San Diego’s culinary scene has just leveled up with the highly anticipated opening of À L’ouest in North Park. Taking over a beautiful corner spot at 30th Street and University Avenue, this modern French brasserie is the 13th restaurant – and most ambitious project to date – from Chef Brad Wise and the acclaimed Trust Restaurant Group.
À L’ouest – what’s on the menu?
Blending quintessential French traditions with the live-fire cooking techniques that Trust Restaurant Group is famous for, À L’ouest combines old-school charm with California sensibilities.
Chef Brad Wise’s menu is firmly rooted in classical French techniques, approached through a modern lens. The brasserie places a heavy emphasis on abundance with grand seafood towers from the raw bar and a classic charcuterie program. Just like in France, you’ll find house-made terrines, pâtés, and chicken liver mousse.
Here just a couple of standout dishes:
- Steak Frites: Taking a cue from their popular Rare Society steakhouses, guests can choose their own cut of steak, which is then finished with a decadent stock crafted from 3 types of peppercorns, Cognac, bone marrow, and sherry.
- French Onion Soup: The traditional soup gets a bold upgrade with a braised oxtail broth, Gruyère, Cooper Sharp cheese, and a housemade baguette crouton.
- French Onion Burger: Featuring beef fat aïoli, caramelized onions, crispy shallots, and a red wine sauce.
- Cold-Smoked Mussels: Trading traditional steaming for cold smoke, these mussels are layered with vadouvan aïoli and a sesame chili crunch.
Moreover, À L’ouest boasts the largest cocktail program Trust Restaurant Group has ever launched. A highlight is their Martini Service, which offers 5 variations built around the 5 basic tastes (sweet, salty, savory, bitter, and sour).
What’s the vibe at this band-new restaurant?
The space is designed to feel welcoming and “lived-in”. The corner windows blur the lines between indoors and outdoors, letting the energy of North Park flow into the dining room. Expect banquette seating, vintage-inspired artwork, and plenty of greenery.
For a more exclusive experience, À L’ouest also features a stunning jewel-box private dining room, with a glass floor and a sculptural chandelier.
Whether you’re looking to linger through the night with a flawless martini or indulge in a delicious Sunday brunch, À L’ouest is the brand new sophisticated, but energetic, dining destination you’re looking for.
