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The Whaling Bar, San Diego, CA
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The Whaling Bar

$31 to $50
Californian
A photo of The Whaling Bar restaurant

The Whaling Bar

4.5
$31 to $50
Californian
La Jolla

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 18 times today
  • Charming
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Lively
Rediscover The Whaling Bar in La Jolla, blending historic charm and modern luxury. Once beloved in the La Valencia hotel, it's back after ten years, mixing its rich legacy with today's elegance. Known for its cozy atmosphere and top-notch service, it's been updated for contemporary tastes without losing its heritage essence. Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski, with a background in America's top kitchens and Iron Chef America, leads the culinary journey, offering a menu that combines classic and innovative approaches. The Whaling Bar invites both old fans and new to enjoy luxury and become part of La Jolla's ongoing story.

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Brian Redzikowski

From the OpenTable editors: La Valencia Hotel’s iconic cocktail lounge is back and better than ever, thanks to a reboot from San Diego's prolific SDCM Restaurant Group. With emerald-green banquettes, arched windows, and brass pendant lighting, the intimate space’s decor is a nod to the bar’s midcentury heyday. Led by executive chef Brian Redzikowski, the menu is equally glamorous—think lobster rolls and braised short rib baos, plus the restaurant’s original signature cocktail, the Whaler, a twist on Irish coffee.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Contemporary European, Mediterranean
  • Hours of operation
    Martini Hour Daily 4:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Bar Thu–Sat 10:00 pm–12:00 am
  • Phone number
    (858) 551-3758
  • Website
    https://www.lavalencia.com/dining/the-whaling-bar
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Location
    1132 Prospect St, San Diego, CA 92037-4533
  • Neighborhood
    La Jolla
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 71 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Whaling Bar offers a "unique and cool vibe" in La Jolla, featuring a creative cocktail menu and tapas-style dishes. Highlights include the Twinkie Caesar salad and lobster rolls. While some find the menu limited and pricey, the "fantastic service" and delightful ambiance make it a worthwhile visit.

71 Reviews

  1. Matthew

    Atlanta Metro

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Cocktails well balanced and well-blended. Dishes were creative--an upscale take on pub food.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Kathy

    San Diego

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    The food is always beyond delicious, but the service was absolutely too slow. The bar/restaurant was not busy when we arrived.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Carl's

    San Diego

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We were there to quietly celebrate my wife’s birthday and everything was top notch. The food, the service and yes the cocktails. If you are debating? Go.

    1 person found this helpful

  4. David

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 1, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Classy bar with great tapas. Drinks were very good, but a little on the expensive side.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Carr

    San Diego

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We love this spot for its romantic ambiance and delicious, creative food. All of their bread plates are amazing. The Twinkie Caesar salad is the best thing on the menu. But it’s all delightful, especially the burger dessert. All around a wonderful spot.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Carole

    San Diego

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We enjoyed a tasty celery salad and duck meatball with polenta at happy hour prices during this visit. There is a good selection of wine and other drinks. The Hamburger ice cream cake for dessert really looks like a hamburger! The staff were friendly and efficient. We had an enjoyable dining experience.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Cynthia

    San Francisco

    49 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful decor. Great vibes! Fun and interesting menu. Would definitely recommend the caesar salad with twinkies, the chicken, and caponata polenta. Plus don't skip the budino.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Hamilton

    San Diego

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Man, I noticed a few bad reviews for this place but we totally disagree. This is a cool, smaller restaurant attached to the Hotel Valencia. It has a nice u-shaped bar with what seemed to be mostly locals hanging out talking with the staff. Upscale vibe but not "stuffy" La Jolla vibe. The cocktails were amazing and fairly creative. We also thought the food was excellent, contrary to what a few other folks have said. The braised short rib Mao, crispy pumpkin squash, and twinkie ceaser were the standouts. Only minor downsides were that you can smell the seals a little bit and it was a bit chilly inside, as the door was kept open. Overall we really enjoyed our experience.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Kathy

    San Diego

    13 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Very disappointed. Met friends there but too noisy for conversation. Very small portions. Drinks and food very overpriced. Hostess and server nice, but will not return.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Stacey

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    unique experience, good food, great service, def coming back

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Whaling Bar is rated 4.5 stars by 71 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

A photo of The Whaling Bar restaurant

The Whaling Bar

4.5
$31 to $50
Californian
La Jolla

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 18 times today
Google Map for The Whaling Bar

1132 Prospect St, San Diego, CA 92037-4533

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    La Jolla
  • Hours of operation
    Martini Hour Daily 4:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Bar Thu–Sat 10:00 pm–12:00 am
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Contemporary European, Mediterranean
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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