Piatti La Jolla Restaurant for Italian Food in the Shores

Piatti La Jolla: A Favorite Italian Restaurant

By Last Updated:November 21, 2021

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.