San Diego’s dining landscape continues to evolve at a steady pace, driven by culinary visionaries who blend artistry with innovation. Each month brings a diverse list of new restaurants—some created by globally recognized chefs and others built by local talents whose roots run deep within the community. This November, the city welcomes several high-profile openings across Encinitas, La Jolla, Mira Mesa, Little Italy, and Pacific Beach. These new concepts demonstrate how San Diego remains an influential destination for culinary exploration and hospitality-driven experiences.
Tony Hawk and Chef Andrew Bachelier Debut Chick and Hawk in Encinitas
Encinitas introduces one of the month’s most anticipated debuts as skateboarding icon Tony Hawk teams up with acclaimed chef Andrew Bachelier to open Chick and Hawk, a playful yet refined all-day restaurant inspired by skateboarding culture. Bachelier—known for Michelin-recognized kitchens such as Atelier Manna, Jeune et Jolie, and Campfire—brings a polished “fast-fine” menu anchored by fried chicken sandwiches, caviar, seafood, and low-intervention wines.
Inside, the nostalgic dining room pays homage to classic skate videos and music culture, offering guests a relaxed but elevated experience. Signature dishes include The Birdman, a spicy chicken sandwich named after Hawk’s legendary nickname, featuring spice levels titled after iconic skateboarding moves from 180 to 900 degrees. For lighter options, the Kona Bowl incorporates salanova lettuce, mint, and a house-made birdseed furikake. Guests can pair their meals with beer, bubbly, or cocktails such as the Neon Bell crafted with Thai basil, lemongrass, and lime aperitif.
La Jolla Welcomes Dora, A Maximalist Sicilian Dining Experience
Less than an hour away, La Jolla celebrates the opening of Dora, the second restaurant from chef Accursio Lota and partner Cori Goria, following their successful Trattoria Cori Pastificio in North Park. Located within UC San Diego’s newly developed Theater District Living and Learning Neighborhood, Dora showcases Lota’s award-winning approach to Sicilian cuisine.
The maximalist, nonna-chic interior sets the stage for truffle-studded arancini, handmade ravioli filled with foraged mushrooms and seasonal greens, crispy branzino, and pizzas adorned with prosciutto. House-made gelato complements pre-theater tasting menus that align with productions at the nearby La Jolla Playhouse. The beverage program highlights Italian wines and cocktails such as the Dora Fashion, made with bergamot, bourbon, and bitters, offering a sophisticated and memorable dining experience for students, visitors, and the broader community.
Phở Gà Go Brings Family Tradition to Mira Mesa
In Mira Mesa, restaurateur Kim Phan—known for the Michelin-recognized Kingfisher and the popular Crab Hut—introduces Phở Gà Go, a pop-up focused exclusively on her family’s traditional chicken phở. Crafted from a broth that simmers for 12 hours, the dish highlights clean, aromatic flavors complemented by organic ginger, Christopher Ranch garlic, and thick rice noodles.
Guests may choose between dark or white meat combinations, and the menu features standout sides such as chả giò with pork, shrimp, taro, and wood ear mushrooms. The nước chấm, made with barrel-aged Red Boat fish sauce, reflects Phan’s commitment to authenticity and quality. Pre-orders are currently available Sunday through Tuesday inside the Mira Mesa Crab Hut location, drawing consistent demand from loyal diners.
Canvas Café and Lounge Adds Vibrancy to Little Italy
Little Italy expands its dynamic culinary footprint with Canvas Café and Lounge, the newest concept from RMD Hospitality, the group behind Lumi, Huntress, and Rustic Root. Situated inside the lobby of the Carte Hotel, Canvas offers an all-day menu that integrates fresh, global-inspired flavors.
Guests can enjoy Turkish eggs layered with labneh and chili crunch, Hamachi crudo, wagyu steak accented with chimichurri, a farmers market carpaccio, and a spicy fried chicken sandwich served with cabbage-cilantro slaw. The beverage menu features cocktails such as the Stay Classy, blending spiced rum, passion fruit, and prosecco—an ideal stop for locals, travelers, and professionals seeking a polished yet accessible dining experience.
Pepino: La Jolla’s New Peruvian-California Café and Bakehouse
La Jolla also welcomes Pepino, the new home of chef Sebastian “Sebi” Becerra’s pandemic-era micro-kitchen, now transformed into a brick-and-mortar café and bakehouse on Fay Street. With experience from Eleven Madison Park, Herb and Wood, and COI, Becerra combines Peruvian and California influences rooted in his family heritage.
The pastry program features pumpkin spice coffee cakes and pionono—an airy dulce de leche jelly roll inspired by a family recipe. The bistro-style menu includes a lomo saltado breakfast burrito, pan con chicharron with marinated pork belly, and Peruvian tequeños. A selection of California and South American wines complements Talitha coffee and a forthcoming expansion into dinner and happy hour service.
Cherryfish Elevates Pacific Beach With an American Izakaya Concept
In Pacific Beach, chef Marcus Twilegar transitions his popular Dockside Fish pop-up into Cherryfish, a full-service American izakaya highlighting seafood-forward dishes. From kanpachi sashimi in blood orange aguachile to uni Okinawa dumplings served in spiny shells, the menu emphasizes creativity and respect for local ingredients.
Guests can expect bold cocktails such as the Satsuma Mandarin—featuring yuzu and tequila—and the Lychee served in a glass fish. For those seeking something unconventional, the Nigoreo offers a playful, Oreo-washed interpretation of a nigori sake espresso cocktail.
Taco Centro Expands Into Little Italy
Little Italy gains another casual favorite with the arrival of Taco Centro, the second location from owner Adrian Gutierrez. Known for its handcrafted flour tortillas and flavorful Sonoran-style tacos featuring Angus steak and whole pinto beans, the taquería also offers birria ramen, birria pizza, churros con tres leches, and a full lineup of margaritas, palomas, micheladas, and draft beers.
Lucien Introduces a Michelin-Caliber Tasting Experience in La Jolla
Rounding out the month is Lucien, the ambitious tasting-menu restaurant from chefs trained in New York’s most prestigious Michelin-starred kitchens, including Per Se, l’abeille, Le Bernardin, and Sushi Ichimura. Located in La Jolla, Lucien’s hyper-seasonal menu highlights California’s finest ingredients through French and Japanese techniques.
Notable dishes include Amber Eden ancient grain bread with aged cultured butter, Masami Ranch wagyu, caviar-topped egg custard, and multi-course dessert selections featuring local truffles. Guests may opt for the $245 beverage pairing, which includes a surprise course paired with Château d’Yquem, offering one of the region’s most elevated dining experiences to date.
