When searching for Italian food in La Jolla, many people choose Piatti. With its two patios, open kitchen, and delicious pizzas served from a stone-hearth pizza oven, the atmosphere is cozy.

The popular La Jolla restaurant caters to families, groups, special occasions, and date nights equally well.

Piatti restaurant in La Jolla Shores

The quality of the menu and service have been reliable for at least the 20 years we’ve been eating there. It’s not uncommon for people we know to drive across San Diego for a meal here, too.

The Basics

Cuisine: Italian

Serves: Lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner

Pets: Not advised

Alfresco dining: There are two covered outdoor patios. One is in the front of the restaurant and quite narrow while the other in the back is larger with trees and nice evening lighting.

Vibe: Casual

Good to know:

  • Reasonably-priced wine menu and full bar
  • Robust gluten-free menu
  • Tables on the front patio and inside the restaurant are a little close together

Piatti La Jolla Menu

Piatti La Jolla menu

Ingredients come from mostly local farms and the Italian-inspired menu changes based on what is in season. You’ll find appetizers, salads, paninis, housemade pasta, pizzas, and a secondi section of mostly meat dishes like veal scallopini.

What to Order

Meals begin with a basket of soft, fresh bread with an olive oil, balsamic and garlic dipping sauce that is hard to resist.

Piatti La Jolla bread basket

If in doubt, ask the server for suggestions. Ours most recently proclaimed the herbed cauliflower cakes to be her favorite appetizer. We ordered it and wow, they’re delicious, almost with a risotto texture.

Piatti La Jolla appetizer - herbed cauliflower

I always order the carpaccio which has been on the menu as long as I can remember. Love it.

Piatti La Jolla carpaccio

My husband, who used to host clients at Piatti when he worked locally, always orders whatever seafood pasta is on the menu.

Piatti La Jolla seafood pasta

The pizza is a reliable order though my crust was a little soft last time.

Piatti La Jolla: One of San Diego's best restaurants

And, tiramisu is a delicious way to end a meal.

Piatti La Jolla tiramisu

Location and Reservations

Piatti La Jolla is located in the La Jolla Shores neighborhood. It’s an excellent stop before or after a sunset stroll or walks on the beach. Reservations are highly encouraged as the Italian La Jolla restaurant popular and busy in the evenings.

  • 2182 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037
  • 858-454-1589
  • online

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Katie Dillon
Katie Dillon is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom and a travel advisor. She helps readers plan San Diego vacations through her hotel expertise (that stems from living in a Four Seasons hotel), local connections, and content. Readers have access to her exclusive discounts on theme park tickets (like Disneyland and San Diego Zoo) and luxury hotels perks. She shares insider tips for visiting major cities worldwide like Hong Kong, London, Paris, and Shanghai that her family has either lived in or visits regularly (or both). Katie graduated from UC San Diego and is also a Disney Travel Agent.
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