Japanese sushiChef Soichi Kadoya$$$$$165-225north-parkBook 3 weeks ahead
Soichi Sushi in San Diego is the one-Michelin-star University Heights omakase counter under Soichi Kadoya, serving Tokyo-style nigiri with local Pacific fish.
Order: The full omakase; the local yellowtail and sea urchin courses if they're on the day's count.
Tip: Counter seating only; book on Tock three weeks ahead for the 6pm or 8:30pm seatings.
French fine diningChef Eric Bost$$$$$98-145 (4-course prix fixe)Book 2 weeks ahead
Jeune et Jolie in Carlsbad is Eric Bost's one-Michelin-star French bistro on State Street since 2018, the nouvelle-French dining room flooded in shades.
Order: The four-course prix fixe with the wine pairing; the seasonal canele dessert if it's on the menu.
Tip: A la carte at the bar runs many of the same dishes for walk-ins; the prix fixe is the deepest experience.
Modern EuropeanChef Kelli Crosson$$$$$110-180Mon-Sun 00:00-24:00Book 2 weeks ahead
A.R. Valentien in La Jolla is the farm-to-table dining room at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, a Michelin-Guide-listed Californian kitchen with its own herb.
Order: Wednesday Garden Dinner four-course chef's menu; the wine pairing with North County producers.
Tip: Book the patio at golden hour for the Pacific-and-fairway view; Wednesday's Garden Dinner is the deepest value.
CalifornianChef Bernard Guillas$$$$$95-160Book 4 weeks ahead
The Marine Room in La Jolla is Bernard Guillas's coastal fine-dining room at La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club since 1994, with waves breaking.
Order: The crab cake; book king-tide-table seating for the surf-on-the-window dinner.
Tip: Check the king-tide calendar at marineroom.com; book a window six weeks ahead for the most dramatic nights.
Tasting menuChef Trey Foshee$$$$$110-185Daily 00:00-00:00Book 3 weeks ahead
George's at the Cove in La Jolla is George Hauer's Prospect Street institution since 1984, with the Level2 fine-dining room upstairs and Ocean Terrace.
Order: Trey Foshee's smoked tomato soup with grilled cheese; the local fish crudo to start.
Tip: Book Level2 for the tasting menu; Ocean Terrace is the casual upstairs option for sunset and a margarita.
CalifornianChef Martin Woesle$$$$$95-145Book 2 weeks ahead
Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe is Bertrand Hug's French-Californian dining room since 1985, with chef Martin Woesle running a market-driven menu.
Order: The market-driven prix fixe; the Pacific halibut when in season.
Tip: The room is country-French traditional; jacket appropriate. The 11:30am Friday lunch is the value play.