Best Historic Restaurants in University City/Golden Triangle

Great view of La Jolla Cove and seals, good food, interesting menu, casual but fun atmosphere, excellent and friendly service. Great place to take out-of-town guests. Highly recommend.

AMAZING first experience at Le Coq! They are serious about their cocktails- and it shows! They have an array of cocktails with a variety of liquors- so there is definitely something for everyone (even a selection of cocktails!). The food was French with exquisite presentation. We ate the steak tartare, onion tart, pork croquette and baguette with chicken skin butter! WOW! Everything had intense flavors that complemented each other! For entrees, my husband and I shared the Australian Wagyu steak (large, like 16oz I think), steak & frites and the lamb. The night took a spectacular turn with the chef herself came out with a couple entrees! It was such a pleasure to meet such a badass chef! Overall, we were thrilled with our first experience and can’t wait to go back! The atmosphere was sexy/swanky, and despite loud noise levels, a good time was definitely had by all!

Man, I noticed a few bad reviews for this place but we totally disagree. This is a cool, smaller restaurant attached to the Hotel Valencia. It has a nice u-shaped bar with what seemed to be mostly locals hanging out talking with the staff. Upscale vibe but not "stuffy" La Jolla vibe. The cocktails were amazing and fairly creative. We also thought the food was excellent, contrary to what a few other folks have said. The braised short rib Mao, crispy pumpkin squash, and twinkie ceaser were the standouts. Only minor downsides were that you can smell the seals a little bit and it was a bit chilly inside, as the door was kept open. Overall we really enjoyed our experience.

It was everything we expected and more! The ambiance, the culinary adventure, the fabulous and knowledgeable wait staff, the pianist, and the interior decor were utterly fabulous! DEFINITELY will go back!

A go-to spot for years. Beautiful views, delicious food and cocktails. A must if you are visiting La Jolla. Rachael is and has been the kindest, most attentive server that makes you feel so amazing and welcome.