Crab Catcher in La Jolla, California: A Restaurant Review

Perched above the beach in trendy La Jolla, California, just north of San Diego, the Crab Catcher offers a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean. Oh, and the food is good, too.

Located on the north end of Prospect Avenue, the Crab Catcher is easy to find unless you are driving toward the ocean at sunset. Then, like me, you'll be temporarily blinded and pass up the convenient parking underneath (parking is validated). Never fear, there are more lots a few blocks away in La Jolla's downtown.

Diners can enter through the Prospect Street or from the parking garage below. There is ample indoor seating, or if space is available and weather permitting, ask for a table on the outside terrace.

The Crab Catcher is well known for its seafood. In fact, there are so many fantastic menu choices and the diner is guaranteed to drool over each description. Making a final choice is difficult.

There are various standards on the appetizer menu, including calamari ($12), ahi Napoleon ($16), crab bisque ($12) and clam chowder ($10). Day fresh oysters can also be found ($12 half dozen; $18 dozen), with the varieties shifting with the arrival of new shellfish, and there is also a sushi bar. There are various prawn and shrimp dishes, including fire shrimp, Macadamia prawns and prawns poached in Old Bay spices (all $14) to choose from.

The crab appetizers include a crab stuffed mushroom ($10), crab cakes ($14), crab cerviche ($15) and Dungeness crab claws (market price) just to name a few.

The entrée menu is a continuation of all things from the sea. Maine lobster is available, as is the local California spiny lobster when in season during the fall and winter (both market price). Diver scallops ($36) are presented in a parsnip puree. There is also a fine looking cioppino ($38) and a lobster pasta ($40) that sounds so heavenly, it's on my list for next time.

For the meat eater, various steak cuts are available, including top sirloin ($36) and filet mignon ($40). Short ribs ($34), grilled chicken ($27) and lamb chops ($38) are also on the menu.

A diner can come here for many menu items and not be disappointed, but keep in mind the signature dish at the Crab Catcher is the Bering Sea Alaskan king crab legs (market price). I'm generally not a king crab fan - too messy to eat in public and not as tasty as lobster - and tend to stick to blue crab or Dungeness claws when in season. However, our waiter talked up the crab legs as being sweeter, denser and so much better than king crab legs. His enthusiasm convinced us to give it a try.

Served atop roasted vegetables and scored for easy access, the crab legs arrived beautifully presented. True to our waiter's promise, the one and a half pounds of crab were mouth wateringly delicious. The texture of the crab was meaty, just slightly salty and tasty. The crab stands alone. Although accompanied with butter, none is needed.

We decided on two dessert items, one chocolate-covered fresh strawberries and the other crème brulee. The strawberries won the taste test hands down. Artfully presented, they were drenched in both dark and white chocolate and the strawberries were fresh and bursting with flavor. While the crème brulee was nicely creamy, garnished with mint and blueberries and the portion huge, there was a little too much caramel on top.

The Crab Catcher has a decent wine list covering all price points. There is a full bar and an amazing array of martini choices as well.

Reservations are strongly recommended. The Crab Catcher is a popular destination and the likelihood of a chance opening is slim.

Crab Catcher

1298 Prospect Street

La Jolla, California 92037

858-454-9587

www.crabcatcher.com