Can anyone recommend a place to stop for late lunch early dinner between San Diego and LA?

The best location on that route might be Temecula. Take a look at the restaurant at the Temecula Creek Inn as well as Harry's Pacific Grill. If you look at Open Table you'll find lots of restaurants in Temecula.

My only ever US driving was done between LA and San Diego! Sorry, I never turned off the freeway... it was a big deal for me driving on the other side of the road so I couldn't take the chance of getting off as I might not of been able to get back on! lol Hope you find something.

Are you driving up the I-15 or I-5 Fwy? Temecula is off the I-15 Fwy and is a nice spot if you are going to the San Gabriel Valley or Inland Empire. If you are heading to LA or Orange County or the Beach cities of either place I would take the I-5. I like the Laguna Beach or San Juan Capistrano Area. If that is the way you want to go I will give you some ideas in those areas. There are also nice places down in Carlsbad, Del Mar, etc.

I don't know if you live locally or are visiting from out of town. Either way, I would stop at Basilic. They open at 5:30. If you arrive early, you can take a stroll around Balboa Island.

www.basilicrestaurant.com

From most parts of LA to most parts of San Diego, I405/I5 along the coast is a more logical route than I10/I15 through Temecula. It is certainly more scenic. I agree with the advise of Laguna Beach or San Juan Capistrano. If you would enjoy a leisurly lunch with an ocean view, there are also two pretty good restaurants on the San Clemente pier and a couple in the Dana Point Marina.

SJC breaks up a trip to LA nicely without having to go too far off the freeway.

I love "Sun-Dried Tomato" in San Juan Capistrano. Their stuffed artichoke is wonderful. It is on the main street about 1/2 block south of the entrance to the mission