Aries brings rooftop dining and DJs to La Jolla
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New rooftop dining in La Jolla. Photo: Courtesy of Aries
A new restaurant is aiming to add more excitement to La Jolla's scene.
Driving the news: Aries just opened Wednesday on the 11th floor of Hotel La Jolla and will combine food, cocktails and live music with sweeping ocean views, co-managing partner Giancarlo Guttilla told Axios.
The big picture: Guttilla and restaurateur Alessandro Minutella, who also manage Zama and AKA in the Gaslamp Quarter, want to inject "a little electricity" into the seaside village, he said.
- They spent more than $1 million on the project, including renovating the restaurant and pool.
- It will fit about 140 guests, he said.
Flashback: Aries replaces the former hotel restaurant Sea & Sky, and the goal is to become a destination for locals, not just overnight guests.
- It also follows the trend of destination restaurants like Zuma opening within hotels.
š£ On the menu: Sushi, crudo and local seafood, with Mediterranean influences and dishes designed for sharing.
- Think birthday dinners and anniversary celebrations where everyone gets a bite, Guttilla said.
- Chef James Montejano helped develop the Pan-Pacific menu, while chef Luis Aguirre, whose experience includes La Valencia Hotel and Kettner Exchange, will oversee daily kitchen operations.
- The restaurant is now offering breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
Follow the money: It's not cheap, but it's also not exorbitant, with sushi rolls for about $25 and signature dishes in the $30 to $40 range.
The vibe: The design takes inspiration from Saint-Tropez and Cannes, using blush tones, ocean blues and marble accents to give the space a European seaside feel, Guttilla said.
After dark: Friday and Saturday evenings will feature DJs and live entertainment, from saxophonists and violinists to dancers.
- They're also planning monthly pool parties.
Context: There's no shortage of restaurants in La Jolla, many of them with ocean views. Guttilla said that's why the goal is to set Aries apart with its entertainment offerings.
- "La Jolla deserves a more unique dining experience," he said. "It's a great opportunity to come for food, but people are going to come back for the experience. That's what the people are going to remember."