INSIDER’S » TIP

Everybody has to eat some time, even the Nobel-award winning scientists and acclaimed academics at San Diego’s research centers and universities. Some institutional cafeterias and restaurants open to the public rival the views and cuisine at neighborhood hot spots. THE SALK CAFE at the architecturally stunning Salk Institute for Biological Studies overlooking the open sea offers a daily lunch menu aimed at pleasing a polyglot assemblage, with Indian, Asian, Vegan and good old American burgers priced for student budgets.

CAROLINE’S SEASIDE CAFE at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography serves up blueberry pancakes, sandwiches, salads and enchiladas overlooking La Jolla Shores and research vessels moored by the Scripps Pier. Wild canyons and Mission Bay provide the backdrop for the University of San Diego’s

LA GRAN TERRAZA’S elegant

GRAND DINING ROOM. Business dress is in order inside, but the terrace is more casual and the $15 buffet lunch is a steal, while the Wednesday night Prime Rib buffet fuels hungry students when the parents are around.