A.R. Valentien—Highlighted by fresh, seasonal ingredients, this is the signature restaurant at the Lodge at Torrey Pines. B, L, D daily. All major credit cards. 11480 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 858.777.6635. $$$ Map S19

Arterra—Executive chef Brian Pekarcik creates fresh fare in a sophisticated environment. B, L, D daily, except L Sat./Sun. All major credit cards. 11966 El Camino Real, Del Mar, 858.369.6032. $$$
Map X22

The Atoll—Award-winning California cuisine, featuring fresh seafood, Asian specialties and tantalizing desserts. B, L, D daily; Sun. champagne sushi brunch. All major credit cards. 3999 Mission Blvd., Catamaran Resort, Mission Beach, 858.539.8635. $$ Map H8

Azul La Jolla—Amazing views of La Jolla Cove. Outstanding California coastal cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood using local ingredients. Chef Orion Balliet selects the menu daily. L, D Tues.–Sat.; Sun. brunch. All major credit cards except DS. 1250 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.454.9616. $$$ Map W19

Azzura Point—A stellar bay view in this elegantly designed room. Blending California and French cuisine, this sure-to-impress restaurant will dazzle diners. D Tues.–Sun. All major credit cards. Loews Coronado Bay Resort, 4000 Coronado Bay Road, Coronado, 619.424.4000. $$$ Map L11

Barbarella—A hit with locals, the menu includes wood-fired pizza and stone-roasted whole fish. An informal, relaxed setting. L, D daily; B Sat.–Sun. MC, V, DC. 2171 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, 858.454.7373. $$ Map V20

Beach Grass Cafe—A relaxed atmosphere and eclectic menu define this cozy eatery near the beach. Outdoor dining available. B, L, D daily. All major credit cards. 159 S. Hwy. 101, Solana Beach, 858.509.0632. $$ Map W22

Bellefleur Winery & Restaurant—California cuisine with Tuscan villa décor. House specialties include the double-cut pork chops and stuffed shrimp. Flavorful wines sold on site. L, D daily; Sun. brunch. All major credit cards. 5610 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad Premium Outlets, Carlsbad, 760.603.1919. $$$ Map U22

Blackhorse Grille—California fresh cuisine using local ingredients. Fish, chicken, steak, pasta and soups with an emphasis on eclectic small plates. D nightly. All major credit cards. 3702 Via de la Valle, Del Mar, 858.523.0007. $$ Map X22

Blanca—California-French cuisine with inventive twists in this beautiful restaurant on the coast. Tournedos Rossini, gumbo and steaks are among the specialities. D nightly. All major credit cards. 437 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Solana Beach, 858.792.0072. $$$$ Map W22

Bluefire Grill—La Costa Resort’s stylish destination dining spot serves coastal delicacies and seasonal vegetables with live entertainment. L, Weds.–Sat.; D daily. All credit cards. 2100 Costa del Mar Road, La Costa Resort & Spa, Carlsbad, 760.438.9111. $$$ Map T22

Charlie's by the Sea—Beachfront dining and a lively bar scene are Charlie’s calling cards. Seafood, lamb, prime rib. L, D daily; Sun. brunch. All major credit cards. 2526 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, 760.942.1300. $$$ Map V22

Clay's La Jolla—On the 11th floor of the Hotel La Jolla, it offers panoramic views of La Jolla and the ocean from every table. Filet mignon, crab cakes, fresh seafood. B, L, D daily; live jazz Weds.–Sun. nights. All major credit cards. 7955 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, 858.459.0541. $$$ Map V20

The Cottage—Lovely setting, whether on the patio or inside this charming cottage. While hugely popular for breakfast (don’t miss the coffee cake), locals find the lunch menu just as fabulous. B, L daily. All major credit cards except DC. 7702 Fay Ave., La Jolla, 858.454.8409. $ Map W19

Cuvee—Wine country cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian influences. With excellent wines, especially blends. L Mon.–Fri., D nightly at 5 p.m., Sun. brunch 9 a.m.–2 p.m. All major credit cards. 2334 Carmel Valley Road, Del Mar, 858.259.5878. $$ Map X22

Delicias—Known as much for its gorgeously appointed décor and flower arrangements as for its well-balanced mix of new California cuisine. L, D daily. All major credit cards. 6106 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.756.8000. $$$ Map W23

Dobson’s—A city-feel restaurant that caters to the power crowd. Terrific California cuisine with seafood specialties. A mussel bisque with puffed pastry that’s to-die-for. L Mon.–Fri., D Mon.–Sat. All major credit cards. 956 Broadway Circle, downtown, 619.231.6771. $$$ Map Q15

George’s at the Cove—Featuring three levels (from elegant to casual), all with picture-perfect views. Award-winning chef Trey Foshee has created fresh seafood, steak and regional cuisine. L, D daily. All major credit cards. 1250 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.454.4244. $$$$ Map W19

J. Taylor’s—Casually elegant dining featuring regional California cuisine by executive chef Paul McCabe. Ensconced at the L’Auberge Del Mar boutique resort in an elegant room with garden views. B, L, D daily. Sun. brunch. All major credit cards. 1540 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, 858.793.6460. $$$ Map X22

JSIX—Hip restaurant in Hotel Solamar features innovative and seasonal foods inspired by the coastline, area farms and wines from Washington to Baja California. B, L, D daily. All major credit cards. 616 J St., downtown (Gaslamp area), 619.531.8744. $$$ Map Q16

Legends Restaurant—La Costa’s café features an indoor space and outdoor garden terrace. California cuisine from award-winning chef Hans Wiegand includes lobster ravioli and Kobe pork chop. B, L, D daily (closed Tues.). All credit cards. 2100 Costa del Mar Road, La Costa Resort & Spa, Carlsbad, 760.438.9111. $$$ Map T22

L’Escale Restaurant—Innovative cuisine and an extensive wine list. Located in the Coronado Marriott, with views of the Coronado Bridge and San Diego skyline. Outdoor seating available. B, L, D. Open at 6:30 a.m. All major credit cards. 2000 Second St., Coronado, 619.522.3150. $$$ Map K10

Market Cafe—Loews Coronado Bay Resort’s casual and scenic dining spot features Southern Californian food with French and Mediterranean influences. B, L, D daily; Sun. brunch. All major credit cards. 4000 Coronado Bay Road, Coronado, 619.424.4444. $$$ Map E3

Molly's—Chef Brian Sinnott uses farm-fresh ingredients from local artisan growers to prepare a French-Mediterranean-influenced menu. D nightly. All major credit cards. Marriott Hotel and Marina, 333 W. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero, 619.234.1500. $$$ Map K11

Nine-Ten—Chef Jason Knibb and pastry chef Jack Fisher have created California cuisine that incorporates all local ingredients. Intermezzo menu before dinner. B, L, D daily. All major credit cards except DS. 910 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.454.2181. $$ Map V19

Paradeise Grille—California cuisine features Paradise Caviar Timbale, fish, pork, ribs and lamb with extensive wine list. Beautifully designed bi-level space with exhibition kitchen and outdoor patio. L Mon.–Fri., D nightly, Brunch Sat./Sun. 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m. All major credit cards. 2690 Via de la Valle, Flower Hill Promenade, Del Mar, 858.350.0808. $$ Map X22

Rancho Valencia—Exceptional ambiance features beautiful Spanish tile and gorgeous scenery. Superb California/Continental cuisine with Pacific Rim flair. Nightly specials. B, L, D daily. All major credit cards except DS. Rancho Valencia Resort, 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.759.6216. $$$ Map X23

Region—Organic, farm-fresh cuisine meets award-winning chefs Michael Stebner and Allyson Colwell in this eclectic restaurant. With outdoor seating and full bar, it features handmade fare and a menu that changes daily. D Tues.–Sun. All major credit cards. 3671 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest, 619.299.6499. $$$ Map J11

Savory—Acclaimed chef Pascal Vignau offers a contemporary bistro menu with products from local farmers and artisans. L Tues.–Sat.; D Tues.–Sun. All major credit cards. 267 El Camino Real, Encinitas, 760.634.5556. $$$ Map V22

Sbicca—Chef Susan Sbicca and husband Dan have created a terrific New American bistro. Cleverly spaced tables afford a pleasant view. Locals’ favorite. L, D daily. All major credit cards. 215 15th St., Del Mar, 858.481.1001. $$$ Map X22

Sheerwater—Scenic dining with California coastal cuisine featuring fresh fish and prime beef specialties. B buffet; L, D daily. All major credit cards. 1500 Orange Ave., Hotel del Coronado, Coronado, 619.522.8866. $$ Map L10

Soliel @ K—Located in the Gaslamp Marriott, this hotel eatery boasts modern California cuisine, floor-to-ceiling windows and sidewalk patio seating. B, L, D daily. All major credit cards. 660 K St., downtown (Gaslamp area), 619.446.6088. $$$ Map Q16

Torreyana Grille—Excellent California cuisine fare with Pacific Rim influence. Overlooking the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, this breakfast is something to wake up for. B, L, D daily. All major credit cards. 10950 N. Torrey Pines Road, Hilton Torrey Pines La Jolla, La Jolla, 858.450.4571. $$$ Map T20

Zócalo Grill—Relaxing, contemporary and casual atmosphere. An eclectic mix of pizzas, salads, steak and seafood. Try the bistro steak or chipotle-glazed salmon. L, D daily and Sun. brunch. AE, MC, V. 2444 San Diego Ave., Old Town, 619.298.9840. $$ Map J10