Restaurant Spotlight: Herringbone in La Jolla

Go to Herringbone La Jolla when craving seafood or fun twists on classic dishes. It’s a social dining experience with an exhibition kitchen and 100-year-old olive trees as the restaurant centerpieces.

The lounge is a happening after-work spot during the weekdays. Dining highlights include $1 oysters at happy hour and the decadent weekend brunch. Herringbone is also featured on our list of best La Jolla restaurants.

Need To Know:

Neighborhood: La Jolla

Cuisine:  Seafood

Price Range: $$

Meals Served: Weekend brunch, lunch, and dinner

Kids’ Menu: No

Pet-Friendly: No

Dress Code: Mostly casual, though some diners dress up

Ocean View: No

Outdoor Seating: Yes

Private Dining: Yes

Takeaway: Yes

Delivery: No

Gluten-Free Options: Yes

Parking: Free timed street parking or paid lot across the street

Entertainment: Ales & Acoustics – live music and tap takeover from a local brewer every last Saturday of the month from 12:00–4:00 p.m.

Happy Hour: Oyster Hour is daily 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m and all-night on Mondays ($1 oysters, specialties on bites and cocktails)

Reservations Accepted: Yes

What to Order at Herringbone

Herringbone is known for having some of the best seafood in La Jolla. One of the local favorites is their “Perfect Pairing” combination of a dozen oysters paired with a bottle of deliciously unique wine handpicked by their experts to enhance your experience.

Other famous to Herringbone dishes include their variety of fresh ceviches and the Whole Roasted Branzino. This delicate white fist has a mild, almost sweet flavor that melts in your mouth. Paired with a cauliflower puree and chermoula sauce – a delicious mix of fresh herb and earthy spices.

We also always order the Whole Fish Ceviche, a light appetizer.

Don’t forget to leave room for dessert. Herringbone is also famous for their after-dinner sweets. Of note is the Grasshopper Puck – a fresh mint ice cream in a cocoa nib shell on top of a fudge brownie, covered in a to-die-for chocolate bourbon sauce and chocolate custard.

My daughter is partial to the Herringbone Sundae with chocolate ice cream, sea salt blondies, marshmallow cream, caramelized cocoa nibs, and creamy caramel.

Let’s not forget their Weekend Brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Herringbone serves up the usual suspect with a little Coastal flare with their Soft Shell Crab Benedict. If you’re in the mood for Seafood, try their Lobster Roll served up on a house brioche roll stuffed with butter poached Maine lobster and fines herbes.

Brunch always has a sweet side so try the Pecan Sticky Bun topped with a warm cream cheese icing. (We’ve had it many times and can vouch that it’s a fantastic order.)

What’s It Like Inside

Located inside of a restored warehouse, the interior design is described as nautical whimsy. It incorporates Southern California beach living with sea-themed decor like fish net draping, maritime-inspired artwork, blue glassware and, of course, the six olive trees.

The restaurant does buzz with energy in the evenings and you will see families dining there, too. You may need to channel some patience on busy nights, especially in the front lounge area, when servers have a lot going on.

Happy Hour and Special Events

Check before you go as offers are subject to change.

• Tannin Tuesdays: Half-priced select bottles of wine all night on Tuesdays
• Bubbles & Pearls: Every Thursday, enjoy 1/2 off select champagnes and $1 oysters all night long (lounge only)
• Perfect Pairing: A hand-selected bottle of wine & dozen oysters for $55
• Ales & Acoustics: Live music and tap takeover from a local brewer every last Saturday of the month from 12:00–4:00 p.m.

Herringbone La Jolla
7837 Herschel Ave
La Jolla, California 92037
(858) 459-0221
herringboneeats.com/location/la-jolla