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Teleféric Barcelona in La Jolla wants its tapas to take you to Spain without a passport.

Dig in: The new restaurant opened at Westfield UTC this month, the latest addition to San Diego's growing fine dining scene at local malls.

Teleféric founder and CEO Xavi Padrosa isn't a big fan of shopping malls, but the upscale vibe and rooftop patio here sold him, he told Axios.

🥘 Best bites: You'll be scraping every bit of socarrat (the crispy, caramelized rice at the bottom of the pan) from the cooked-to-order paella with lobster, shrimp and octopus.

Share the crab croquetas topped with tuna sashimi, and the Iberian ham with toasted pan con tomate with chorizo butter.

For dessert, get the torrija créme brûlée toast that's an original family recipe.

🍷Sip on a sangria flight or floral gin and tonics.

The vibe: Enjoy tapas and drinks with friends on the plant-filled patio at sunset or at a table inside the lively, coastal chic dining room.

Restaurant patio with wicker chandeliers hanging from a wooden ceiling; diners at tables among palms, with a blue sky visible through a lattice structure.

Vibes on the patio. Photo: Kate Murphy/Axios

Four-panel collage of a modern restaurant: exterior with teleferic sign and plants; bright dining/bar space with pendant lamps; warm wood dining hall; green-tiled bathroom with round mirrors.

A look inside Teleféric Barcelona in La Jolla. Photos: Courtesy of Teleféric

Teleféric Barcelona brings Spanish tapas to La Jolla

The new restaurant adds to San Diego malls' growing upscale dining scene.

Outdoor restaurant scene with a large pan of seafood paella in the foreground, lemon wedges, and a bright red-orange cocktail on the table. Diners sit on wicker chairs among lush green plants as staff move in the background.

Can't go wrong with lobster paella and a citrusy mocktail on a summer night. Photo: Kate Murphy/Axios

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Teleféric Barcelona" data-vars-click-url="https://www.telefericbarcelona.com/lajolla" data-vars-content-id="27d2776a-c59c-41c0-938f-7581e9ed9a40" data-vars-headline="Teleféric Barcelona brings Spanish tapas to La Jolla" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.telefericbarcelona.com/lajolla" target="_blank">Teleféric Barcelona</a> in La Jolla wants its tapas to take you to Spain without a passport.Dig in: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new restaurant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/30/new-san-diego-restaurants-bars-cafes-open-june-2026" data-vars-content-id="27d2776a-c59c-41c0-938f-7581e9ed9a40" data-vars-headline="Teleféric Barcelona brings Spanish tapas to La Jolla" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/30/new-san-diego-restaurants-bars-cafes-open-june-2026" target="_self">new restaurant</a> opened at Westfield UTC this month, the latest addition to San Diego&#x27;s growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fine dining scene at local malls" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/05/san-diego-malls-restaurants-utc-fashion-valley-foot-traffic" data-vars-content-id="27d2776a-c59c-41c0-938f-7581e9ed9a40" data-vars-headline="Teleféric Barcelona brings Spanish tapas to La Jolla" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/05/san-diego-malls-restaurants-utc-fashion-valley-foot-traffic" target="_self">fine dining scene at local malls</a>.

Food and Drink

Once Comic-Con has cleared out, Pickleball will take over Gaslamp every Thursday night for the rest of the summer.

The big picture: The six-week urban pickleball series is even bigger this year, turning five blocks of Fifth Avenue into 13 courts.

"You're coming down to play in the streets, not a pristine court. It's a gritty, cool urban feel," Gaslamp Quarter Association executive director Michael Trimble tells Axios.

How it works: The games are ladder-style, like king of the hill, with the winners moving up and collecting points each round. You play to 11, or a 12-minute game, and then change courts.

If you make it to the top court, you can stay for only three games before cycling back through with a different partner. But you keep your points, which can earn prizes like a new paddle or bag.

Come with a partner or make a new friend, and you'll be paired to play against teams with similar skill levels, from beginner to expert.

The vibe: This year, there's a Zero-Proof Garden, a new outdoor social lounge with nonalcoholic beer, kombucha and wellness drinks.

They've also added a market with athletic apparel, pickleball gear, wellness products, healthy snacks and giveaways from local vendors.

A DJ will be bringing the energy, and you can get "Paddle Hour" food and drink specials at nearby restaurants and bars.

If you go: Play every Thursday from July 30 to Sept. 3 from 4pm to sunset. It's $45 per player.

Bring your own paddle, but there will be some to rent.

The courts are on Fifth Avenue between Market and K Street.

Get your tickets early because the event sold out last year.

State of play: The pickleball craze may be cooling off nationally — especially with padel gaining steam — but the recreational sport is still hot in San Diego.

We have more courts than any other city in California, and local facilities host pro tournaments throughout the year.

Urban pickleball returns to downtown San Diego streets

Fifth Avenue becomes 13 pickleball courts with DJs, a social lounge and wellness vendors.

Street converted to a pickleball court with nets; players in athletic wear hold paddles as spectators line the urban plaza, palm trees, banners, and a glass-curved building in the background.

Grab a paddle and try a new way to socialize downtown during happy hour. Photo: Courtesy of Gaslamp Quarter Association

Once Comic-Con has cleared out, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pickleball" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2023/07/28/san-diego-pickleball-courts-per-capita" data-vars-content-id="47a6df84-c921-44e7-a8a7-d42bee93b841" data-vars-headline="Urban pickleball returns to downtown San Diego streets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2023/07/28/san-diego-pickleball-courts-per-capita" target="_self">Pickleball</a> will take over Gaslamp every Thursday night for the rest of the summer.The big picture: The six-week <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="urban pickleball series" data-vars-click-url="https://gaslamp.org/news/gaslamp-urban-pickleball/" data-vars-content-id="47a6df84-c921-44e7-a8a7-d42bee93b841" data-vars-headline="Urban pickleball returns to downtown San Diego streets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gaslamp.org/news/gaslamp-urban-pickleball/" target="_blank">urban pickleball series</a> is even bigger this year, turning five blocks of Fifth Avenue into 13 courts.

Things to Do

Sports

Late-night Uber and Lyft pickups won't be happening on Fifth Avenue in Gaslamp anymore. They're now restricted to certain areas in downtown San Diego.

Why it matters: The new designated rideshare locations are meant to ease traffic and the scramble to find your ride on busy nights.

They arrived just in time for Comic-Con crowds.

Driving the news: Starting Friday, Uber and Lyft won't be able to pick up riders on Fifth Avenue between Market and E streets from 10pm-3am on weekend nights.

You'll have to go to one of 14 pickup zones nearby.

It will "help reduce large crowds, congestion and violence we are seeing at closing time," police chief Scott Wahl said in a statement.

Yes, but: It's only for pickups, so you can still get dropped off on Fifth Avenue.

Zoom in: Look for painted curbs and new signs identifying the areas along Fourth, Sixth, and Seventh Avenues and E, F, G, and Market Streets.

San Diego restricts rideshare pickups in Gaslamp

The new zones restrict pickups along 5th Avenue downtown on weekends.

Map of a city grid with orange pins labeled 1 to 14, a red highlighted rectangle along E Street, F Street, and Sixth Avenue, a compass rose, and a list of blocks on the right.

The new designated rideshare pickup locations in Gaslamp. Map: City of San Diego

Late-night Uber and Lyft pickups won&#x27;t be happening on Fifth Avenue in Gaslamp anymore. They&#x27;re now restricted to certain areas in downtown San Diego.Why it matters: The new designated rideshare locations are meant to ease traffic and the scramble to find your ride on busy nights.<ul><li>They arrived just in time for Comic-Con crowds.</li></ul>

News

Transit

Since Waymo's arrival in San Diego is imminent, we asked if you'd ever ride in one of the driverless cars, and boy, did you have opinions.

The big picture: Some of you can't wait to hop in and ride with no one behind the wheel. Others say never in a million years.

Catch up quick: Waymo has been testing its autonomous vehicles with drivers locally for more than a year, but now cars are zipping around town without a human behind the wheel.

Right now only Alphabet employees, including those working for Waymo and Google, can get rides.

It'll expand to the public, but the company isn't saying when that'll happen.

So would you ride in one? Some of you have already used them and can't wait for their arrival in San Diego.

✅ "Riding inside the Waymo was nice because we could control the A/C & music, and because there was no risk of awkward or uncomfortable interactions with drivers. Bonus points for no need to tip!" — Justin C.

🚀 "I am fully supportive of Waymo coming to San Diego. I used Waymo in San Francisco. What a great experience. Safe and easy. Waymo is the epitome of progress and we should not allow local naysayers to get in the way!" — Matt J.

🙌 "If I go to a city that has access to it, I will always ride Waymos. No more awkward conversations or overly air-freshener Ubers. The only annoying part is how it drops you off in a busy area sometimes. Difficult to just jump out like you can in an Uber." — Matt H.

🔮 "After riding in multiple Waymo cars, both in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, I will tell you that the future is here, like it or not." — Mark C.

But some of you are concerned about job losses and safety.

👥 "I truly like humans, even some of the obnoxious ones. Automation is taking away jobs, and I choose to support those drivers." — Robin E.

💔 "I am concerned about all the people who have found a way to make a small living and also those who use driving as a side gig when they need extra cash … I also consider that some of my most interesting and enlightening conversations have been with the drivers of various backgrounds. Now those interactions will be lost!" — Ann L.

🚫 "No way in hell will I ever be in a Waymo. I see no need for this form of transportation. It takes jobs from humans and the people who NEED to be drivers to make a little money in this lousy economy. I'll never use one and I hate seeing them in our city." — Eden

🛑 "Never, I use Lyft all the time & I will not change this." — Maryellen W.

😤 "I shall NEVER ride in a Waymo!!!!!" —Julian P.

San Diegans are split on riding in Waymos

Some readers love the driverless cars. Others say they'll never set foot in one.

Sunny highway scene with multiple cars, including a white van in the foreground, driving along a road lined by tall palm trees on the right under a blue sky with light clouds.

Waymo driving on Interstate 8 in San Diego.

Since Waymo&#x27;s arrival <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in San Diego is imminent" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/07/08/waymo-driverless-cars-san-diego-robotaxi-rides-public-launch" data-vars-content-id="decd72ac-783b-486d-833f-cdd707360c5d" data-vars-headline="San Diegans are split on riding in Waymos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/07/08/waymo-driverless-cars-san-diego-robotaxi-rides-public-launch" target="_self">in San Diego is imminent</a>, we asked if you&#x27;d ever ride in one of the driverless cars, and boy, did you have opinions.The big picture: Some of you can&#x27;t wait to hop in and ride with no one behind the wheel. Others say never in a million years.

Travel

There's no better way to beat the heat than with a scoop of ice cream. 

This swirl of pistachio and Mexican hot chocolate at North Park Creamery hit the spot the other day.

🍨 It's National Ice Cream Day on Sunday, which gives you another excuse to get a cool treat. 

🍓 Salt & Straw is celebrating with build your own pint sundaes starting Friday, and you only have a few more days to try their summer berry flavors.

🍦 Or really splurge and do an ice cream crawl with stops at Stella Jean's, An's Gelato, Mariposa, Wild Child, Jeni's and Silver Hoof. 

Where to celebrate National Ice Cream Day

Do an ice cream crawl at these local spots.

A person holds a tall soft-serve ice cream cone in the foreground; turquoise building with a vertical 'CREAMERY' sign, string lights, a green traffic light, and a colorful mural on the wall at sunset.

A small swirl to take the edge off. Photo: Kate Murphy/Axios

There&#x27;s no better way to beat the heat than with a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="scoop of ice cream" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/02/ans-gelato-new-ube-flavors-americas-best-ice-cream-shop" data-vars-content-id="fe0eb957-bc42-4168-aa29-064adceb820c" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate National Ice Cream Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/02/ans-gelato-new-ube-flavors-americas-best-ice-cream-shop" target="_self">scoop of ice cream</a>. <ul><li>This swirl of pistachio and Mexican hot chocolate at North Park Creamery hit the spot the other day.</li></ul>🍨 It&#x27;s National Ice Cream Day on Sunday, which gives you another excuse to get a cool treat. <ul><li>🍓 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Salt &amp; Straw" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/saltandstraw/" data-vars-content-id="fe0eb957-bc42-4168-aa29-064adceb820c" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate National Ice Cream Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/saltandstraw/" target="_blank">Salt &amp; Straw</a> is celebrating with build your own pint sundaes starting Friday, and you only have a few more days to try their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="summer berry flavors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZxmxFZG44H/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-vars-content-id="fe0eb957-bc42-4168-aa29-064adceb820c" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate National Ice Cream Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZxmxFZG44H/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank">summer berry flavors</a>.</li></ul>🍦 Or really splurge and do an ice cream crawl with stops at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Stella Jean&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.stellajeans.com/" data-vars-content-id="fe0eb957-bc42-4168-aa29-064adceb820c" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate National Ice Cream Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.stellajeans.com/" target="_blank">Stella Jean&#x27;s</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="An&#x27;s Gelato" data-vars-click-url="https://ansgelato.com/" data-vars-content-id="fe0eb957-bc42-4168-aa29-064adceb820c" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate National Ice Cream Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ansgelato.com/" target="_blank">An&#x27;s Gelato</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mariposa" data-vars-click-url="https://mariposaicecream.com/" data-vars-content-id="fe0eb957-bc42-4168-aa29-064adceb820c" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate National Ice Cream Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mariposaicecream.com/" target="_blank">Mariposa</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wild Child" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wildchildic.com/" data-vars-content-id="fe0eb957-bc42-4168-aa29-064adceb820c" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate National Ice Cream Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wildchildic.com/" target="_blank">Wild Child</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jeni&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://jenis.com/" data-vars-content-id="fe0eb957-bc42-4168-aa29-064adceb820c" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate National Ice Cream Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://jenis.com/" target="_blank">Jeni&#x27;s</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Silver Hoof" data-vars-click-url="https://silverhoofcreamery.com/" data-vars-content-id="fe0eb957-bc42-4168-aa29-064adceb820c" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate National Ice Cream Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://silverhoofcreamery.com/" target="_blank">Silver Hoof</a>.

Kate Murphy

Featured stories

Urban pickleball returns to downtown San Diego streets

San Diegans are split on riding in Waymos

Teleféric Barcelona brings Spanish tapas to La Jolla

San Diego restricts rideshare pickups in Gaslamp

Where to celebrate National Ice Cream Day