Part of a cluster of restaurants and lounges all under one roof in downtown La Jolla (Jack’s Grille and Jack’s Ocean Room are the other two dining outlets and there are multiple lounges), the Dining Room is undoubtedly the star of the group. Chef Tony DiSalvo gives San Diegoans some of the best food in the area. The menu looks traditional at first, but look again—dishes include lobster with Kaffir lime juice and sticks of Fuji apple, or spice-crusted black sea bass with Japanese eggplant. The room is crisp and elegant, with tall banquettes to snuggle up in as well as white-linen topped tables for lingering over decadent desserts like chocolate caramel custard.

Jack's La Jolla Information:

• American menu. Dinner. Closed Monday. Bar. Business casual attire. Valet parking. Credit cards accepted.