LUCIEN

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.

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.

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.

Lucien is, without question, the best meal we’ve had in San Diego—and that includes years of dining across the city’s finest restaurants. This tasting menu rivals anything we’ve experienced in New York or Tokyo. Every course was not only beautifully executed, but thoughtfully composed, showcasing a seafood-forward menu with abundant caviar, pristine ingredients, and an exceptional sense of balance.And the pastries?! WOW!!! The progression of flavors was masterful, and each dish told a story without ever sacrificing flavor for concept. Service was warm and precise, the ambiance intimate without feeling stiff, and the overall experience—start to finish—was nothing short of magical. Lucien isn’t just a great meal; it’s a destination. We will absolutely be back.

To say this is one of the best meals I’ve ever had in San Diego is an understatement. Instead, I’ll say this is one of the best meals I’ve ever had period. From the thoughtfulness of the dishes, to the fresh ingredients this was truly a meal to remember. The service was impeccable. A big shoutout to Joey who not only curated a fantastic playlist to go with the meal but was incredibly well versed on the food, ingredients, and the pairings. 10/10 will be back. The only question you should ask yourself is if you’ll be able to get a reservation after they inevitably get a Michelin star. Thanks for an amazing experience!

From the moment you step into Lucien, you’re greeted with warmth and sophistication. The food and wine pairings were absolutely exceptional, each course thoughtfully curated to elevate the flavors of both the dish and the wine. The service was top notch, attentive without being overbearing, and made the entire experience feel truly special. A perfect evening from start to finish!

Wow! One of the top 5 meals in my life. I’ve always felt that changing how you think about an ingredient or taste is what defines culinary magic. From their preparation of the humble potato to the interlacing of various specialty caviar or expressing the dynamic range of a dessert peach, Lucien completely impressed me with their approach and transformative experience. I’m definitely rooting for them as a local San Diegan!

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.

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.

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.