Barbarella

4.4 (1091)

$31 to $50

European

2171 Avenida De La Playa, San Diego, CA 92037

Make a reservation

Barbarella

4.4

$31 to $50

European

La Jolla

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 7, 2026

8:30 PM

Booked 63 times today

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Great for outdoor dining
Good for special occasions

Welcome to Barbarella Coastal Seafood, a family-owned concept inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean and the beauty of the California coast.

We proudly feature fresh, locally sourced sustainable seafood, responsibly raised meats, and seasonal vegetables from our local farmers’ markets.

Our philosophy is simple: let the freshness and quality of every ingredient shine through thoughtful cooking, genuine hospitality, and a little love in every dish.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
European, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Hours of operation
Mon–Fri 11:00 am–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
Contact
(858) 454-7373
Website
https://barbarellarestaurant.com/?y_source=1_MjQzMTg2OTItODYwLWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Private party facilities
Barbarella Restaurant is the perfect place for your event, a one-of-a-kind culinary gem with an authentic European menu featuring organic locally sourced ingredients. We offer an array of choices that will suit every need - whether it is a formal wedding rehearsal, a casual brunch, a business dinner, or simply a get together with good friends!

Location
2171 Avenida De La Playa, San Diego, CA 92037
Neighborhood
La Jolla
Cross street
La Jolla Shores Drive
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Bus Stop is located within walking distance.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Videos

Shared by creators who recently dined at this restaurant.

eat.travel.with.carol
Love is in the details and @barbarellarestaurant sure did everything right again ❣️✨ From the dreamy Valentine’s decor to the festive drinks and delicious food, Barbarella truly hit every love note 💘 It was the perfect spot for us to celebrate our 13th annual Galentine’s. We were snapping pics at all the cutest photo ops and exchanging Valentine’s gifts, like little girls all over again 🥹💌 Featured: 🧸Love u Beary Much 🍹Love Potion 9 🍸Dirty Martini 🧀Charcuterie board 🐟 Whole Fish for two 🍝Fettuccine Bolognese 🍰Cannoli Consider this your sign to celebrate love here 💋🥂🍽️ #valentinespopup #galentines #themedrestaurant #thingstodosandiego #valentine
eatnjetwithme
Creepy Cocktails & Killer Vibes 👀🍸 This La Jolla restaurant brings spooky energy with Halloween decor, themed drinks, and food that’s scary good. Add it to your San Diego fall list! • • • #sandiegorestaurants #lajollafood #halloweenvibes #spookyseason #hauntedbar #sandiegofoodie #cocktaillovers #thingstodosandiego #foodtravel #fyp
eat.travel.with.carol
Step into a winter wonderland where every detail sparkles! ✨ I’m back at @barbarellarestaurant for their amazing Christmas dining experience that’s as indulgent as it is enchanting, complete with stunning decorations and crafted holiday cocktails that bring cheer to every sip. Cheers to celebrating the season! 🥂🎄 #festivedining #holidaypopup #holidaycocktails #explore #exploresandiego #lajolla #thingstodosandiego #familyfriendlydining #holidaydrinks #girlsnight #datenight #christmasdecor
eat.travel.with.carol
B O O! 👻Now that summer is over, it’s officially HALLOWEEN season💀 And what better spot than Barbarella for a spooktacular dining experience 🍽️They even have spooky hour 4-5pm Monday - Thursday on their drink specials 🎃🍹 Featured: ☠️Charcuterie Board 🐟 Blake’s Plate 🥩 Prime Steak 🍫 Cauldron Dirt Cups 🥃Black widow 🥃Beetlejuice 💉Blood Shot 🍹Smoky Cauldron 📍 @barbarellarestaurant 🎥 @eat.travel.with.carol #spookyszn #spookyseason #sandiegohalloween #happyhour #sandiego #sandiegodining #spookycocktails #halloweenpopup #spookypopup #themedcocktails #placestogosandiego #sdbucketlist #sddatenight #datenight
jas_thefoodie
Everything Spring 🌸 🌻🌺🌷🌼 @barbarellarestaurant 🩷 @barbarellarestaurant is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in town💯 Absolutely love how they go all out to celebrate different holidays and themes. I have mostly gone for their dinner but this time it was for Brunch and as always, It was GREAT. Such a good spot with the perfect vibe‼️ Highly recommend you checking it out if you haven’t already 💜
eat.travel.with.carol
Spring has officially sprung at @barbarellarestaurant ! 🌸✨ Come in and enjoy their festive decorations & brighten up your dining experience with their seasonal menu 🌸🌼🌺 Featured: 🍹Honey Bear 🍸Cloud 9 🧀 2-tier charcuterie bunny platter 🐠Woodfire Oven Roasted Salmon 🍝Seafood Linguine 🍨Profiteroles 📍Barbarella Restaurant & Bar 2171 Avenida De Ln, Playa La Jolla, CA 92037 #springvibes #lajollaeats #cutedrinks #sdeats #sandiegofoodie #beacheatery #sandiegoeats #drinksofinstagram #explore #sdfoodie #girlsbrunch #girlsdinner #girldinner
jas_thefoodie
Follow @jas_thefoodie for the best Valentines day recommendations in San Diego 🫶🏻 TWO WEEKS TO VALENTINES 💝🤩 and I’ve got the PERFECT recommendation for you for a Romantic date night with your special someone OR like I did, Celebrate ‘Galentines’ Dinner with your girlfriends 👯‍♀️ @barbarellarestaurant 💖 As always, they went all out with the valentines decor this time and I absolutely loved it. Their current menu offers Sharable Sized Entree (like this Lady and the Tramp Special) which was MORE THAN ENOUGH for 5 of us and Hot chocolate that you can get with or without Booze is GINORMOUS too‼️ Love love love this spot, definitely recommend you checking it out 💯
chews_sandiego
Why did the Valentine’s Day card get an award? It had a great “heartfelt” performance! Fall in love with this beautiful Themed Valentine’s Day restaurant @barbarellarestaurant @lajolla.ca it’s is so Beary cute Things to check out is the Hot chocolate to share with your loved ones, Love theme cocktails, and the Lady and The Tramp Spaghetti and Meatballs❤️ #california #chews_california #sandiego #socal #chews_sandiego #venturefoodandtravel #instagood #love #teamhappyfoodies #photooftheday #bestofsandiego #sandiegofoodie #sandiegofoodblogger #sdfoodscene #barbarella #valentines #ladyandthetramp #spaghettiandmeatballs #hotchocolate Please give me a follow @chews_sandiego for the best Eats and Drinks
littlenursejade
📌 must visit festive restaurant this season: @barbarellarestaurant ☃️🍝🎄 Must order: the charcuterie board (will definitely be back for this! and the ornamentini (so tasty and refreshing!) @barbarellarestaurant put so much work and dedication into their decor— and it is beautiful. You can’t help but stop and stare 😍 Thank you for the invite and hospitality @barbarellarestaurant , can’t wait to see what you have in store for 2024 🪩 #bestfoodssandiego #foodblogger #sandiegofoodie #teamhappyfoodies #foodreels #holidaydecor #festiverestaurant #lajolla #foodphotography
jas_thefoodie
Holiday Themed Restaurant 🎄🎅 @barbarellarestaurant is steps away from the shores of @lajolla.ca 🤩 and serves House-made Italian fare 💯 An absolutely fantastic dinner that will teleport you to a Wonderland with all their beautiful decor 🤩💯 Perfect for a date night or a dinner with your 👦👧 DELICIOUS DINNER AND AMAZING HOLIDAY DECOR 🎄🥰 Here’s what we got - 🍸 Ornamentini 🍒 and Partridge in a Pear Tree 🍐 🍕 Margherita Pizza 🍝 Pasta Al Forna 🤌🏻 🥦 Brussels 🍰 Profiteroles 🎅 Huge shoutout to our server @ajiahogrelius for making the best recommendations ❤️ Check them out soon and tag @jas_thefoodie when you visit them💯💯 #holidaytheme #christmasdecorations #lajolla #lajollashores #eatsandiego #sandiegochristmas #sandiego #sandiegofoodie #sandiegoitalian

Videos are powered by Seekeasy. How this content is generated

Bread & Butter$7.00
O'Brien's parkers sourdough, seasonal butter
Woodfire Roasted Carrots$13.00
mediterranean style baby carrots, crema al centriole, roasted sumac pistachios, citrus oil
Burrata & Beets$21.00
roasted beets, pesto, arugula, pine nuts, sourdough points
Fritto Misto$19.00
calamari, shrimp, pickled peppers, served with house tartar sauce & pineapple chili sauce
Smoked Trout Dip$17.00
savory whipped smoked trout, fresh herbs, crispy capers, bright trout roe, cracked pepper taro chips
Baked Half Shell Trio$28.00
3 crab cakes rockefeller & 3 coastal baked clams served with grilled lemon
Spanish Octopus$18.00
charred marinated octopus, parsnip sauce, spicy chorizo jam, calabrian aioli, micro radish
Grilled Lamb Lollipop$16.00
barbarella dry-rub lamb lollipop, served mint chimichurri (3)
Chefs Oysters$12.00
rotating selection of pristine oysters (6)

Salads

Classic Caesar$15.00
whole leaf hearts of romaine, parmesan crisps, classic caesar dressing
Rella Wedge$19.00
Iceberg Lettuce, Caramelized Bacon, Cherry Tomatoes, Blue Cheese Crumbles, Blue Cheese Dressing

Woodfire Pizzas

Margherita$20.00
san marzano tomato sauce, garden basil, mozzarella cheese
Pepperoni $23.00
san marzano tomato sauce, mozzarella, crispy umbrella pepperoni, honey
Prosciutto & Burrata$26.00
confit garlic, crispy prosciutto, creamy burrata, arugula, balsamic glaze

Entrees

Spicy Lump Crab Arrabbiata Gnocci$27.00
jumbo lump crab, potato gnocchi, spicy arrabbiata sauce, whipped ricotta, fresh basil, lemon zest
Linguine Vongole$25.00
marinated quahog clams, prosciutto, lemon cream sauce, linguine, parmesan, herb breadcrumb
Braised Beef Ragu Alla Bolognese$30.00
slow-braised beef simmered with san marzano tomatoes, english peas, fusilli and finished with aged parmigiano-reggiano and basil
Local Catch$29.00
fresh local CATCH, sweet summer corn chowder, roasted ancho chilies, corn kernels, white truffle oil
Woodfire Salmon$39.00
roasted salmon, shrimp risotto, saffron, arugula, citrus oil
Barbarella Burger$22.00
grass-fed beef patty, american cheese, rella sauce, carmelized onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, buttery brioche bun with salt & vinegar fries
Half Roasted Bird$36.00
roasted half chicken, broccolini, sea salt potatoes, herb pan jus
New York Steak$49.00
prime new york steak, garlic herb butter, mashed potatoes

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Barbarella.

4.4

(1091)

4.1Food
4.5Service
4.5Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Diego
Great for outdoor dining
San Diego
Hot spot
San Diego
Great for outdoor dining
San Diego
Good for special occasions

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Barbarella is known for its "extravagant decorations" and "exceptional food." Regulars cherish its festive Halloween setup, while newcomers praise the "amazing service" and "delicious" seasonal menu. The seafood, burgers, and cocktails receive special acclaim. Despite recent menu changes, its vibrant atmosphere and dedicated staff continue to impress.

1,277 Reviews

C
Cicilia Gold
San Antonio18 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food, great experience and amazing service. I love this place! Thank you so much!
Is this helpful?
M
Martha
San Diego19 reviews
4.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Who is a cool place to go for Halloween? However, a lot of the area was wet where we sat. I even let the waiter know not to sit someone there the next time but overall we had a good time. The food could’ve been better.
Is this helpful?
C
Carla Gold
San Diego45 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Good limited menu for Halloween. Always fun to go there with their incredible decorations & costumed staff who are wonderful. It's a tradition for us. Had excellent burger cooked just right. Very good service and food cooked perfectly as requested.
Is this helpful?
m
monica Gold
San Diego5 reviews
3.0
Dined on October 31, 2026
1. Overall 3
2. Food 1
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The Halloween decorations were great as usual. Staff were very attentive. The menu was completely downsized from their regular menu and extremely limited in food items. The food, including pizza, salad and fish were all super salty. The fish was also overcooked. I have had dinner here numerous times, and this time I couldn’t believe what poor quality the food was in addition to the very limited menu that appeared to be like a child’s menu.
Is this helpful?
M
Margie Gold
San Diego11 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 27, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My favorite place to dine during October is Barbarella’s for the extravagant decorations. The place is so much fun to see and experience during this time. The food is always exceptional and service is always great. My favorite is the fresh catch of the day and also the Barbarella Burger. I highly recommended paying a visit to experience the food and decorative ambience.
Is this helpful?
J
John
San Diego15 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 27, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Good food and service. Halloween decorations were great.
Is this helpful?
T
Trixie Gold
San Diego4 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 24, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Their Halloween decorations were awesome! Riley was super sweet and took amazing care of us. We had the lobster roll with fries and the prosciutto and burrata pizza and it was ALL ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! Definitely returning for more date nights.
Is this helpful?
M
Mark
Dallas9 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 24, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Barbarella’s was very good. A must visit if you’re in the Shores area. Fresh pasta, friendly staff, and great Halloween decorations!!
Is this helpful?
L
Lisa Gold
San Diego40 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 22, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Love the new menu focused on fresh seafood. Our Norwegian salmon entrees were delicious and our waiter Crew was terrific!
Is this helpful?
B
Beth
New York City2 reviews
4.0
Dined on October 21, 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Average food. Service was slow. Took 15 minutes to get our cocktails. Halloween ambiance was fun. Nice outdoor patio
Is this helpful?

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
European, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Hours of operation
Mon–Fri 11:00 am–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
Contact
(858) 454-7373
Website
https://barbarellarestaurant.com/?y_source=1_MjQzMTg2OTItODYwLWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Private party facilities
Barbarella Restaurant is the perfect place for your event, a one-of-a-kind culinary gem with an authentic European menu featuring organic locally sourced ingredients. We offer an array of choices that will suit every need - whether it is a formal wedding rehearsal, a casual brunch, a business dinner, or simply a get together with good friends!

Location
2171 Avenida De La Playa, San Diego, CA 92037
Neighborhood
La Jolla
Cross street
La Jolla Shores Drive
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Bus Stop is located within walking distance.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

October 6, 2025
Halloween bars and restaurants in San Diego County 2025
Barbarella in La Jolla is decorated for Halloween and offers themed cocktails, mocktails and decorated food, including an apple cobbler styled as a witch and a prosciutto-skeleton charcuterie board. The Halloween menu and decorations are available through Oct. 31, with Halloween Play-Doh for children.
Published in San Diego Union-Tribune

FAQs

Yes, Barbarella is family‑friendly: guests report bringing children and the restaurant offers a kids menu, making it an easy choice for families.

Barbarella is festive and playful, known for eclectic art and over-the-top holiday decor, a fun bar scene, and plentiful street‑side and patio seating, with a quieter back dining room available.

Yes, Barbarella is commonly chosen for date nights and anniversaries, with guests praising the festive, romantic decorations, cocktails, and attentive service.

Business casual, aim for neat, pulled‑together attire without anything formal required.

Guests often report generous portions at Barbarella, several reviews call the servings “really good, ” “large and very tasty, ” and note some dishes are filling.

Saturday is a great pick for weekend brunch, guests praise Saturday morning brunch, and Barbarella is open Friday through Sunday starting at 11:00 am; for a quieter visit, weekday early dinners are easier to reserve.

Private dining isn't part of Barbarella's offering, private parties are not allowed, with the restaurant focused on its open dining areas and plentiful outdoor seating.

Yes, the outdoor patio welcomes dogs: guests have eaten outside with their pets and the restaurant even offers a dog menu (guests mention a “puppy delight”).

How FAQ content is generated

Make a reservation

Barbarella

4.4

$31 to $50

European

La Jolla

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 7, 2026

8:30 PM

Booked 63 times today

Barbarella

Make a reservation

Barbarella

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Starters

Bread & Butter$7.00

Woodfire Roasted Carrots$13.00

Burrata & Beets$21.00

Fritto Misto$19.00

Smoked Trout Dip$17.00

Baked Half Shell Trio$28.00

Spanish Octopus$18.00

Grilled Lamb Lollipop$16.00

Chefs Oysters$12.00

Salads

Classic Caesar$15.00

Rella Wedge$19.00

Woodfire Pizzas

Margherita$20.00

Pepperoni $23.00

Prosciutto & Burrata$26.00

Entrees

Spicy Lump Crab Arrabbiata Gnocci$27.00

Linguine Vongole$25.00

Braised Beef Ragu Alla Bolognese$30.00

Local Catch$29.00

Woodfire Salmon$39.00

Barbarella Burger$22.00

Half Roasted Bird$36.00

New York Steak$49.00

Loved For

Review summary

Additional information

Halloween bars and restaurants in San Diego County 2025

FAQs

Is this restaurant kid-friendly?

What's the ambience/atmosphere like in this restaurant?

Is this a good pick for date night?

What is the dress code for Barbarella?

What are the portion sizes like at this restaurant?

What is the best day to go to Barbarella?

Does this restaurant have private dining?

Is this restaurant dog-friendly?

Make a reservation

Barbarella

Make a reservation