shop 🌮
   No fuss, no frills—just solid tacos, burritos, and that salty ocean breeze.
  

Places to Watch Surfers in La Jolla

• Caroline’s Seaside Café 🏄‍♂️
   Perched above Scripps Pier, this is the ultimate “watch the surf” spot. Great breakfast scrambles, wraps, and coffee, with a panoramic view of the lineup below. Perfect for rest days or bringing non-surfing friends.
  
  

Locals’ Favorites

Ask anyone who’s surfed La Jolla Shores for years and these will come up:

• The Cheese Shop – Old-school charm and unbeatable sandwiches. Plain but insane! Is what I like to say.
  
• El Pescador Fish Market – Freshest seafood and tastiest dishes you can ask for.
  
• Brick & Bell – Coffee and scones before you hit the sand.
  
• Shore Riders – Breakfast burritos and smoothies right off the beach.
  
  

Best Dinner Spots by Price

(Now, Keep in mind, a dinner for two or more can run close to a new wetsuit or even a board!)

Fine Dining 💵💵💵

• The Marine Room – Waves crash against the windows. Once-in-a-lifetime dinner views. (During the winter swells and high kin-tides, water can smash against the glass windows. Don’t worry, hi-tech material has these things reinforced to protect the building)
  
• Nine-Ten Restaurant & Bar – Coastal elegance with a farm-to-table twist. (Make sure to pull out your nice aloha shirt. Oh, and iron it too!)
  
• Eddie V’s – Coastal elegance with a killer view and great steaks. Lunch and dinner time but worth it to spend it. (Make sure to pull out your nice aloha shirt. Oh, and iron it too!)
  
• Georges By the Beach – Lunch and dinner overlooking the cove and sunsets are the real desert here.

Mid-Range 💵💵

• Piatti – Cozy Italian with wood-fired pizza. Fine Italian food down the road from the beach. Just follow the smell, your nose will lead you.
  
• Duke’s La Jolla – Island vibes and sunset views. Music, drinks and the killer view overlooking The Cove is unbeatable. (Local Tip: Always, and I mean always, go with the Kona Pie when you go. It’s big, so share it with someone you greedy person!)
  
  

After Surfing – Brunch, Healthy Options & Quick Bites

When your arms are jelly and your stomach is rumbling:

• Shore Riders – Big burritos, fresh bowls, and ice-cold smoothies. Check their updated menus as there are specials and new menus all the time.
  
• Shorehouse Kitchen – Hearty brunch for serious hunger. Breakfast hash mmm…mmyy favorite. Healthy options and everything is great!
  
• Dough Mama – Fresh sandwiches and coffee for a quick recharge. A couple slices, garlic knots, and a tap drank is a way to fuel for second surf session.
  
• Seaside Café – Acai bowls, wraps, and lighter fare. Check them out.
  
  

Lunch – Casual & Walking Distance from the Shores

• Jeff’s Burgers – Quick, filling, and classic.
  
  The Cheese Shop – Fast sandwiches you can eat on the sand.
  
  Shore Riders – Healthy or indulgent—your call.
  
  

Before Surfing – Coffee Spots & Light Bites

Pro tip: Don’t eat too heavy before paddling out—your stomach will thank you.

• Brick & Bell – Coffee and fresh-baked scones.
  
• The Market – Quick grab-and-go snacks.
  
• Neighbor Saver Kiosk – Coffee plus last-minute surf session essentials.
  
• The Cheese Shop – 8am open:  Breakfast bagel options are a must if you need it.
  
  

FAQs About Eating Near La Jolla Shores

What kind of food is available near La Jolla Shores?
 From fresh seafood and poke bowls to old-school delis, burger joints, and fine dining, there’s something for every appetite.

Where do surfers usually eat after a session?
 Shore Riders, The Cheese Shop, and Jeff’s Burgers are three of the most popular post-surf refuel spots.

Is there anywhere to watch surfers while I eat?
 Yes—Caroline’s Seaside Café offers front-row seating to watch surfers at Scripps Pier. Local Tip: We usually get food to go. Call in the order when you’re changing out of the wetsuit. Then roll up, pick up, and find a place by the beach or above the pier)

Full Stomach, Full Stoke

Surfing at La Jolla Shores isn’t just about the waves—it’s about the community, the post-session chatter, and the food that fuels it all. From pre-surf coffee runs to post-surf fish tacos, this stretch of coastline is a playground for both surfers and foodies.

Next time you’re here, book a surf lesson with Surf Education Academy, then reward yourself with a meal at one of these local gems. After all—good waves and good food go hand in hand.