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LUCIEN is an intimate fine dining restaurant new to La Jolla. Helmed by Chef Elijah Arizmendi, whose career has taken him through acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurants such as Per Se, Robuchon, and Restaurant Daniel, LUCIEN offers guests a 12+ course tasting menu experience that captures what we love about California cuisine. Each dish is designed around ingredients at peak seasonality, sourced through close, ongoing relationships with local farmers, fishermen, and artisans. A wood-fired hearth anchors our kitchen, blending primitive fire with the refined technique Chef Elijah honed in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the country.
Hours
| Friday | 5–10 PM |
| Saturday | 5–10 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–10 PM |
| Thursday | 5–10 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 7863 Girard Ave #308, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (619) 786-3082
Website: https://luciensd.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
Related Web Results
LUCIEN – A tasting menu restaurant in La Jolla
ABOUT · GIFT CARDS · PRIVATE EVENTS · WINE LIST · RESERVATIONS. La Jolla, CA | March 12, 2026 | 83°F. 7863 Girard Avenue, Ste 308. La Jolla, CA 92037 619-786- …
Restaurant Review: Lucien in La Jolla | San Diego Magazine
Michelin-bred chef Elijah Arizmendi is doing wildly inventive things with ingredients both quotidian and strange at Lucien in La Jolla.
LUCIEN Restaurant – San Diego, CA – OpenTable
LUCIEN is an intimate fine dining restaurant new to La Jolla. Helmed by Chef Elijah Arizmendi, whose career has taken him through acclaimed Michelin-starred …
Reviews
Al Aguirre
Had a terrific experience at La Jolla’s Lucien for NYE. Great new addition to the San Diego food scene. This is one of perhaps less than a handful of restaurants in SD offering world class ingredients and innovative cuisine with impecable service (Lilo and Addison come to mind). The food was extraordinarily creative with standouts including a light and silky risotto with a soft poached egg and white truffle; a delicate wild turbot with celeriac and a hazelnut sauce; and a wonderful uni dish flavored with fennel and light flecks of Espelette pepper. Another standout was arguably the best buttery, laminated brioche I’ve ever tasted with impossibly fine layers; a viennoiserie love letter. The palate cleanser was also a triumph, somehow preventing a truffle sorbet with shaved black truffle from overwhelming after two earlier dishes containing truffle. On the pastry side there was a terrific Mont Blanc with the traditional chestnut vermicelli and an exquisite chocolate tart. There were no outright misses, though a lobster dish with a wonderfully flavored dashi broth felt a tad underwhelming on the lobster front, given the presentation of the beautiful blue lobster ahead of the dish. Service was on point; far from pretentious, it was warm, welcoming, and efficient. This felt like a professional group of good human beings who love what they do. The Sommelier was approachable, engaging, and knowledgeable; and the wine list is interesting with some non-obvious gems, but, as one could expect, a work in progress that still needs some breath and older vintages. All in all, we could not have asked for a better experience on NYE and look forward to visiting Lucien again. This restaurant is worthy of Michelin recognition and of customer support to ensure it remains a star in the San Diego food firmament.
… moreBernard Kok
Fantastic new restaurant, it has a lovely little sitting area prior to starting your experience and it was beautiful sitting under the calamansi tree. The dishes were inventive and delicious, and beautiful to look at. One of the most memorable experiences we’ve had eating in San Diego. Everyone was lovely and very friendly, and it was great experiencing the restaurant tour. You can tell how much thought, pride and love Chef Elijah, his family and team put into this gem of a restaurant.
… moreAlan Wong
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.
… moreAnkita Aparajita
A Classic, Exquisite & Extravagant Affair is all we needed on our anniversary.The Japanese-French fusion culinary plates, New York professionalism, top notch service, classy ambience – Outstanding!
What made our experience top tier was them giving us a tour of the kitchen,goodie bag and also clicking a pic with all of the chefs making our day Extra special.The owner himself came and introduced himself and had a delightful nice chat…A gentleman! Must Have experience, thank me later!
… moreWhat made our experience top tier was them giving us a tour of the kitchen,goodie bag and also clicking a pic with all of the chefs making our day Extra special.The owner himself came and introduced himself and had a delightful nice chat…A gentleman! Must Have experience, thank me later!
Anthony W.
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.
… moreL. Lee
From the moment we arrived, the experience at Lucien was exceptional! We were warmly welcomed and began our evening in the garden with a beautifully balanced welcome cocktail and amuse-bouche. It was the perfect prelude to what was to come. The transition into the dining room felt almost secretive and intimate, like stepping into a modern speakeasy.
The restaurant itself is stunning with the walls reminding me of the blue ocean, warm stone finishes, and soft, intimate lighting. Our booth had a great view of the open kitchen, where you can watch the chefs working over the hearth. Every member of the staff was genuinely friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive without being overwhelming. A brilliant team!
As a food and wine lover, you must get the tasting menu with wine pairing. Chef Elijah curated such a poetic menu. Every dish was thoughtfully composed with vibrant colors and flavors, textures, and bites full of depth. So flavorful! James, the wine director, curated an incredible pairing that elevated each course.
One standout was a course featuring Iberico pork paired with Château d’Yquem which was an unexpected twist and absolutely mind-blowing combination. I’m still dreaming of this pairing! Oh! And uni ice cream with purple potato foam is the die for and also my favorite… I can go on and on… the whole menu is my favorite! It’s quite a memorable meal.
The bread with the seaweed butter was so tasty and nourishing and didn’t make us feel bloated at all… we ate the whole loaf! The progression of the meal felt perfectly paced, and I loved the generous use of foams, caviar and uni, my personal favorites.
Each dish had a sense of story, showcasing the best of seasonal ingredients and their relationship with farmers and vineyards. I like that the main ingredients were highlighted/enhanced and not overwhelmed with flavors.
It’s refreshing to see Lucien in the fine dining scene in La Jolla.. sophisticated yet welcoming, creative yet grounded in exceptional ingredients. I can’t wait to come back to experience their next menu.
You can also have a more casual visit to their bar which looks like a great spot to drop in for a drink and a few plates.
I’m getting hungry typing this review and excited to come back for more!!! 🙂
… moreThe restaurant itself is stunning with the walls reminding me of the blue ocean, warm stone finishes, and soft, intimate lighting. Our booth had a great view of the open kitchen, where you can watch the chefs working over the hearth. Every member of the staff was genuinely friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive without being overwhelming. A brilliant team!
As a food and wine lover, you must get the tasting menu with wine pairing. Chef Elijah curated such a poetic menu. Every dish was thoughtfully composed with vibrant colors and flavors, textures, and bites full of depth. So flavorful! James, the wine director, curated an incredible pairing that elevated each course.
One standout was a course featuring Iberico pork paired with Château d’Yquem which was an unexpected twist and absolutely mind-blowing combination. I’m still dreaming of this pairing! Oh! And uni ice cream with purple potato foam is the die for and also my favorite… I can go on and on… the whole menu is my favorite! It’s quite a memorable meal.
The bread with the seaweed butter was so tasty and nourishing and didn’t make us feel bloated at all… we ate the whole loaf! The progression of the meal felt perfectly paced, and I loved the generous use of foams, caviar and uni, my personal favorites.
Each dish had a sense of story, showcasing the best of seasonal ingredients and their relationship with farmers and vineyards. I like that the main ingredients were highlighted/enhanced and not overwhelmed with flavors.
It’s refreshing to see Lucien in the fine dining scene in La Jolla.. sophisticated yet welcoming, creative yet grounded in exceptional ingredients. I can’t wait to come back to experience their next menu.
You can also have a more casual visit to their bar which looks like a great spot to drop in for a drink and a few plates.
I’m getting hungry typing this review and excited to come back for more!!! 🙂
Allison Koo
We had a wonderful family dinner at Lucien. The food was inventive, cooked perfectly, and presented beautifully. The atmosphere and service were immaculately curated, but managed to have a laid back California feel that was never too stuffy or formal like many fine dining restaurants. The staff also easily accommodated dietary restrictions without making any of the dishes less special.
It was a really enjoyable experience all around, and I highly recommend this restaurant for a special dinner.
… moreIt was a really enjoyable experience all around, and I highly recommend this restaurant for a special dinner.
Andrew Sartory
The Most Luxurious and Heartfelt Dining Experience of Our Lives!
My husband and I both agree that our first evening at Lucien was, without question, the richest and most luxurious dining experience we’ve ever had in our lives. And there is so much to say about the magic we experienced.
⸻
Arrival & Warm Welcome
From the moment we arrived, we felt immediately at home. The warm and inviting hostess greeted us with a radiant smile and playful laugh when we asked, “Is this Lucien?” She replied, “Yes, this is us! Are you Andrew?” — and from that moment, we knew we were in for something special.
She led us to a charming courtyard under a majestic tree, where we began our evening with a welcome beverage and first bites. It felt as though loving friends had invited us into their gorgeous home to share something deeply personal — a night of art, surprise, and joy.
⸻
Atmosphere & Ambiance
When we moved indoors, the setting became even more intimate. The minimal seating and warm design made it feel exclusive and serene, almost like we were part of a secret experience few get to witness. It felt very VIP!
Each of the 15 courses felt like a chapter in a story — full of creativity, elegance, and delightful surprise. With every plate came something unexpected and beautifully executed. The pacing was perfect, the transitions seamless, and the attention to detail was immaculate.
⸻
The Service & Staff
We were celebrating major milestones in our marriage and life, and Lucien could not have been a more perfect setting. The staff treated us as though we were royalty — warm, kind, and effortlessly professional. There wasn’t a hint of pretension, only genuine hospitality and passion for what they do.
Natasha, James, Keira, Jeff, Brian, and others whose names I wish I had caught were all a tremendous delight. Their depth of knowledge, professionalism, and heart elevated the entire experience. I asked a whole lot of questions about the dishes and ingredients — and they were always happy to answer and elaborate, helping us savor and understand the artistry behind each bite.
⸻
Behind the Scenes & Chef Elijah
We were blessed to receive a tour of the kitchen and meet Chef Elijah, whose creativity and passion are palpable. We learned that he loves evolving the menu several times a week — which makes me even more excited to return. It was inspiring to see the staff embrace such innovation with grace and enthusiasm.
We were there for almost four hours, and not once did we feel tired or restless. In fact, if they had offered several more courses, we would have joyfully stayed for another hour!
⸻
Intuition & Discovery
When I first saw Lucien on OpenTable, I hadn’t heard of it before — but the photos caught my attention, and I felt an intuitive nudge to book. The tasting menu was beyond what I had initially planned to spend, yet the moment I felt that call, I knew it was meant to be. I’m so glad I trusted that intuition — because what we received was easily worth twice the price.
⸻
A Living Work of Art & Experience to Remember
Dinner at Lucien was far more than a meal. It was a journey, an immersive work of art, and a theatrical experience where each course played a unique role in a living, breathing masterpiece. Watching the staff orchestrate each moment was its own form of performance — filled with heart, precision, and love.
Getting to know the team was one of the greatest highlights of the evening. They now feel like new friends to us, and they turned what could have been “just dinner” into a sacred memory we’ll treasure for the rest of our lives.
Getting to share in the entire experience with my husband, the man I love more than anyone, was truly a great treasure. It was a great space and setting for us to have quality time with each other and have a night we will cherish forever!
⸻
Truly worth every penny — and so much more.
Thank you, Lucien team.
We love you all so much and are grateful for what you have created.
Can’t wait to return soon.
… moreMy husband and I both agree that our first evening at Lucien was, without question, the richest and most luxurious dining experience we’ve ever had in our lives. And there is so much to say about the magic we experienced.
⸻
Arrival & Warm Welcome
From the moment we arrived, we felt immediately at home. The warm and inviting hostess greeted us with a radiant smile and playful laugh when we asked, “Is this Lucien?” She replied, “Yes, this is us! Are you Andrew?” — and from that moment, we knew we were in for something special.
She led us to a charming courtyard under a majestic tree, where we began our evening with a welcome beverage and first bites. It felt as though loving friends had invited us into their gorgeous home to share something deeply personal — a night of art, surprise, and joy.
⸻
Atmosphere & Ambiance
When we moved indoors, the setting became even more intimate. The minimal seating and warm design made it feel exclusive and serene, almost like we were part of a secret experience few get to witness. It felt very VIP!
Each of the 15 courses felt like a chapter in a story — full of creativity, elegance, and delightful surprise. With every plate came something unexpected and beautifully executed. The pacing was perfect, the transitions seamless, and the attention to detail was immaculate.
⸻
The Service & Staff
We were celebrating major milestones in our marriage and life, and Lucien could not have been a more perfect setting. The staff treated us as though we were royalty — warm, kind, and effortlessly professional. There wasn’t a hint of pretension, only genuine hospitality and passion for what they do.
Natasha, James, Keira, Jeff, Brian, and others whose names I wish I had caught were all a tremendous delight. Their depth of knowledge, professionalism, and heart elevated the entire experience. I asked a whole lot of questions about the dishes and ingredients — and they were always happy to answer and elaborate, helping us savor and understand the artistry behind each bite.
⸻
Behind the Scenes & Chef Elijah
We were blessed to receive a tour of the kitchen and meet Chef Elijah, whose creativity and passion are palpable. We learned that he loves evolving the menu several times a week — which makes me even more excited to return. It was inspiring to see the staff embrace such innovation with grace and enthusiasm.
We were there for almost four hours, and not once did we feel tired or restless. In fact, if they had offered several more courses, we would have joyfully stayed for another hour!
⸻
Intuition & Discovery
When I first saw Lucien on OpenTable, I hadn’t heard of it before — but the photos caught my attention, and I felt an intuitive nudge to book. The tasting menu was beyond what I had initially planned to spend, yet the moment I felt that call, I knew it was meant to be. I’m so glad I trusted that intuition — because what we received was easily worth twice the price.
⸻
A Living Work of Art & Experience to Remember
Dinner at Lucien was far more than a meal. It was a journey, an immersive work of art, and a theatrical experience where each course played a unique role in a living, breathing masterpiece. Watching the staff orchestrate each moment was its own form of performance — filled with heart, precision, and love.
Getting to know the team was one of the greatest highlights of the evening. They now feel like new friends to us, and they turned what could have been “just dinner” into a sacred memory we’ll treasure for the rest of our lives.
Getting to share in the entire experience with my husband, the man I love more than anyone, was truly a great treasure. It was a great space and setting for us to have quality time with each other and have a night we will cherish forever!
⸻
Truly worth every penny — and so much more.
Thank you, Lucien team.
We love you all so much and are grateful for what you have created.
Can’t wait to return soon.
Joseph Newsum
Unbelievable food, service and vibe! What an experience. Much better than many Michelin star restaurants I’ve been too, on all dimensions. And, I was stuffed at the end. Best meal ever!
… moreOlivier Gagne
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.
… moreThe 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.