I want to treat my mom to a nice dinner (she lives there, I don't) but I don't know a ton about the dining scene there. What are the "best" restaurants there?

George's at the Cove on Prospect St in La Jolla would certainly be among the top options on my list. It also receives substantial backing from a vast number of other Fodorites here.
What I particularly enjoy about it is the fact that you can choose from three sections - a gourmet one, a bar cum restaurant and a rooftop terrace. Even on the good-value rooftop terrace, the food is still excellent and offers an outstanding price/value ratio IMHO. The style of cuisine is universally California/ Continental. Views of the Ocean from all sections.
Have a great time.

We also like Georges at the Cove in LaJolla. Another good one is the Marine Room located next to the LaJolla Beach & Tennis Club. You can request a table next to the window, and at high tide the waves will definitely splash the windows. We have watched the seals while eating dinner. Also, Jakes up in DelMar is very good and located right on the beach with beautiful sunset views.

AR Valentin at the Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla is also outstanding.

We just had a great meal Saturday night at Georges on the Upstairs Terrace - Go there for Sunset and you won't be dissapointed by the food or the view...

In downtown (Gas Lamp) we love Aqua Al 2.

I used to live in San Diego and have been to George's which is a good place for california/seafood dishes. It's hard to beat the the ocean view at sunset in the La Jolla Cove area. Personally, I think the view is better than the food.

If you are looking to dine closer to downtown San Diego, I'd recommend Mister A's (Bertrandatmisteras.com) Don't let the terrible name fool you, they actually serve great french food with a personal service and fantastic view as the restaurant sits on top of a building. The chef was born in Bavaria but trained in France.

I believe the top restaurant in the greater San Diego area would be Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe. The chef came from Alsace, France.

Ate at a fabulous restaurant on Saturday called "Oceanaire." It opened up about 6 months ago and is excellent. Everyone else thinks so too because the place was packed on Saturday so I recommend reservations. It is decorated to look like the dining room of a 1930's oceanliner. The food, service and atmosphere was great. Seafood is their speciality and it was incredibly fresh. They do have steak and chicken entrees if you don't like seafood. It is located downtown at 4th and J. I sent people from my supper club and they loved it too. Entrees are between $18 and $35. Salads are big enough to share. the total of my husband and I with one drink each was $100. Plus they gave us the coolest Baked Alaska as an anniversary present.

I second the Marine Room in La Jolla. It is right on the beach, has a spectacular view, delicious food, and good service. Valet parking or park on the street. Reservation recommended.

K.