Reviews

Best whole fish in the city. the entire fish is baked in the wood fired oven. Crispy on the outside and moist inside. Lots of grilled lemons go best with this preparation. A little pricey.

I have tried this restaurant twice now for lunch over the past few years and have to say I have been disappointed each time. The food portions are small, skimpy is best to describe a soup and 1/2 sandwich that was just poor to say the least. I make better sandwich's and that says it all.The food was pricey and just not up to par.

Was recommended by a local. Sat on the terrace. Waitress had no conversational skills, to the point of just putting the dish on the table with a thud. Wait for water was over 5 minutes. Veggie salad uninspired, greek salad run of the mill the feta was insipid offset by very salty olives. Two salads were 30$. I was going to have dessert and coffee but waitress closed the check without inquiry as to if we would like anything else. And for this I left 20% tip. Masochist. Little ice cream shop next door not bad.

We visited the coldest week in February. (Highs in the 50's, lows in 40's). They had a party inside, we didn't have a reservation, so we sat outside. They have heaters and gave us blankets. It was cold, but they kept checking on us to make sure we stayed comfortable. The food was very good. I had the seared salmon and my husband had the lamb medallions. The only issue was that the food did get cold fast, but for obvious reasons. Try the tiramisu, it is homemade and very good.

Every meal I've had has been so delightful. I love the pasta and the lamb. Options are: Sitting at the bar, inside or outside dining,

Dining room: Clean, beautiful, and romantic Bar: Clean, and sitting there alone or with friends is nice Restrooms: Clean, and the chalk board is fun Patio: Clean, fun and all of the heaters are turned on when it gets cold

I had an almost perfect meal here. The ambience was wonderful - quality art on the walls that the staff could explain. Service was excellent and the owner delightful (or the apparent owner - I don't really know). My food was very fine - a bib lettuce salad and veggie rosetto dish. All great.

One of my favorite lunches is the bib and blue salad with grilled Alaska salmon. I ordered two for a picnic lunch on a rooftop deck and it made for a perfect lunch with a friend. It’s a bibb lettuce salad with a wonderful light dressing, perhaps dill and chive? Crumbled blue cheese accents the lettuce and then the grilled salmon tops it off. Perfect! Enjoy.

We go here for dinner about once a year when we spend time at La Jolla Shores. Living in Houston it is always a treat to dine in fresh cool air. The food this time was as usual exception. Wood grilled salmon over mash potatoes was soooo good. Fresh Bib Lettuce with blue cheese and a light lemon vinigarette dressing. Mud House Sauvignon Blanc a nice crisp summer wine. Service was friendly and perfect. I look forward to next year.

Went to this restaurant last night with a person who regularly goes there and raves about it. Last night was one of disappointment and apology. It took an inordinate amount of time to get water, bread etc. Wait staff seemed very busy as they rushed past our table without even acknowledging our presence. The meal( their special hamburger) was cooked okay and as ordered, but the fries were skimpy in amount and presentation. The hamburger was greatly overpriced. Would have done better at In and Out Burger.

We live in the neighborhood and the La Jolla Shores area is plentiful with friendly eateries but you just can’t beat Barbarella!! Barbara loves, loves, loves to decorate.... did I mention that Barbara loves to decorate??!! For every conceivable holiday, Barbara’s got the decorations. Bring the family but don’t just drive by.... come on in for a great meal. My husband and I had dinner last night... starting off with Cosmos (made perfectly) and served in the most beautiful martini glasses ever!! Seriously.... they’re for sale and I have a set... perfect for serving desserts or drinks, but I digress! Back to dinner last night. We enjoyed a delicious Caesar salad starter and I selected the grilled salmon, my favorite, while my husband chose lamb chops served over cannellini beans and arugula. They have a wide array of menu options so anyone in your family will find something of delight. Their desserts are delicious as well. If they offer you a fruit crumble... order it and enjoy the scrumptious full flavors of berries and goodness! Don’t forget to take a walk along the beach, 2 short blocks away. I attached a sunset for you to enjoy below! Enjoy!!

The food and service were great however I will never forget this place due to the Halloween decorations. Absolutely incredible

Our go to breakfast spot. The Huevos rancheros are genuine and the eggs benedict the real deal.Nothing out of a package here. The Orange juice really is fresh squeezed. Delightful!

After finally finding parking and checking out the La Jolla Shores sunset, walked up from the beach and decided to dine here for a light dinner. We opted to sit outside and had a relaxing dinner except for the barking dog other diners left in their jeep that was parked right next to our table. Prices are bit high but is to be expected given the proximity to the beach. Did not feel rushed at all and it was a nice way to end the day. Parking is challenging though.

Thought it was delightful. We all enjoyed our dinner! They joked with my grandson and gave us some substitutions on pizza. My only thing was sitting outside because of crowding and dealing with insects. Would return for sure

Excellent location and great comfortable outdoor dining. Also delicious food and good wine list. We had the luncheon special which as fresh and yummy.

Great food, great staff, great ambiance. If you go during October, the place is on FIRE with Halloween decor. Super fun for kids (7 and up).

My husband and I had a super lunch at Barbarella. We dined outside, service was good, attentive without being overbearing. The Nicoise salad was very good, everything was very fresh and appealing. The bread was fresh and hot. Terrific location, would definitely visit again.

Very reasonable, great location, fun, casual place. Two huge patios have great comfortable seating! Daily specials !!!! Best pizza in town. Did I mention how great the staff is?? I was cold and the owner gave me a blanket to use!!! Sweeet.

The food was excellent and our waitress, Elsie, was super sweet and fell in love with my 4 year old son!

We had a delightful meal at Barbarella, seated on a porch outdoors where we could people-watch and enjoy a lovely evening. The food was excellent and we would definitely go there next time we visit San Diego.

Patio service is a little crowded, but it is nice to be outside a short walk from La Jolla Shores Park. The lunch menu choices here are not extensive, but the food was tasty if a little pricey. The one negative was the service: dirty silverware, inattentive waitstaff, almost surly demeanor.

Wonderful food!! Ordered: - Fried calamari way too greasy ! - Margheretta pizza it was ok, nothing especial to it! - husband order hamburgers it was good. - my friend ordered a chicken salad after everyone order and the manager took the order, after we all finish eating we asked if she was getting her food, the waiter told us the manager forgot to place the order, then immediately she offers dessert for their mistake and or have her order place right ways (( very well handled exquisitely the waiter))... At that moment the manager interrupted her and buzz into our table and told my friend "her food was being cooked right there and then and if she stills wants it"...My friend was showed by the lock of courtesy from a manager to offers an apology - told the manager "I eat a piece of pizza from my husband's plate , it's ok". The manager jumped at her and told her "oh you are full with pizza then" 😳😳 and then she proceeds saying "I still can sell that food that is being made or I can bring you the food if you want it or I can eat it is no big deal, whatever you want to do" 😱😱. ---We were all mortify that she was being so loud and everyone started looking at us like we were creating some conflicts --- so we asked the check and left very fast!!

Beautiful indoor and outdoor seating. Nice new ownership. Professional staff, and a great bar. Nice decorations, and prompt attention to great service.

Atmosphere was outstanding! Owner and waiter were super charming and friendly. The food was really nice. A simple cheese pizza with a super flavorful tomatoe sauce. Barbarella Salad was fantastic. French Onion soup was on the sweet side but very tasty. But the winner was the Crumble Dessert with an unbelievable homemade ice cream. A must !!!!

Great breakfast location, lounge outside propped up on plump cushions, surrounded by flowers and plants and order a beautifully cooked Californian breakfast and watch the world go by. Best breakfast and good value for la Jolla

The huevos rancheros were amazing! I would recommend them. The waiter said they were good and he was right!

We went with friends to this lovely little Restaurant and Bar in La Jolla. Great Service and a fun atmosphere. Nice wine and beer selection. We all had something different for Brunch and everyone enjoyed what they had ordered. The Eggs Benedict were wonderful according to one of our friends, my Husband enjoyed the Egg Sandwich and I thought the Caesar Salad was great. They have an open air room to eat in or one that is totally inside, along with a nice Patio are out front.

We live locally, just up the hill, and I love the variety of eclectic offerings as well as classic bistro dishes. For breakfast, the "pizza max" is my favorite recently: crisp pizza crust with salmon and creme fraiche! Lunch favorite is a bibb lettuce salad and grilled wild salmon - delicious! And dinner is just fun to try new dishes each time. Barbara (the owner) buys from local farmers/providers so the ingredients are so fresh and flavorful. You'll keep coming back for more, then go for a great walk on the beach which is just a block away. What's not to love?!

Love their location! My absolute favorite restaurant in La Jolla! They offer all different type of foods and understand allergies! Love their patio and inside! Great lemonade! We had the Cobb salad and the steak and fries! Their desert of fruit pie is the best ever! A must go to! Also I took my dog and they are very welcoming!

The food is above average, the drink selection is quite good, the server was overwhelmed by a party of 13.

Excellent quality fresh greens and seafood, exceptional service, friendly environment. Nice area of outdoor seating in a great quiet area of La Jolla near La Jolla shores beach

We are local and know Barbarella goes all out for Halloween, but we never expected to have to dine surrounded by skeletons, ghouls, mummies, and zombies in mid September. We found it to be quite unpleasant. There was no relief. The decorations were everywhere. Had we known, we would have gone elsewhere. Too late once we arrived since it was Saturday night and other places in The Shores were booked.

We had a group of about 10 and ate outside. The service was excellent and they quickly accommodated any requests we had about the overhead heaters. Food and drinks were excellent.

Really cute place with awesome decoration and amazing food! I am big fan of Italian food and their homemade ravioli were so delicious! Definitely going back!

Barbarella at La jolla shores is one of my favorite spots. They serve breakfast lunch and dinner and have extra nice Mediterranean Italian menu. Love flat crust pizzas. You can add pepperoni and make it a classic. My favorite is the creamy orecchiette pasta with pancetta. If you are close by definitely stop by.. good cocktails too

This restaurant is lots of fun especially if your first name is Barbara. Our niece is a Barbara and as soon as they were made aware of her name the waiter told her about special events for people with like names. The establishment is always decorated for special events throughout the year. The food was nicely prepared and I would consider it above average.

Really enjoyed the different menu, wonderful sauces with great flavor. We sat outside and they provided plenty of shade and misters if necessary. Great place to enjoy the local atmosphere. The staff was very attentive and made sure we were comfortable.

Came with local friends,got a warm welcome from the owner and felt immediately like we dine there for years... Delicious food, nice atmosphere! The service was exceptional - we even had the pleasure to learn from our waitress how to fileet a fish! we also enjoyed sitting by the window (that is actually can be opened!) with this magic artistic funny tree in our sight ( :

For my birthday, I kayaked all around La Jolla Bay and I came in around lunchtime starving... I smelled the mesquite oven and followed my nose to Barbarella. I split a Salad Nicoise and a stone cooked Steipes Bass with my husband. Exquisite!!! Our server brought me a surprise birthday treat for desert... Pastry with vanilla bean ice cream smothered in fudge sauce. To die for! It was a fabulous lunch.

We went for Dinner. I had a salad and Bloody Mary and my husband had the Oysters. The food was very very good and our waitress was very nice and helpful. The night we were there it was a bit chilly so we sat inside by the window. It was nice and warm. Super Cute Place. I like the décor. They have outside seating that looks very comfy and fun. Small table for the little ones. I would definitely go back and try more. The food is not just typical selections they add there own greatness to them. Very Yummy and a must visit if you are in La Jolla.

Barbarella’s has wonderful homemade dishes. We enjoyed the chopped salad, salmon tartare, oysters on the half shell and fresh Ravioli with lemon cream sauce. Every dish was melt in your mouth deliciousness❤️ And the service was outstanding. Cherry is adorable and took great care of us, and guided us in choosing our meals. It felt like one big family. Love that. And Chelsea, thanks for saying hi 👋 y’all are awesome. Can’t wait to visit again.

Was there for a party in the back room. Good service , very tasty pre dinner snacks. The Caesar salad cigars and pizza were excellent. The ravioli was a little bland but solid. Under new ownership so look for new things.

After watching the sunset on the beach, walked to this delightful place. Everything was amazing, from the friendly management and wait staff to the food. The atmosphere was perfect for our last night visiting La Jolla.

All 4 were satisfied with their orders. Portions was a bit small and quite simple but the quality was high. The pizza was great as was the service.

On a whim my wife and I decided on a healthy Italian lunch down in La Jolla Shores and picked the Barbarella. Loved the outside tables in the mid-day sun (a warm, sunny, clear 75° day in early March, a rarity). I had a wonderful salad with sliced lettuce, beets, cherry tomatoes, avocado chunks and feta cheese. We shared a grilled vegetable foccaccia sandwich with the most tasty foccaccia bread I can remember. Next time will take home a couple. Of course, with glasses of Montepulciano red wine.

Sitting at the bar for great coffee and a delicious breakfast is a perfect way to prepare for a day at the beach. The homemade cinnamon roll is moist and just sweet enough- and the berries are a nice touch. The chilaquilles are good for those people who are hungrier. Niki de Saint Phalle has both sculpture and mosaic on the wood fire cooking oven adding a dynamic edge to the outdoor Mediterranean aesthetic. This is a comfortable, relaxed place to spend time in La Jolla Shores.

What a find! Special of the evening was trout and it was excellent, beautiful vegetables and simple preparation, trout was prepared perfectly. My husband had the fettucini bolognese, which he really liked and he is discriminating when it comes to pasta dishes. We love it when we can find a place that meets my gluten, dairy free requirements and has pasta and bread for him.

We live in San Diego and often dine at Barbarella. The food from pizza to roasted chicken is outstanding. Some of our favorite items are the hamburger, roasted chicken and bolognese. They have the best sourdough bread in town.

I just loved their heated patio; its decor was so cozy. Service was excellent. They offered to and were happy to accommodate my dairy-intolerant daughter by letting her choose her pasta and sauce. Parking is a bit difficult in this location, but if you drive around enough a parking spot will eventually appear.

First time there. we sat outside. Great rack of lamb. To die for. Pasta is good too, but when i go back I will oder the rack of lamb. It's a must try.

We were walking through the area and saw some of the food that individuals were eating. It looked amazing. We decided to try it and we were not disappointed. We enjoyed an awesome dinner of Caesar salad, homemade ravoli and bolongese. It was followed by the best tirmisus I have ever had! We decided to try their breakfast and was not disappointed. The crepe was delicious. We had the same amazing waitress both times were there and she took amazing care of us. I would definitely recommend and will definite come back!

Food was amazing and well done. I had gone out for a late dinner and they have beautiful lights and heat lamps set up. Our server was very sweet and very attentive. Would highly recommend. Not the cheapest place to eat but definitely worth the try.

We had a small family gathering at Barbarella recently and I was disappointed, given all the hype I had heard about this place. The wait staff was great - no issues at all - we had one member of our group that was 15 minutes late past the reservation time and our waiter was very patient - catering to the drink needs of everyone and not pressuring us to order even though the restaurant was crowded. The food was just average - well presented - but still, on the palate, just average - and that goes for a wide variety of different plates as there were 8 of us at the meal.

The half a chicken was exceptionally good, with a lemony sauce, capers, etc. The other meals were mediocre, The 6 cheese raviolis with marinara sauce was just ok. The pizza was just ok, it was on list of specials, had no sauce, but had different cheeses...too rich. The biggest rip off was the little Caesar salad. I should have counted the leaves. It was like one tiny heart of romaine lettuce, for $12.00!!?? The 2 largest leaves were about 3" long, the other few leaves were smaller. I couldn't believe it, the dressing wasn't great either. It was very busy on a Saturday night, service could have been better.

Great little spot, excellent food and service. Loved all the holiday decor - best decorated place around!

Beautiful location, excellent prices, great service, and great food. The manager, Alex, is simply amazing. The professionalism he and his team at Barbarella keep everyone coming back for more. I went last night, and today with friends, and enjoyed both times. I'll be back next week.

I made a reservation based on TA reviews. It's so difficult to find good restaurants which allow dogs. We just happened to be dining during October so the restaurant was decorated over the top both inside and out for Halloween. We both ordered the pasta bolognese which was delicious while sitting outside in the front patio. We loved our experience so much that we booked for the following week and invited some friends. I had the ravioli the second visit. Again, equally delicious. We really enjoyed our waitress Cherry who was so friendly and a delight. Highly recommend!!

The balsamic vinegar they use on the Mozzarella cheese and tomato appetizer was totally awesome. Highly recommend. Entrees were go too.

We walked to La Jolla Shores Beach from the Cove and were really hungry! Amid all the fast food, tacos and burgers we came across Barbarella and their menu looked good. Besides that, we wanted to sit down and be waited on. We wanted lunch and they have a great selection. They brought us wonderful bread and Ice Tea while we looked over the menu. The atmosphere is fun and casual, and service was very good. At the suggestion of our server, I had the Salmon Tartare which he said is one of his favorites, a good size portion atop a small salad. When it arrived it looked fantastic and then I saw red onion, I forgot to ask about that. Not an onion lover but decided to give it a try and pick them out if necessary. The dish was wonderful, the flavor was so balanced I didn't even notice the onion, our server had made an excellent recommendation! We had quite a walk back to our hotel so I asked for a cappuccino and asked if it was "real" cappuccino, not from a flavored machine. He assured me it was, with a friendly laugh and then checked on me after I had tried it. It truly was a wonderful Italian cappuccino! I was very impressed with this Restaurant and hope you will give it a try if in this area.

We've been eating at Barbarella's for years. It's a wonderful, beachy restaurant at La Jolla Shores with nice outdoor seating, a semi enclosed porch and a cozy interior dining area. Most days Barbara, the owner, is making sure everything is running smoothly and greeting people at the door. Their grilled salmon and roasted chicken are consistently delicious and their salads, mussels and pizzas are great. Perfect place to dine with the family or friends - a neighborhood favorite.

We are here during winter have you so our experience is in that context. Very warm and accommodating service was followed by really delicious Italian food. We had a simple pasta dish and a glass of wine. We were a bit tired and this was just what we needed. On a separate occasion we ordered a couple of their pizzas and took them home to eat. Very tasty. (smack smack)

After wandering around the local area looking for a good spot for lunch we settled on this restaurant. We weren't disappointed. The terrace area we sat in was nice and cool...and great for people watching! Our waiter, Alan, was very friendly and looked after us well. The quality of the food was excellent. My son and I both had the house burger, my wife a salad and my daughter a pizza. Would definitely recommend.

I was a guest in a group of ten for dinner in this unique and great small La Jolla restaurant. It is a pasta and pizza place but also with great sea food, much of it on the special menu from which most ordered. My seat mate ordered the whole sea bass, which was presented whole and then boned. It looked great. I had the mahi mahi pasta. Great atmosphere. French flavored, as befits the name. Great service.

Small or big groups, they are so welcoming. The food is terrific. The variety fits even the most picky eater. The bar tender will make you what you want. The wine selection is good. They have a bar area and an out side patio area. If you have a big group there is a “secret garden” area in the back for larger groups. If my friends or guests come to town, this is where I take them. They also have takeout. I have done the pizza and salad many times, always a crowd pleaser. The staff is so wonderful. They make you feel like family. You have to go around Halloween. Over the top decoration. So much fun.

Best kept secret in the shores, the atmosphere and staff is what makes this place so special, they are also very kid friendly and not to mention the amazing food as well! Try the fettuccine bolognese the sauce is great!

We went for breakfast and it was just ok. The food was average (could have used more flavor) and the service was a little slow for my liking. I will visit for dinner as it looks like a cute dinner spot.

What a hoot. Looks like a Halloween store with every type of display drawing your attention everywhere. They deliver on everything else as well, food, service and drinks. There is a sign in the window stating new ownership. We can only hope the restaurant stays true to the previous owners standards.

I came here for lunch this past Saturday. I was visiting from New York and came here for friends for lunch. Cherry was our server and she was really sweet and friendly. to start I had their green lentil soup, which was a special. for my lunch I had the Nana's brisket sandwich, which I think would have been better had the bread been toasted, but was otherwise very tasty. a really nice casual lunch spot!

Picked this restaurant by chance after a morning at the beach. The restaurant has a retro feel to it and that is part of its charm. The quality of the food was just fine and the staff are friendly. Desserts were a little disappointing compared to the rest but overall, we had a very enjoyable time!

First time back to Barbarellas since it was sold. Our server was happy... the new owner greeted us with a big smile. Everything was wonderful although the Lamb Chops were a bit dry. Salmon was great and the Greek Salad a home run. Feel this could be a number one place to go to if they added maybe a sax player or a piano misses on atmosphere.

The food here was outstanding! I split the blue cheese salad and tried the made-from-scratch ravioliis. The waitress recommend have half with the San Marzano tomato sauce and half with the lemon cream and that was an excellent choice. Others in my party had the mussels and pasta, the pizza, and another salad and everyone left full and happy. I highly recommend this place. It was also a good spot to go with kids.

We where looking for another place and when we saw the amount of people eating there decided to stop here. I had the seabass and it was delicious! Hubs had a chicken sandwich and he loved it. We enjoyed the environment and the fabulous service. We will return!

this is a very nice place.food was really good great atmosphere and very friendly staff.the waiter we had bent over backwards to make sure we were taken care of he even brought out ice cream for all the kids. some of the best food and service ive had anywhere.we will eat here again the next time we visit la jolla.

Came to town on business and went to this part of town, looking to go to a restaurant a colleague recommended. The place they recommended was closed, but we saw and heard a crowd across the street, so we wandered over to check it out. The place was decked out with a ton of Halloween decorations both inside an out, but it was busy, so we took that as a good sign and went in. The menu is Italian, and somewhat limited. Not a bad thing, but don't go expecting to find the typical Italian chain menu. No lasagna, no chicken parm. It's not that sort of place. But what we had was quite good, and the focus does seem to be more on a smaller but high quality menu, rather than a big one. They have a good wine and spirit selection, and the pricing and service were very good. Definitely a place I'd go back to!

We had a very nice meal. Great outdoor seating. The pizza was very good along with the pasta and meatball. Service was excellent as well

We found this restaurant while our children took a Stand Up Paddle board Lesson at Surf Divas across the street. We liked the inside outside restaurant. It is a great people watching location. Whether you have a glass of wine or a meal it is pleasant and relaxed. The menu was simple, but good choices. We had a Chopped Salad and Egg Salad The prices were typical of LaJolla, The waiter was attentive throughout the meal. I wish we could have stayed longer.

This is a nice place to eat for dinner, but the breakfast is amazing! I had Eggs Benedict, while my husband had bacon and eggs. Both meals were cooked to perfection ! Service was excellent as well. A lovely way to start a sunny California morning, seated out on the patio. Definitely one of our favorite meals during our stay in La Jolla Shores. Highly recommend !

I visited here again after a great experience last year. I needed an elegant, pleasant dinner with fine food after too many burgers and finger food. Barbarella's was just perfect. A fine glass of wine, an excellent Gespacho, a seafood Risotto and a delightful crepe were just perfect sitting outside in the warm evening.

We were passing and thought the restaurant looked nice, so stopped by. We sat outside as the weather was good and the surroundings nice. The service was just a little slow (we overheard someone hadn’t showed for their shift) but not too slow. The food and drink was excellent! I’d recommend the pizza and Niçoise salad, and the fresh lemonade was brilliant and refreshing.

Nice dinner, good wine and Gelato Affogato to die for! The outdoor seating allows to enjoy good weather and local scenery.

Barbarella is the best restaurant in San Diego! It has the most amazing decor and ambiance and is full of cheer around the holidays. The service and all of the servers always go above and beyond! We always look forward to seeing Alex at the door and look forward to having Ryan as our server! If you go for dinner get the ravioli and for breakfast you CAN NOT miss the lemon ricotta pancakes!!

if you like fun experiences, this is the place. During the holidays, Barbara, loves to decorate the ENTIRE restaurant. For Halloween, every corner, including the sidewalk, had something interesting and entertaining. Above our table, there were skulls and other scary items. I don't want to spoil your fun by describing too much. Now for the real reason you should visit Barbarella, the food. Good home-style Italian food, just like my momma would have cooked, if she were Italian. Loved the pasta dishes and the pizzas. Save room for dessert. This is a very comfortable, family and dog friendly, neighborhood place. Looking forward to going back for Xmas.

They focus on local and seasonal. The food was good, the service was good. Nothing really exceptional but a good solid meal.

Our favorite restaurant for family dinners - actually, for all dinners. Warm and welcoming atmosphere, consistently delicious food, and wonderful service.

Had perhaps the best omelette ever. Enjoy the alfresco seating at this prime La Jolla Shores restaurant. Interesting menu options regardless of the meal you're interested in. Good service and fair prices. Try the ham, mushroom, and gruyere omelette. You'll thank me.

We had dinner just before the July 4th celebrations began and the dinner was very good. The evening was nice and the windows were open as we ate inside. There is also outdoor seating that is just as nice. The food selection is great, not quite as good as Lupi's in Bird Rock, but still very good in my opinion. The wine list is quite good as well and their bread is excellent, be sure to ask for the bread though!

The good: We ordered a Ceasar salad and Pizza. Both dishes were good. Friendly staff and good vibe. The bad: Very slow service. Beer had too much foam, so when it settled, I actually had 1/2 inch less beer than the glass full mark.

We had such a nice experience at this restaurant that we ate there for three nights in a row while staying at La Jolla Shores Hotel. The service was excellent even on a very busy Friday night. Delicious pizza max with smoked salmon, linguine with clams was Sooo flavorful and my husband loved his burger the last night. Salads were so fresh and the guacamole just the right amount of spice! Don't miss this great place steps away from the beach!

As a good breakfast place across the street has been transformed into a loud and unpleasant bar-type establishment, we opted to try our luck at Barbarella and we were not disappointed. Very friendly service, no problems with substitutions, lots of water refills, and good food to boot. An enjoyable experience - we will be back!

We had a great breakfast, very dfferent, with an italian twist, the portiens were perfect, not overserved, the staff is the friendliest, quick service. Not too many tourists, mostly local people that gonthere for a great breakfast. Ive heard thar the dinner menu is also great.

Went with my wife for supper end of January. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and the owner (well known to a lot of the customers) came around a couple of times to check. Menu was a good size and reasonably priced ($70 for 2 -app, meal and cocktails) we both had pasta (ravioli and penne Bolognese) and the dishes were outstanding! Actually sent friends back to it another night and they also raved about the location and quality of food and value.

Good place for a lunch in La Jolla. The salmon is very good and they also have good salads. Just 100 metres from the beach!

This is a fun, casual place. Outdoor patio has comfortable seating, with umbrellas for shade. Beach ball decor and cheeky sculptures make it fun. Wallpaper with quotations, and chalkboards for your writing your own, in the bathroom. You get the sense that this place is loved by those who own or manage it. We had breakfast here 3 mornings in a row and would have come back for more, but it was time to go home.

I love breakfast in The Shores, just a block from the beach where everything is casual and the sand/surf is near at all times. Barbarella is a classic gathering place in The Shores and if there is a holiday on the calendar there will be decorations galore on the roof, on the sidewalk, on the ceiling, on the bar... did I miss anyplace?!! Barbara, the owner, loves to decorate and it shows! The food is delicious and the chefs create wonderful meals for guests of all ages and appetites. This morning I enjoyed the salmon eggs Benedict and it was perfect. I request the hollandaise on the side (at every restaurant) so I can determine how much sauce to enjoy or hold back. No problem at Barbarella! Be sure to try the pizza max for breakfast some time. It’s a crisp pizza crust with salmon and craime freche topped with crispy capers. It’s amazing!! There are many wonderful egg dishes, French toast creations, avocado toast delights and more. And we haven’t even begun to discuss lunch to dinner! So start your day off right with a walk along the beach or through The Shores and then enjoy a delicious breakfast at Barbarella. Breakfast during the summer begins at 9am. After summer ends, breakfast starts at 9:30am but if you show up earlier, coffee is brewing!! Parking is on the street. For breakfast hours, parking is no problem. Parking can be difficult at lunch and dinner so explore the side streets.

We enjoyed the buzz of this restaurant location. Situated street side with beach and tour shops, bars and just blocks to the beach. The Bellini I had was so-so but I lived in Italy so I may be a tad hard to please. The pasta dishes were excellent and caprese made with locally grown tomatoes.

The place was nice food (we only tried pizza) was good seating outside on a summer night was perfect. Wine prices were really expensive :(

My sweetie and I stopped for dinner but started with a Fresh squeezed grapefruit pulp and Serrano pepper cocktail they call The Paloma! We shared a a caress and a pizza of the day, but I was craving a meatball, so that topped our meal with a nice petite Syrah. Super delicious!

Great fresh pasta and pizza.visited Friday nite after Thanksgiving while visiting la Jolla.Barbara,the owner and her manager make all feel welcomed.Try it sometime you'll be glad

We went for an early dinner as we were off to a party in the evening. It is well situated in La Jolla Shores, and you can sit by the pavement and watch the world go by. We were in a bit of a hurry, and it would have been nice if we could have spent some more time over our meal, as this really is a nice place. The staff were very friendly and attentive, and the food was very good.

The decor and the food was very surprising! The place was decorated with Halloween decorations getting ready for Halloween! Didn't expect to see that but since I love Halloween it was awesome! Then the menu and food was surprising too! Did not expect to see a mushroom and truffle oil pizza on the menu of a place using Halloween decorations. It was delicious! May be a little upscale for kids.

We were lucky to get a table, the Shores was bustling last night for the 4th of July weekend! Call ahead to be sure you can get a table. There are four areas to sit: outside on the sidewalk: great tables with wicker chair/booth type seating with great pillows and umbrellas for sunny (everyday) weather. Bring a wrap for nighttime. Also, their patio seating which is covered seating, sort of an outdoor extension of their indoor seating, though it's open directly to the outside. Very lovely and a bit more protected from sun or the cool night air. Inside tables are great as well (we had a nice corner table) and there's also seating to dine or just enjoy a drink at the bar. Be sure to order a drink that comes in their beautiful martini glasses... seriously, order a cosmo or your favorite martini. The glasses are incredible and you can purchase them. I have a set of 8 at home and guests always marvel at them. They're also great for serving berries/cream, etc. or giving as special gifts. OK, now to the food.... I adore the salmon at Barbarella... you can't go wrong whether for lunch over the bib n' blue salad or dinner over their delicious mashed potatoes with perfectly prepared French green beans. My husband enjoyed the risotto of the day which included pancetta, chanterelle mushrooms, and fava beans. Exquisite! We shared a home-made crumble made with apricots and plums. Delicious (though my favorites there are when made with berries). You just can't go wrong when booking a table at Babarella. Someone asked me if it's an Italian restaurant and I said no, not really... more of a bistro which weaves together a bit of French, a bit of Italian, and some American all together! P.S. try the Pizza Max.... it may sound startling, but it's a delight! salmon, craime freche and caper pizza. Incredible!

I have to say, for a location that would be busy constantly no matter how bad the servuce or food was, their food and service is top notch. As I went to order a chicken sandwich with apple chutney and seemed confused as to how that would go, all doubt was lifted as the sandwich tasted like nothing less than heaven!

We happened on this area, La Jolla Shores, while looking for a place to eat lunch on a Sunday morning. We ate at Shore Rider, a very casual restaurant and enjoyed it very much. We noticed Barbarella across the street and returned there the next evening. It is a very friendly, comfortable restaurant. Our server Arturs took extremely good care of us. His recommendations, both on and off menu were great. We will return if ever back in La Jolla.

I went there with some friends and was amazed how nice the service was. Very friendly server suggested a nice locally brewed IPA. Many special and dinner options to choose from. I had a chop salad with perfectly cooked Atlantic Salmon. My friends had Thin crust pizza with Prosciutto and fresh freens and also a delicious homemade Ravioli with 2 different sauces. Definitely a place to dine in!!!!

I had the brisket and it was very fatty, French fries were good! Hubby had the waffles and they were very good. The pizza looked good but we didn't have that just saw it on other tables

Met up with some family while visiting SD, this was a really nice place with outdoor seating and great food.

Great outdoor dining on the main street. You can sit and watch hummingbirds sample the flowers that surround the seating area. Mostly Italian dishes, nice wine selection, friendly, attentive service.

We have been going to Barbarella's for years. The service is always great (though this last time was over the top!), We love the pastas, the pizza and especially the salmon entree! Good for both indoor and outdoor dining too!

Beautiful cozy atmosphere with a laid back beach vibe with an eclectic mix of artwork & decor. The food is amazing featuring authentic Italian & wood-fired pizzas. Try their breakfast too, best french toast in town!

We like to go here periodically. I am crazy about her hamburgers and her black and blue salad. The setting is charming and funky. Barbara goes all out for each and every holiday. In between she also has neat art.

We were staying at the La Jolla Shores motel. Very easy walking distance. I ordered pizza to take out and had a local brewed beer while waiting. Lots of fun going on around me. And my 82 year old mom enjoyed it so much she made me go back for a 2nd night. We're from WI so we know good cheese when we eat it. Yum

This was our second visit, having gone last December, and obviously we liked it the first time to come a second. Not to be boring, we ordered pizza again to share and were as impressed this time as the last. All the food we saw being delivered around us looked delicious and if empty plates (and take-home boxes) were any indication, the food would be classed as extremely good.

The food here was really excellent! We had breakfast before heading out to kayak. The restaurant is located on a quaint little street with other restaurants and surf shops. Our waitress was very sweet and made a few good recommendations from the menu. The only thing standing in the way of 5 stars was the lack of a hostess. Apparently they were very short staffed so instead of being able to give someone your name and wait for a table, we had to wait in line for one of the waitresses to acknowledge and seat you. Hopefully it was just an off day!

I love going to this restaurant which is located in a small street in walking distance from La Jolla Shores. You can sit outside and watch the people on their way to the breach. Its menu has a mediterranean flair. My absolute favorite is Pizza Max, the salmon pizza with crème fraiche and capers.

Wow, this place loves Halloween. The place is packed with tons of Halloween stuff. This is a good, but expensive Italian restaurant just steps from the beach at La Jolla. The food is delicious, and the service was excellent. There was no wait for a table, even though the place was packed. I would recommend this place to visitors in La Jolla, looking for a nice, but maybe different place to eat

For the past 18 plus years I’ve been going to Barbarella’s for the organic, great tasting food. It’s been my “go to “ restaurant for their delicious Salmon and other entrees. Last night’s food experience left much to be desired. The cut of the salmon was different, it was significantly over cooked and lacked the fresh taste I have been accustomed to for nearly 2 decades. My girlfriend’s veggie burger was hard like a hockey puck and had little taste. I’m really disappointed and hope the new owners get their act together soon. Unfortunately I can not recommend this restaurant any longer to friends and family from out of town. So disappointing 😢

We love the outdoor seating or indoor for a bit more quiet.... Try something new like the pizza max, it may sound odd but it's incredibly delicious: crispy crust with salmon, creme fraiche, and capers. It's delicious. Another of my favorites (lunch) is the bibb and blue salad with grilled salmon. Incredible! The vinaigrette has a touch of dill and it's perfect. I just had it again and I'll continue to enjoy it and encourage others as well. I'm planning a breakfast/brunch for 25 people and will hold it at Barbarella. Barbara is wonderful to work with when planning such an event and it's a sure thing that the food and service will be impeccable.

The wait staff are excellent. The food is wonderful. The wild mushroom pizza is a great appetizer or meal and the mussels are tasty. You can bring your dog and sit outside under the stars. Dogs get VIP treatment. They have patio heaters so you never get cold.

Started off great, food good, outside eating very nice. Waitress a little slow and inattentive. Worst was them trying to pass off something on the menu that was listed, which they didn't have, as something else. Basically a lie. They didn't charge me when I pointed it out and the waitress made some excuse. If you don't mind the duplicity then you can't go wrong with the basic food here.

Six of us had the most delightful Sunday Brunch at Barbarella. I tasted the coffee: strong and flavorful. In my book that sets the tone of any breakfast adventure. My Spinach Omelet was excellent. Asked my boyfriend to taste it, analyze it, commit it to his memory and now I expect him to duplicate it for me this coming Sunday. Hope he can. He enjoyed the Chilaquiles, so did two other friends. Someone else really liked the Huevos Rancheros. Several ladies walked in with accompanied by their dogs. They all sat in the back of the patio. Obviously a Friendly Dog Club Sunday Meet. Fun. Great way to start my day.

It wasn't just the Halloween decor that attracted us...perfect timing! Super outside patio seating, with heat lamps! Cool La Jolla Shore neighborhood...very friendly service and clientele. Excellent salads "fresh organic local ingredients" pizza and seafood. Eclectic space inside too, lots of cozy seating areas...very popular...plan to return on my next visit to UCSD. Love the atmosphere!

If your lucky enough to live in or perhaps traveling too La Jolla for vacation Barbarella Restaurant and Bar is a must do and see. It’s a Sexy beach bistro! Exciting / fun menu boasting of flavorful, savory meals. There bar is fabulous (TVs too). Yes, there is a very cool vibe felt throughout the restaurant. Fun for people watching too... as Craigs is in Beverly Hills. Will become a favorite haunt of yours when in La Jolla/San Diego Area. It’s a HOT Spot you won’t want to miss! Carmen

We had pizza there on the first night of our long weekend. We enjoyed it so much that we stopped for another on the way back to the airport. Barbara took very good care of us! Also, the bread they served was a wonderful crusty whole grain loaf!

I wanted to eat lunch outdoors. Then I never wanted to leave. This is the place. Very comfortable, lovely ambiance, super fresh and tasty food. We both had salads because we WANTED salads. Nice professional server and perfect weather included.

Outside dining is great. All the pasta were very good. Pizza its excellent and made in a wood fire pizza oven. Everything we had was good. Great little place in La Jolla

A nice location and good service. The issue was with the quality of the food. Distinctly 'ok' and nothing more. Reminded me of tourist restaurants in Europe, where the quality of the food is secondary to the location. Kids' meals were also poor and overpriced ($9.99)

All the food is wonderful. Great place to unwind from the week. Have dinner with friends or family. Sitting at the bar you meet the locals. Very fun and friendly. Meatballs and the lamb are my favorites. Salmon yummy. They are very accommodating for dietary needs. The bartender Galen, very good, will make you your drink just the way you like it. The wait staff is so friendly and Eddy takes care of you as the busser. The breakfasts are also noteworthy. The lunch is the same menu as dinner. They just introduced a happy hour. They also have a kids and doggy menu. The only comment is the menu prices have and drinks have risen, so getting expensive, not as affordable as it use to be. But if you stick to the pizza, salads and burger you can keep down the bill.

I almost expected to meet Jane Fonda dining here reenacting her early career role. It is not your typical Italian restaurant with its artsy vibe and look, while playing new world music in the background. I liked it a lot! The food was also very good. I had spaghetti with clams and an excellent California craft beer. This is one of those restaurants to try whenever one is in the area, and the locals seem to love the dog friendly patio area.

I had a great experience, I'm not sure if it is just USA hospitality culture or not, but I felt valued and my needs were more than met. The food was good, ate it all.

Went with a group as a part of a business trip. We were wandering around La Jolla and came across Barbarella. It was cozy and quiet. The food is great. I had the Pasta al Forno, (Baked Orecchiette Pasta with Gorgonzola, Pecorino, Parmesan, Pancetta, Leeks, Light Cream Sauce) which was just outstanding. The service was very good. There is outdoor seating. They are open for breakfast.

Stopped into this restaurant returning from the beach. The restaurant has a nice upscale feel to it and that is part of its charm. The quality of the food was just good but the staff and bartender were friendly. Experienced a burger which was nicely done and pizza which was just ok. Nice spot for a drink midday.

We were starving after hiking all morning decided to eat close to our hotel. Restaurant is very welcoming, we ate outside and there are lovely flowers. We had a margharita pizza which had zero flavor, brisket sandwich that was very fatty with roll soaked in sauce and the Greek salad that was a complete rip off as it consisted of the ends of the romaine lettuce, a few slices of cucumber a few olives, feta that was old and bitter then salad was drizzled with vinegar. Definitely not worth the money we spent!

Booked to avoid disappointment, food when it turned up was good, service left a lot to be desired 🙁, server preoccupied which meant repeatedly asking for things to be bought out. Was expecting more as the reviews were great and the place was far from full so he wasn’t really busy.

I had breakfast at the counter on a recent Sunday morning. Pancake, sausage and hash browns were just right. I'd happily return with a group or on my own.