
Shorehouse Kitchen
Laid-back cafe in La Jolla Shores serving locally roasted coffee and fresh, organic brunch-inspired dishes with a spacious patio.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Shorehouse Kitchen

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Laid-back cafe in La Jolla Shores serving locally roasted coffee and fresh, organic brunch-inspired dishes with a spacious patio.
"The service was truly outstanding. If the flavors were as impressive as the hospitality, this meal could have been exceptional."
Join the Waitlist Early
Reservations aren't taken. Use Yelp or their website to join the waitlist to avoid long waits, especially on weekends.
Parking Challenges
Parking is difficult in the area. Consider arriving early or parking in nearby residential streets.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American, Breakfast, Californian
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(858) 459-3300
Address
2236 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Website
shorehousekitchen.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Outdoor Patio Dining
Enjoy leisurely meals on a sprawling outdoor patio, perfect for soaking up the sun and coastal vibes. Ideal for families and friends.

Exceptional French Toast
Indulge in delicious and perfectly prepared French toast, often topped with fresh blueberries and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Dog-Friendly Haven
Bring your furry friend along! This spot offers a special dog menu, ensuring your pet enjoys a delicious meal by your side.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Join the Waitlist Early
Reservations aren't taken. Use Yelp or their website to join the waitlist to avoid long waits, especially on weekends.
Parking Challenges
Parking is difficult in the area. Consider arriving early or parking in nearby residential streets.
Go Early for Fewer Crowds
The restaurant gets busy, especially later in the day and on weekends. Arrive early for a smoother experience.
Call Ahead for Takeout
If you're in a rush, consider calling in your order to go for a quicker meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
Join the Waitlist Early
Reservations aren't taken. Use Yelp or their website to join the waitlist to avoid long waits, especially on weekends.
Parking Challenges
Parking is difficult in the area. Consider arriving early or parking in nearby residential streets.
Go Early for Fewer Crowds
The restaurant gets busy, especially later in the day and on weekends. Arrive early for a smoother experience.
Call Ahead for Takeout
If you're in a rush, consider calling in your order to go for a quicker meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Shorehouse Kitchen is lauded for its exceptionally friendly service and delicious, fresh breakfast and brunch fare, particularly the French toast and Benedicts. While the patio offers a pleasant ambiance, some reviewers note that certain dishes can be bland, and parking can be a significant challenge in the popular La Jolla Shores area.
"We visited this place because our local friends had recommended it. With its impressive Yelp and Google reviews, and a long line when we arrived, we made the right decision to come here. The service was exceptional, and the food was absolutely delicious! We enjoyed their famous Tahitian French toast, which was incredibly tasty that even our picky eater, who doesn’t usually like French toast, couldn’t resist asking for more. The salmon benedicts were also quite good, and the grilled cheese was a classic choice that couldn’t be wrong.
However, I had high hopes for their Kyoto coffee, which supposedly features homemade macadamia nut milk. Unfortunately, it was a disappointment. I couldn’t even finish a single sip because it was so watery and tasteless.
Now, let’s talk about the parking situation. This neighborhood has no public parking, so you’re either fighting to find a spot or arriving super early. We arrived around 10 am on a Saturday and had to park about a mile away. It wasn’t a terrible distance, but it wasn’t ideal, especially when you’re hangry."
Foodie Traveler
"Restaurant Review: Maple Fried Chicken Sandwich & Fries
During my visit, I ordered the Maple Fried Chicken Sandwich accompanied by a side of fries. While the meal was enjoyable, it lacked a standout element that would make it truly memorable.
Food – 7/10
Maple Fried Chicken Sandwich – 6/10
The sandwich was well-prepared, featuring fresh cheese with a satisfying pull and a well-cooked egg that added a rich texture. However, I made the mistake of pressing down on it too quickly, preventing me from fully savoring its flavors. The bacon, while present, lacked seasoning and was barely noticeable within the sandwich. The highlight was the chicken itself, which had a pleasant maple syrup glaze that complemented its crispiness. Despite these positives, the sandwich didn’t have a “wow” factor—everything was good, but nothing was exceptional.
Fries – 4/10
The fries, though served in a generous portion, were relatively small. They had a nice crispiness and were mildly seasoned, but their texture caused them to dissolve too quickly, making it difficult to fully appreciate their flavor.
Service – 12/10
The service was truly outstanding. We were seated almost immediately due to the efficiency of the staff, who quickly cleaned and prepared tables despite the restaurant being packed. The waitstaff were exceptionally attentive, engaging in friendly conversation and maintaining a great sense of humor. Their attentiveness and energy greatly enhanced the dining experience.
Overall Impression
While the food was solid but unremarkable, the outstanding service made the visit worthwhile. If the flavors were as impressive as the hospitality, this meal could have been exceptional.
Side note I saw a really cool car and took a picture and edited it to look cool 😎"
Wing Man CA
"The hostess was not very nice, but the rest of the staff was amazing! Found this spot after a great hike! Food a bit pricey, but that's everywhere now. It's very tasty food, worth it. We sat outside, in the sidewalk table area, it was fine. Would go again if in the area. We got there early and missed the crowd. It was very busy as we left. Parking is in the residential area, just a heads up."
Nest Disney
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
No, reservations are not accepted. You can join a waitlist through Yelp or their website.
Parking can be challenging in the area. It's recommended to arrive early or explore nearby residential streets.
Yes, Shorehouse Kitchen is very dog-friendly and even offers a special menu for pets.
Popular items include the French toast, Eggs Benedict, pancakes, and Chilaquiles.
Visiting early in the morning, especially before 9 AM on weekends, is recommended to avoid crowds and long wait times.
Yes, the restaurant features a spacious outdoor patio that is a popular spot for diners.
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This casual indoor-outdoor eatery in La Jolla Shores has a sprawling outdoor patio perfect for leisurely lunches with friends and family. Surfers and well-heeled locals populate the 50-seat patio while enjoying made-to-order organic smoothies and fresh salads, as well as scrumptious breakfast and creative lunch entrées that include flatbreads, soups, sandwiches, and the popular cheeseburger and prime steak frites. The black-cherry almond smoothie is addictive, while the tarragon chicken salad with lemon aioli, green apple, avocado, pistachios, and dried cranberries over mixed greens with a citrus vinaigrette is a tantalizing mix of flavors.
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La Jolla Shores • $$ • Breakfast Address: 2236 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037 Reservations: No (you can join a waitlist through Yelp or on their website — highly recommend) Ocean View: No Online Menu. I love this little light and bright cafe for pretty, well-portioned, healthy, and hearty breakfast and lunch menu items. Kayak and snorkel tours leave from various La Jolla Shores businesses on the same street, so this is a great spot to feed your appetite before or after exercising on water.
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It’s a family-owned restaurant on La Jolla Boulevard – it’s like they’re just waiting to welcome you in with open arms and introduce you to fresh, local flavors. I mean, my brunch here is worth writing home about: huevos divorciados with a side of savory homefries, warm slices of freshly-baked avocado toast smothered in feta cheese, and a breakfast burrito so packed with love you’d think it took a village to make. Now that’s something to scribble in your journal about.
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Just steps from La Jolla Shores, Shorehouse Kitchen is a breezy neighborhood cafe that captures the essence of coastal living. Locals flock here for the sunny patio, excellent service and a menu that celebrates fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Start with the mango pancakes, topped with mango-guava compote and housemade granola, or indulge in the crispy parmesan risotto and honey cured bacon, served with baby arugula and tarragon bearnaise.
LA Jolla's Best Eggs Benedict [Updated 2025]
Let me start by saying, the eggs benedict at Shorehouse Kitchen is an absolute delight for the taste buds!. The portion sizes here are perfect, not so overwhelming that you feel like you need to be rolled out of the restaurant, but definitely enough to satisfy any hungry brunch enthusiast. Now, I know we're talking about eggs benedict here, but I have to mention that Shorehouse Kitchen also serves the best chicken sandwich in town.
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If you’re looking to try one of the best La Jolla restaurants while on a food tour in San Diego, you’ll love Shorehouse Kitchen’s farm-to-table approach to breakfast and lunch. Their espresso and coffee are ground in-house daily using their own blend of African and Central American Coffee Beans. They also juice Valencia Oranges for the freshest glass of orange juice around and partner with a local ranch for veggie-fed brown eggs.
Dog-Friendly San Diego Guide
Shorehouse Kitchen in La Jolla, CA, is a paradise for dog lovers, offering a special menu just for your furry friends. This dog-friendly spot ensures your pet can enjoy dining out just as much as you do, with options like the "The Brunch Bark Bowl," "The California K-9," and "Fido’s Finest." It's the perfect place to share a meal with your four-legged companion in a welcoming and accommodating atmosphere.
Dog Friendly Restaurants in San Diego
Head to a popular dog friendly brunch in San Diego at Shorehouse Kitchen and you’ll likely find quite a few other guests there with their furry friends. Shorehouse Kitchen has two locations, one in La Jolla and another in Carlsbad. The location in La Jolla is known as one of the best dog friendly restaurants in La Jolla, but both get busy as they are only open until mid-afternoon after the lunch rush.
Dog-friendly restaurants in La Jolla
Shorehouse Kitchen is a staple brunch spot for anyone in La Jolla Shores, drawing people in with their many outdoor tables and full menu of delicious bites from Benedicts to pancakes and flatbreads to salads. And the Doggie Menu leaves no puppy out, with dishes like “The Brunch Bark Bowl” with eggs and honey-cured bacon and “The California K-9,” chicken breast with egg whites and spinach.
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Shorehouse Kitchen satisfies sweet and salty brunch cravings in La Jolla Shores. The cocktail menu includes a mai tai with lilikoi foam, a hazy Irish coffee, and a margarita fresca with fresh-squeezed orange juice. Soak up the morning booze with the parmesan risotto benedict or the caramelized Tahitian vanilla bean toast.
Best Brunch Spots In San Diego
Shorehouse Kitchen is tucked away in La Jolla shores, just a few blocks from the beach. They have plenty of outdoor seating so you can enjoy the beautiful San Diego weather while enjoying one of their decadent mochas or tasty mimosas. Favorite dishes include the California omelette, french toast, and chilaquiles.
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This trendy beachside restaurant in La Jolla offers a great start to the day. The open-plan coffee shop style eatery has a plethora of dishes to order. I love the Monterey or Wild Mushroom and Organic Spinach Omelets and their Classic Benedicts, plus, they can all be served with a refreshing mimosa or bellini!
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Shorehouse Kitchen is a charming café that takes pride in its coastal-inspired menu. Known for its artisanal coffee blends and a variety of brunch options, it’s a great spot for a leisurely weekend morning. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff make it a welcoming place for both locals and visitors.
Dog Friendly Spots in La Jolla: A Day In The Life
Shorehouse Kitchen, nestled in the heart of La Jolla, offers a laid-back atmosphere with a diverse menu that includes local favorites and international dishes. With outdoor seating that welcomes dogs, Shorehouse Kitchen makes dining with your pup a delightful experience.
Highest-rated Brunch Restaurants in San Diego, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (293 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Cafe- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 2236 Avenida de La Playa, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037-3219- Read more on Tripadvisor
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Shorehouse Kitchen – An all-day breakfast menu with a signature coffee blend by Calabria Coffee Roaster of San Diego. Expect a casual atmosphere, fresh and locally sourced menu items, and even a specialized doggie menu.
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Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. A post shared by Shorehouse Kitchen (@shorehouse_kitchen). Dreaming of enjoying a cuppa by the beach?
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This charming breakfast and lunch spot is just blocks from the beach and offers a peaceful patio, house-made dog treats, and plenty of love for canine guests.
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(Want to read about the Best Five Beaches in San Diego?) Shorehouse Kitchen happens to be ranked #24 out of 1057 restaurants in La Jolla.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit