The Cottage

7702 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
$$$ Californian restaurant
(2643 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

Welcome to The Cottage—a charming Californian restaurant nestled in the heart of La Jolla, California. Known for its cozy ambiance and delightful menu offerings, The Cottage is a must-visit for both locals and travelers seeking a memorable dining experience.

As you step into The Cottage, you’re instantly embraced by the warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a casual brunch or a leisurely lunch. The decor reflects a blend of quaint charm and modern sophistication, making it a delightful backdrop for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering, a special celebration, or simply a relaxing meal with friends. The staff, described as friendly and attentive, ensures that every guest is well taken care of, with smiles and excellent service that enhance the dining experience.

The menu at The Cottage is a feast for the senses, showcasing an array of Californian cuisine that highlights fresh, local ingredients. Start your meal with the Ahi Nachos, where seared ahi tuna meets crispy wonton chips and vibrant Asian vegetables, all artfully drizzled with a zesty ginger vinaigrette and a swirl of wasabi cream—this dish alone is worth a visit! Another popular starter is the Frito Miso, an indulgent combination of fried calamari, shrimp, zucchini, and haricot verts, complemented by a smoky chipotle aioli that ignites the palate.

If you're in the mood for something heartier, the Grass Fed Burger—a juicy patty made from locally sourced beef or a plant-based Impossible Burger—is a standout. Topped with aged cheddar and fresh lettuce, tomato, and onion, all nestled in a soft brioche bun, this burger is both satisfying and flavorful at just $16. Additionally, the Cottage Club sandwich, stacked with turkey, avocado, and crispy bacon on toasted multi-grain bread, is perfect for diners looking for a fulfilling midday meal.

No visit would be complete without exploring The Cottage’s brunch offerings, famously highlighted by their French Toast. Customers rave about its fluffy texture and perfect balance, making it truly deserving of the title of “best French toast ever!” Accompanied by rich syrups or enjoyed on its own, this dish is not to be missed.

For those who prefer a refreshing salad, consider the Ahi Salad, which features a vibrant mix of greens, hard-boiled eggs, and tender ahi tuna, tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette—an ideal choice for a light yet satisfying meal.

The Cottage transcends the ordinary with its exceptional culinary experience, which is echoed in the words of its patrons. One delighted customer, Jacquelyn G., shared, “We recently hosted our daughter’s wedding reception at The Cottage… The food was phenomenal—fresh, beautifully presented,” showcasing not just the quality but the restaurant's capability to cater to special events.

Another guest, Jenna Ray, praised the bustling brunch scene, remarking on both the mesmerizing food and deft service, while the charming atmosphere of The Cottage has left many feeling a sense of warmth and happy fullness, ready to embrace the day. Jenna highlighted her experience with the "best French toast," making it clear that The Cottage is not just a meal; it’s an experience.

In summary, The Cottage in La Jolla offers a delightful culinary experience characterized by its warm ambiance, attentive service, and a menu that celebrates the best of Californian cuisine. Whether you're indulging in an extravagant brunch or enjoying casual dining, The Cottage promises to leave you with a fulfilling taste and fond memories. Make sure to call +1 858-454-8409 to reserve your table today!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great cocktails
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves healthy options
Serves organic dishes
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has counter service
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Lunch reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually has a wait
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Tuesday

7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Wednesday

7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Thursday

7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Friday

7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Saturday

7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Sunday

7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

2643 Reviews
Rick Kirkpatrick

19 Sep 2025

Nice little brunch spot. We dropped in Friday morning and it wasn’t busy at first but the place filled up quickly. Service was great and the food was very good but could use a little more seasoning. I had the house Benny which looked great and tasted fine but was just a little bland but still very good.

Audrey Hodge

10 Sep 2025

This thoughroly made my tummy tingle. It was a perfect blend of rizzy food. It upped my aura like crazy. Im very grateful for the crazy aha servers who were very noice and kind. They were rizzlers. My primal food desires were filled and now I can successfully hibernate fir the rest of summer. Thank you for the scrumdiddlyumpcious meal. I hope Diddy never finds you and you live happily ever after.

Jacquelyn G.

26 Aug 2025

We recently hosted our daughter’s wedding reception at The Cottage and it was nothing short of spectacular. We had the entire restaurant to ourselves (40 guests) for under $5000 -that is hard to find in La Jolla. They created a wonderful food & drink menu for our guests that included appetizers, entrees, beer, wine and 2 specialty cocktails. The food was phenomenal—fresh, beautifully presented, and raved about by all our guests. The atmosphere was warm and elegant and the service throughout the evening was flawless. The tables were decorated beautifully, the layout was perfect -we even had a space to dance! From the moment we started planning, the staff was attentive, professional, and genuinely invested in making the day special. We are so grateful for Una, Jason and entire staff for helping us create such a magical and memorable evening. It was everything we hoped for and more.

Jenna Ray

04 Aug 2025

Such a cute restaurant. Our server was absolutely amazing! Had a great system going with someone running waters and food! Best French toast I’ve ever had! Will definitely be back when I’m in the area again.

SnowySoul Adventure

27 Jul 2025

Staff were very friendly and very helpful. Had 3 different people help me out if I needed anything. Smiles all around and attentive to everyone! Una was especially friendly and helpful. The food is amazing here. I highly recommend the Crab Melt with salad. Perfect amount of food to fill you up, and absolutely delicious. The coffee cake is a nice add and super good. Recommend to split between a small group. Sitting outside on a beautiful day is great. They do have some heaters if you do get cold to, and umbrellas to block out the sun.

Keah Gomez

21 Jul 2025

Really great spot for brunch. We had a seat inside and as soon as you walk inside you are instantly smacked with a sugar high from all the beautiful sweets and baked goodies. Staff is have attentive to everyone including each other. Even if you don’t have brunch here would recommend stopping in to get some tasty and fun desserts or baked goods.

Pink Dragun (Pink_Dragun)

18 Jun 2025

The BEST French toast I’ve ever had!!! Soft moist and didn’t need a lot of syrup. Emphasis on the soft the bread was so darn fluffy and good!

Lisa Carmichael

09 Jun 2025

Lovely. Attentive servers. Food was great. Everything was cooked to perfection. Fun spot in LaJoja for brunch while on vacation in San Diego. Short wait. Street parking. Quaint. Clean.

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