Baja-inspired cuisine, cocktails, open kitchen, private dining




























"Located in the Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad, the cheery restaurant with an open kitchen features Baja California cuisine. The two private dining room spaces can host up to 14 diners, and the larger one can accommodate up to 25. The ceviche tour, pork belly al pastor, and whole branzino are a few of the menu highlights from chef Pierre Albaladejo. Be sure to imbibe from the restaurant’s expansive mezcal and tequila menu." - Helen I. Hwang


"The Park Hyatt Aviara is featuring Santa teas and a Cabana Christmas Village with ornament making, plus Santa photos, and fireside s’mores by the pool. Ponto Lago restaurant will offer a Christmas Eve and Christmas Day feast with family-style dishes, including ceviche, Iberico pork duo with pineapple salsa, and grilled Brandt beef cheek with duck fat refried beans and crispy rice. Cost is $125 per person." - Helen I. Hwang


"Executive Chef Pierre Albaladejo helms the kitchen at this restaurant with a Baja California twist. The evening feast will be a five-course menu with dishes such as al pastor turkey breast, potato plantains, arepas, and sweet potato tart. Pair with wine or a selection from their vast collection of over 50 tequila and mezcal bottles. The cost is $105 for adults and $45 for children ages 2 to 12." - Helen I. Hwang


"Set to live music, this buffet brunch inspired by Baja is offered from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every Sunday, with a rotating spread that could include concha French toast, chilaquiles, machaca, ceviche, wood-fired meats, and fresh churros. There are also margarita flights and build-your-own Bloody Marys." - Candice Woo

"Ponto Lago opened at the Park Hyatt Aviara for breakfast and will start dinner service later in the spring; the ocean-view restaurant features a glassed-in show kitchen and a Baja California menu alongside a mezcal- and tequila-focused cocktail list." - Candice Woo