The problem with oceanfront restaurants: darkness. The view sets with the sun. The best vantage point is often a recessed perch (à la Bertrand at Mister A’s, Hotel La Jolla), with a panorama of the water during the day, street life at night—like the setup at Catania, the new coastal Italian restaurant from Whisknladle Hospitality Group. The rooftop eatery is the anchor of the new La Plaza, once home to the notorious Jack’s. Chef Vince Schofield has a wood-fired oven for Neapolitan pizzas (lardo with shaved pecorino is excellent), roasted local seafood, pastas (duck sugo orecchiette), and starters like crudo and carpaccio. With Italian craft beers and cocktails, it’s an instant hit off Prospect.
7863 Girard Avenue, La Jolla
New Restaurant: Catania
Photo by Paul Body
