Some meals are so extraordinary, and so life affirming, the memories will last a lifetime. For me, one of those meals happened to be in my beloved hometown of San Diego, California at Addison. The Michelin-starred signature restaurant at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Addison not only continues to serve as one of southern California’s most celebrated fine dining restaurants, but a culinary experience that has undoubtedly redefined hotel dining in the modern age.
Today, there’s no shortage of incredible restaurants to be found in San Diego. As the dining scene evolves, hotel restaurants have continued to command the attention of some of the most talented chefs in the industry.
On a recent visit to southern California, one such restaurant that should not to be missed is dinner and drinks on the terrace of VAGA Restaurant & Bar.
The signature restaurant at recently opened and utterly exquisite Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas, VAGA offers a bounty of rich and diverse California-inspired cooking. Helmed by Chef Claudette Zepeda, menu options continue to change with the season, however when available you can’t go wrong with the crispy roots and tender octopus served over a savory pistachio and pumpkin seed sauce.
The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch of dinner, but for something truly special, try and snag a reservation on the outdoor terrace. With views over the Pacific Ocean, it’s a great place to catch a sunset while enjoying a handcrafted Ponto Punch or local San Diego beer.
Executive chef Jeff Jackson leads the kitchen at The Lodge Torrey Pines, the home of A.R Valentien, long considered a favorite for special occasions by locals and visitors to the hotel.
Known for an exceptional farm to table dining concept, standout dishes include the Roman style Liberty Duck breast and confit leg, caramelized sea scallops and honey glazed heirloom carrots. For something a bit more casual, The Grill at Torrey Pines not only offers panoramic views over Torrey Pines Golf Course, but arguably the best ‘Drugstore Hamburger’ in town.
The new kid on the proverbial block to look out for, Seneca opened in August at the InterContinental Hotel in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Overlooking the bay and iconic San Diego skyline, the rooftop restaurant serves as an ode to traditional Roman cooking with a menu by Michelin-starred Chef Jason McLeod.
While the menu is focused on classic Italian cooking, the food draws much of its inspiration from the abundance of San Diego’s local seafood coupled with an array of pizzas, pastas and whole fish topped with artichoke hearts.
As far as setting, the space was designed by New York-based design firm AvroKO and was inspired by the nautical mess halls to foster a sense of community.
Up in Carlsbad, Park Hyatt Aviara underwent a massive $50-million renovation in 2020, including a total overhaul of their signature restaurant, Ember & Rye.
Today, the new iteration has given way to a modern-day country club steakhouse that, opened in partnership with critically acclaimed chef and restaurateur Richard Blais, is a more playful version from its former self.
Next month, guests of the hotel can check out a Curated at the Coast weekend October 15-17. Among some of the exclusive culinary experiences include a multi-course whiskey pairing dinner, as well as wine blending and tequila tasting classes.
Overlooking the golf club and 18-hole Arnold Palmer designed golf course, where Ember & Rye really shines is their snack bar including Caviar & Pancakes and Pimento Cheese “Master’s Edition,” along with a long list of prime cuts and catches from Arctic Char Flambadou to Japanese Wagyu Sirloin.
Whatever you do, don’t forget to order a one-of-a-kind Steak Cake (must be ordered in advance) for a guaranteed conversation starter and a memory that will be sure to last a lifetime.
