Cuisine
Open
Lunch Tues.-Fri., Dinner Tues.-SunFeatures
- Heart-healthy dishes
- Romantic setting
- Private room(s)
- Full bar
- Reservations suggested
- Live jazz Thurs.
- Outdoor dining
- Parking available
- Casual dressy
Wine
Great Wine List* Click here for rating key
 Tapenade continues to set the bar for classic French food in San Diego. With chef Jean Michel Diot, previously famed for his stints in France and New York City, now happily entrenched in La Jolla, Southern Californians are able to experience his combination of well-practiced European technique and fresh ingredients. Classicists will love the escargots de Bourgogne, homemade duck foie gras with dried fig mousse and blueberry brioche, and osetra caviar with potato blini. We prefer to start off with the intensely flavored wild mushroom ravioli in port sauce and the Maine lobster salad, served atop celeriac rémoulade and drizzled with truffle vinaigrette. Entrées of note include the coq au vin, the ultimate in sophisticated comfort food; the venison loin with braised red cabbage, red wine-poached pear and chestnut-potato mash; and lobster served with white corn, porcini mushrooms, English peas and Tahitian vanilla lobster sauce. Crème brûlée is the must-have dessert at Tapenade: this thick confection topped with burnt sugar virtually transports us to Paris. |
- Find deeply discounted gift certificates for restaurants in your area from Restaurant.com
- Plan Your Valentine's Day with Gayot's Guide to Romance
- Find the Best Heart-Healthy Restaurants Near You
What's Hot
Soothe
Whether you want a new hair regimen or new body care products, our favorite spa products will help you look and feel better. Check out Weleda's new Pomegranate Body Care Line, featuring organic pomegranate seed oil and more.
Sip
We've reviewed libations of all sorts—everything from Top Wines, Top 10 Vodkas, Top 10 Spirits and Top 10 Prestige Cuvées to bottled water and fine tea from around the world.
Give
Looking for a gift? You'll find great ideas for foodies and fashionistas, globetrotters and gourmands. Our categories include Top 10 Valentine's Day Gifts, Top Spa Gifts and more. Nothing like the present!
Serve
Try out a new international cuisine or plan your next dinner party with help from our cookbook reviews. We've explored everything from desserts and sweets to books by famous chefs from around the world.
RESTAURANT AWARDS
Just published! Our annual restaurant issue features the Best Cheap Eats and our Top 40 U.S. selections, including including Corton in New York and more!
