George's at The Cove

George’s at the Cove’s duo of restaurants, Ocean Terrace and Level 2, both have stunning panoramic views of La Jolla Cove from nearly every seat in the house. The upscale cocktail menu by Trey Foshee features all the summery drinks you’d imagine, from margs and martinis to mojitos and micheladas. Stop by at lunchtime for Local Rockfish Tacos on heirloom corn tortillas or George’s Famous Smoked Chicken Soup, or at dinner for Seared Rare Local Yellowtail in eggplant miso puree, bok choy, and hon shimeji vinaigrette.
How to book: Reservations are recommended and can be made online. Pre-paid, premium seating is also available for groups of one to four. Walk-ins are accepted if seating is available.

George’s at the Cove has stunning panoramic views of La Jolla Cove from nearly every seat in the house—their website even posts the sunset time every day for your convenience. The upscale Christmas Eve dinner menu by Trey Foshee features a five-course prix-fixe menu in the Ocean View Room. Start with delicious bites like Clams Casino, Oysters, or Smoked Salmon; then enjoy Squid Ink Linguini or Butternut Squash Agnolotti for your second course; Lobster or Crispy Pork Belly as your third; followed by Prime Rib or Local Roasted Fish; and finishing with Tiramisu or Buche de Noel. Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request. The full menu can be viewed online.
How to book: Reservations can be made online.

There’s not a bad seat in the house at this three-level restaurant with ocean views, but for maximum “pinch yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming” vibes, ask for a table upstairs on the (heated) Ocean Terrace, the more casual and relaxing (but equally incredible) of the seating areas. Get there right before the sun goes down and order a Cosmopolitan to perfectly match the shades of pink about to take over the sky.