Icon

The Whaling Bar

$31 to $50

Californian

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 25, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 16 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

What 64 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
4.5Service
4.5Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Whaling Bar in La Jolla offers a charming atmosphere with a beautiful redesign, making it a great spot for drinks and small plates. Guests praise the "delicious food," "impressive cocktails," and "exceptional service." However, some mention high prices and noise levels. Highlights include inventive dishes like the Caesar Twinkie Salad.

64 Reviews

C
Carole
San Diego
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
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?
C
Cynthia
San Francisco
49 reviews
vip
5.0
49 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
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?
H
Hamilton
San Diego
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
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?
K
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?
S
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?
D
Dana
San Diego
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent service. Loved everything we ordered. Small, cool vibe inside. Patio would be great people watching in La Jolla.
Is this helpful?
D
David
San Diego
159 reviews
vip
3.0
159 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
The Whaling Bar is an excellent place to drink, not dinner. I didn't know that when I met a friend for dinner. I had been to the old Whaling Bar, which served excellent food. The menu is restricted, and the food is expensive. We had an excellent server who helped us determine a good meal. The bar was noisy.
Is this helpful?
S
Sarah
San Diego
2 reviews
vip
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
Our waiter was not pleasant. George. The ambiance is half Marriott bar and 1/2 trying to bring back the old whaling bar. The lighting is too bright. The ambiance is missing the mark.
Is this helpful?
j
james
San Diego
27 reviews
3.0
27 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Some of the tables for two inside aren't great - across from the service station - so very loud. The ricotta cheese spread was bland/uninspired. My date said her espresso martini was overly sweet, though my cocktail was perfect. Our server was nice enough but not very attentive. It was kind of an average experience and not worth the prices.
Is this helpful?
L
Laura
New York City
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Service was not warm and welcoming. Food was good. We sat outside, inside is very noisy.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Whaling Bar is rated 4.5 stars by 64 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 25, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 16 times today

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

Website
https://www.lavalencia.com/dining/the-whaling-bar
Phone number
(858) 551-3758

The Whaling Bar

Make a reservation

Why they're an Icon

Additional information

Menu

What 64 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

How is The Whaling Bar restaurant rated?

Is The Whaling Bar currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information