Brockton Villa is one of the most popular eateries in trendy La Jolla. This restaurant began its journey in 1894 as one of the first cottages built along the hillside of La Jolla Cove. For many years it served as a vacation home until the Pannikin family took ownership and hired renovator Bob Sinclair to preserve and restore this slightly dilapidated cottage to its original state in 1993. Since its opening as the Brockton Villa Restaurant in 1994, it has become a favorite spot for locals to show off La Jolla’s natural beauty to out-of-town friends. The quaint restaurant has an open and airy beach cottage feel and provides enviable views of well-known La Jolla Cove. The delectable seasonal menu adds to the restaurant’s allure. Brockton Villa is a perfect place for families, romantic dinners for two, or old friends catching up; everyone will find pleasure at Brockton Villa.
Brockton Villa Ambiance
This quaint white beach cottage circa the late 1900s is an absolute beauty to behold. It uses the color palate and décor of its surroundings, the beautiful ocean, cove, and sandy shores. Guests can choose from three distinct seating areas, the north entrance patio which features an open-air patio with cozy seating under umbrellas. Here guests can enjoy the beauty of an old pepper tree adorned with twinkly white lights at night. The west veranda dining area is a covered porch with clear plastic curtains that, dependent on the weather, can be raised or lowered. Here guests get the best view of La Jolla Cove with one-of-a-kind sunsets in the evening.
The interior dining room is a cozy space with striped upholstered benches, and mismatched chairs along with light wood tables featuring fresh flowers by day and shell-themed luminaries at night. It would be remiss not to mention the iconic abalone shell-inlaid fireplace that has been part of the restaurant since the 1920s. The stunning fireplace is the centerpiece of the cottage-style dining room showcasing large abalone shells that have since all but gone extinct. The ocean and the cove can be seen from inside the dining area until the sun goes down. Whether you are looking for an intimate or communal dining experience, Brockton Villa can provide it.
Brockton Villa Food
The head Chef Mareyja Sisbarro serves up a continually changing seasonal menu with a few local favorites she keeps year round at the Brockton Villa Restaurant. A nice mixture of American, Mexican, and Mediterranean flavors are sprinkled throughout the menu items, providing an interesting fusion of flavors for all to enjoy. Each menu is a simple three-part selection of choices beginning with breakfast where guests can choose from Classics, Tastings, or Meg’s Eggs. First-timers will want to try the house specialty – Coast Toast. The wildly popular French toast is created similarly to a soufflé. It is extra rich with a hint of orange; to really get your tongue wagging, get it à la mode.
The lunch hour calls for Tastings, Signature Salads, and Sandwiches. Veggie lovers will enjoy the Zen Bowl – six different Asian inspired vegetables laid on a bed of brown rice with house-made stir fry sauce. The simple yet spectacular menu continues when dinner rolls around featuring Tastings, Salads, and Entrées. All three sections heavily feature seafood options, but meat-lovers and vegetarians should note that there are plenty of alternatives like the Whisky Wine & Grana Padano Filet Mignon, with loaded mashed potatoes and brocolini; make it a surf and turf with four jumbo shrimp. End your night with a delicious dessert like the S’more Sundae Jar – Tahitian vanilla, & dark chocolate, graham cracker crumble, Nutella sauce, and bruléed marshmallow.
All meals are accompanied by an extensive beverage menu of both both alcoholic and non-alcoholic selections. Diners can choose from teas, coffees, espressos, juices, fine wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails.
Brockton Villa Details
Brockton Villa Restaurant is located on Coast Blvd in La Jolla. There is street parking available along Coast Blvd, as well as a free public lot located at the top of the Boulevard. This is a kid-friendly establishment with a menu designed specifically for them; fan favorites include the cinnamon roll pancakes, grilled cheese, and pita bread with hummus. There are also more adventurous items for the little ones who want to try something new. During all major holidays such as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day the restaurant serves a special holiday menu. For those in need of a great space to host a get-together look no further, they have you covered from menu to decorations just contact the restaurant via their website. Social Hour (in lieu of Happy Hour) is offered daily, where guests can enjoy discounted drinks and small bites.
Brockton Villa Neighborhood
La Jolla is one of the most popular coastal neighborhoods in San Diego. This upscale small town is home to some of San Diego’s finest beaches, including La Jolla Shores – a family-oriented mile-long stretch of sandy coastline that is undoubtedly one of the most pristine beaches in the city. La Jolla Cove is another notable beach geared toward the athletic adventurer featuring the famous seven caves along the Cove. Travelers who want to get out on the water and kayak nearby these caves can easily do so with Bike and Kayak Tours. Families visiting sunny California will love taking their children to the Children’s Pool where the kids get a chance to watch seals and sea lions relaxing on the warm rocks. If La Jolla sounds like the perfect place to find accommodations on your visit, the only oceanfront hotel in the neighborhood is family-friendly La Jolla Cove Suites; it is the perfect choice. As an added bonus it’s located directly across Coast Boulevard, making Brocton Villa easily accessible.
