Change is hard, especially after 32 years. California Pizza Kitchen has been a stalwart spot on South Highway 101 since 1992 and will close up shop at the end of this week for good.
But Solana Beach goers need not lament for too long. A new concept called Lana is coming to the beachside location in February 2025. (Lana, So-LANA… get it?)
Mark Wheadon and Travis LeGrand are the partners behind Lana. Locally, LeGrand has worked at The Marine Room, Waypoint Public, Herringbone, and Oceanaire, while Wheadon (who also is a Level 2 Sommelier) has worked for Robert Redford, the Tree Room at Sundance Resort, The Avalon in Beverly Hills, Ruth’s Chris, The Riverhorse in Park City, and Crescent Heights in San Diego. LeGrand will serve as the restaurant’s general manager while Wheadon will oversee wine and beverage operations.
The menu will focus on local and coastal cuisine, with influences from Southern California, Baja California, and Asia. “Lana will provide an upscale yet approachable dining experience for dinner and weekend brunch service,” says Wheadon, adding they’re still searching for a chef.
Megan Power at Workind Studio (formerly of Basile Studio) is handling the design of the space, which Wheadon says will be “coastal vintage-luxe setting” utilizing clean lines and a “wow factor” that’s lively, but comfortable for guests to feel fully immersed in the space. Power is also behind the design for both the upcoming Puffer Malarkey Collective restaurant Le Coq, and 31Thirtyone by Drew Deckman.
Having lived in Solana Beach for 10 years, Wheadon feels it’s the ideal location to open a “true neighborhood place.” But above all, he wants to provide a respite from the busyness of life. “Our goal is to make each guest feel consummately taken care of, so they can leave the stress of their day at the door,” he says.
Lana will land at 437 South Highway 101 in February 2025.
San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events
Now Open: Trattoria Da Sofia in Kensington
Once home to Cucina Sorella and Kensington Grill, 4055 Adams Avenue is now Trattoria Da Sofia, an Italian eatery open daily from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The minds behind the trattoria come from Sicily, Mexico City, and San Diego, and have put together a menu that includes favorites like bruschetta, lasagna, beef carpaccio, spaghetti al pomodoro, and plenty of wine and cocktails.
Coming Soon: Pizza by Aromi in La Mesa
Known for its tableside cheese wheel pasta, Aromi is expanding to the suite next door to add Pizza by Aromi sometime during summer 2024. Expect more Sicilian-inspired plates, wood-fired pizzas, and cheese imported straight from Italy.
Beth’s Bites
First came Encinitas, then Gaslamp, and now Pacific Beach. Union Kitchen & Tap opened its third location on March 26 on Garnet Avenue, slinging the same faves like shrimp and grits, Molly’s homemade carrot cake, and, of course, brunch classics like chicken and waffles and their short rib breakfast burrito.
Leonardo Landini of Landini’s Pizzeria also plans to bring another concept to PB at 1520 Garnet Avenue, tentatively named Chaparral, later this year.
North Park’s The Seventh House is closed for remodeling, a.k.a. transforming into Cacio e Pepe Trattoria Romana (yes, it’s the third Italian concept I mentioned today) and a new speakeasy. It’s opening tomorrow. Surprise!
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