The Pink Lady’s New Plate: Chef Alex Pailles Takes the Helm at La Valencia

La Jolla’s iconic La Valencia Hotel is delighted to announce the appointment of Executive Chef Alex Pailles to lead the culinary program. As La Valencia approaches its centennial celebration in 2026, the addition of Chef Pailles signals a renewed commitment to exceptional dining experiences.

Chef Alex Pailles’ Culinary Journey

Chef Pailles, a San Diego native, brings a wealth of culinary expertise from his nearly decade-long tenure at The Marine Room, where he rose to the position of chef de cuisine.

A graduate of the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in Los Angeles, Pailles honed his skills further in Barcelona at Michelin-starred Xerta Restaurant under Chef Fran López, a protégé of the legendary Alain Ducasse.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Pailles to La Valencia,” said General Manager Troy Longwith. “His innovative approach and deep roots in San Diego’s culinary scene make him the perfect leader for our dining venues as we enhance our guest experience with new and exciting offerings.”

Enhancements at La Valencia’s Dining Venues

The Mediterranean Room, a premier ocean-view dining destination, underwent a comprehensive interior refresh in 2022. This year, the hotel’s leadership, spearheaded by Longwith, has continued to elevate the property’s food and beverage programs.

Notable updates include the reopening of The Whaling Bar cocktail lounge and the appointment of Director of Food and Beverage Bujar Bylykbashi, who brings over 20 years of experience from luxury properties such as Rancho Bernardo Inn, Rancho Valencia, and Park Hyatt Aviara.

Future Plans and Culinary Innovations

Plans are also underway for a refresh of the Mediterranean Room’s Ocean View Terrace and La Sala lobby bar. At La Valencia, Chef Pailles will reimagine the California coastal cuisine for the Mediterranean Room, the Med Patio, and the La Sala lobby bar.

Drawing on his Mexican heritage and his mother’s influence as a professional pastry chef, Pailles will infuse the menus with innovative techniques and vibrant flavors that celebrate San Diego’s local bounty from both land and sea.

A Legacy of Elegance and Exceptional Dining

First opened in 1926 as Los Apartmentos de Sevilla, the pink Spanish Revival-style La Valencia Hotel, affectionately known as the “Pink Lady,” has been a glamorous getaway for nearly a century.

The Mediterranean Room, with its Mediterranean-inspired design and panoramic Pacific Ocean views, offers a dining experience that blends nostalgic elegance with modern comforts. It has long been a favored gathering place for celebrities, dignitaries, locals, and visitors alike.

See you there!

The Mediterranean Room at La Valencia is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with brunch served on weekends. Reservations are recommended and can be made via OpenTable.

For more information, please visit the website here or follow on Instagram.

See you there, San Diego!