Perched above the Pacific Ocean in La Jolla, George's at the Cove, a longtime San Diego dining destination, pairs coastal California cooking with sweeping views of La Jolla Cove and the coastline. George’s opened in 1984 under restaurateur George Hauer and has since become one of the neighborhood’s most recognizable restaurants.
Part of the appeal is the restaurant itself, which spans multiple levels at 1250 Prospect Street. The rooftop Ocean Terrace was added in 1991 and remains the showpiece, with open-air seating overlooking the water. Level2 provides another indoor-outdoor option, while the former California Modern dining room on the lower level now serves primarily as an events space.
The Rosemary, Red Onion & Tomato Focaccia was a strong start to the meal, with a golden, blistered crust and a soft, airy interior. The red onion and tomato baked into the bread added extra flavor without overwhelming it, while the whipped basil ricotta on the side was cool and creamy. A spoonful of tomato jam in the center of the ricotta brought in a little sweetness and acidity, making the accompaniments just as memorable as the focaccia itself.
The Rockfish Tacos leaned into the restaurant’s coastal setting, featuring local rockfish topped with chipotle aioli, pico de gallo, shredded cabbage and cilantro. The cabbage provided plenty of crunch against the tender fish, while the pico kept everything fresh and the chipotle aioli added a creamy, slightly smoky element. Served with tortilla chips, salsa and lime, it was a relatively simple dish but one that felt especially fitting for lunch overlooking the Pacific.
Dessert was the Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake, served with Amaretto toffee sauce, salted candied almonds and almond ice cream. The small cake was dark, dense and moist, with the warm toffee sauce pooling in its center and soaking into the cake as it was eaten. The almond ice cream helped cut through some of the richness, while the candied almonds added a salty crunch. Of the three dishes, this was the most indulgent and a particularly good finish to the meal. Astrid thought so, too.
Grade: A
