Catania

In the historic heart of La Jolla, find this cool and hip retreat on the top floor of the Plaza Center. The artfully designed dining room features sunny Mediterranean colors and ceramic tiles. A large, elegant terrace offers panoramic coastline views.

Come early for their aperitivo (cocktails and snacks), but make sure you stay to explore this kitchen’s modern twists. Start with a daily salad special, featuring lovely flavors like beet chips and butternut squash, crowned by ahi tuna crudo with poppy seeds and basil leaves. Then dive into a Neapolitan-style pizza from the wood-burning oven, or decadent pastas such as orecchiette mingled with slow-braised duck ragù accented by tomato coulis, porcini mushrooms and freshly grated parmesan.