Where do the locals eat in Southern California?
 

Looking for "non touristy" places with good value in San Diego, La Jolla, Encinitas, Carlsbad area. Seafood would be great, but Mexican everything else would be appreciated as well.

Soooo many choices and so many posts in here on same. Bang for the buck - upscale w/view - George's at the Cove - the Terrace.

http://www.georgesatthecove.com/ocean-terrace

Bargain cocktail/happy hour - C Level - at Island Prime - by the airport - or for good food/value -any of the Cohn Group places. http://www.cohnrestaurants.com/islandprime

Seafood and Mexican - you could go for months at a different place every night and be jazzed. :)

Oh and BTW.....

I lived in Encinitas for years and there are quite a few good spots to try out.
Q'ero is a good Peruvian place on main street, and I always like Jorge's on El Camino Real, and for Italian, Tratullia I Trulli is also very good. While you're in Encinitas the 3rd Corner Wine Shop Bistro in the Lumberyard (shopping complex on main sreet) they have a delicious happy hour menu - my favorite are the mussels with a martini,

Samurai is a Japanese restaurant in Solana Beach of which I have fond memories! You can eat in the bar or in the dining room.

I can give some recommendations for La Jolla and Pacific Beach.

https://www.tapenaderestaurant.com/

http://www.cottagelajolla.com/

http://www.elpescadorfishmarket.com/

http://www.harryscoffeeshop.com/

https://www.thefishery.com/

The Cottage is my favorite. They will be closed for dinner after Labor Day but they have the best breakfast, brunch and lunch. But it is very popular and expect to wait unless you get there very early or very late.

El Pescador is a tiny hole in the wall but the fish is right off the boat. It is a fish market but they also have meals for sit down or take out. They should be moving into their larger restaurant across the street hopefully in October.

Harry's is your typical diner they serve breakfast and close around threeish. Menu is large, serive is good and it's an institution in LJ.

Tapenade in our other favorite - but it's expensive - but well worth it imho. They have a great wine list and impeccable service.

I like the Fishery (they only serve fish) but they have a nice variety of choices.

They have been talking about moving El Pescador for years!

I have had too many overcooked pieces of fish and it's a big headache finding a seat. So for me it's a pass.

The cafe at the art museum in La Jolla has a nice patio. Breakfast and Lunch only.