2 La Jolla Eateries Named Among '100 Best Al Fresco Dining Restaurants In America'

LA JOLLA, CA: With the Pacific Ocean in view, dine on fire-grilled artichoke, cioppino, pomegranate lamb shank, spaghetti with clams or an Asian-marinated skirt steak.

Try those and a host of other menu items at two La Jolla restaurants, George's Ocean Terrace and Brockton Villa, which were among seven in the San Diego region named Wednesday to OpenTable's "100 Best Al Fresco Dining Restaurants in America for 2016."

"Dining al fresco is a delicious way for travelers and locals alike to take in the sights, sounds, and flavors of a city," says Caroline Potter, OpenTable Chief Dining Officer. "These winning restaurants have created delightful outdoor seating areas that provide a front-row seat to the natural beauty and urban vistas around them, allowing guests to commune with their surroundings while experiencing welcoming hospitality and fresh fare."

All restaurants with a minimum "overall" score and number of qualifying reviews were included for consideration, according to OpenTable. Qualifying restaurants were then scored and sorted according to the percentage of qualifying reviews for which "great for outdoor dining" was selected as a special feature. 

Users of the online reservation site give George's Ocean Terrace, located at 1250 Prospect Street, a 4.4--star overall rating. 

"Occupying the upper level of iconic George’s at the Cove in the heart of La Jolla overlooking the Pacific coastline, George's Ocean Terrace features a casual bistro menu developed by Executive Chef/Partner Trey Foshee and his team," according to OpenTable. "Consistently named the region's best outdoor dining by the likes of San Diego Magazine, San Diego Home & Garden and Ranch & Coast, and Zagat's most popular restaurant, the Ocean Terrace experience is quintessential Southern California. George's Ocean Terrace serves lunch and dinner daily."

Brockton Villa, located at 1235 Coast Blvd., has a 4.3-star overall rating on the site, where it describes itself as "a beautiful historic home converted into a restaurant located directly across from the ocean. Our seaside location offers a spectacular view of the world-famous La Jolla Cove, and has become a favorite "show off" spot for locals and visitors alike. We are known for our breakfasts, including our famous Coast Toast. Our chef creates many other wonderful dishes seasonally for lunch and our dinner service. Our house is the perfect place for you to host your next party. Whether it be a wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, baptism, bridal shower, baby shower, or any special occasion."

To see which other San Diego-area eateries made the list, click here.

(Images via Georgesatthecove.com and Brocktonvilla.com)