Two New Restaurants Will Open This Spring at Westfield UTC
This spring, the culinary landscape of San Diego is set to expand with the arrival of two exciting new restaurants at the Westfield UTC shopping center. Both establishments promise to offer unique dining experiences that cater to a variety of tastes, making them must-visit spots for food enthusiasts.
Joey Restaurants: A Taste of Canada in San Diego
First up is Joey Restaurants, a popular casual dining chain hailing from British Columbia. Set to open its doors on April 23, this will be the first location in San Diego County. Spanning an impressive 10,600 square feet, the restaurant will be overseen by executive chef Matthew Stowe, who is dedicated to crafting a globally inspired menu. Diners can look forward to an array of fresh seafood, succulent steaks, nigiri, pasta, sandwiches, and shareable plates, all designed to tantalize the taste buds.
In addition to the diverse food offerings, Joey Restaurants will feature a well-curated selection of cocktails, wine, and beer, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. For those eager to get a sneak peek, a soft opening will take place from April 18 to 22 at 4489 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 1600. For more information, visit joeyrestaurants.com.
Telefèric Barcelona: A Spanish Culinary Journey
Joining Joey Restaurants is Telefèric Barcelona, a family-owned restaurant brand that originated in Spain and is now based in Palo Alto. Known for its authentic Spanish cuisine, Telefèric will open its first San Diego location this spring at 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite E-25. With ten existing locations across California, Arizona, and Spain, the restaurant specializes in traditional Spanish dishes, including pintxos—bite-sized appetizers—and paellas, alongside an impressive selection of over 100 Spanish wines.
The name “Telefèric,” which translates to “cable car” in Catalan, reflects the restaurant’s commitment to transporting diners to the heart of Spain through its culinary offerings. For more details, check out telefericbarcelona.com.
Ice Cream for Good: Scoop San Diego Partners with Local Charity
In addition to the new restaurant openings, Scoop San Diego is making headlines by partnering with the local hunger charity Feeding San Diego. The eighth annual Scoop ice cream festival is set to return on June 28 in North Park, with tickets going on sale soon at scoopsandiego.org. As part of this initiative, Scoop is collaborating with Megan Knoll’s artisan ice cream shop Little Fox Cups and Cones in Oceanside. From now until April 12, customers can donate to Feeding San Diego in exchange for a scoop of Knoll’s limited-time orange creamsicle flavor, made with tangelo cream and served in an orange waffle cone.
Michelin-Starred Experiences: Special Dinners on April 17
Food lovers will also want to mark their calendars for April 17, when two North County Michelin-starred restaurants are hosting special dinners. Valle in Oceanside will present the Fiestival de Puebla, a multicourse dinner featuring optional tequila pairings that celebrate the rich cuisine of Puebla, Mexico. Chef Roberto Alcocer will collaborate with his friend Chef Daniel Romero for this event, with prices starting at $239.
Meanwhile, Lilo restaurant in Carlsbad will celebrate its first anniversary with a multicourse meal prepared by executive chef Eric Bost and three local chef friends. This exclusive dinner is priced at $438 and promises to be a culinary highlight of the evening.
The Haven Pizzeria Revamps with New Offerings
In Kensington, The Haven Pizzeria has recently undergone a transformation, unveiling a redesigned dining room along with a fresh lineup of spring dishes and cocktails. The 13-year-old establishment now features seasonal offerings such as a burrata and beet salad, salmone, shrimp poblano pasta, and a guava margarita. For more information, visit 4051 Adams Ave., San Diego. thehavenpizzeria.com.
Wine Spectator’s Grand Tour: A Must-Attend Event
Wine enthusiasts will not want to miss the Grand Tour hosted by Wine Spectator magazine on April 25. This large-scale event will allow attendees to sample over 200 top-rated wines from around the globe, all rated at 90 points or higher. The event will take place from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Gaylord Convention Center in Chula Vista, with tickets priced at $250 for general admission. A special $100 ticket is available for guests aged 21-30.
Lucien Introduces New Menu Options
In La Jolla Village, Lucien, the fine-dining restaurant known for its exquisite 12-course tasting menu, has introduced a new 6-course option for those with lighter appetites. Both menus feature standout dishes such as Santa Barbara uni with hen egg and caviar and La Jolla yellowtail with chile morita. Additionally, chef-owner Elijah Arizmendi will host a one-night wine dinner featuring pairings from Pride Mountain Vineyards on Wednesday, priced at $375.
Pastaria Vivi: A New Italian Gem
On April 11, Encinitas will welcome Pastaria Vivi, the first brick-and-mortar location for chefs Brandon Jennings, William Treff, and Harrison Axelrod. Known for their handmade Northern Italian-style pastas, the restaurant will offer up to 75 combinations of pasta and sauces, available for dine-in or takeout. The establishment will also feature artisan gelato, imported wines, and a unique pasta subscription box service.
Cloak & Petal Expands with a Coffee Shop
Lastly, the stylish Little Italy restaurant Cloak & Petal is set to open a coffee shop called Black Mizu Café this summer. Featuring coffee made from North Park’s Torque Coffee, the café will also offer a limited food menu. Executive chef Robert Cassidy plans to introduce a Japanese/Pacific Rim-themed brunch menu in the fall, making it a versatile addition to the culinary scene.
