George’s at the Cove

If it’s validation you seek to sway you towards a particular restaurant, then you will feel a wave of relief at having discovered George’s at the Cove. Between the restaurant and Chef Trey Foshee, they’ve garnered over 40 local and national awards including Food & Wine Magazine’s “America’s Best New Chefs” and Fodor’s “World’s Top 10 Restaurants.” The upscale fine dining establishment also offers more casual options on their award-winning Ocean Terrace and in George’s Bar with its indoor/outdoor setting. Situated at the top of La Jolla Cove on trendy Prospect Street, the front of the restaurant faces Prospect where all the action is, and the back of the restaurant overlooks sparkling La Jolla Cove and the Pacific Ocean.

George’s at the Cove Ambiance

Georges at the CoveGeorge’s at the Cove is as much about location as it is the food, both of which are amazing. Chef Trey Foshee says he serves, “San Diego on a plate” when describing the fresh local ingredients that speak for themselves in the unique dishes he prepares. This philosophy carries over to the ambiance at George’s; it is classic SoCal – fresh, natural, contemporary, classy without being pretentious, and laid back all at once. The décor is sleek, modern, and minimalist with little separation between dining indoors and outdoors. California Modern, the downstairs main dining room, is just what the name says it is. Ocean Terrace upstairs is easy breezy casual.

Food

California Modern is the signature dining experience of George’s at the Cove, where each dish on the unique seasonal menus tells a story. In the upscale main dining area, guests can choose to order either à la carte from the menu, or opt for a four-course fixed price meal of two appetizers, entrée, and dessert. For the more adventurous palates, diners can put their faith in the experienced culinary hands of award-winning Chef Trey Foshee with the 8-Course Chef’s Tasting Menu served to the whole table. The fixed price tasting menu comes at two levels, with or without wine pairing. The crème de la crème of the California Modern dining experience is TBL3, an exclusive 12 to 14 course culinary extravaganza for two to six people; this menu option requires a seven day advance reservation.

Georges at the coveFor a completely different dining experience at George’s at the Cove, plan to enjoy a relaxing rooftop meal on the popular Ocean Terrace or George’s Bar. Both share the same casual bistro lunch, dinner, dessert, and children’s menus served with stunning ocean views. Customers love the grilled local octopus, halibut ceviche, and the bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese appetizers. Other favorites are the signature grilled fish tacos for lunch and Alaskan halibut or potato gnocchi for dinner. The children’s menu shows that the chef knows kids!

Besides sharing an interesting menu with Ocean Terrace, George’s Bar has daily specials during the week from 3:30 to 10 p.m. On Sunday Funday, you must try the Bloody Mary made with house infused pepper vodka. You’ll also enjoy Mule Monday featuring ginger beer; be adventurous on Taco Tuesday and try a Pineapple Pepper Margarita. Wednesdays are all about wine, and Throwback Thursday features DJ Austin Hendrix and old-time drink favorites like a Manhattan, Sidecar, or Tom Collins.

George’s at the Cove Details

Although kids are welcome at George’s at the Cove, and the kids’ menu caters to them offering the four or five things they’re usually willing to eat, it’s probably not a place they would enjoy as much as you will. If you manage to get a table closer to the ocean, they may be entertained by the Children’s Pool/Seal Beach below for a while, but there will undoubtedly be too many adults here for their liking. There is both valet and street parking available, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a parking space on your own during the busy summer months. Enjoy this beautiful restaurant for less during weekday Happy Hours. Be sure to check out the fine art by Dutch artist Claudy Jongstra, and San Diego artist John Baldessari that is showcased in the restaurant. Restaurant hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Bonus: Chef Trey Foshee offers recipes for home dining on the restaurant’s blog!

George’s at the Cove Neighborhood

Sunny Jim Cave is worth the $5 entrance fee if you’ve never experienced a sea cave. You access it through Sunny Jim Store, where you pay the fee. Take the time to find out about the colorful history of the cave before descending; it will make it that much cooler. You’ll love the view from inside the cave. It’s a two-minute walk from George’s.

You can’t leave La Jolla without visiting The Children’s Pool to watch the seals frolic in the water or snooze on the beach. Just walking along the La Jolla Cove boardwalk through Scripp’s park and over to La Jolla Cove is entertaining. At the opposite end of Scripp’s Park from the Children’s Pool is La Jolla Cove Beach. You can look down over the railing to watch the snorkelers move through the water among the bright orange Garibaldi fish, and the kayakers lingering around the entrances of La Jolla caves, or better yet, join them!

Walking Prospect Street and Girard Avenue and perusing the many boutique shops, museums, galleries, and eateries can take a whole day. Find a bench or an outdoor patio for some respite and people watching. Kids will like Geppetto’s Toys on Girard Avenue.

Special thanks to Andrew Magill for the great scenic photo.
Also thanks to Jessica for the foodie shot.