It’s that time of year when we prepare for winter hibernation as the temperature drops and the sun sets unreasonably early. Although all I want to do is eat during the cooler months, peeling away from a warm home into the cool nights is difficult. Ideally, I would eat all my meals in bed with a heavy duvet draped over me. Yet, chasing the sun, I’ve found a new determination in breakfast where I can bask in the glorious daytime weather we’re lucky to have in La Jolla during Fall. Dinner dates do call though and once we manage to get out the door, it’s always proved to be a worthwhile mission. Don’t let the winter weather keep you from exploring the San Diego food scene. And remember, there is no shame in having a 5:00 pm dinner when it truly feels like 8:00 pm. The early bird gets more time under a warm comforter.

Takaramono (La Jolla)

You won’t find anything ordinary on the menu at this new sushi bar in La Jolla. This Japanese eatery takes sushi dining to a new level of outstanding innovation and flavors. I can’t believe I live five minutes away from this reasonably priced outstanding eatery.

pros: beautiful presentation, nice ambiance, extremely fresh ingredients, creative menu

cons: none

must order: we ordered two rounds of the wagyu and seared bluefin, which knocked our socks off

Boker Kitchen  (University City)

I’ve visited this breakfast joint a few times since it recently opened, craving a meal to start my day here often. For a traditional Israeli breakfast, you won’t find a place in San Diego that serves more authentic dishes. Their bread, croissants, and bourekas are perfectly baked daily. I always take an assortment to go so I can keep noshing throughout the day. I love this new addition to my dining portfolio.

pros: authentic Israeli breakfast, incredible baked goods, they make great lattes

cons: there are only two small tables inside, otherwise it is outdoor seating only

must order: bourekas pinukim: cheese bourekas, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, pickles, and tahini

The Corner Mercantile & Eatery (La Jolla Shores)

I recently read about this unique concept which combines a local shop to buy items to stock your fridge and pantry and a kitchen that pumps out breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Naturally, I followed the rave reviews for a breakfast treat. The food is good but the draw is really in the charming shop and outdoor patio sprinkled with flowers and flamingoes.

pros: cute outdoor dining, lots of tempting options on the menu

cons: oddly, while this one-stop shop seems to have everything, it does not have an espresso machine.

must order: egg and cheese croissant

Candor (La Jolla)

Candor is a neighborhood institution and a great go-to spot for well-prepared global flavors. You’ll never get bored eating here. In addition to their nightly specials, you’ll find cuisine inspired by Italy, the Middle East, Spain, Mexico, etc… it never feels redundant to drop by for a meal.

pros: great service, well-rounded menu, a local favorite

cons: the shared bathrooms need to be tended to

must order: foraged mushrooms and pea arancini balls, za’atar roasted salmon and tahini, prime beef burger, farmer’s market green salad

31THIRTYONE by Deckman’s (North Park)

This new addition to San Diego’s food scene comes from the same owners as Valle de Guadalupe’s hit restaurant Deckman’s. A four-course prix-fix menu focuses on sustainable sourcing and best environmental practices, inevitably resulting in the usage of seasonal ingredients and delicious flavors.

pros: knowledgeable staff, creative flavor combinations, healthy dishes

cons: background music would be a nice addition to liven up the space

must order: the mindful mushrooms (2nd course) and swordfish with sunchokes (3rd course) are other-worldly

With Hanukkah and Christmas around the corner, I predict we will all be eating many homecooked meals in our pajamas next month, along with fun, celebratory meals in the many incredible restaurants we have available to us in San Diego. Tis the season to eat, drink, be merry, and lay low in flannel pjs and fuzzy socks by the fireplace. Who says we can’t have it all?