Best Hotel in La Jolla, California for Foodies

La Jolla, California, with its gorgeous beaches and pristine village, is the jewel of San Diego. I live here, and I think it’s one of the best San Diego staycations I’ve ever taken!

Perched on the cliffs high above the tide, the town offers a variety of La Jolla hotels and countless eateries for foodies—a variety of cuisines, and everything from casual cafes to some of the best restaurants in San Diego. And if you’re a food lover like me, you’ll want to stay at the best hotel in La Jolla for foodies to make the most of it all!

I think of La Jolla village as one big country club rather than a typical California beach town. I’m not sure how they manage it, but it’s always sparkly clean. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of beach activities to keep you amused if looking at the amazing scenery is not enough. But there’s also lots of high-end shopping and galleries, without the smoke shops and fast-food chains that you find in some other San Diego beach towns. And I like that! This lack of fast-food options means that even non-foodies have to spend a minute or two considering where to eat in La Jolla.

La Jolla beaches are just a short walk from the Grande Colonial La Jolla Hotel

Admittedly, as a chef, I can be pretty particular when deciding where to eat in San Diego, or any city! I can spend hours, or even days, researching restaurants before visiting a new city looking for the perfect combination of deliciousness, creativity, atmosphere, service, and value.

Since my parents have lived in San Diego for over 30 years, I’ve had the opportunity to visit La Jolla often and eat at many San Diego restaurants. I also like San Diego food tours. This one in Little Italy is great for foodies visiting San Diego: Little Italy Food Tour

My favorite La Jolla restaurant, the Michelin-recognized Nine-Ten, can be found in the Grande Colonial La Jolla Hotel. My husband Mike and I stayed 2 nights at the hotel and decided without a doubt that it’s the best place to stay in La Jolla for foodies—and its lovely restaurant is not the only reason!

The best hotel in La Jolla for foodies: Grande Colonial La Jolla Hotel

Why is the Grande Colonial the Best Hotel in La Jolla for Foodies?

Nine-Ten Restaurant La Jolla

Nine-Ten is not the ONLY reason the Grande Colonial is my favorite, but it’s one of the reasons! Our meal at this gourmet La Jolla restaurant was hands down the best meal we had in 2020. The ingredients were of the highest quality, the service impeccable, and the Chef’s presentations exquisite. Mike and I like to share so we can try more dishes; we ordered 2 appetizers and 2 entrees, which left our stomachs quite full, and our taste buds thoroughly delighted.

We started with the Hamachi Sashimi appetizer. Marinated in a scallion vinaigrette, and plated with watercress, this dish radiated freshness. We followed with one of the most inventive pork belly dishes I’ve ever had, Jamaican Jerk, with spicy-sweet jellies and plantains. We swooned over the perfectly prepared Liberty Farms Duck Breast with apple-date compote, and the Braised Colorado Lamb Shank with cipollini onions and apricot and walnut gremolata. We were too stuffed for dessert (I am still sad about this), but we heard lots of oohs and ahhs over the Raspberry Jam-Filled Donuts.

In addition to its Michelin “Plate Distinction,” Nine-Ten restaurant and chef Jason Knibb deservedly continue to receive recognition and awards like the “Wine Spectator Award of Excellence” and the TripAdvisor “Travelers’ Choice” Award.

Walk to La Jolla Village Restaurants

Location, location, location! In the center of the village and just steps from the beach, the location of the Grande Colonial La Jolla Hotel can’t be beat. This downtown La Jolla hotel not only has one of the best restaurants in San Diego, but it is within walking distance to other excellent La Jolla dining options as well!

Isn’t this the number one hotel criteria for foodies?

Just a stone’s throw away, you’ll find some of the other top La Jolla restaurants, like Georges at the Cove, Eddie V’s, and Herringbone. Or try some of the more casual locals’ favorites, like Cody’s for their great happy hour; Puesto’s or Jose’s Court Room for Mexican food; Blue Ocean for sushi or noodles; or Spiro’s for Mediterranean cuisine. Remember, it doesn’t have to be expensive to be a fabulous foodie destination!

Delicious Options for Breakfast in La Jolla

Foodies never forget about breakfast; it’s the most important meal of the day after all! I love a hearty breakfast that will keep me going for hours when I’m travelling. Of course, it has to be delicious too, and two restaurants fit both requirements. In fact, they’re so good, they both get my vote for best breakfast in La Jolla.

While Nine-Ten is temporarily closed for breakfast, the Grande Colonial Hotel has a partnership with Richard Walker’s Pancake House, and the restaurant will deliver right to your room. As its name implies, the restaurant serves many types of pancakes and crepes, but also offer lots of egg items as well. And although I like a hearty breakfast, these portions are truly huge—the Spinach Crepes, for example, are enough for 2 meals!

The other best breakfast in La Jolla can be found at Sugar and Scribe. Chef Maeve, winner of the Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship, cooks up mouthwatering baked goods, Irish specialties, and benedicts on homemade English muffins. It’s worth the 7-minute walk!

If your foodie travels happen to take you a bit further north to lovely coastal Carlsbad, here’s where you’ll find the best breakfasts in Carlsbad, CA.

Best-Priced Luxury Hotel in La Jolla

As a travel lover and foodie, I like to stay in nice places, but even more importantly, I like to save some money for my eating excursions. This La Jolla boutique hotel boasts 4-star luxury at a price that won’t devour your entire vacation budget.

Compared to other La Jolla luxury hotels, like La Valencia, the room prices are at least 20% less expensive! I much rather spend that savings on a splurge meal!

Ocean view room at Grande Colonial Hotel in La Jolla

About the Grande Colonial Hotel La Jolla

Ocean View Rooms

Although the Grand Colonial’s history dates back to 1913, recent renovations have the hotel and its rooms looking top-notch! The well-decorated rooms are spacious, and some have stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Go for the ocean view room!

To me, the best part of our stay (after the food) was the magnificent sunsets that we watched from our room. We were lucky to be able to see the sunrise and sunset from our 4 windows! Our last night had one of the most incredible sunsets I’ve ever seen!

Sunset from our ocean view room in La Jolla

Grande Colonial Hotel Amenities

The Grande Colonial La Jolla Hotel provides many conveniences, including Wi-Fi, HBO, refrigerators, bikes (upon availability), fitness center pass, and shuttle service within the village.

La Jolla beaches are the most beautiful in San Diego. If you’re spending the day on the sand, the hotel can supply you with a chair, towel, and umbrella.

Or stroll along the paved path that starts at the La Jolla Cave store and winds along the coast. You will very likely see seals and sea lions frolicking in the water or sunbathing on the shore rocks.

Sea lions just a short walk from the Grande Colonial Hotel in La Jolla

If you want a closer look at marine life, the hotel concierge can help arrange snorkeling, scuba, kayaking, or just about any other activity you can dream up.

When you return, you can take a swim in the hotel’s heated pool or stretch out on a cushy lounge chair and dream about your next meal.

The pool at the Grande Colonial La Jolla Hotel

Booking a Room at the Grande Colonial La Jolla Hotel

You will get the guaranteed lowest price when you book direct with the hotel. Check Availability

Are you planning to visit La Jolla? If you plan to stay at the Grande Colonial, please let me know! Or if have you have already visited, how did you like La Jolla? Where did you eat? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments.