"Hawaii Regional cooking on a terrace above La Jolla Cove — come for the macadamia-crusted fish, the Hula Pie and the sunset."
About Duke's La Jolla
Duke's La Jolla opened in November 2015, taking over a prime seaside space above La Jolla Cove that had sat empty since 2006. It is run by TS Restaurants, the San Diego and Maui group behind the original Duke's in Waikiki, and named for Duke Kahanamoku — the native Hawaiian, six-time Olympic medallist and father of modern surfing. The draw is the pairing of island cooking with one of the best ocean views in San Diego.
It sits among La Jolla's cove-front tables. For other rooms with a view, compare the seafood at Eddie V's, the cliffside dining at George's at the Cove and the raw bar at Herringbone, or browse the wider seafood picks.
The Kitchen
The cooking is Hawaii Regional Cuisine built on fresh fish. The signature plate is a sauteed macadamia nut and herb-crusted fresh fish with lemon-caper butter, jasmine rice and a macadamia-nut slaw — about $23.50 at lunch. Around it sit ahi tuna, coconut shrimp, poke and fish tacos, with steak and prime rib for the table that does not want fish.
Save room for the Kimo's Original Hula Pie: macadamia-nut ice cream on a chocolate-cookie crust under hot fudge and toasted macadamia — a TS Restaurants signature since the group's first Maui kitchen. Pricing is fair for the location, with mains running into the mid-fifties at dinner.
The Room
The 13,000-square-foot room spreads over two levels directly above the cove, with the upstairs Barefoot Bar and Grill the casual half and the main floor the sit-down dining. The reason everyone books the same table is the ocean-edge patio: open-air seats looking straight out over La Jolla Cove and the Pacific, best at sunset. Service is warm, island-casual and used to special occasions.
Not for
Not for a quiet, refined fine-dining dinner or a rainy night — this is a big, lively two-level room, and the magic is the open-air cove view that the weather can take away.
Frequently Asked
What is Duke's La Jolla known for?
Hawaii Regional cooking and a terrace above La Jolla Cove — macadamia nut-crusted fresh fish, ahi tuna, poke and the Kimo's Original Hula Pie, with one of the best ocean views in San Diego.
What should I order at Duke's La Jolla?
The macadamia nut-crusted fresh fish is the signature, alongside the ahi tuna, coconut shrimp and poke — and the Hula Pie for dessert.
How much does Duke's La Jolla cost?
Fair for the location: the macadamia-crusted fish is about $23.50 at lunch, and dinner mains run roughly $25 to $55, with steak and prime rib at the top end.
When did Duke's La Jolla open?
It opened on 4 November 2015, run by TS Restaurants in a long-vacant seaside space above La Jolla Cove and named for Hawaiian surf pioneer Duke Kahanamoku.
Where is Duke's La Jolla and can I get a table with a view?
It is at 1216 Prospect Street, atop La Jolla Cove in La Jolla Village. Request the open-air ocean-edge patio when booking — those seats look straight over the cove and fill first at sunset.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Duke's La Jolla
Book via OpenTable or the Duke's La Jolla website; request the patio for the cove view at sunset.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address1216 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
NeighbourhoodAtop La Jolla Cove on Prospect Street, in La Jolla Village
CuisineHawaiian / Seafood
PriceMacadamia nut-crusted fresh fish about $23.50 at lunch; dinner mains roughly $25–55
Dress CodeResort casual
SeatingTwo levels plus an open-air ocean-edge patio; booking advised for sunset
ReservationBooking advised; patio and sunset tables go first
