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About
Duke's La Jolla
Welcome to Duke's La Jolla, a culinary gem nestled in the picturesque coastal town of La Jolla, California. Located at 1216 Prospect St, this vibrant restaurant offers guests not only a feast for the palate but also breathtaking ocean views that enhance every dining experience. With a menu inspired by the flavors of Hawaii, Duke's La Jolla captures the essence of the islands in every dish.
As you step into Duke's, you are greeted by an inviting atmosphere, perfect for any occasion—be it a casual lunch with friends or a special celebration. The restaurant boasts an impressive lineup of dishes that truly showcase the freshness and vibrancy of Hawaiian ingredients. For lunch, consider indulging in their Fish Sandwich, which features a zesty lemon basil glaze, or dive into the Fish & Chips made with Maui Brewing Co.'s Big Swell IPA beer batter, complemented by a delightful meyer lemon remoulade.
The starters are equally enticing, with options like the Panko-Crusted Calamari paired with a tangy guava cocktail sauce, and the ever-popular Crab Wontons that meld rich crab meat with cream cheese and macadamia nuts—a delightful introduction to your meal. As you savor the dishes, you’ll catch wind of the thoughtful pairings, such as the Mustard Plum Sauce served with the crab, which adds a perfect hint of sweetness to each bite.
Feedback from happy patrons paints a picture of a warm and welcoming environment, which can significantly enhance the dining experience. Customers rave about the attentive staff; many share their gratitude for servers like Maddi and Johannah, whose friendly demeanor adds a personal touch to every meal. The overall ambiance, coupled with live music from the upstairs Barefoot Bar, ensures that the energy remains vibrant and enjoyable throughout your visit.
For those who appreciate an iconic dessert, you cannot miss out on Kimo's Original Hula Pie—a beloved favorite that's large enough to share among a group, leaving a lasting impression. Moreover, the drinks menu at Duke's La Jolla is just as impressive, featuring refreshing options like the Boomers Margarita and expertly crafted cocktails that pair perfectly with your meal.
Ultimately, Duke's La Jolla is not merely about food; it's a full sensory experience enriched by the stunning surroundings, heartfelt service, and flavorful cuisine. It’s a place where each dish tells a story of culinary artistry and where every visit feels like a little slice of paradise.
Whether you're a local or just visiting, make sure to stop by Duke's La Jolla—it’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to indulge in Hawaiian-inspired delights by the ocean. Don't forget to make reservations, especially if you want to secure a table with an unbeatable view!
For more information or to make a reservation, you can contact them at +1 858-454-5888.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Duke’s La Jolla – Incredible Food, Perfect Drinks, and Ocean Views Duke’s La Jolla was an absolute hit! From the moment we sat down, every bite and sip exceeded expectations. I started with the Boomers Margarita, and wow—BOMB! My husband had the Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned, and it was smooth, rich, and absolutely delicious. For appetizers, we had the Crab Wontons, and they were fantastic. The mustard plum sauce paired beautifully, adding the perfect balance of tang and sweetness. The lightly pickled cucumber garnish was such a thoughtful touch—we both loved it. Then came the tacos, and they did not disappoint. Fish Tacos– Mahi mahi, corn tortillas from El Nopalito, tomatillo sauce, cabbage, pico, queso fresco, and tortilla chips. Everything was spot-on—the freshness, the lightness, the proportions of fish, cabbage, and sauce. Wouldn’t change a single thing! Korean Steak Tacos– Kalbi-marinated steak, salsa verde, cabbage, onions, cilantro, flour tortillas, and chips. The marinade had just the right hint of sweetness, and the flavors came together beautifully. That sauce inside the tacos? Next level! Even the chips and salsa were amazing—homemade chips with a smoky, flavor-packed salsa. So good! ”
“ We ended up here after being starving from hiking and then exploring the cave store. When we arrived the wait was 30 minutes but the bar was open and talking people. Seating was open and spacious. The bartenders were attentive and kind. The Hummus DELICIOUS! The burger was also extremely good. Highly recommend and will def be back! ”
“ Really nice restaurant right in the heart of La Jolla serving Hawaiian inspired food. Had dinner early enough, but the place got really busy. Good thing we had reservations. We started with the Panko Breaded Calamari and Korean Sticky Ribs. Top notch. For mains, I had the Banana Leaf Steamed Fish and Shrimp. Sooo good. Although I wish there were more rice. The rest of the table had Sauteed Mac Nut and Herb Crusted Fish (mahi mahi), Duke's Fish (ono), and the Rib and Chicken Plate Of course, I stole a taste from each one, and all were great as well. For dessert, we shared Kimo's Original Hula Pie. It was a huge portion and was large enough for 3-4 people. Service was friendly and fast. The ocean view was a mood booster providing a cool vibe. There was a live band in the upstairs Barefoot Bar. Will definitely return if given the chance. Addendum: the restaurant entrance is below street level, but they do have an elevator to help people with disabilities gain entrance. ”
“ Great with Gluten free options. Even gluten free Key Lime pie for dessert. Service was wonderful. Sat out on deck with a great view. Very enjoyable. Thank you for a wonderful experience. It is a bit pricey but really with it. I had the Hot Pot...it was very, very good. ”
“ Best view in La Jolla for lunch! Food is delicious, drinks are good especially the Mai Tai. Key lime pie was divine. Our server Johannah was very attentive and sweet, giving us great recomendations for our anniverssary trip. The host Brandon made us feel welcome with his outgoing personality. Do not miss this spot! ”
“ Was in town for a family reunion of sorts and we needed a place that was family friendly. This restaurant fit that bill perfectly. They have indoor and outdoor seating. It was a beautiful day so we were able to sit outside on their patio with a stunning view of La Jolla. Ashley did a great job. We were there on Saturday so they had brunch available. Some of us did lunch but most did breakfast. I had the Loco Moco which was perfectly cooked and seasoned. Their fries were also great. Everyone loved their food. The atmosphere was very laid back. We got there around 1130am. It was packed by the time we left. Definitely would recommend. ”
“ I absolutely adore the Duke's La Jolla location! The ambiance was delightful, with breathtaking ocean views that set the perfect backdrop for our celebration. The food was scrumptious; each dish was a flavorful masterpiece that tantalized our taste buds. The staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating, making us feel right at home. We chose this lovely spot for lunch to celebrate my granddaughter's birthday, and every detail was flawlessly executed. Our server, Maddi, was an absolute gem—her attentiveness and cheerful demeanor added a warm touch to our experience. She ensured our drinks were always full and met our needs with a smile. Additionally, Francesca went above and beyond to help create a magical moment for my granddaughter by making her surprise birthday gift feel extra special. We had a wonderful time filled with laughter and joy from start to finish! ”
“ Absolutely loved our experience at this Hawaiian gem! The setting is unbeatable — perched right by the ocean with a stunning view, especially at sunset. We even spotted a few seals playing in the distance — not easy to see, but such a special treat when you catch them! From the moment we sat down, everything exceeded expectations. The starters were a perfect blend of fresh, local flavors — each bite bursting with tropical flair. The main dish was the star: beautifully cooked, flavorful, and presented with so much care. And while we were almost too full for dessert, we’re glad we didn’t skip it — light, sweet, and the perfect way to end the meal. The only downside was that they didn’t have espresso! Friendly staff, incredible food, and the natural beauty all around made this an unforgettable dining experience. Highly recommended! ”