The long, languid days of summer unfold like a well-loved recipe: rich with nostalgia, seasoned with sunlight, and best enjoyed slowly. For me, and perhaps for you too, the season’s magic is woven between golden-hour walks by the sea and the clink of glasses shared around a table filled with friends and family. There is a particular romance in summer’s palette: ripe tomatoes still warm from the vine, strawberries so sweet they feel sun-kissed, and watermelon that drips down onto your best summer dress.
Whether it’s a casual BBQ on the patio or an intimate dinner at a favorite restaurant, I savor the company as much as the cuisine. This is the season when I host often, linger longer, and let the sky be my ceiling, because summer, in all its fleeting beauty, is best tasted together.
Ironside Fish & Oyster is a love letter to the sea, with shucked-to-order oysters and impeccably fresh seafood that feels both timeless and inventive. The nautical-chic décor, complete with portholes and maritime relics, sets the stage for a meal that’s equal parts indulgence and escape. From the buttery lobster roll to the bright, briny ceviche, every dish celebrates the ocean with bold, confident flavors and a touch of coastal romance.
pros: quirky interior that sets the stage for a great meal, attentive staff
cons: parking is difficult during peak hours
must order: one of each of their six oysters
Perched above the sparkling Pacific, Duke’s La Jolla brings the spirit of aloha to Southern California with island-inspired dishes that are as breezy and vibrant as the view. The casual vibe, coupled with satisfying dishes, will make you feel like you’re on vacation.
pros: extensive menu, stunning views
cons: none
must order: nachos, duke’s burger, and fish tacos
This newest addition to Laa Estancia Hotel focuses on wellness with a sultry twist, serving up adaptogenic mocktails and botanical elixirs that are as healing as they are artfully crafted. With its sleek, serene atmosphere and alchemy-inspired menu, it’s a sanctuary where conscious sipping meets coastal cool. The dishes may be small in size, but they’re bursting with creativity, each one a thoughtfully crafted, health-forward bite that surprises with bold, inventive flavors.
pros: sleek setting, unique mocktails
cons: all drinks are non-alcoholic yet carry a hefty price tag
must order: their spin on deviled eggs is divine
Parc Bistro-Brasserie (Banker’s Hill)
You’ll love this brasserie for the Parisian charm it exudes, offering a menu that’s both refined and warmly approachable. The setting and menu feel like a quiet escape to a café in Paris, right in the heart of San Diego.
pros: authentic setting, great menu selection
cons: american pickles pair better with burgers than the french pickles they serve
must order: explore savory and sweet crepes
When a kitchen combines ingredients in a way that delivers an explosion of flavor you could never replicate at home- that, to me, is perfection. This spot is the ultimate breakfast destination. Join the two-hour waitlist from your phone and get a text when your table is ready, because what awaits is well worth the wait. The Spanish-style French toast is unreal; you’ve truly never tasted anything like it. A crisp, golden crust gives way to a custard-soaked center so luscious it oozes at the touch of a knife. Topped with fresh raspberries, dark chocolate, granola, aged balsamic, and chèvre, it’s a dish that redefines indulgence. And don’t miss the Turkish poached eggs perched over herbed yogurt, chili, garlic butter, and toast. Trust me on this one, and thank me later when you’ve discovered what a master chef can do with something as simple as an egg.
pros: outstanding food preparation
cons: long wait times
must order: the turkish eggs and french toast
