The Place
The Living Room brand has operated in San Diego since Thanksgiving 1991, when founder Sam Azzu launched the original location in the College Area. The La Jolla outpost arrived in 1993 and spent three decades as a Prospect Street anchor before closing and reopening in a vastly larger format — roughly 10,000 square feet, quadrupling the prior footprint. The expanded space pushes the concept well past a standard coffee counter. A full kitchen now turns out wood-fired pizzas, pastas, appetizers, and house-made gelato, positioning the operation closer to a European-style brasserie that happens to pull espresso. The menu straddles daytime cafe and evening destination without committing fully to either, which is either flexibility or identity diffusion depending on the visit. Nightlife is the newest bet. A speakeasy-inspired lounge area leans whiskey-heavy and hosts live jazz and open-mic nights — a deliberate play for after-dark foot traffic on a strip that historically quiets down early. Indoor and outdoor seating fills out an eclectic, warm interior designed for long stays. Azzu has described the original concept as a cultural gathering point that drew an international crowd nightly. The La Jolla relaunch is testing whether that community-hub identity scales with a much bigger room and a much broader menu.
"Straddling daytime cafe and evening destination — either flexibility or identity diffusion, depending on the visit."
Known For
- Quiche Lorraine — standout items like Quiche Lorraine (wanderlog.com)
- Chai Tea Latte — “Their chai tea latte is definitely the star here, rich and flavorful, one of the best I’ve had in...” (wanderlog.com)
- standout Mediterranean and Middle Eastern options — with standout Mediterranean and Middle Eastern options (www.airial.travel)
- Exclusive Coverage — “We pound the pavement for our exclusive coverage” (www.sandiegoville.com)
The Vibe
"laid-back"
Good For
- Relaxing
- People-watching
- Study spot
- Students
- Community
- Studious students
- Business people on the run
- Residents
Recognition
- Travelers’ Choice award (www.tripadvisor.com)
- Ranked #10 of 64 Quick Bites in La Jolla (www.tripadvisor.com)