Celebrating a 40th birthday and we chose Candor based on a friends recommendation. Old fashioned had good flavor and Luxardo cherries, my mocktail was a blackberry ginger beer concoction that was refreshing, light and hit the spot. Salmon and rice dish was spectacular, up to the last bite both pilaf and fish were hot. Short ribs, mashed potatoes and broccolini dish was great and exactly as expected flavor wise with a nice wine demi glace. Cookie and gelato for dessert- Drae was our server, very thorough and explained each dish we asked about. Offered suggestions and made our first visit one to remember! We will be returning to try some items we didn't have room for tonight. Small place with outdoor/patio-esque seating (leftover Covid setup) read more

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Decent food here. We tried the lamb pappardelle, grilled eggplant and croquettes. Not too bad. Very inexpensive for a place in La Jolla. The restrooms are located around the corner, and you have to ask for a key. read more

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This was a return visit with 3 years in between. Same great service and and even better patio! Everything we ordered was a win. We had kiddos so we started out with meatballs and patatas bravas. So delicious. The "catch of the day" (Sea Bass) was my selection. It was perfectly accompanied by tomatoes, artichokes and pesto. They have a solid wine list with some affordable (sub $15/glass) and adventurous offerings. A glass of Pecorino anyone? read more

Candor by Giuseppe - Sea Bass, catch of the day - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

Someone had recommended this place to my husband and he was craving steak so we decided to order some food for delivery for dinner last night. We are both very impressed with how well this food traveled! I can only imagine how well the food tastes at the restaurant itself! I ordered the goat cheese and beet salad and also added chicken. My husband ordered the steak in fritz. We also ordered a moose-like dessert and burrata cheese appetizer. The quality was outstanding! Even a simple as a fries that came with a steak was so well seasoned and crisp and soft. We are both very impressed I definitely want to come try this place in person. Highly recommend this place they have a variety of food options from steak, to salads, to pastas and more! read more

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Went to Candor on vacation just before Thanksgiving 2025. Experienced an exemplary dinner I'd be happy to repeat. We shared a seared peach burrata (pictured), which was quite exemplary, then each of us had different pastas, both of which were excellent. The wife and I rolled out comfortably full, but not uncomfortably so. If you're looking for an outstanding Italian meal in La Jolla, you will not go wrong here. Also, prices are eminently reasonable. read more

Candor by Giuseppe - Peach Burrata - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

Great food, and it is easy to find good items on the menu. Always good service. We ask for Guillermo. Love the tomato soup, pasta dishes are nice, and you can add protein to any salad, whether fish, beef, chicken, or shrimp. Very casual ambiance, whether you are inside or outside in the patio area. And parking is not the hassle that La Jolla can sometimes be. read more

I feel like the food here is good but the ambience is that of a small restaurant. Bathroom is outside and requires a key. I also didn't care for the sauce on my branzino. However the cheese plate and dessert were good. read more

The Grilled Salmon Nicoise is a favorite. I'd say that most fancy folks would enjoy lunch here. I order to go but I can notice that their clientele is likely well to do. Get here early since parking is limited in their lot. Beautiful art pieces inside. read more

I came in way too early for my pickup bit the restaurant was kind to me in spite of that. Food was great. Atmosphere is nice inside, especially at the bar. I tried a new spring menu item, Shrimp Salad with grilled papaya and its very pleasant. Super nice customer service. read more

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We had 2 starters, market vegetables and meatballs. Vegetables were great, meatballs were decent. Bf said hamburger was delicious, the fries more so -- I agree, since I kept sneaking them off his plate. I had the orecchiette which was fantastic and a generous portion, I ended up taking some home. Our server Guillermo was personable and fantastic, extremely attentive and provided excellent service. He told us there was a sister restaurant called Caroline's, which we'll try next time we're in the area. The star of the evening was the carrot cake. Bf inhaled it and allowed me one or two bites. I had the tiramisu mousse cake which was very rich, but I preferred the carrot cake! read more

Candor by Giuseppe - Carrot cake - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

Tried this place for the first time and we love it. Great, fresh ingredients and they are allergy friendly (GF/DF) with a lot of options. The ambiance is super chill and the service is fast and reliable. Thank you! read more

Candor by Giuseppe - Branzino and seafood stew! - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

10/10 Food Service Ambiance Professional from the sit down, our group ordered the clams linguini, roasted salmon, penne norma, one other I forget- All parties were pleased which is saying something bc of a couple of hardcore discerning foodies. Despite our fumbling motley crew, they made us feel welcome. An enjoyable relaxing meal-kid friendly Recommended! read more

The food was DELICIOUS. Very flavorful, great textures, cooked to perfection. And 10 stars to our fabulous server, Guillermo. We will be back for sure! read more

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We were treated like family by Matias from the moment we were seated. We had personable, attentive, and very informative attention. The recommendations were spot on, and the modifications we asked for (less spicy on one dish) were readily accommodated. We had the Roasted Branzino and Fisherman's Stew, with the marinated Shrimp Al Ajillo. We finished with a Carrot Cake and 2 Americans. It was all amazing in presentation, flavor, and texture. The ambiance was slightly diminished by being on a main road, but Sunday night even outside was a very nice relaxed, upscale vibe. read more

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One of the best lunches ever! The catch of the day was sea bass, cooked perfectly. It's great having staff that cares and is pleasant as well. Theior bread is amazing, oil and balsamic. The patio is pleasant as well, but it takes up much needed parking. read more

Candor by Giuseppe - Sea bass, safron cous cous, green beans. - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

Very attentive service. I had the poached chicken salad and I would have preferred a whole piece of protein rather than shredded because it was quite dry. Flavor was a bit lacking though the portion size was very generous. We sat outside which was nice for lunch. read more

Excellent food and impeccable service. Will return often. Stupid yelp wants this review to be 85 words.

Food was great, along with a personable waitress! Loved eating outside in the comfortable weather, too!

Exceptional service from Guillermo aka Mimo. Did not rush us, provided great recommendations and allowed for a nice pace between dishes. Nice place, tasty food and great / friendly/ professional staff. Great job Guillermo ! read more

Cute spot right in the heart of La Jolla. There's plenty of seating with indoor and outdoor options. Great place for a date or to enjoy good food and customer service. One of our favorites was the branzino but everything was great. read more

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Service is five stars - I had a work happy hour and Sophia and her team were so accommodating, even as I changed my group size a number of times. Happy Hour food and drinks deals are well priced. The wine was WOW, so good. My favorite bite was the shrimp al ajillo appetizer and the papas bravas. The dining/bar area is small but they have an open patio space with heaters that is pleasant. Check this place out - it's elevated but not stuffy. 5-star all around. read more

Yummy food, great cocktails and wine plus excellent service! I had short ribs and my husband had lamb parpadelle. Both were excellent. Wine recommendations were spot on. read more

Fun time here. Nice patio, big portions, pretty good food. Lots of vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and pescatarian options, with a lot of vegetable forward stuff. It was pretty quiet on a Sat. night and they started to fold up chairs at 8:30 - maybe more people come for breakfast and lunch? Servers were exceptionally nice. Our main server was a 30-something Latinx guy, very friendly. There was also a wonderful young woman with blue hair who brought some food and a young busser (high school?). My St Germantini was a fun change of pace (Cosmo-ish with St Germain). Not a big fan of the basil crystal rim, but a nice drink. I would not recommend the Hot & Crispy Tomato Bread. Their bread is great, but the tomatoes were not seasoned the best and eventually the bread got soggy. They have so many app choices I would recommend trying something else. I loved the Local Strawberry and Arugula Salad with beets and goat cheese. Delicious. Huge. Saved half to take home and it was a great lunch today. My sweetie had the Farmer's Market Salad and it looked fresh. He said it was good. I got the Salmon Burger as my entree. Also HUGE. Not a piece of seared salmon but a mashed seasoned salmon patty (like a crab cake), with french fries. This was way too much food! (it didn't mention French fries on the menu). But this was a good dish. Not what you'd think of as "farm to table" - definitely comfort food. But I liked it. The most annoying (but so annoying as to be almost funny) thing of the evening was not the restaurant's fault at all - there were an older couple on a double date that were unbelievably loud and stayed long after they were done to talk. The tables on the covered patio have more comfortable chairs than on the garden patio (though the garden patio is spacious and also has heaters). We stuck around thinking that they would have to leave soon since they were done eating - but it was almost an hour that they lingered, yelling across the table. I will share, since the woman was being loud enough for all to hear, that one was related to a certain Mexican Jewish real estate reality star in LA, and once she started to share family stories, at least that was good gossip. But yes, if you ever come here the same night as they do... sit far away LOL. The servers realized how loud they were and were offering to move us - but we just kept hoping they'd finish up! When they did, the one other table near us (some very chill guys) and us laughed and celebrated. AND we could finally hear the soundtrack, which was super chill (Isley Brothers and other cool stuff). So I'm glad we tried it out - just keep in mind that you're better spaced on the garden patio and hopefully you won't come here the same night as La U******y. read more

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Had a wonderful birthday experience in a great environment. A quaint interior that brings on a great vibe. Food has always been exceptional and this was no exception. Very attentive servers with pleasant attitudes. read more

Great service and great food! There is a strip of parking spots nearby so depending on the day/time parking isn't usually a big issue, especially compared to the prime cove area that tends to be more congested. The staff here is very friendly and all of our food was perfectly cooked. Very cute spot to eat!! read more

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Great, quick service. Food was awesome - I got the short rib. Drinks were good as well. It also wasn't incredibly expensive which was awesome. Overall good experience would go back and would recommend read more

Candor by Giuseppe - beef short ribs and spritz - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

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Love love love Candor! Absolutely the best scrumptious dishes! So fresh and well prepared,Wonderful service,so friendly and very professional.I love the ambiance, in doors or out, very comfortable atmosphere, I have even had them cater dinners for friends and family dinner parties, a wedding preparty and Thanksgiving and I am always thrilled with the presentation, service and the food is superb consistantly. I should admit I am a very fussy foodie !!!! Thanks Candor peeps, you never disappoint me! g read more

Was looking for a dinner spot before going to a show nearby. Wanted something new and fresh. Candor fit the bill for an early dinner and someplace I hadn't been before. There was only a single table occupied inside when we arrived and a larger group of 8 or so outside. We were greeted by the hostess upon entering and seated immediately. Grateful for allowing us to use a larger table for just the two of us. Colin was our server and he was great. Seemed like at some time or another everyone else working at the restaurant had helped out in one way or another. We started with the steamed mussels & clams. They're prepared in a garlic-wine broth, spices, chilis and chorizo sausage. Three words to describe this dish. UH-MAZ-ING! Get it. Dip the grilled bread in the broth and savor the flavor! For entrees we enjoyed the Grilled Salmon Nicoise Salad and the Lamb Pappardelle. Both were simply wonderful. Each bite was full of flavor while the entrees themselves were vastly different. As we dined, the restaurant slowly began to attract more and more guests. Many of which had reservations. Based on the number of staff they had on hand and the expanded patio seating into the parking lot, I'm sure they're quite busy during dinner hours. Definitely will return to try other menu options. Keep on Yelp'n! read more

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Delightful! Guillermo was lovely and the food was fantastic. The burrata appetizer was amazing.

I have known the owner, Giuseppe, since the early 90s... And I have loved his restaurants ever since. This used to be come on in, which I absolutely adored... But this restaurant is fantastic also! They have an amazing happy hour where the margarita flatbread is $10 instead of $17... I think it's the best flatbread I've ever had. So clean tasting and unique. What I think I like most about this place and experience, is the staff. Every single person that works here, takes such pride in their job, and they make you feel like you are in their home. I don't drink alcohol but they made me the best virgin margarita I have ever had. And I love the poached chicken that you can get on any salad. Again... So clean tasting... And even if you are on a diet, you absolutely must end your meal with a peanut butter cookie... theeee bessst!!! read more

Candor by Giuseppe - A side of poached chicken and the margarita flatbread - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

Lunch time I forgot to take pic of mussel but they were not the business small mussels hardly any meat and clams sauce was whatever the hit of the lunch was the Moroccan shrimp salad bomb !! I loved it read more

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Cute place in la jolla..the decor is well done. Service was great. Got a free slice of cake for ky bday. Had the eggplant starter and tomato bread with fresh garlic. So much diff flavours. I loved it. read more

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The strangely-named "Candor by Giuseppe" is located on thundering Torrey Pines Road, not far from the angled intersection with Girard. You will find it in one of those gray and white New-England-esque mini-malls that seem to proliferate on every corner of the La Jolla Village. What makes this mini-mall unique is that it not only houses Candor, but also an Indian restaurant, a high-end sushi restaurant and an order-from-the-counter café. Because each of the restaurants has claimed outdoor space for dining from the small parking lot, you will likely have to search for street parking, most likely around the corner on Girard. The interior of Candor by Giuseppe is surprisingly small. Everyone gravitated towards the outdoor seating. It also could be that because management kept the interior dining room as bright as a three-ring circus, lending a kitchen-like look that was not conducive to dining, it was not surprising customers avoided the interior in place of the outdoor seating. Service by Helena was pleasant and efficient. I ordered the Frascati from Lazio that was described on the wine list as being from "Giuseppe's home region". Helena was able to offer me several different wine glasses, since I prefer a large bowl for drama, even with a white wine. The only specials offered were a soup and the fish-of-the-day, a crispy sea bass served atop farro and chopped vegetables in a Salsa Romesco, which I ordered and enjoyed. I would appreciate a few more specials to show the restaurant is thinking and perhaps even shopping at the nearby weekend farmer's market for seasonal treasures. I was pleasantly-surprised to learn from Helena that Candor by Giuseppe had a full bar, It looked like a wine and beer kind of place with its mini-mall location. That permitted me to have an after-dinner Irish Coffee, served in a large Burgundy wine glass at my request. On the dessert menu, "Kahlua" was mis-spelled as "Kalhua". read more

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I do not understand the high ratings this restaurant is getting. Went there last night with my hubby and two friends. I found the food pretty disappointing. We ordered the rocky chicken, the short rib, the branzino, and the fish of the day - swordfish. The branzino was excellent as was the service. The chicken was way too salty and the portion was fairly small considering the price. The short rib was very fatty and totally flavorless. The asparagus were a tad undercooked and flavorless. The swordfish was over cooked as were the snap peas that came on the side. This place is not cheap and the food is pretty average. There are many better restaurants in La Jolla. Try Piatti. It's excellent. I will not be back to Canfor. read more

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Today, we had a fantastic 3 course dinner experience at Candor! The food was perfectly cooked and served. Dessert was worth much more than the extra calories! Their martinis and margaritas were experimental crafted. Outdoor seating was quite comfortable. And the service was not only friendly but on top of things. Shout out to our server Guillermo for doing such a great job. Highly recommend Candor. I would be happy go back anytime! read more

Made last minute dinner reservations, after a local friend recommended ,for a group of 4. Located in a little strip mall next to a sushi restaurant, with limited parking. Found street parking a block away. Arrived on time and given the option of indoor or outdoor seating. We opted for outdoor (they have heaters). Our group started with a round of cocktails. I had the Dirty-Flirty Germatini: gin, st germain, Cointreau, muddled raspberries, lime, sparkling rose float. A good cocktail before dinner. Our group ordered the Hot & Crispy Tomato Bread. I had a bite and it was ok. For my entree, I had the Giuseppe's Signature White Lasagna. Artichokes, spring peas, spinach, bechamel & parmigiano with an asparagus coulis. Presentation was great, but I found the dish rather bland. Finally, I had the affogato for dessert. This was delicious. Vanilla Bean gelato with a tasty espresso, whipped cream & chocolate shavings. Service was friendly and attentive. Perhaps, I ordered the wrong entree (my friend has NEVER steered me wrong when it comes to food). I'll have to give them another try. read more

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Outstanding, personable service by Matias. The fish stew was perfection! I use to live one block from this location and just discovered it today. I will definitely return! read more

Candor by Giuseppe - Savory fish stew! - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

Food was amazing. I had the short rib entree, tomato bread starter, and the tiramisu cake. My partner had the pesto gnocchi. All the food was terrific and filling. Our server, Guillermo, was very attentive and kind. We ate outside on the patio and it was beautiful and cozy. We look forward to coming back again soon! read more

We ordered our New Year's eve dinner from Candor and was very happy with our 4 course meal. We called the day before so they had to check to make sure they could still take our order so asked to give us a call back. We got a call back about an hour later to confirm they could take our order, but they ran out of caviar so that wouldn't be on the soup. No big deal for us! We gave a pick up time of 5:30PM and when we arrived they had a steady stream of takeout orders. Our dinner wasn't quite ready at 5:30PM; but we didn't have to wait too long, maybe 5-10 minutes. Everything was packaged nicely with the following items: -Lobster bisque (without the caviar) -Golden beet carpaccio & winter chicory salad -Slow braised beef short ribs (with polenta and veggies) -Butterscotch pannacotta -Side of bread Everything was delicious and we were so full, we couldn't eat everything. The lobster bisque came with a yuzu creme fraiche (packed separately), so we could add as much as we wanted to the bisque. It was a very smooth bisque (no lobster chunks) and tasted (and smelled) wonderful. I didn't realize that the salad had beets, but it worked really nicely with the apples, blue cheese, and walnuts. It was a refreshing second course before our main course. The short ribs were delicious and cooked perfectly. The polenta had corn kernals in each (which I thoroughly enjoyed) and the brussel sprouts and carrots were very good as well. My husband even said that he'd eat the veggies (and he rarely eats them)! For dessert, the butterscotch pannacotta was the perfect way to end the meal. It was pretty rich, so I couldn't eat all of it, but I also had a hard time stopping myself from eating so much. We really enjoyed our food and will likely get takeout from Candor more often. They use high quality, fresh ingredients and it was very easy ordering. We felt the pricing was very reasonable for NYE dinner as well. read more

Candor by Giuseppe - New Year's Eve 4 course dinner - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

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AMAZING FOOD AND SERVICE, the potatoes diablo where amazing the salmon on my salad was well executed and the service was great!