Award-Winning Chef Brings Exciting New Dining Concept to Iconic La Jolla Hotel

San Diego’s dining scene continues to heat up with Chef Anthony Wells taking charge as executive chef at Hotel La Jolla, overseeing food and beverage operations, including the launch of Sea & Sky, a brand new reimagining of its penthouse restaurant debuting in February 2024.

Sea & Sky’s opening coincides with the completion of Hotel La Jolla’s impressive multimillion-dollar revamp. The renovations encompass all 110 guest rooms and suites, over 1,600 square feet of event space, and the hotel’s striking 11th-floor dining room and private event venues.

Chef Wells’ Impressive Resume

Chef Wells comes to Hotel La Jolla from San Diego’s acclaimed Juniper & Ivy restaurant located in the city’s vibrant Little Italy neighborhood. Handpicked by owner and Top Chef: All Stars winner, Richard Blais, he started as chef de cuisine in 2014 and was promoted to executive chef a year later.

During his nine-year tenure, Chef Wells made an indelible mark on the neighborhood’s dining scene with his creative fine dining “West Coast cookery” concept, drawing countless accolades, including a MICHELIN Guide California Bib Gourmand award, consistent recognition as one of San Diego’s best restaurants, and his own James Beard nomination for Best Chef, California in 2022.

Prior to Juniper & Ivy, following several years in the kitchens of a handful of high-profile East Coast kitchens, Wells captured the attention of Chef Blais when he assisted the trailblazing restaurateur as opening sous chef at The Spence in Atlanta. Chef Wells also pursued formal education at the California Culinary Academy.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to bring Chef Anthony’s talents to Sea & Sky as we celebrate the next chapter of this storied restaurant space that has delighted locals and travelers to La Jolla for the past 50 years,” said Adam Lund, general manager of Hotel La Jolla.

“Our loyal patrons have shared with us so many tales of memorable meals and special occasions enjoyed at our 11th-floor dining space, and we knew that introducing a new concept truly meant raising the bar and taking La Jolla’s fine dining options to new heights. We can’t wait to work with him to introduce this exciting concept in February.”

A New Era of Fine Dining at Hotel La Jolla

In his new role, Chef Wells will oversee concept and menu development, as well as the day-to-day operations of Sea & Sky, an entirely new concept drawing inspiration from the seasonality and bounty of coastal California, as well as the captivating views that have become the location’s hallmark.

The menu will focus on quality regional ingredients with simply elegant presentations and offer an innovative drink menu with regional California and Valle de Guadalupe wines and handcrafted cocktails.

Architectural changes to the existing space will include the installation of retractable windowpanes in the revamped main dining area and a new show kitchen giving you a front-row seat to the culinary action.

The new restaurant will also feature a floor-to-ceiling redesign of its intimate private dining room, creating the perfect space for memorable group meals, celebrations, and business meetings.

Get ready to soak in those glittering ocean views over dinner when Sea & Sky makes its debut next February!

See you there!

Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton is located at 7955 La Jolla Shores Drive in La Jolla and is managed by Aimbridge Hospitality, a leading global hospitality management company and the world’s largest third-party hotel operator.

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See you there, San Diego!