There’s no ambivalence towards bivalves. Slippery, savory, and sweet oysters trigger a gag reflex in some and moans of delight in others. (I happen to fall firmly in the second camp. Give me a seafood tower over a dessert cart any day.)

New Summer Menu at Sandpiper

Now Available. Sandpiper Wood-Fired Grill & Oysters—La Jolla Shores’ casual-cool oyster bar and restaurant—debuts a refreshed summer menu by executive chef Marty Fay. New additions include the smoked albacore dip (pictured) accompanied by “everything bagel” crackers, pickles and a soft boiled egg; swordfish schnitzel with German potato salad and marinated cucumbers; cod croquettes with bechamel and lemon aioli; and a panzanella salad with tomatoes, burrata, peaches and sourdough. See website for hours. 2259 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, 858.228.5655. sandpipersd.com

Often referred to as the “Jewell by the Sea”, the coastal community of La Jolla is known for its picturesque beaches and stately home.

La Jolla restaurant Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters has launched a new summer menu. Some of the plates include swordfish schnitzel with German potato salad and marinated cucumbers; panzanella with tomato, burrata, peaches and sourdough bread; croqueta de bacalao with cod, bechamel and lemon aioli; and albacore dip with smoked albacore, bagel crackers, soft boiled egg and pickles (above). Executive chef Marty Fay created the summer menu. 2259 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla. (858) 228-5655, sandpipersd.com

As the sister restaurant of La Jolla’s Georges at the Cove, this laid-back restaurant is the perfect spot to chill with friends after a day in the sand and share oysters from the raw bar or rosemary Parmesan fries dipped in jalapeño ranch. Grab a seat on the dog-friendly patio or head indoors for grilled favorites including octopus, prime rib, and cast-iron focaccia with honey ricotta. A smoky element takes flavors up a notch, with nearly every dish touching the wood-fired grill. Sunday brunch and happy hour (Sunday--Thursday, 4–5:30 pm; Friday and Saturday all day) are both on point, especially with tempting offers that include a dozen oysters on the house with any purchase of a bottle of Champagne.

The La Jolla Shores restaurant is seriously robust, offered from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with $4 off draft beer, wine, specialty cocktails, and well drinks and an extensive list of food that includes menu favorites like Baja fish tacos, smash burgers, steamed mussels, and crispy shrimp.

Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters, located just blocks from the beach, offers indoor dining, a dog-friendly patio, and a varied menu that includes fresh oysters, pasta, salads, and a wide selection of shareable plates.

We also talk general San Diego restaurant news: Hillcrest’s Dumplings n More is opening in Escondido, the owners of Las Hadas Bar & Grill in the Gaslamp are opening a new spot next door, and The Lodge at Torrey Pines is launching its Artisan Table Signature Wine Dinners with top California wineries starting June 20, featuring Silver Oak and OVID Wineries. It’s also re-launching its Playing with Fire outdoor grilling sessions, with guests like Drew Deckman, Chef Marty Fay with Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters and Pure Project Brewing, and many more.

Outdoor dining is offered on its covered front patio, but Sandpiper’s main dining room is also open air, cooled by ocean breezes coming in from the La Jolla Shores beach. The restaurant offers a robust happy hour, which runs Sundays through Thursdays from 4 p.m to 5:30 p.m. and all day on Fridays and Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with oysters, steamed mussels, fish tacos, and more on the menu.

The Amalfi Llama is debuting its first San Diego location at The Collection at UTC (second location after Miami) in March and adds to the live-fire scene (using wood instead of gas, a la Fort Oak, Sandpiper, Herb & Wood, etc.). Menu and ingredients are inspired by coastal cuisine from Patagonia to the Mediterranean. The large 7,000-square-foot space, with an outdoor patio, will let guests see their food cooked in real-time as the chefs use a live-fire grill and a wood-burning oven.

Holiday Desserts with Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters - Will be showcasing a variety of desserts and will provide at-home baking tips. Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters is the La Jolla Shores sister restaurant to George’s at the Cove and is led by Executive Chef Marty Fay. Sandpiper is open for Christmas Eve dinner from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m., featuring its standard menu along with wine selections from resident Advanced Sommelier Evan Vallee and specialty ‘Tis the Season Christmas cocktails. The restaurant is closed on Christmas Day.

Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters in La Jolla Shores features all-day Happy Hour on Fridays and Saturdays. From 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., it’s $4 off all wines by the glass, specialty cocktails, well drinks, and draft beers. Sandpiper’s signature Happy Hour offer of a free Dozen Oysters with the purchase of a bottle of Champagne is available for the duration of the day. Food specials include $4 Baja Fish Tacos, $8 Prime Rib Sliders, $10 House-Made Blue Corn Chips with guacamole and fresh salsa, and other discounted small plates and sandwiches. Happy Hour on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays is from 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Why This Seafood Place Is a Must Eat

Grill lovers will have a blast at Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters. Its use of wood-burning grills ensures that your meals are aromatic and flavorful. You can pair these delights with premium wines and featured cocktails. And it boasts modern and minimalist indoor and outdoor seating.

What to Order

Their Grilled Octopus is one of the top options for a satisfying dinner. It has avocado-bean-kale salad, habanero salsa, and lime vinaigrette. Order their Snake River Trout if you prefer tangy, spicy, and rich flavors.

The relaxed La Jolla Shores relation of George’s at the Cove recently introduced a new all-day happy hour running from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays when wines by the glass, specialty cocktails, well drinks, and draft beer are $4 off and food specials include $4 Baja fish tacos and $8 prime rib sliders along with its signature offer of a free dozen oysters with the purchase of a bottle of Champagne.

Sandpiper Wood Fire Grill & Oysters is swapping out its standard dinner service on Sunday, Sept. 17, for a family-style, all-you-can-eat steamed Maryland blue crab fest.