Kous Kous

It's easy to miss this Moroccan eatery tucked away in the basement of a Hillcrest office complex. And that probably explains why this 4th avenue restaurant, while serving some truly delectable food, doesn't see the same kind of crowds as the joints along University Avenue.
The appetizer sampler plate is a great way to start this meal. Bursting with flavors, finely chopped/grated/minced eggplants, potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers are served in four mounds, a la kimchi, along with pita triangles. As far as main courses go, the Lamb Tagine - served in a clay pot, where it stewed for several hours before making its way to your table - would have to be the signature dish. The service is always friendly, and the owner Moumen will most likely stop by and see how you liked the food.
[Oh, and the Kous Kous isn't bad either].
-rajiv

El Torito, La Jolla

El Torito is a large chain of Mexican restaurants; we went to the one of Villa La Jolla Drive. We went there on a Friday night as a friend who now lives in Asia wanted Mexican food and didn't want to go far. The restaurant was average, and while I have no complaints, I probably would not go there again. I had a margarita, nachos and "Chef Pepe's special combo." All of these were decent sized and reasonably tasty. Service was pretty good and quick.

Price: $15-$25 per person.
Ambiance: Ok for a quick meal.
Rating: 2.5 toros out of 4.
Website: http://www.eltorito.com/

Donovans, La Jolla

Fine dining steakhouse on La Jolla Village Drive (they also have downt. We had Cajun lamb chops (strongly recommended) and shrimp cocktail (very good) for appetizers, salmon (OK) and halibut (OK) for entrees and creme brulee (good) and complimentary port (awesome) for dessert. They also had a good cocktail list, and I'd recommend the Continental.

Price: Free. The manager waived our bill as there was a hair in one of the dishes. Otherwise, it would have been close to $150 for drinks, appetizers, entrees, desserts for two.
Ambiance: Good. Pleasant waitstaff. Short wait even on a Saturday with no reservations.
Rating: 3.5 ribs out of 4.
Website: http://www.donovanssteakhouse.com/

The Cottage, La Jolla

The Cottage is a small restaurant that operates out of a bungalow in La Jolla. We visited for brunch on a Saturday noon, and had to wait 15-20 minutes for seating for our party of six. Though located in La Jolla, the crowd was quite young.

The breakfast menu includes the usual omelettes, pancakes and french toasts. The Oatmeal Pancake was an interesting option on the menu, promising a more healthy pancake. The stuffed french toast was also quite tasty.

The food was quite good, and the prices pretty reasonable, particularly compared with other brunch options on Prospect near the cove. Admittedly, The Cottage has no ocean view, and one does pay for the jaw dropping view as in places like Top of the Cove.

Summary: This is a good place for a relaxed brunch followed by an oceanside stroll.

Cafe Zanzibar, PB

We've usually thought, and found PB to be too... well... let's just say - not our sort of place. So, during our recent internment during the wildfires spent at a friend's, we were pleasantly surprised to find the softer side to this rowdy neighborhood.
One of our 'discoveries' was this cafe by the corner of Garnet and Cass (they also have a branch downtown). They serve up good lattes, great cocoas, warm hospitality, and an awesome bowl of fruit-filled granola for breakfast/brunch. Their omelettes (including a broccoli-laced egg-white omelette appropriately called 'health-nut') are pretty yummy too.
[And if you make it before, say 1pm, chances are the loud college party crowd hasn't gotten over last night's binge drinking yet, and you'll find the atmosphere quite refreshing]
-rajiv