Hours:

Mon.: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tue. to Fri.: 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sat. to Sun.: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location:

2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr.

La Jolla, CA 92037

Price: $$

Rating: 4/5

Bella Vista Caffe — Italian for “Beautiful View Cafe” — certainly lives up to its name.

A few minutes from the cliff overlooking Black’s Beach, the second-story restaurant provides an idyllic view of the San Diego seascape.

Of course, one usually visits an eatery to eat —and food is something that Bella Vista Caffe understands well enough. Bella Vista serves a broad array of Italian dishes with a little French mixed in. The brunch menu includes bagels, omelets, quiches and pastas. Later in the day, Bella Vista serves a far wider selection. Appetizers range from the classic caprese salad to “El Ceviche,” an exotic combination of shrimp, tomato, cucumber, onion, cilantro and lime juice. The full scope of Italian food is represented in the entrees: salads, pastas, meats and seafood. Between salads, pastas and omelets, vegetarians have a number of options too. Of course, no Italian restaurant is complete without a tiramisu — the dessert menu is full of familiar Italian sweets. Visitors can expect to pay around $10 for breakfast and lunch and between $10 and $18 for dinner.

The Quiche Lorraine ($8.25) is a hearty slice of eggs, onions and ham, baked in a crust. The buttery, flaky crust complimented the zesty mixture of pancetta and onion. The Farmer’s Omelette ($6.95), while pleasing, did not manage to elevate itself from a standard mixture of Swiss, mushroom, spinach and tomato. A side of salad and a few slices of fresh fruit accompanied the dishes, and a creamy vinaigrette was also served on the side. The portions were substantial but not overbearing. The tiramisu was a delectable conclusion to the meal.

Midway between UCSD and the cliffs, Bella Vista Caffe is a fairly convenient stroll from the Village. Most of the seating lies on the patio outside, but tables exist indoors in case of inclement weather. It’s a nice place to sit and chat; the open air allows for easy conversation.

All in all, Bella Vista Caffe offers delicious fare for cautious and intrepid eaters alike. The moderately priced food might preclude frequent visits, but it’s worth visiting on occasion. And of course, the view is beautiful.