Lucien

My wife and I had an incredible evening at Lucien. From the moment you're seated in the courtyard, you're greeted with wonderful hospitality and creative and delicious bites. Their is nothing like it in San Diego. The creativity of the cuisine is akin to something you'd have to travel far for, nothing is derivative and everything is unique but works so well. Chef Elijah and his team are super friendly and accommodating to allergies and dietary preferences. The front of the house is super friendly and knowledgeable; Brian, James, Joey all took the time to explain the various drinks and dishes to us and answered any questions we had around the cuisine and restaurant. While it is a special occasion type of place, the evolving menu makes me want to come back often. They also have a nice bar you can pop in for a drink to try their cocktails, which are also seasonal.

Dining at Lucien last night was a unique and amazing experience! The food was incredible, with each course being thoughtfully presented. The restaurant staff even introduced each course with the finest details. The service was impeccable and beyond comparison. Throughout the evening, there was plenty of interaction with the chefs and restaurant staff. We were even invited to tour the kitchen. The price was definitely worth the memorable experience. We will definitely be coming back soon.

This is such an incredible addition to the San Diego culinary scene. Truly no detail when unthought of when launching this concept, from the perfectly executed dishes, all the way down the coasters the water glasses sit on. Service is superb, every single course was a delight and memorable, and the ambiance is unlike anything in the area. This is a truly special experience that is worth every penny.

If you want to experience an unforgettable, flavor-packed menu, you absolutely need to stop by. Every course from Chef Elijah Arizmendi and his incredible team was outstanding — fresh, clean, and made with only the finest ingredients. From the first call to confirm our dinner and accommodate any special requests, to the perfectly paired wines, every detail was flawless. The service was warm and attentive, the kitchen calm and perfectly orchestrated, and we loved watching the team work with such precision. The La Jolla sea cave tablescape was a true showstopper — an amphitheater-like half dome that makes conversation crystal clear while creating a private, intimate feel. It subtly shields you from other tables, so your dishes and your experience feel like they’re entirely your own. Every plate and bowl is handcrafted by Chef Elijah’s mother, a talented potter, and each piece perfectly complements the flavors and the aesthetic of the restaurant. From start to finish, this was not just a dinner, but an experience — one that deserves Michelin attention without delay.

We celebrated a birthday and anniversary at Lucien, and it was such a delightful experience. The space is so chic, the music was on point, and all the staff were so sweet and thoughtful. (I loved the custom jackets they all wore!) Each course was so beautiful, and I liked how the staff shared backstories along the way. I also really appreciate a place that has more than one dessert course! Prior to our reservation, they had asked if we were celebrating an occasion and then surprised us with two more desserts off the menu. The pastry chef herself came out with a "birthday cake" which she said was a spin on a Neapolitan. And then they also gave us twin chocolate cherries for our anniversary. We also happened to catch a stunning sunset where we were seated -- such a special evening.

The best tasting menu I’ve had so far in San Diego!!! The staff is really attentive and their drinks are amazing too. We got to tour the kitchen and spend some time with the chef. The whole experience was extraordinary and I feel like we were treated like VIPs! Can’t wait to go back!

The food is fantastic and delicious. The ambience is great. Service is excellent. I strongly recommend it to everyone. I’ll have to go there again. I especially enjoyed the creation of the dishes and the cocktail and desserts.

There are a lot of places to get a cocktail or a meal in La Jolla, and if this place is not on your list, add it. Fairly new to the scene, they are making an impact and my taste buds love it. The people are so nice and the food is great. My must top place when I visit San diego. Side note, I was impressed by their mocktails. It will be my go to 2nd drink of the night for sure.

We had the pleasure of dining at Lucien on Wednesday night. We had known of the chef from his Michelin starred NYC restaurants and were excited to see he was opening his own restaurant here. Start to finish our experience was OUTSTANDING-- expert sommelier, beautiful decor, exquisite and attentive service, and delicious and gorgeously plated food. A bonus was the beautiful ceramic dish-ware handmade by the chef's mother. Lucien was the best dining we've ever had in San Diego, and among the best from throughout the world. We look forward to going back.

Lucien is a cozy and elegant spot in La Jolla. Parking is street only, so it can be a little tricky. I had trouble finding the restaurant since there weren't any signs at the time but it's tucked away on the upper floor of the building that the address takes you to. We started outside under their calamansi tree with a refreshing non alcoholic calamansi drink and small bites. The fish mousse wasn't really for me, but the other bites were excellent. The staff is incredibly accommodating with substitutions. One dish featured tomato, which I usually avoid, but I gave it a try and it was better than expected. Service throughout the night was amazing and everything in the main dining area was delicious. It is definitely on the pricey side, but worth the splurge for a special celebration. They also have an open bar if you just want to stop in for a drink instead of the full tasting menu. Overall, a great mix of creative food, quality drinks, and warm hospitality.

This may be the best dining experience in San Diego right now! This is delicious fun fine dining. Your night starts in the exterior courtyard with an opening mock cocktail and small snacks. You are then escorted into the main dining room for a 12 course journey. The ingredients are all fresh, high end and used in inventive ways . One of the opening dishes had a real eggshell that was stuffed with a delicious corn custard and caviar. The staff truly enjoyed having you spend an evening with them. There's a great cocktail and wine program that matches the food. The restaurant sources many of the ingredients locally. We had vegetables from Chino farm to seafood caught caught locally. Even the bread and butter dish course was amazing. This place is at gem ! Go . Manga manga

If you're looking for a truly special dining experience in La Jolla, Lucien is it. This isn't your typical dinner out--it's more like a beautifully choreographed performance where every detail matters. The space itself sets the tone: you start in a bright, charming courtyard (tucked away in the back of a building with other shops and restaurants), then walk through a tunnel into a moody, intimate dining room that feels hidden and exclusive (only about 30 seats total). It's upscale but never stuffy--comfortable, modern, and warm. We went for the tasting menu (10+ courses) and every single dish felt like a little piece of art. Favorites were the bluefin tuna with strawberry and basil, and a nectarine dessert that was as refreshing as it was gorgeous. The chef even served one of the courses in the open kitchen, which made the whole night feel personal and interactive. Service was impeccable--attentive without hovering, and the pacing of the courses was perfect over about 2.5 hours. The wine pairing was excellent too and definitely worth considering if you want to experience the menu to its fullest. Yes, it's pricey, but if you're celebrating or just want to treat yourself to something truly memorable, it's worth every penny. Lucien already feels like it's setting a new standard for fine dining in San Diego. Bottom line: Exceptional food, flawless service, and an intimate vibe that makes the whole night feel special. Absolutely recommend for anniversaries, celebrations, or any time you want an unforgettable dining experience.

Lucien Restaurant is tucked away in a 1970's minimall on Girard Avenue near Wall Street, in La Jolla. It shares the space with Catania Restaurant, located on the same level. One enters Lucien into a small patio in which there is centered a kind of varigated tangerine tree [I cannot recall the specific tree] where you sit to enjoy what is referred to by the staff as " canapes". Natasha will geet you with immense kindness. A drink based on the tree by which you are seated creates a great sense of connection to our land and to this time and moment, right here, in La Jolla. Thereafter, you are escorted through the massive door into the clandestine dining room, dressed mostly in black tones. Although there are some flowers positioned here and there, more would be definitely welcome. The staff is uniformally pleasant, from Joey to Ahmed, to Christa and the the erudite sommelier, James, who will share his deep knowledge of wine and terroir with you.

Service was great. Ambience good. The food was solid. It's better than most one star Michelin restaurants I've been to. In a city where they hand them out like candy I could see it getting two (but we are in San Diego!). Even at this level of quality I think the food is slightly overpriced. It's a new place though and I look forward to following up in the future.

This past Friday, July 18th, I had the privilege of attending the grand opening of Lucien in La Jolla, a new fine dining restaurant. From the moment you walk in, Lucien intrigues. A thoughtfully designed entrance opens onto a stylish courtyard adjacent to the bar, where guests are welcomed with a glass of French bubbles or a handcrafted cocktail and treated to a beautifully presented amuse-bouche. It is an elegant touch that undoubtedly sets the tone for the evening. Once seated in the intimate, dimly lit dining room (there are approximately 8 tables), you begin to understand what Lucien is all about. Highlights of the Tasting Menu The evening began with a decadent egg-corn custard, served inside a delicate eggshell and crowned with glistening black caviar. It was accompanied by a petite toast, layered with a flavor I can only describe as deeply umami-forward yet ethereal. Perhaps there was a hint of truffle or smoked crème. Paired with a crisp French Champagne, this opening course was a luxurious prelude that perfectly primed the palate. Another standout was an intricate seafood composition topped with a very light foam & oyster ice cream. Yes, oyster ice cream. While it might sound avant-garde, it was a revelation. The cold creaminess complemented the warmth and brininess of the seafood in a way that was both surprising and sublime. Each bite was elevated into a tasting moment worth remembering. I absolutely loved it. The Bluefin Tuna Akame and Otoro, Strawberry, Genovese Basil dish showcased an inspired play of texture and modern complexity. Topped with tomato gelée and accompanied by lightly grilled strawberries and a fresh basil-forward sauce, the dish danced between savory and sweet. If I may offer one constructive suggestion, it would be to replace the basil juice with basil pearls, a molecular caviar of sorts, to add an extra burst of herbaceous brightness and textural intrigue. Additionally, presenting this vivid creation on a crisp white plate, rather than blue, might allow its colors and artistry to truly shine. That said, the flavors were spot-on, and the dish was exceptional. The eggplant caviar dish was another delight. It was rich, smoky, and comforting. It felt like being wrapped in a velvet blanket of nostalgic comfort, reimagined through a modern lens and beautifully presented on the plate. The Wine Pairing: Simply Impressive Curation A special commendation must go to James Meringer, whose curated wine pairing elevated the entire experience. Every pour felt intuitive, sophisticated, and harmoniously intertwined with the menu. It is clear that his palate is refined and his understanding of food and wine chemistry is second to none. James, welcome to San Diego. Please do not ever leave. Atmosphere and Hospitality Lucien's main dining room is cozy and moody, creating the perfect intimate space. The service was polished, with staff who were clearly well-trained and genuinely invested in the success of the evening. One particularly lovely touch was the opportunity to visit the kitchen and meet the chef Elijah Arizmendi, a gifted young culinary talent whose passion shines through each plate. The restaurant is named after his son, Lucien, which speaks volumes about the love and dedication behind this project. His wife, ever-gracious, moved throughout the dining room ensuring every detail was just right. Her presence added a heartfelt sense of care to the evening. Final Thoughts Lucien is not just a restaurant. It is an experience. It invites you to slow down, savor, and enjoy the moment by appreciating every single detail that went into this creation behind the scenes. When booking, I strongly recommend reserving a seat facing the kitchen. Watching the culinary team at work is a performance in itself. In the future, I would love to see the patio space seamlessly integrated into the main dining area to enhance the flow and elevate the ambiance even further. Lucien will become one of La Jolla's most intimate and unforgettable fine dining experiences. It is a must-visit for foodies, couples who enjoy fine dining & anyone in search of a truly memorable culinary experience.

This is such an incredible addition to the San Diego culinary scene. Truly no detail when unthought of when launching this concept, from the perfectly executed dishes, all the way down the coasters the water glasses sit on. Service is superb, every single course was a delight and memorable, and the ambiance is unlike anything in the area. This is a truly special experience that is worth every penny.

My dinner at Lucien was THE culinary experience of all my years in San Diego. The ambiance is lovely, the service is warm and attentive. The food adventure is amazing - one exciting chapter after another, each dish building on the previous one, with an array of mostly locally sourced offerings, perfectly executed and delightful. The many dishes are presented in an unhurried environment (we were at our table for over 4 hours). I will dream of this meal for a long time.

It was an amazing experience .This is the best fine dining restaurant I ever experienced. The dishes were very creative and tasty. I loved the wine list and desserts. The ambience was very cozy and modern. Services were excellent. I would recommend it to all my friends. I have to go there again.

We went there last night for the second time. It was again amazing. I spend a great deal of time in Paris so I have had good food. In my opinion this would be a top destination if it were in Paris. Certainly the best restaurant in San Diego by far. We are blessed to have them here !