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The Whaling Bar, San Diego, CA
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The Whaling Bar

$31 to $50
Californian

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2 people
19:00
Booked 16 times today
  • Charming
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Romantic
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

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 75 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
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 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.

75 Reviews

  1. Alejandro

    VIP

    Puerto Vallarta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Sat at the bar. Xavier the bar tender was phenomenal will for sure be coming back very often.

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  2. Kelsey

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great spot to pop in for drinks/appetizers. More of a tapas style dining experience than a full dinner entree spot, but the quality of the food and the atmosphere is worth it! Our server was extremely attentive, welcoming, and friendly. The caesar "twinkie" salad and kale salad were to die for--probably some of the best salads I've ever had. The potato gnocchi and the whipped ricotta were also incredible. For the portion size, the price is on the high end, but great spot to visit during the holidays as it's connected to La Valencia Hotel, which is magical at Christmas!

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  3. Matthew

    Atlanta Metro

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on 14 December 2024

    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.

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  4. Kathy

    VIP

    San Diego

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on 12 December 2024

    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.

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  5. Kristin

    VIP

    San Diego

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on 9 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We love Kettner Exchange and The Waverly. When Whaling Bar, which is managed by the same executive chef, opened in LaJolla we couldn’t wait to try it. The food and creative cocktails lived up to our expectations. We especially enjoyed the Urfa chicken, ricotta with focaccia and polenta with eggplant dishes. Overall, great atmosphere for date night on vacation in the LaJolla Cove!

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  6. Carl's

    VIP

    San Diego

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on 1 December 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

  7. David

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 1 December 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.

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  8. Carr

    VIP

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 November 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.

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  9. Carole

    VIP

    San Diego

    26 reviews

    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on 24 November 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.

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  10. Cynthia

    VIP

    San Francisco

    49 reviews

    5.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on 22 November 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.

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FAQs

The Whaling Bar is rated 4.5 stars by 75 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 16 times today
Google Map for The Whaling Bar

1132 Prospect St, San Diego, CA 92037-4533

Additional information

  • Area
    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
    Dog Friendly
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