Those born under the zodiac sign Aries are often characterized by their enthusiastic energy, decisiveness, and adventurousness. They tend to jump into new projects feet-first, bringing a fiery passion to whatever they do.
That passion and energy is exactly what Aries, the new rooftop restaurant and lounge at Hotel La Jolla, hopes to bring when it opens on November 11.
Yes, it’s a little woo-woo, but the team behind Aries is living up to its namesake, striving to boldly reinvent the former Sea & Sky space it’s replacing. The seafood-focused restaurant already went through a major transformation in 2024, running through with three chefs since then: Juniper & Ivy alum Anthony Wells, followed by Ernest Lopez and Neil Dandekar, both of whom have worked their ways through renowned resorts like La Valencia Hotel, Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, and Carté Hotel San Diego Downtown.
Now, chef James Montejano (L’Auberge, Four Seasons, Japengo’s) is designing Aries’ culinary program with chef Luis Aguirre (La Valencia Hotel, Kettner Exchange), who will be the onsite chef handling the Pan-Pacific-inspired menu. The vibe will be part “European seaside resort glamour,” part “dynamic mix of dining, music and nightlife,” according to Alessandro Minutella, the restaurateur behind Copper Cowboy, Zama, and AKA with co-managing partner Giancarlo Guttilla.
“La Jolla has never had a shortage of beautiful places to dine. What it’s been missing is a little electricity,” says Alessandro Minutella in a release. “There’s an appetite for something more expressive here, something that embraces La Jolla’s sophistication while bringing a fresh sense of energy and excitement… that’s what we’re creating with Aries.”
Courtesy of Aries
The latest interior redesign is by Cassandra Builer at Huntress Decor (Sono, AKA, Roman Wolves), drawing references from European coastal cities like Saint-Tropez and Cannes. Gone are the wood floors and modern gold accents. Now, the tiled floor criss-crosses in a diagonal grid of cream, brown, and taupe, with geometric light fixtures glowing above soft rose booth seating strewn with blue, green, and off-white pillows. The dining room seats around 140 guests, and don’t worry—the fantastic view remains. (Pro tip: show up for golden hour for the best sunset sparkles over the Pacific.)
Minutella says Aries will offer daily lunch and dinner, plus weekend brunch and weekend evenings set aside for a more nightlife-oriented experience with live music and DJs à la Mykonos or Cabo. It’ll also handle the hotel’s food and beverage program, and will offer a private dining room for up to 80 people.
La Jolla is far from a nightlife destination. But with a shot of Aries energy, maybe the area will start to feel some of that fiery vitality.
Aries opens on the 11th floor of Hotel La Jolla (7955 La Jolla Shores Drive) on Wednesday, November 11.
Courtesy of Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events
Beth’s Bites
Hotel La Jolla isn’t the only place putting some pep in La Jolla’s step. On Friday, October 30, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is throwing its fifth annual Halloween party. “Spellbound,” the Practical Magic-themed witchy gathering runs from 6 p.m. until midnight and will provide food, a costume contest, and a full bar as well as a welcome cocktail and one drink ticket. To keep things magical (and legal), Spellbound is 21+.
Forget Person of the Year—Time Magazine named Excelsa Coffee Company’s climate-resilient coffee beans one of the best inventions of 2026. Grown to be both drought-tolerant and disease-resistant, this species of coffee bean may very well protect the future of coffee in a changing environment. Want to try it for yourself? Excelsa’s Ocean Beach coffee shop is open daily.
Nómada in Carlsbad’s Día de Muertos celebration won’t happen until Saturday, November 7, but will still bring the spirit of the holiday to the masses at its free, family-friendly event. From 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., guests can enjoy a mariachi band, traditional procession to an ofrenda, or even participate in a fashion runway to show off your best Catrina looks. Come hungry for chef/partner Alex Carballo’s special menu items available for one night only.
Listen Now: The Latest in San Diego’s Food and Drink Scene
Have breaking news, exciting scoops, or great stories about new San Diego restaurants or the city’s food scene? Send your pitches to [email protected].
Beth Demmon is an award-winning writer and podcaster whose work regularly appears in national outlets and San Diego Magazine. Her first book, The Beer Lover's Guide to Cider, is now available. Find out more on bethdemmon.com.
