Barbarella Restaurant & Bar   

2171 Avenida De La Playa
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-454-7373

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Fresh and seasonal bistro fare is the hallmark of this adorable restaurant, named for the owner, Barbara Beltaire, and not for the cult 1960s film. The scarlet exterior trumpets the lighthearted and adventurous spirit of the kitchen, while cozy and intimate interior rooms unfold on one another creating a sense of expectation -- diners can't wait to come back again to try the different spaces. A stylish patio, kept toasty on cool days and night by a striking double sided fireplace and space heaters, is the favorite spot of the local "ladies who lunch." Food is basic and intentionally unpretentious -- Atlantic salmon is a guest favorite, and hand thrown pizzas always delight. Also pleasing are the daily-changing fritti (a seasonally presented mix of deep-fried seafood and vegetables), the lusty peasant style pastas and traditional French desserts mixed with lighter sweets. Barbarella made its start here in the early '90s as the hot new thing; it's survived the rather fickle hospitality-industry tides of change to emerge an enduring but never tired destination for lovely food, whimsical atmosphere and warm hospitality. -- Lisa Galloway