Whaling Bar & Grill   

The Whaling Bar & Grill, situated streetfront beneath La Jolla Cove's La Valencia hotel, is done up tastefully, in shades of red, chocolate brown and shimmering brass. The clientele tends to slant towards those who have probably done up their houses in a similar fashion, although it isn't odd for a pair of young tourists to stop by for some tableside delicacies. Yet, for even the not-so-active animal activists, it can be difficult to sit near the antiquated paintings of harpooned whales adorning the walls, vintage remnants of yesteryear that are evidence of the restaurant and hotel's historic status. But if you can stand the scenery, the menu's worth a splurge. To start off with, the vine-ripened tomato salad includes some of the most delectable produce on the planet: avocados, mangos and pine nuts. Two other salad options, the Caesar and the Whaling Bar, are prepared tableside, as are a number of tantalizing entrees such as pan-roasted sole, filet mignon and traditional steak tartare. To wash it all down, don't hesitate to try the bar's signature drink, The Whaler, a sweet and creamy blend of who-knows-what; the bartenders refuse to disclose the ingredients.