George's California Modern

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Address:
1250 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA 92037

Neighborhood:
La Jolla / Golden Triangle

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Cuisine:
Californian

Price: $31 to $50

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George's California Modern Details

Dining Style: Fine Dining
Website: http://www.georgesatthecove.com
Phone: (858) 454-4244
Hours of Operation: Georges California Modern (Dinner): Monday - Thursday: 6:00pm - 10:00pm, Friday - Sunday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm.
Payment Options: AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Californian, Contemporary American, Vegetarian / Vegan
Executive Chef: Trey Foshee
Dress Code: Business Casual
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Full Bar, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Getting there

Cross Street: Ivanhoe
Parking: Valet

A word from George's California Modern

Occupying the lower level of iconic George’s at the Cove in the heart of La Jolla overlooking the Pacific coastline, George’s California Modern is an upscale contemporary restaurant featuring the thoughtful and inventive cuisine of acclaimed Executive Chef/Partner Trey Foshee. Working with mostly… locally sourced products, Foshee artfully combines ingredients to create modern dishes that tell a story, with pure, intensified flavors and interesting flavor combinations. Combined with stunning ocean views, a modern design aesthetic, extensive wine list, seasonal craft cocktails and a relaxed yet refined service approach, the California Modern experience has been described as “evoking San Diego and capturing its culinary essence.”

George’s California Modern serves dinner nightly, including an a la carte menu or new six-course tasting menu with smaller tastes of items Foshee and his team are especially proud of and that may be fleeting in their availabilityContinued

Foodspotting photos

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Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerBest Overall
Diners' Choice WinnerBest Food
Diners' Choice WinnerCalifornian

George's California Modern - Best Restaurants in La Jolla

Diner Reviews

"I guess that I've thought of myself as a bit of a foodie, but this is the second high end experience in a month where I just didn't fully "get it." I expect top notch ingredients cooked perfectly and served really attractively. The latest trend seems to treat each plate as a canvas and present as many "colors" as possible. Just too much going on on each plate. That said, what I did get was delicious and satisfying. This was not my first trip to George's and the service and ambience were as excellent as I expected them to be. The food was just a bit over my head!"
Dined on 7/6/2014
"La Jolla is a tough market. This is a nice try but the space is too cramped, the view is limited and the bottom line is the prices are far to high for food that is not off the charts. A nod to the service, it was spectacular. All in all, there's better views and food to be had in the area."
Dined on 7/5/2014
"The experience could not have been better;great cocktails, wine, dinner, dessert, service, and surroundings. Truly a place you shouldn't miss-"
Dined on 7/5/2014
"The food is divine and the view spectacular. We had the lamb entree, halibut entree, wine and two desserts. The lamb came with two styles of lamb on the plate and both were equally good. The halibut came with a lovely green sauce. The coconut dessert was to die-for but then so was the chocolate one with beets. The chef is creative and blends/pairs flavors well! Everything we ate was perfection."
Dined on 7/1/2014
"The views are great if you are lucky enough to get a table by the windows. The 4-course prix fixe was a real steal, considering the quality of food. Very inventive dishes that were expertly prepared. The grilled sardine appetizer and the lamb entree were standout dishes. Desserts were marvelous, especially the french macarons. Staff is courteous and knowledgeable and service was attentive but not overbearing. Cocktails were great and the wine listed well-curated. We enjoyed all the dishes we had and would definitely recommend. Be warned that the place is smallish and can get loud. I wouldn't say it's the best place for a private, romantic dinner."
Dined on 6/23/2014
"The food, wine and service are incredible. There are lots of gourmet food restaurants but this one is clearly a step ahead of them. It is simply elegant in every way!"
Dined on 6/21/2014
"The food was the finest, the view and mural are grand, and the service was outstanding (knowledgeable, friendly attentive but not intrusive). The menu is diverse, modern and strong on tastings but otherwise not long. It is still the best it gets for special occasions in La Jolla."
Dined on 6/21/2014
"The attentive service and the presentation of the food were impeccable. Some dishes were better than others but it's a matter of taste, not the quality of the food. Nice place to celebrate a special occasion and enjoy unique food recipes and presentaton."
Dined on 6/16/2014
"Food was outstanding, the wait staff (Taylor) was fantastic and would highly recommend and suggest a drink upstairs"
Dined on 6/15/2014
"Celebrated mom's birthday here. They seated our party of 4 next to the windows with the grat ocean view. Service was great. Food was great. I especially liked the 1st course "fish tacos" which are not what you'd expect... It was the best. Thanks for a great night out."
Dined on 6/14/2014
"Food was excellent. While the wine list was extensive, there were not a lot of "affordable" selections. List was heavy in big name, high priced show off wines. More like a corporate budget looking to buy business. Did not see a great deal of bottles ordered while we were dining. We stuck to the by the glass menu which offered good selections."
Dined on 6/13/2014
"We chose George's as a place to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We were in town visiting that weekend from the San Francisco Bay area and weren't too familiar with good places to eat. After some research, we settled on George's. My husband had been before with his work team and eaten dinner on the terrace. He said it was a fantastic view and a great place to enjoy some delicious food. For our dinner we dined in the Ocean View dining room where they offer both a la carte selections as well as 3 different tasting menus. There was a 4 course, a 10 course and a 14 course tasting menu. We opted for the 10 course with wine pairing. The courses were incredibly creative and well presented. The wines were unique and delicious. Highly recommend."
Dined on 6/10/2014
"We ranked this very highly, indeed the best place we ate during our time in S. Calif. On a Sydney scale we'd give it a 16/20. This would place it in the top 20 Sydney restaurants, which shows its merits. The 4 course dining option was well worth it, giving the chance for two excellent starters. The service was efficient and under-stated, which we like. The wine list probably lacked depth, especially for drier whites. Value was excellent for a place of this quality. We highly recommend it. Oh, a back seat against the wall gives a cosy booth. A window seat is enticing but there is an ugly foreground building which disappears when you sit back in the restaurant. The internal fit-out is superb, so nothing lost being right in its midst."
Dined on 6/3/2014
"Food was good, interesting presentation. Service was excellent. The view could be better if they would do something with the roof just beyond the windows."
Dined on 4/20/2014
"Our 50th wedding anniversary was perfect here. Maria was so professional and lovely as our server, and the food absolutely delicious"
Dined on 6/6/2014
"My wife and I went to dinner for our 31st anniversary the other night. What a captivating view regardless of the fact that we grew up in the area. The food was unique and very good. Service was wonderful and non-hurried. Only thing that would keep me from coming back sooner is the price. A bit expensive but well worth the special occasion."
Dined on 6/4/2014
"I was very upset because I didn't know that George's had an inside restaurant. I'm from Charlotte so I had only been here twice and had amazing dinners outside overlooking the ocean. When I made the reservation online I requested waterfront and when they called me Sun morning to confirm my reservation they said they couldn't accommodate my request. At that time it was too late for me to find another restaurant with waterfront dining so we went. The table sucked and the party beside us was so loud it was not a good experience. The food was great but everything else sucked. They should designate tables online that require oceanfront seats. This would eliminate the confusion for those of us that don't live there and know the deal. "
Dined on 5/25/2014
"We chose California Modern based on the reputation of George's and our great times enjoying the open air patio upstairs. We were celebrating our 25th anniversary. We were wowed by the delicious freshness and the presentation of each and every dish we ordered. All the veges were fresh each day from Chino's Farms. Just wonderful. The service was friendly, open and no waiting for anything. Just perfect! We will be back with friends!"
Dined on 5/27/2014
"Entire dining experience was outstanding. View of cove & sea life above par. Gourmet dining exceptional, will be back. "
Dined on 5/26/2014
"Very good food and service, wonderful view, view from table by the window is distracted by the view of the adjacent roof (needs work)."
Dined on 5/26/2014
"The hostess was warm and welcoming and seated us at a beautiful oceanview table. Alec provided attentive and personable service and we really enjoyed the 4 course tasting menu. The squid ink agnolotti was exceptional, as well as the short ribs. Great food, great service, beautiful view in a nice atmosphere. Well done!"
Dined on 5/23/2014
"This place has an incredible menu! Staff is all great and friendly and the good is amazing!"
Dined on 5/21/2014
"Aside from the beautiful view and setting, the dishes were definitely better than expected, certainly a welcome surprise. Not too often can you put a whole combination together (especially in San Diego), kudos."
Dined on 5/16/2014
"My colleagues and I had the tasting menu, including wine pairing. This was the best dining experience I had on my visit to San Diego. The venu is calm, quiet and relaxing. The view is great. The decor was tasteful and comfortable. The food and wine was great. Food preparation and presentation reflected great expertise and was very satisfying. Service was helpful, pleasant, knowledgable and unobtrusive. Great Job!"
Dined on 5/19/2014
"We had a wonderful anniversary celebration at George's California Modern! Service was great and the food was excellent - We're glad we made the trip to San Diego from Colorado to celebrate our 35th anniversary, but George's was the highlight of the many places we dined. They even gave us a complimentary bottle of their special olive oil as a token of their appreciation. "
Dined on 5/19/2014
"Exceeded expectations. Chicken black bean soup impossible to resist; wasn't on menu but waiter made sure we could still get it. Great bread, & never needed to ask for more. Son from NYC (where quality restaurants on every corner) could hardly decide what to order. Rib Eye, Lobster, & Beef Tenderloin for entrees. Egg dish app was unusual & delicious. Waiter just the right amount of attentive; made excellent suggestions. Staff including hostess offered to take photos, thoughtful. Presentation lovely, esp dessert with "Congratulations" written in chocolate. Donuts were ridiculously delicious! She was presented with a gift of flavored olive oil. Follow up call next day to inquire if everything was just right. Fabulous"
Dined on 5/17/2014
"We celebrated an anniversary here recently and they certainly delivered a memorable meal experience -- as they always do! Between the incredible menu, the excellent service and the beautiful ambiance (including whale sightings in the cove), I couldn't recommend this restaurant more."
Dined on 5/4/2014
"The food consistently is excellent and special. The service is professional, warm and not rushed. "
Dined on 5/16/2014
"Thanks OpenTable for making the process easy as usual, and to Georges for always calling back to confirm. Service is impeccable and their 28 ribeye will change your life. One of my favorite restaurants in California by far, and very consistent in their presentation and flavor. "
Dined on 5/15/2014
"We had early dinner there, for my son graduation. Food was top of the line California modern. Service was attentive . Window table had perfect view of the Pacific Ocean. Can not wait to come back"
Dined on 5/11/2014
"My husband & I went to George's to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We had the 8 course tasting menu with wine pairings. Our waitress distracted from our romantic evening out by frequently stopping at our table to ask numerous times how things were going & chitchat with us. Additionally, our waitress had no knowledge about the wines being poured and throughout our meal we had no clue what we were drinking. For a restaurant of this reputation and price, I was expecting an elevated dining experience. Overall, our 8 courses were good, not great. Out of the 8 courses, only 2 really stood out & the dessert was something left to be desired. I don't think I'll be coming back. "
Dined on 5/11/2014
"This is the one restaurant in San Diego that you must try at least once whether you are visiting the area or a resident. My husband and I have been coming here monthly for the past ten years and never have they disappointed us. It's the perfect dining experience from the moment you walk through the door. George's team has it all right.......the best tasting food, the best service and a beautiful decor. What more could you want????? California Modern is absolutely fine dining at it's best."
Dined on 5/10/2014
"Everything was great. Great view, great food, great service. We started with drinks on the terrace, then moved inside for a great meal."
Dined on 5/7/2014
"Might have something to do with the fact that we were on a relaxing vacation when we ate here, but both my girlfriend and I agreed that it was the best dining experience of our lives. We had the 4 course with wine parings where you get to choose each course from a set of 4 or 5 options each. Every course was delicious and interesting, flavours were distinct and pleasing. The server was knowledgeable and professional but not snooty. Ambience was quiet and soft. They are open later than most with an 830pm seating which we took advantage of. Even in the dark the seaside view is pleasing. "
Dined on 5/5/2014
"The food was good and the view would be beautiful at a different time of day. Unfortunately, the sun was blinding and made dinner uncomfortable. We were hoping to see the sun set over the ocean but left early due to the strain on our eyes. We weren't alone either. The sun streaming through the windows was the topic of discussion at several of the tables with staff explaining over and over again that some sort of shade was being considered. "
Dined on 5/2/2014
"Took my boyfriend for his birthday. We tried the four course tasting menu. Food was fresh and delicious, good flavors and a little different, which I loved. They tastefully acknowledged his birthday, and made sure everything was wonderful. We had a window seat with a great view. Everything was perfect!"
Dined on 4/30/2014
"Very professional. Well presented. Friendly and informative. Spectacular flavour in every bite!"
Dined on 4/26/2014
"I was there with my husband yesterday for dinner, the food was great (fish tacos and carrot cake particularly good) and the service is very quick, waiters very kind. If I'm back in San Diego, I'll be back for sure!"
Dined on 4/30/2014
"View at the table was amazing at the California Modern. I was asked to be seated near the window and they did as requested. The service was outstanding and the two dishes my date and I got was amazing along with the dessert! Definitely recommend George's at the Cove."
Dined on 4/19/2014
"The cost adds up and makes for an expensive dinner (if one adds drinks especially) but we were not disappointed. The service was incredible and the eclectic options in the menu (we did the Modern dining option) were explained to our party of 4 with great patience and fun details. The food was served (and removed) smoothly despite a busy Friday night. A table on the window is not guaranteed, but we were offered one upon arrival if we wished to wait, but this really was not necessary. The view is nice but of the distant ocean and not really spectacular and other tables (most or all?) have a reasonable view."
Dined on 4/25/2014

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