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Makai
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Makai
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Makai

Dining hall · La Jolla

4.4 · 92 reviews Google
www.urbankitchengroup.com

About Makai

At Makai, we invite you to experience the serene beauty of La Jolla in our outdoor seating area, surrounded by stunning ocean views and lush greenery. Our commitment to quality shines through in every aspect of your visit, from our expertly crafted coffee to our thoughtfully prepared dishes. Enjoy a...

At Makai, we invite you to experience the serene beauty of La Jolla in our outdoor seating area, surrounded by stunning ocean views and lush greenery. Our commitment to quality shines through in every aspect of your visit, from our expertly crafted coffee to our thoughtfully prepared dishes. Enjoy a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with an emphasis on exceptional service and delicious cuisine that will transport you to the Mediterranean. With its unique blend of natural charm and gourmet offerings, Makai is a true gem that makes it easy to see why this location has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

What Customers Say About Makai

Makai offers spectacular ocean views and a relaxing atmosphere, making it a hidden gem in La Jolla. The food is generally well-received, with the French toast being a standout. Service can be slow, and cocktails may not meet expectations.

Popular Dishes

French toast (4) butternut squash confit smoked salmon sandwich mushroom rigatoni sea bass Filet mignon salmon Bennie Avocado Toast

Best For

Couples Tourists Brunch Casual

Tip: Visit for breakfast or lunch to enjoy the ocean views and thoughtfully prepared dishes. Consider the themed dinners for a unique culinary experience.

Features

🌳 Outdoor 🅿️ Parking Accessible 🌅 Breakfast 🍽️ Lunch 🌙 Dinner Coffee
🎯 Casual 🛋️ Cozy Trendy 👥 Groups

What to see nearby

Coast Boulevard Park
A 42m

Coast Boulevard Park

parque

View details
Wipeout Beach
A 117m

Wipeout Beach

playa

View details
La Jolla Recreational Center
Heritage
A 120m

La Jolla Recreational Center

edificio

View details
St. James By-The-Sea Episcopal Church
A 122m

St. James By-The-Sea Episcopal Church

iglesia

View details
La Jolla Park
A 170m

La Jolla Park

parque

View details
La Jolla Cove Research Center
A 184m

La Jolla Cove Research Center

edificio

View details

Data from Wikidata

Explore the area around Makai

Makai is located in La Jolla, surrounded by cultural and historical points of interest. Here are some of the most notable places nearby.

Historical Heritage

  • La Jolla Recreational Center (A 120m) — Facility in San Diego, California San Diego Historical Landmark
  • Casa de Mañana - Casa Madre (A 270m) — building in San Diego San Diego Historical Landmark

Religious Buildings

  • St. James By-The-Sea Episcopal Church (A 122m) — church in San Diego

Parks & Gardens

  • Coast Boulevard Park (A 42m) — park in San Diego County, California, United States of America
  • La Jolla Park (A 170m) — park in San Diego County, California, United States of America

Other Points of Interest

  • Wipeout Beach (A 117m) — beach in San Diego County, California, United States
  • La Jolla Cove Research Center (A 184m) — research facility in San Diego
  • South Casa Beach (A 240m) — beach in San Diego
  • Burton Place (A 256m) — building in San Diego
  • La Jolla Reading Room (A 363m) — library building in San Diego

Data from Wikidata

Frequently asked questions about Makai

Makai is located at 700 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037, La Jolla.
Near Makai you can find points of interest such as Coast Boulevard Park, Wipeout Beach, La Jolla Recreational Center, St. James By-The-Sea Episcopal Church.
Makai offers dining_hall cuisine.
Makai has regular opening hours. Check their profile for updated schedules.
Makai offers the following services: dine-in, takeaway.
The most recommended dishes at Makai based on customer reviews are: French toast, butternut squash confit, smoked salmon sandwich, mushroom rigatoni, sea bass.
Makai is ideal for couples, tourists, brunch, casual dining.
Makai offers spectacular ocean views and a relaxing atmosphere, making it a hidden gem in La Jolla. The food is generally well-received, with the French toast being a standout. Service can be slow, and cocktails may not meet expectations.
Visit for breakfast or lunch to enjoy the ocean views and thoughtfully prepared dishes. Consider the themed dinners for a unique culinary experience.
92
Reviews

Makai La Jolla Reviews

4.4
92
5★
79%
4★
2%
3★
8%
2★
2%
1★
9%
Reviews (40)
S
Susan Monk

The only thing more incredible than the view at this local hotspot is the food. The setting cannot be beat. The seasonal menu from renowned local female chef offers the freshest selections with many healthy and vegetarian options— as well as the decadent French toast, which I highly recommend to start your meal. Excellent coffees, smoothies and juices as well. This is our go-to place. Pro tip, make reservation on OpenTable. Sit up top for a great view and excellent service by Dakota. Today we had the salad w/ skewer of delicate steak, the French toast, egg sandwich, a harvest bowl, yogurt & fruit parfait, and potato pancake w smoked salmon. Yum😋 Enjoy!

K
Keunha Yer

I came here to visit the museum and have a meal. The beach was a nice place to breathe, and the food was delicious. The staff were also very friendly.

V
Vita & Vox

Absolutely stunning location in La Jolla with a breathtaking ocean view—what truly stood out to me were the cactuses and palms framing the coastline. The setting alone is worth the visit, but the food took it even further. I had the salmon, perfectly cooked with the crispiest skin—fresh, flavorful, and clearly prepared with skill. Every element on the plate was delicious. The staff was warm, attentive, and added to the overall five-star experience. Highly recommend!

F
Fahad Emad

A fantastic spot for breakfast! From perfectly brewed coffee to beautifully plated dishes, everything is thoughtfully prepared. The highlight for me was the Avocado Toast, especially with the addition of feta cheese, fresh herbs, and za’atar—absolutely delicious. The Shakshuka was equally comforting and packed with flavor. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. With friendly service and an amazing ambiance, it’s one of the best places to enjoy a relaxing Sunday breakfast.

Z
Zoe

such a hidden gem in La Jolla - incredible views, never over crowded, sweet staff, and some of the best food in the area! we had the smoked salmon latke and chicken sandwich, and both were out of this world.

l
ludivine mas

WOW this place just brought me back to The Mediterranean. The ambiance is so relaxing between the view, the music and the design. The service it outstanding and best of all the FOOD IS Delightful!! I had high expectation looking at their menu and it was way above my expectation! We had a feast be ready. We tried; the chilled cucumber tahini soup, the green shakshuka, the lamb burger, the hamachi, and the baklava French toast. The flavors on every dishes were so nicely balanced and you can truly test the freshness of each ingredient. As a European girl I’m so glad to have found this new gem. I can’t wait to be back for their dinner menu.

C
C P

Spectacular location, wonderful for breakfast. Extreme high praise for the salmon Bennie—all the flavors meld and pop at the same time. Highly recommend. We returned recently for the cacao themed dinner and were equally impressed—every dish was creative, beautiful, and delicious, and the wine pairings were brilliant. Staff were attentive and seemed genuinely invested in ensuring that we had a good experience.

G
Guillaume Ryon

The most spectacular cuisine with the best view in San Diego County. The menu is diverse, fresh, and fair priced . Actually the quality of the ingredients and the execution of the dishes makes it bargain. From the texture and flavors of the gazpacho to the freshness of the hamachi crudo, everything was perfect. Check this place out asap.

A
Adrian Paull

We were five for dinner. Everyone enjoyed their choices. The sea bass was delicious. Filet mignon was cooked perfectly. Nice wine selections were available and desserts were another highlight.

E
Emma Smith

We had an absolutely phenomenal time here at brunch. Food was incredible and the staff fantastic. The GM Megan was so kind and welcoming. Our server, Colby, was beyond amazing! Beautiful view to sit outside as well. Definitely recommend 🩵

S
Steven Heath

What a peaceful and beautiful experience we had at a the Kitchen MCASD when we were fortunate enough to visit! The marine layer could do nothing to ruin the warm and delightful decor and scrumptious food we encountered today. We ordered the Churro French Toast, the Asparagus and Mushroom Omelette, and a side of Fingerling Potatoes with Parmesan to eat. The omelette was light and fluffy with a wonderful cream on top. It was cooked perfectly and attractively presented on the plate. The star of the show in our opinion was the Churro French Toast. It was absolutely delicious and didn't even need the syrup given it was already sufficiently sweet. Service here was also top notch and we will definitely be back and be telling our friends all about our experience. I highly recommend!

C
Coreen Okada

Fantastic place to eat breakfast and/or lunch! The service is amazing - the staff is friendly and welcoming! I recommend ordering their french toast - truly one of the best I’ve ever had. For lunch, i recommend the smoked salmon sandwich, mushroom rigatoni, or squash confit!! They also offer a charred cabbage dish that is out of this world! Not only do they offer sit down service, but they have to-go options too if you’re in a rush!

m
mckade hadley

How to describe this place……… 11/10 atmosphere, food & service was impeccable. Let me start with look at these pictures, do you need me to describe this or will those suffice! We shared the appetizer that was a little bit of everything. Loved the baked feta the most, it was my personal favorite! Damn all was so delicious. The chicken should speak for its self, I can taste it again just looking at the picture. Yum You will see me again. 100%

K
Kaylee Smith

I attended the monthly themed dinner. The food was unique and very well prepared. The service was slow and descriptions of the dishes were not exactly enthusiastic however staff was friendly and accommodating when they were able. The atmosphere of the restaurant is relaxing and beautiful.

E
Eugene Shmitsman

This place has some unbelievable ocean views, probably one of the best in San Diego. Located next door to Contemporary museum of art. You can get two birds with one stone. Mushroom omelet with goat cheese is quite good.

Vita & Vox
Vita & Vox

Absolutely stunning location in La Jolla with a breathtaking ocean view—what truly stood out to me were the cactuses and palms framing the coastline. The setting alone is worth the visit, but the food took it even further. I had the salmon, perfectly cooked with the crispiest skin—fresh, flavorful, and clearly prepared with skill. Every element on the plate was delicious. The staff was warm, attentive, and added to the overall five-star experience. Highly recommend!

Zoe
Zoe

such a hidden gem in La Jolla - incredible views, never over crowded, sweet staff, and some of the best food in the area! we had the smoked salmon latke and chicken sandwich, and both were out of this world.

Fahad Emad
Fahad Emad

A fantastic spot for breakfast! From perfectly brewed coffee to beautifully plated dishes, everything is thoughtfully prepared. The highlight for me was the Avocado Toast, especially with the addition of feta cheese, fresh herbs, and za’atar—absolutely delicious. The Shakshuka was equally comforting and packed with flavor. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. With friendly service and an amazing ambiance, it’s one of the best places to enjoy a relaxing Sunday breakfast.

ludivine mas
ludivine mas

WOW this place just brought me back to The Mediterranean. The ambiance is so relaxing between the view, the music and the design. The service it outstanding and best of all the FOOD IS Delightful!! I had high expectation looking at their menu and it was way above my expectation! We had a feast be ready. We tried; the chilled cucumber tahini soup, the green shakshuka, the lamb burger, the hamachi, and the baklava French toast. The flavors on every dishes were so nicely balanced and you can truly test the freshness of each ingredient. As a European girl I’m so glad to have found this new gem. I can’t wait to be back for their dinner menu.

Emma Smith
Emma Smith

We had an absolutely phenomenal time here at brunch. Food was incredible and the staff fantastic. The GM Megan was so kind and welcoming. Our server, Colby, was beyond amazing! Beautiful view to sit outside as well. Definitely recommend 🩵

C P
C P

Spectacular location, wonderful for breakfast. Extreme high praise for the salmon Bennie—all the flavors meld and pop at the same time. Highly recommend. We returned recently for the cacao themed dinner and were equally impressed—every dish was creative, beautiful, and delicious, and the wine pairings were brilliant. Staff were attentive and seemed genuinely invested in ensuring that we had a good experience.

Guillaume Ryon
Guillaume Ryon

The most spectacular cuisine with the best view in San Diego County. The menu is diverse, fresh, and fair priced . Actually the quality of the ingredients and the execution of the dishes makes it bargain. From the texture and flavors of the gazpacho to the freshness of the hamachi crudo, everything was perfect. Check this place out asap.

Adrian Paull
Adrian Paull

We were five for dinner. Everyone enjoyed their choices. The sea bass was delicious. Filet mignon was cooked perfectly. Nice wine selections were available and desserts were another highlight.

Steven Heath
Steven Heath

What a peaceful and beautiful experience we had at a the Kitchen MCASD when we were fortunate enough to visit! The marine layer could do nothing to ruin the warm and delightful decor and scrumptious food we encountered today. We ordered the Churro French Toast, the Asparagus and Mushroom Omelette, and a side of Fingerling Potatoes with Parmesan to eat. The omelette was light and fluffy with a wonderful cream on top. It was cooked perfectly and attractively presented on the plate. The star of the show in our opinion was the Churro French Toast. It was absolutely delicious and didn't even need the syrup given it was already sufficiently sweet. Service here was also top notch and we will definitely be back and be telling our friends all about our experience. I highly recommend!

Coreen Okada
Coreen Okada

Fantastic place to eat breakfast and/or lunch! The service is amazing - the staff is friendly and welcoming! I recommend ordering their french toast - truly one of the best I’ve ever had. For lunch, i recommend the smoked salmon sandwich, mushroom rigatoni, or squash confit!! They also offer a charred cabbage dish that is out of this world! Not only do they offer sit down service, but they have to-go options too if you’re in a rush!

mckade hadley
mckade hadley

How to describe this place……… 11/10 atmosphere, food & service was impeccable. Let me start with look at these pictures, do you need me to describe this or will those suffice! We shared the appetizer that was a little bit of everything. Loved the baked feta the most, it was my personal favorite! Damn all was so delicious. The chicken should speak for its self, I can taste it again just looking at the picture. Yum You will see me again. 100%

Kaylee Smith
Kaylee Smith

I attended the monthly themed dinner. The food was unique and very well prepared. The service was slow and descriptions of the dishes were not exactly enthusiastic however staff was friendly and accommodating when they were able. The atmosphere of the restaurant is relaxing and beautiful.

Eugene Shmitsman
Eugene Shmitsman

This place has some unbelievable ocean views, probably one of the best in San Diego. Located next door to Contemporary museum of art. You can get two birds with one stone. Mushroom omelet with goat cheese is quite good.

Magdi Badawy
Magdi Badawy

What a view of the ocean accompanied by delicious food and excellent service. The Tumeric and the Chai latte were just what you would want them to be. The burrito and breakfast sandwich, you can order again and again. The kitchen @mcasd is a spot to save and return to again. Came back the next day and the chilaquiles is so yummy. But I would not recommend the flatbread. It was disappointing.

Sierra Tillman
Sierra Tillman

Such incredible dishes it’s impossible to pick a favorite! The French toast in particular is so delicious — the perfect crispy exterior while soft and moist inside. I recommend sharing it with someone since it’s so rich! For lunch I recommend trying the butternut squash confit— the falafel crumbles and pearl onions are such a great touch. I’d give 5 and a half stars if I could! (Pictured: butter lettuce salad; kebab plate; lamb burger; mushroom rigatoni; charred cabbage)

J
Jodi Rudick

The cafe and restaurant Kitchen@MCASD is a true gem. Incredible ocean views, plenty of comfortable seating, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere make it a perfect spot to relax or meet up with friends. The staff is consistently friendly and attentive, and it’s clear that strong marketing leadership from Jamie Mae Cheng shines through in the overall experience. A beautiful setting paired with great service—highly recommend!

Jodi Rudick
Jodi Rudick

The cafe and restaurant Kitchen@MCASD is a true gem. Incredible ocean views, plenty of comfortable seating, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere make it a perfect spot to relax or meet up with friends. The staff is consistently friendly and attentive, and it’s clear that strong marketing leadership from Jamie Mae Cheng shines through in the overall experience. A beautiful setting paired with great service—highly recommend!

L
LBIG

The place is absolutely stunning, the food is delicious, and overall, everything was great. But… all six of us were disappointed with the cocktails. That’s why I’m taking off one star. None of us liked them, and when we mentioned it to the waitress, she just said they were made correctly. That was disappointing because it simply wasn’t true! Not sure if we’ll be back or if we’ll find a spot where we can enjoy breakfast without unnecessary debates.

LBIG
LBIG

The place is absolutely stunning, the food is delicious, and overall, everything was great. But… all six of us were disappointed with the cocktails. That’s why I’m taking off one star. None of us liked them, and when we mentioned it to the waitress, she just said they were made correctly. That was disappointing because it simply wasn’t true! Not sure if we’ll be back or if we’ll find a spot where we can enjoy breakfast without unnecessary debates.

L
Lanie

If you're looking for a cool spot to watch the sunset while enjoying pretty good food and drinks, check this place out. The ocean views are gorgeous. I wish I could give it 5 stars, but the service was incredibly slow despite there not being many people there. Our appetizer that we ordered didn't come out until after we finished our meal. The drinks were pretty good - I wouldn't say they were anything special. We ordered the mexican shrimp pimenton as our appetizer and the flavors went very well with eachother, but the shrimp was overcooked. We ordered the beet salad and roasted chicken as our main courses and those were both incredible - enough to make us want to go back! Despite the slow service, I look forward to trying this place again. You really can't beat this spot for a beautiful sunset and great ambiance.

S
Sharon B

The location is great since it's at the Museum of Contemporary Arts of San Diego with a beautiful view of the ocean. Very convenience. There's seating inside and more outside in the art garden. Unfortunately no patio heaters but they have some thin blankets if you're cold. The food was ok for the flatbreads that we ordered. The seasonal squash flatbread was undercooked but had a nice flavor from the goat cheese. The sumac grilled chicken flatbread was quite plain. A friend ordered the smoked salmon sandwich and was not impressed. The chicken salad sandwich was good though. The avocado bowl was a smaller portion than expected but tasty.

L
Lynn Reyes

I had high hopes for this place when we booked it for brunch. The ambiance is marvelous. It has a nice view of the ocean and the La Jolla coast. The hostess was friendly and welcoming. The food was not to die for but relatively good. What disappointed me was the “phony” customer service from our server. She wasn’t rude but there was this weird passive aggressive behavior. She gave my daughter the wrong drink. When we pointed it out, she agreed to replace it. Again, she wasn’t rude… but she was just robotic and indifferent about it. She answers a seemingly scripted “of course” to every question or request you make but never delivers. We asked for more water, for our receipt…. “Of course” was the answer but we never got them.

Lanie
Lanie

If you're looking for a cool spot to watch the sunset while enjoying pretty good food and drinks, check this place out. The ocean views are gorgeous. I wish I could give it 5 stars, but the service was incredibly slow despite there not being many people there. Our appetizer that we ordered didn't come out until after we finished our meal. The drinks were pretty good - I wouldn't say they were anything special. We ordered the mexican shrimp pimenton as our appetizer and the flavors went very well with eachother, but the shrimp was overcooked. We ordered the beet salad and roasted chicken as our main courses and those were both incredible - enough to make us want to go back! Despite the slow service, I look forward to trying this place again. You really can't beat this spot for a beautiful sunset and great ambiance.

Lynn Reyes
Lynn Reyes

I had high hopes for this place when we booked it for brunch. The ambiance is marvelous. It has a nice view of the ocean and the La Jolla coast. The hostess was friendly and welcoming. The food was not to die for but relatively good. What disappointed me was the “phony” customer service from our server. She wasn’t rude but there was this weird passive aggressive behavior. She gave my daughter the wrong drink. When we pointed it out, she agreed to replace it. Again, she wasn’t rude… but she was just robotic and indifferent about it. She answers a seemingly scripted “of course” to every question or request you make but never delivers. We asked for more water, for our receipt…. “Of course” was the answer but we never got them.

Sharon B
Sharon B

The location is great since it's at the Museum of Contemporary Arts of San Diego with a beautiful view of the ocean. Very convenience. There's seating inside and more outside in the art garden. Unfortunately no patio heaters but they have some thin blankets if you're cold. The food was ok for the flatbreads that we ordered. The seasonal squash flatbread was undercooked but had a nice flavor from the goat cheese. The sumac grilled chicken flatbread was quite plain. A friend ordered the smoked salmon sandwich and was not impressed. The chicken salad sandwich was good though. The avocado bowl was a smaller portion than expected but tasty.

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Makai
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About Makai

How to get there

700 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

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Highlights

Good Rating
4.4/5 stars
💬
Well Reviewed
92 reviews
💰
Moderate Price
Price level
👨‍🍳
dining_hall
Cuisine type

Services

🥞 Breakfast
🥐 Brunch
🍽️ Lunch
🍾 Dinner
Coffee
🍰 Desserts
🥡 Takeout
🍴 Dine-in

Dining Options

🍽️ Dine In
🥡 Takeout

Restaurant Info

Status
Verified by owner
🕐 Hours Today
11AM-2:30PM
Rating
4.4/5
💬 Reviews
92
💰 Price Level
$$
📞 Phone
+1 619-880-8719
🌐 Website
www.urbankitchengroup.com

Amenities

🅿️ Parking
🌿 Outdoor Seating
Wheelchair Accessible
🚻 Restroom
💳 Credit Cards
📱 Mobile Payments
🏘️

The Neighborhood

Coast Boulevard Park

park in San Diego County, California, United States of America

A 42m
Wipeout Beach

beach in San Diego County, California, United States

A 117m
La Jolla Recreational Center Heritage

Facility in San Diego, California

A 120m
St. James By-The-Sea Episcopal Church

church in San Diego

A 122m
La Jolla Park

park in San Diego County, California, United States of America

A 170m
La Jolla Cove Research Center

research facility in San Diego

A 184m
South Casa Beach

beach in San Diego

A 240m
Burton Place

building in San Diego

A 256m
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