Hawaiian-inspired fare with two levels of outdoor seating and ocean views

Anytime we have visitors, I always take them to Duke's in La Jolla.  I have never been disappointed.  There are two floors of seating with views of the ocean, seaside cliffs and mountains.  On a clear day, you can see Catalina Island in the far distance. If you plan to come to Duke's, certainly come before sunset and I suggest to make reservations in advance.  For lunch and dinner, upstairs is usually more open seating with bar fare while the traditional menu is served downstairs.  While Duke's is not technically a local restaurant, it does have the look and feel of one of our home grown establishments.  Duke's actually got started in Hawaii where they have three locations.  The other three locations are in southern California with one in Huntington Beach, one in Malibu and the one in La Jolla.  They also own and operate Jake's in Del Mar - also a great location for good food and ocean views.  I'll be sure to feature that one soon on this site.  

When I come for dinner I usually get something different each time.  I always listen to their specials to see what is the fresh catch of the day, but the Roasted Duke's Fish is one of my favorites.  It comes with a basil lemon glaze, pomegranate vinaigrette, roasted asparagus and herbed jasmine farro rice.  I also like the Sautéed Macadamia Nut & Herb Crusted Fish.  The fish changes regularly, but it is always dusted with parmesan & panko and served with lemon caper butter, herbed jasmine farro rice and broccolini.  I'm not a broccoli fan, but this dish is too good to pass up because of that.  While I usually stick with the seafood, some of our guests have had the Prime Sirloin and Filet Mignon which they really enjoyed.  For lunch, I think we've tried all of their salads which we've enjoyed.  Our guest favorites have the been the Arugula & Farro Salad that comes with roasted vegetables, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta, basil and lemon vinaigrette.  

Well, if you don't know by now I'm a margarita person, so I usually get the Prospect Margarita.  Named for street which Dukes is on in La Jolla, it comes with Dobel Diamante Tequila, lime, house made sour, Grand Marnier and a black salt rim which will wind up all over my face every time. I have to say, it is a consistently good margarita every time I come.  I also like the Duke's Mai Tai as well if you're looking for more of a traditional drink to go with your Hawaiian food.  

If there is anything I love more than a margarita, it is ice cream.  And Dukes has this one down!  While there are other options such Key Lime Pie or Chocolate Cake - you cannot come to Dukes without getting a Hula Pie!  It's a huge piece of macadamia nut ice cream pie with hot fudge, toasted mac nuts and whipped cream on a chocolate cookie crust.  It is to die for! It's huge piece so you can share with everyone at  your table or get a couple if you are with a big party.  And they usually have a Twist on the Classic Hula Pie that varies from night to night.  My favorite was when they made it with coconut ice cream.  Let me know if you go, and they are serving it with coconut ice cream and I'll be on the next Uber there!