San Diego/La Jolla restaurant suggestions?

[doggerham]

We're going out there this weekend. I'm looking for a restaurant for dinner after my son's commencement ceremony on Saturday.

I was thinking of Fleming's Steakhouse, which oddly enough is at the La Jolla Hyatt, where we are staying. BUT, we have a 2 year old (grand)child in tow, so maybe something fancy is out. Any thoughts?

Then, I'm looking for somewhere for brunch on Sunday. The brunch place can't have stairs, or must have an elevator for my older (80 yr) relatives.

TIA - I know I can count on this bunch for great suggestions.

[Melina]

Hi doggerham,
I have a suggestion for Saturday; George's in La Jolla, and if I'm not mistaken it just became a five star restaurant. If you do go, sit on the terrace. The menu is different than the one in the dining room but equally as good and less expensive. And the view is really breathtaking. If one didn't believe in God when they got there, they will by the time they leave. It's casual attire, good food, good service and what has been called the best panoramic view in LaJolla. And they even have booster seats for children. Can't miss! Sometimes we drive down for a day just to have lunch there. However, it won't work for your Sunday brunch because it has lots of stairs.

Have a great time, and my congradulations to your son.
Melina

[laughsandlaughs]

George's is very popular but it has different levels with different food and different prices, so decide what you want. Downstairs is the 5-star type place with fancier, more expensive food. Upstairs, where you can sit on the balcony is more casual and less expensive.

You might want to check zagat.com for restaurants where the have consumer comments as well as their ratings on food, decor and service.

[KellyD]

First let me give you a suggestion for brunch - this will cause all kinds of debate, because most people will recommend the Hotel Del. But for my money, the Rancho Bernardo Inn has the best brunch in the county. It's a pretty easy drive from the Hyatt, but it is north county inland. I've seen many elderly folks there, so I'm sure it can accomodate the older set.

As for dinner, George's is a really beautiful view, but the best food is not the terrace dining - it's the main restaurant, and I probably wouldn't take a child there. If you want truly casual and kid-friendly, Sammy's Wood Fired Pizza in La Jolla is great. Piatti is a great La Jolla italian restaurant that also welcomes kids. But some of my favorites are in Hillcrest. I think Kemo Sabe could handle a well-behaved 2 year old - you can even sit outside - and they have some of the best food in town. Or Mixx. And one last suggestion is the Fish Market downtown. You can sit outside and watch the boats coming into the Bay. This time of year it's kind of touristy, but it's still a local favorite. Have a blast!

[SusanJoy]

We love the Fish Market - the food is super fresh and the views can be amazing, and it is loud enough that a 2 year old would almost never be a problem. They have high-chairs too. Do plan on a long wait though - its always busy.

[doggerham]

Kelly -- I, too, was thinking of the Del Coronado for brunch. I can't afford to stay there, but I would like to see it - if even only for a drink.

Keep the suggestions coming -- my godmother (elderly relative in SD) is supposed to call with some suggestions tonight, so it'll be helpful to have some stuff.

Y'all are great.

Amy

[DanaSD]

Try this link to the Union Tribune which lists Top 10 by category - including kid friendly and brunch. http://sandiego.citysearch.com/E/F/SANCA/0000/01/76/

I like Palomino in the La Jolla Hyatt - I think you said thats where you're staying.

Also in the area:
Jake's of Del Mar
Epazotes, Il Forniao, and Pacific Del Mar in the Del Mar Plaza - all have amazing views of the ocean.

Ruth Chris Steakhouse
Donovans steakhouse
Crab Catcher
Chart House

[doggerham]

Dana and all:

I think my godmother mentioned Il Forniao last night as somewhere to go. We found out the price of the brunch at the Del Coronado, and decided against it (with 7 people, it's getting pricey). I'll just have to go there for a drink and a tour!

Amy

[Laura Wick]

San Diego has a lot of great restaurants!

I agree with everyone who voted for George's (but the stairs are a problem), Il Fornaio, Donovan's, Hotel Del (has several great restaurants), The Chart House and the Beach House. Two of my favorites that are previously unmentioned are PF Chang's in La Jolla (or Fashion Valley), and Cafe Luna in Carmel Mountain Ranch. All time best vote, though, is The Rancho Bernardo Inn. Superb food, ambience, setting and service.
If you want to go to brunch in La Jolla, please consider the La Valencia. The exact name might be the Hotel La Valencia. They have a wonderful outdoor seating area with a busy (to mask noise), refined ambiance and a a plentiful, varied buffet table with very good food. The weather has turned quite warm here, so eating outdoors will be a pleasant experience. If you do go to La Valencia, please be sure to go through the lobby and walk to the back picture window for an amazing view. I think it is on the main drag, Prospect Street. The building is a very old pink stucco beauty.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend, and congratulations to your son on his graduation!

[KValley]

The French Pastry Shop (5550 La Jolla Blvd) 619-454-9095 is delightful. It is a full service French restaurant- casual and charming-with a to-die-for bakery and pastry shop. The owners are French and I found the service so warm and friendly. I dine out alone often due to business travel and I was so well taken care of- I think they were worried about me eating alone!

If they do brunch, I bet it would be merveilleux!

[doggerham]

Hello all:

Thanks for all your suggestions. DH and I ended up having lunch on the terrace at George's. My ravioli special was yummy, his sandwich was only OK -- but the atmosphere was GREAT!

Our son & family opted for the Outback for Saturday night -- not particularly special, but very family friendly, and reliable.

We ended up having brunch on Coronado Island at Peohe's. The seating on the patio gives a beautiful view. The food was good, not great, but it didn't really matter. The restaurant is very pretty, tho a Hawaiian/South Seas theme struck me as odd.

Thanks again!
Amy