Summer Eats and Summer Seats

San Diego is known for being one of the sunniest cities in the country, and is also picking up speed with its culinary hot spots. Summer officially opens on June 20th so here are some places to enjoy the rays and the outside eating, drinking and lounging areas.

Up in La Jolla you can find food and views at almost any corner on the beach. However if you want to find the best of both worlds, George’s at The Cove is a prime place to start. Chef Trey Foshee is inspired by California cuisine with the focus on seasonal and local. Atop George’s at The Cove is Ocean Terrace where you can get casual food and a fantastic view, for both lunch and dinner.

Truluck’s is located in University City area of La Jolla, just east of Interstate 8, and it’s well-known for its steak, seafood and crab. It has 11 locations around the United States that help prove that. Chef Nick Shinton helms the kitchen and gives diners sustainable seafood and steak options throughout the summer. Every Monday night, enjoy Pacific Stone Crab for one low price out on the patio while relaxing with a stellar drink as well. 

Quite possibly the best view in all of San Diego is from the outside patio at Bertrand at Mr. A’s, where Chef Stephane Votizwinkler constructs delicious entrees inspired by French and German ingredients and techniques along with locally sourced Californian produce. If you haven’t seen the view from Mr. A’s in the Bankers Hill or enjoyed its food, you should, or you’ll be missing out on something amazing.

Del Mar is just north of La Jolla and boasts stunning views, surf and sand, and not to mention food. Pacifica, as you would guess from the name, specializes in seafood. Chef Mark Bolton keeps things lively in and out of the kitchen with his emphasis on whatever is fresh from the ocean or the farm. It’s open for lunch and dinner with seating both inside and out. During the summer, the outdoor patio is where it’s at so take advantage of happy hour for the grub and its drink menu for something to sip on.

What restaurant here in San Diego has seating around a pool? The Restaurant at The Pearl in Point Loma is your answer; it’s also your summertime hot spot. Chef Jaison Burke kicks out dishes for dinner and Sunday brunch with ingredients from San Diego farms and meat providers. Sitting poolside with some stellar food and a refreshing cocktail sounds like a perfect summer activity. In addition, watching a movie on its outdoor projector screen on Wednesday nights and lounging in a cabana is an option at The Pearl.

Balboa Park is teeming with things to do. A plethora of museums, the San Diego Zoo, golf courses and trails await those who visit the city center. For the people with growing appetites after enjoying all these activities, The Prado is a destination point for food and culture. With a great view of the park and ideal location for people watching, The Prado’s terrace is perfect for food as well. Chef Jonathan Hale was raised in India, lived in London and went to culinary school in the United States. His diverse background is evident on the menu and there isn’t a better way to enjoy his entrees than with a drink sunning yourself on the patio in a San Diego summer.