Spring is a season for new beginnings and this year signaled a new chapter for the long-revered penthouse level restaurant space located atop Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton. The crown jewel of a multi-million-dollar reimagination of the 50-year-old landmark property is newly opened Sea & Sky, an ocean-to-table restaurant offering upscale coastal cuisine with a spotlight on locally caught seafod. Sea & Sky is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey that marries breathtaking views with an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
A Scenic Escape
Perched atop the La Jolla Shores hotel, Sea & Sky offers panoramic vistas that are nothing short of spectacular. Guests are treated to sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the serene coastal skyline. No matter what seat in the house, every meal is accompanied by nature’s most stunning backdrop which frequently means a front row seat to San Diego’s famously breathtaking and photo worthy sun sets.
A New Look, A New Feel
The redesign of Sea & Sky has transformed the space into a modern haven of elegance and comfort. The interior exudes a coastal chic vibe, with a color palette inspired by the sea and sky for which the restaurant is named. Soft blues and sandy neutrals, paired with natural textures and contemporary furnishings, create an inviting atmosphere that is both stylish and relaxed. An expansive bar area immediately greets patrons, and newly enclosed show kitchen offers an exciting viewpoint to the artistry of Sea & Sky’s award-winning culinary team. For events and special occasion meals, an elegant private dining room features space for up to 20 with dedicated service and private wine cabinet with a selection of the restaurant’s most coveted labels.
Culinary Highlights
At Sea & Sky, the menu is a celebration of the finest local ingredients. The culinary masters behind Sea & Sky, led by the opening team of San Diego standouts Executive Chef Anthony Wells and Executive Sous Chef Bradley Chance have curated a selection of dishes that pay homage to the coastal location, with a focus on fresh, sustainable seafood, locally-sourced produce, and innovative flavor combinations.
Sea & Sky is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch, however nightly dinner service served with snaps of deeply hued sunsets from west-facing glass walls is undoubtedly the star. The menu offers a selection of starters including highlights including the Bone Marrow + Yellowfin, a creative interpretation of surf and turf served with salsa macha, pineapple pico, and warm flour tortillas; and the Dungeness Crab Cake surrounded by trout roe, green blueberry capers, and whole grain mustard.
Entrée selections include the Whole Pink Snapper, featuring G + D grilled oca, pistachio romesco sauce, and charred lemon; and Hokkaido Scallops with English peas, morel mushrooms, Koshihikari rice, and bacon dashi. While Sea & Sky’s menu celebrates the bounty of fresh seafood harvested by San Diego’s hardworking fisherman, carnivores will revel in the Dry Aged NY Strip Steak, a prime cut cooked to perfection, served with Weiser Farms Alaskan potatoes, horseradish bearnaise, and house made steak sauce. The menu will constantly rotate to showcase the freshest, most in-season ingredients.
For the ultimate in sweet endings, the restaurant features a variety of creative and beautifully presented desserts. Standouts include Chocolate Tart featuring salted caramel, dark chocolate ganache, and creme fraiche sorbet; or for a lighter option, the île Flottante combines delicate and refreshing Cara Cara anglaise, fresh citrus, and crispy sorrel meringue.
Sea & Sky at Hotel La Jolla invites guests to discover the magic of dining where the sea meets the sky. Breakfast is served daily from 7 – 11 a.m., and lunch takes place from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Weekend brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday, from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Dinner is served daily from 5 – 10 p.m. Reservations are not required but are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling 858-551-3600, or on www.opentable.com. For more information, visit www.seaandskylajolla.com.
