PRICE:
Frommer's Exceptional

This is perhaps La Jolla's signature restaurant. It has it all: stunning ocean views, style, impeccable service, and above all, a world-class chef. Not resting on its considerable laurels, however, Georges closed briefly in early 2007, undergoing a $2.5-million renovation. It re-emerged with a slightly new name (it had been known as George's at the Cove since opening in 1984) and a new design-forward environment. You'll still find host and restaurant namesake George Hauer at the door most nights, greeting loyal regulars by name, but more important, Trey Foshee is still in the kitchen. Foshee, named one of America's top 10 chefs by Food & Wine, has been set loose stylistically. Look for a larger, more adventurous menu than before (still driven by the freshest local ingredients available), incorporating more cross-cultural influences. Those seeking fine food and incomparable views at more modest prices can head upstairs to the Ocean Terrace and George's Bar. These two spaces offer indoor and outdoor seating, as well as food from the same kitchen as the pricey main dining room. Lunch is served here daily. (The signature smoked chicken, broccoli, and black-bean soup is a mainstay.)

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's San Diego 2008, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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