Some meals are meant for food trucks, markets stops, and that hole-in-the-wall authentic vibe. Others call for dressing up, treating yourself, and taking in a special occasion. The best news? San Diego excels in both – and when it comes to the latter, La Jolla’s very own LUCIEN even made the nation’s top 21 most beautiful new restaurants, according to the Robb Report.
LUCIEN, a wonderful new addition to the city
As the article puts it, LUCIEN has a 2 distinctive personalities under one roof. The first thing you’ll notice is a space that reminds you of a classic courtyard bar – picture wood, stone, and earthy tones. Walk on to discover a dark dining room, inspired by La Jolla’s beautiful caves. And here’s the best part – from there, you can peek into the kitchen and see chef Elijah Arizmendi working his magic.
LUCIEN’s story
LUCIEN brings an exclusive fine dining experience to downtown La Jolla. Led by Chef Elijah Arizmendi (of Per Se, Robuchon, and Restaurant Daniel), this 30-seat only venue offers a 10+ course tasting menu. Expect dishes and flavors that redefine Californian cuisine, with the best seasonal ingredients. The menu honors local producers through a masterful combination of modern and traditional cooking styles.
What’s on the menu?
The menu is constantly changing and evolving, as you would expect from a restaurant that serves seasonal tasting menus only. Previously, we’ve seen dishes such as:
- Assortment of California shellfish and seaweed, served with oyster ice-cream
- Masami Ranch Ribeye, served with glazed radicchio and parsley purée
- Tilefish with a mosaic of tomatoes: fresh tomatoes, tomato concassé, tomato sabayon, tomato petal demi-sec, and a tomato broth cappuccino (this was on their summer menu)
- A sweet potato mousse topped with uni ice cream, mushroom gelée, nori and crisp sweet potato chips
- Bartlett pears from Riverside County, poached in red wine and warm spices, served with pear confiture, Koshihikari riz au lait, and sake-kasu ice cream
If you’re looking for a quick (but delightful) bite with a drink, LUCIEN is also serving a refined cheese platter and a couple of rotating bites from the tasting menu at the bar. No reservations are needed here.
So, next time you’re looking for the perfect spot for that very special date, birthday, or occasion, consider La Jolla’s brand-new spot – it mixes unique flavors, an impressive design, and that local touch we all seek.