Hilltop restaurant with cove and ocean views boasts one of La Jolla's finest Italian menus.

The Scene
Reminiscent of a hillside in Portofino, Italy, this fine Mediterranean destination's perch above La Jolla Cove is among the most prime real estate in the city. Enter through the covered patio and you'll see multilevel terraces connected by trumpet vines, ceramic tile walkways and strung lights. Tables are quiet, well-separated and often occupied by couples or groups celebrating special occassions. From starters to entrees, the flavors here are rich and Mediterranean. Baked greenlip mussels with bread crumbs, garlic and fresh herbs have been a signature dish for 11 years for good reason. Both steak preparations--filet and New York strip--are divine entrees as well, but it's the seafood dishes like baked jumbo shrip with Parmesan bread crumbs and pastas like wild mushroom and black truffle-filled ravioli that shine.