The food and service were amazing. Kira - wine goddess was fantastic and Zach serving was also top notch. I enjoyed speaking with Bella on dessert and the rest of the staff. Brian, the owner was also hands on throughout the whole meal. Food was delicious read more

See all

Lucien is a beautiful restaurant and the space itself is definitely part of the experience. The atmosphere feels elevated and the staff were kind and attentive throughout the meal, so I have no complaints about the service. That said, the food just didn't do it for me. Nothing that came out made me want another bite or left me thinking about it afterward. Some dishes I didn't enjoy at all after the first bite so I didn't have any more of it and went back looking untouched. I actually left feeling really full, but not satisfied, more like I had eaten a lot of food I didn't particularly enjoy. Everything looked nice and was presented well, but flavor-wise nothing stood out or felt memorable. Overall, it wasn't a bad experience, but it also wasn't one I'd personally go back for. read more

See all

We celebrated my husband's birthday at Lucien, and from the moment we arrived, the attention to detail was unmistakable. Having dined at many Top 50 restaurants internationally, we've felt that San Diego has been missing a true fine dining experience that meets that level--Lucien is a meaningful step in that direction. The personalized welcome, acknowledging both our names and the occasion, was thoughtful and set the tone immediately. A welcome drink allowed us to settle in and take in the space, which felt intentional and refined. Each dish was impeccably executed, with pristine presentation and a clear sense of purpose. Timing throughout the meal--especially with the wine pairings--was seamless. The descriptions of both the dishes and wines struck a perfect balance: succinct yet expressive, with a touch of creativity that made us genuinely curious to learn more. The chef's lineage and training were evident in the technique and cohesion of the menu. It was especially meaningful to see the team involved in delivering that vision, reinforcing that this is a collective effort executed at a high level. Overall, it was a beautiful evening with thoughtful, polished execution from start to finish. We look forward to returning. read more

See all

Wife took me here for my birthday dinner and it was exceptional! It's a small restaurant and every booth looked cozy and it had a nice moody ambience. The service was excellent as you would expect for the price range, but the servers and bartender were also so friendly so it didn't feel too stuffy or overly formal. They also did a great job explaining where they sourced a lot of the ingredients and even the ceramics, which I always find interesting. The food was top notch! It's a 10+ course tasting menu that will change depending on the season and every single dish was delicious. The Uni custard and Uni brioche course, as well as the white asparagus were our favorites but it was hard to choose. The desserts were also wonderful and the progression of dishes was done very well. They have a large wine list and wine pairing if you're interested, but we opted for bartenders choice cocktails and mocktails and every drink he surprised us with was unique and suited perfectly to our palates. We left dinner very full and very happy with the overall experience! Would definitely come back. read more

See all

My husband and I spent our 5th wedding anniversary dinner at Lucien and we had an amazing time. Honestly, probably one of the best meals we've had which included 12+ course menu! We were stuffed by the end and we left satisfied. Parking: As with many establishments in Downtown La Jolla, give yourself time to look for street parking. We ate at 5pm on a Tuesday and we were lucky to find a spot not too far away. Environment: After checking in, you enter the courtyard/bar with the beautiful calamansi tree as the center piece. They usually serve calamansi juice and the first course outside by the tree but unfortunately, it was a windy/rainy night so we enjoyed them at our table. The inside is elevated and it doesn't seem to hold many tables (so make sure to get a reservation!) We were sat at a booth right in front of the open kitchen and had the opportunity to watch the masterminds at work. Service: I agree with one of the reviews that said even though this was an elevated and upscale place, the staff never once made it seem like a pretentious experience. In fact, they were all so friendly and made us feel at ease. Shout out to Kyra for being wonderful! The choreographed serving and bussing of the plates were fun to watch. Each course came in a timely manner. Our reservation was the first of the night and there weren't many others in the restaurant so we received almost undivided attention. In the middle of the meal, they served us a pallet cleanser course and gave us a tour of the kitchen! Food: Everything looked wonderful to eat right down to the detail of each plate. The flavors paired together were unique. I need to give a shoutout to the caviar served in an egg shell and the uni ice cream. I will post a picture of the menu because it'll be difficult to talk about everything! Overall: Superb experience at Lucien and I highly recommend this place for any special occasions. I appreciated their extra course to celebrate our anniversary and I loved that they even printed us out a menu. read more

See all

About last night... Holy moly. One of the BEST dinners I've ever had and a very special night re-celebrating 8 years with the love of my life. I recommend going now because this place is going to have a star (or more), soon and will be impossible to book. Completely blown away by Chef Elijah, Brian, James, Jefferson, Chef Bella, and this AMAZING team assembled from greats like Per Se, Daniel NYC, and Michelin pedigreed kitchens everywhere. What. An. Experience. Highlights: food, service, presentation, decor. Modern, swanky, and very comfortable. Misses: A little long on the patio for the amuse bouche set before main seating. Pacing on the slow side but handled amazingly. This was a large meal so perfectly acceptable. Go now. Now! Why are you still reading this? read more

See all

Lucien is a cozy and elegant spot in La Jolla. Parking is street only, so it can be a little tricky. I had trouble finding the restaurant since there weren't any signs at the time but it's tucked away on the upper floor of the building that the address takes you to. We started outside under their calamansi tree with a refreshing non alcoholic calamansi drink and small bites. The fish mousse wasn't really for me, but the other bites were excellent. The staff is incredibly accommodating with substitutions. One dish featured tomato, which I usually avoid, but I gave it a try and it was better than expected. Service throughout the night was amazing and everything in the main dining area was delicious. It is definitely on the pricey side, but worth the splurge for a special celebration. They also have an open bar if you just want to stop in for a drink instead of the full tasting menu. Overall, a great mix of creative food, quality drinks, and warm hospitality. read more

See all

Lucien Restaurant is tucked away in a 1970's minimall on Girard Avenue near Wall Street, in La Jolla. It shares the space with Catania Restaurant, located on the same level. One enters Lucien into a small patio in which there is centered a kind of varigated tangerine tree [I cannot recall the specific tree] where you sit to enjoy what is referred to by the staff as " canapes". Natasha will geet you with immense kindness. A drink based on the tree by which you are seated creates a great sense of connection to our land and to this time and moment, right here, in La Jolla. Thereafter, you are escorted through the massive door into the clandestine dining room, dressed mostly in black tones. Although there are some flowers positioned here and there, more would be definitely welcome. The staff is uniformally pleasant, from Joey to Ahmed, to Christa and the the erudite sommelier, James, who will share his deep knowledge of wine and terroir with you. read more

See all

My husband and I recently had the pleasure of visiting Lucien for a birthday celebration. From the moment we took our first few sips of the non-alc welcome drink paired with the generously scooped caviar custard bite, we knew we were in for a treat. Every dish was thoughtfully composed and each protein cooked to perfection. For the most part, the flavors and sauces were well balanced and complimentary. The one disappointment was the uni that we were served did not taste fresh - hopefully a one off but a rather big oversight. Otherwise our experience was fantastic. We appreciate the focus on locally sourced ingredients and the personalized experience to tour the kitchen and speak with the team. There are a few kinks to work out, not unexpected in its early stages of opening, but all in all I anticipate Lucien to be earning star recognition in the near future. read more

See all

Words cannot not sufficiently express how great Lucien is! Starting with a personal greeting as we approached the check-in counter, to the personal interaction with virtually every member of the team, to a special tour of the kitchen, we truly felt like we were embraced as part of the family. Each and every individual helped make our friend's 60th birthday celebration feel more than special!!! This level of service is rare and is greatly appreciated. The design of the restaurant was very well thought out to help keep noise levels at a reasonable level, to allow us to peek into the workings of the kitchen, and to feel immersed in the delicacies to come. Speaking of the delicacies, the food was simply amazing! Creative, flavorful, beautiful are not enough to describe how wonderful every single dish was!!! Thank you to everyone who made this one of my favorite dining experiences anywhere in the world!!! read more

Truly amazing experience! We celebrated company dinner at Lucien and it was above and beyond wonderful... from beautiful ambience to excellent service and the 15 course menu prepared to every detail by chefs team was truly exquisite! We had 3 hours unique journey that was so beautiful and bursting with flavors with every bite! It's definitely worth every dollar and highly recommend Lucien ! Thank you so much to everyone who made this our evening so special, memorable and beautiful! read more

See all

This may be the best dining experience in San Diego right now! This is delicious fun fine dining. Your night starts in the exterior courtyard with an opening mock cocktail and small snacks. You are then escorted into the main dining room for a 12 course journey. The ingredients are all fresh, high end and used in inventive ways . One of the opening dishes had a real eggshell that was stuffed with a delicious corn custard and caviar. The staff truly enjoyed having you spend an evening with them. There's a great cocktail and wine program that matches the food. The restaurant sources many of the ingredients locally. We had vegetables from Chino farm to seafood caught caught locally. Even the bread and butter dish course was amazing. This place is at gem ! Go . Manga manga read more

See all

I've been sitting on writing this review for a while now. Imagine this: Tuesday night, empty restaurant, fridges supposedly full of incredible produce, and a couple walks in expecting the fine dining experience everyone talks about. Instead, the restaurant feels cold, and the booth opposite the kitchen has some of the strangest optics and acoustics I've experienced -- depending on where you sit or even the angle someone speaks from, it just feels awkward and disconnected. I always try to give new restaurants time to settle in, especially at this price point. Six months minimum, ideally a year. It's now been just under that. Let's be honest -- the chef clearly isn't inexperienced. The CV holds up, the investment behind a restaurant in La Jolla is serious, and the ingredient list reads like something a 3-star restaurant in London would be proud of. On paper, this should add up to something exceptional. Unfortunately, my experience didn't reflect that. The cooking techniques felt below average for the level they're aiming at. Several dishes arrived below room temperature when they should have at least been warm, and almost every course -- except one -- lacked the comfort or precision you'd expect from a winter seasonal tasting menu in San Diego. Strip away the caviar, truffles, luxury ingredients, and beautiful porcelain, and what you're really left with is, at best, a decent 3-course lunch menu I'd expect to pay about £55 for in London. That said, the service was relaxed and enjoyable, and the sommelier was excellent -- genuinely lovely, with a great wine recommendation. read more

This past Friday, July 18th, I had the privilege of attending the grand opening of Lucien in La Jolla, a new fine dining restaurant. From the moment you walk in, Lucien intrigues. A thoughtfully designed entrance opens onto a stylish courtyard adjacent to the bar, where guests are welcomed with a glass of French bubbles or a handcrafted cocktail and treated to a beautifully presented amuse-bouche. It is an elegant touch that undoubtedly sets the tone for the evening. Once seated in the intimate, dimly lit dining room (there are approximately 8 tables), you begin to understand what Lucien is all about. Highlights of the Tasting Menu The evening began with a decadent egg-corn custard, served inside a delicate eggshell and crowned with glistening black caviar. It was accompanied by a petite toast, layered with a flavor I can only describe as deeply umami-forward yet ethereal. Perhaps there was a hint of truffle or smoked crème. Paired with a crisp French Champagne, this opening course was a luxurious prelude that perfectly primed the palate. Another standout was an intricate seafood composition topped with a very light foam & oyster ice cream. Yes, oyster ice cream. While it might sound avant-garde, it was a revelation. The cold creaminess complemented the warmth and brininess of the seafood in a way that was both surprising and sublime. Each bite was elevated into a tasting moment worth remembering. I absolutely loved it. The Bluefin Tuna Akame and Otoro, Strawberry, Genovese Basil dish showcased an inspired play of texture and modern complexity. Topped with tomato gelée and accompanied by lightly grilled strawberries and a fresh basil-forward sauce, the dish danced between savory and sweet. If I may offer one constructive suggestion, it would be to replace the basil juice with basil pearls, a molecular caviar of sorts, to add an extra burst of herbaceous brightness and textural intrigue. Additionally, presenting this vivid creation on a crisp white plate, rather than blue, might allow its colors and artistry to truly shine. That said, the flavors were spot-on, and the dish was exceptional. The eggplant caviar dish was another delight. It was rich, smoky, and comforting. It felt like being wrapped in a velvet blanket of nostalgic comfort, reimagined through a modern lens and beautifully presented on the plate. The Wine Pairing: Simply Impressive Curation A special commendation must go to James Meringer, whose curated wine pairing elevated the entire experience. Every pour felt intuitive, sophisticated, and harmoniously intertwined with the menu. It is clear that his palate is refined and his understanding of food and wine chemistry is second to none. James, welcome to San Diego. Please do not ever leave. Atmosphere and Hospitality Lucien's main dining room is cozy and moody, creating the perfect intimate space. The service was polished, with staff who were clearly well-trained and genuinely invested in the success of the evening. One particularly lovely touch was the opportunity to visit the kitchen and meet the chef Elijah Arizmendi, a gifted young culinary talent whose passion shines through each plate. The restaurant is named after his son, Lucien, which speaks volumes about the love and dedication behind this project. His wife, ever-gracious, moved throughout the dining room ensuring every detail was just right. Her presence added a heartfelt sense of care to the evening. Final Thoughts Lucien is not just a restaurant. It is an experience. It invites you to slow down, savor, and enjoy the moment by appreciating every single detail that went into this creation behind the scenes. When booking, I strongly recommend reserving a seat facing the kitchen. Watching the culinary team at work is a performance in itself. In the future, I would love to see the patio space seamlessly integrated into the main dining area to enhance the flow and elevate the ambiance even further. Lucien will become one of La Jolla's most intimate and unforgettable fine dining experiences. It is a must-visit for foodies, couples who enjoy fine dining & anyone in search of a truly memorable culinary experience. read more

See all

We chose Lucien to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary and they more than met our expectations. We had originally found the restaurant when we had dinner at Catania and sat across from the window into Lucien's kitchen, where a chef was intently tying herb bouquets. We would later learn they are for the final course of their tasting menu, which included an herbaceous ginger tea. This is incredibly thought out food and presentation, including the progression and timing. The calamnsi tree in their courtyard was repeatedly referenced and grounded the meal with observable through lines. The staff was genuine and welcoming. Gen Z may have a reputation for being poor with customers but most of our interactions were with front of house from this generation and they were so lovely. They absolutely invested in our experience both socially and with the food. We didn't do the wine pairing but took their recommendations by the glass and thoroughly enjoyed them. The dinner took several hours and by the time we left it really felt like saying goodbye to friends. I just can't say enough about how seamless this celebration was. It will make me smile for a long time. On our way home the next day we purchased a calamansi tree to hang on to some of the magic from that night. read more

My wife and I came here for our anniversary dinner and experienced excellent food and wine pairing served by competent staff. read more

See all

I was Lucien's third-ever vegetarian adapted tasting menu, and was impressed by the creativity and complexity of the dishes - it was not just an afterthought or light adaptation of the standard meat/fish dishes. Stellar sauces, service, and scene. read more

My vocabulary of superlatives falls short here. The tasting experience was one of the most extraordinary I have experienced and this includes dozens of Michelin 2-3 star restaurant experiences. The service was warm, smart, knowledgeable. If you are seeking a memorable dining experience, have elevated tastes and are comfortable with the cost, go! There is nothing close in San Diego and few equals anywhere. read more

If you're looking for a truly special dining experience in La Jolla, Lucien is it. This isn't your typical dinner out--it's more like a beautifully choreographed performance where every detail matters. The space itself sets the tone: you start in a bright, charming courtyard (tucked away in the back of a building with other shops and restaurants), then walk through a tunnel into a moody, intimate dining room that feels hidden and exclusive (only about 30 seats total). It's upscale but never stuffy--comfortable, modern, and warm. We went for the tasting menu (10+ courses) and every single dish felt like a little piece of art. Favorites were the bluefin tuna with strawberry and basil, and a nectarine dessert that was as refreshing as it was gorgeous. The chef even served one of the courses in the open kitchen, which made the whole night feel personal and interactive. Service was impeccable--attentive without hovering, and the pacing of the courses was perfect over about 2.5 hours. The wine pairing was excellent too and definitely worth considering if you want to experience the menu to its fullest. Yes, it's pricey, but if you're celebrating or just want to treat yourself to something truly memorable, it's worth every penny. Lucien already feels like it's setting a new standard for fine dining in San Diego. Bottom line: Exceptional food, flawless service, and an intimate vibe that makes the whole night feel special. Absolutely recommend for anniversaries, celebrations, or any time you want an unforgettable dining experience. read more

See all

The food here is excellent, just as good as Lilo. French Japanese food with a California flair. Chef Elijah Arizmendi has worked in many Michelin starred restaurants and it shows in the food. Pastry chef Bella Alicea is a delight, she serves many of her desserts at the table and her enthusiasm and passion is infectious. More of her please! Pacing is slow, perhaps even glacial. Dinner takes 3.5 to 4 hours. So come with company whose life story you want to hear, maybe even fire up a podcast or two. This is a long distance road trip. Standout dishes: Banana bread paired with banana egg custard in an egg with caviar - it fees like these tastes shouldn't go together but they do. Make sure you dip your spoon to the bottom to get the custard in a bite. Pate en croute with Escondido iberico pork with macadamia nuts and pomegranate dressing - they source their pork from a farmer in Escondido who feeds his Iberico pigs macadamia nuts! Amazing. The pate was soft and fatty and the tart pomegranate and thinness of the pate made this dish light and well balanced. Iberico pork saddle with potato salad and Chinese broccoli - best potato salad ever?? Again very well balanced, the fat edge of the pork melts in your mouth. Pineapple with white chocolate mousse (or panna cotta? We couldn't decide) - roasted carmelized sweet pineapple with smoked cassia bark, they bring the pineapple out to the table which is fun. Chai amazake - wow this was delicious. Warm chai foam with rice amazake. This was paired with little sweets that reflected the spices of the chia with cardamom, white pepper (tiniest macaron ever), and ginger. Shout out to Chef Arizmendi's mother who apparently made many of the pottery dishes? They are beautiful. Service could be tighter, the dishes arrive very slowly. We had a drink at the bar and when we went to the dining room no one ever asked us if we wanted a glass of wine. They did comp our drinks in recognition that we waited a bit for the reservation, which was nice. They send you home with the menu and an excellent canele. Bathroom is outside the restaurant. They will show it to you, it is down a hallway. I'm writing this review in counterpoint to Troy Johnson's review in San Diego magazine. Someone needs to edit his reviews. I don't understand how you can write a 3 page review and mention only 2 dishes?? So I am writing the review I would have wanted to read! read more

See all

Lucien is a star on the San Diego food scene. We attended a group dinner there last night and are still floating in the stars from the experience! The ambience is elegant, the wait staff knowledgeable and attentive. Chef Elijah Arizmendi is a culinary genius - the flavors he brings together and dish preparations are as visually stunning as they are delicious. This is culinary art!! His signature N25 Oscietre Caviar Egg Royale will have you returning for more. He changes the menu every few days based on what's available from local farms and fishing boats. But for our event, which had a Bordeaux wine focus, Chef Arizmendi went a little off-the-local-scene for his unique pairing menu for us: A delicate Dover Sole (the real deal, fresh from the UK) with Provence White Asparagus and a Gribiche sauce was perfection, with a 2019 Cheval Blanc "Le Petit Cheval" Bordeaux Blanc. A dry-aged Liberty Farms Pekin Duck Breast and Confit was tender and succulent with crispy and juicy skin, served with Sage Hill Caraflex Cabbage and a Hoshigaki sauce -/ it was a perfect accompaniment to with our three red Bordeaux, particularly with a Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte rouge. Pastry Chef Bella Alisea is also hitting it out of the park - she created a sweet dish of Chino Farms Monterey Strawberry, Schafer Farm Rhubard, and Meyer Lemon ice in a light custard topped with thinly rolled meringue "sticks" - so perfect with a 1998 Doisey Daene Sauternes. Chef Alisea also makes the best canele pastries I've ever tasted (traditional to the Bordeaux wine region, made with egg yolks leftover after all those egg whites have been employed to "fine" the fermenting vats of wine). She shared a couple of her secrets: each candle is baked in its own copper mold, coated with mildly sweet beeswax which gives the texture a pleasing crunch at first bite! The candle was wrapped as a parting gift for guests to bring home. This is Michelin-star level dining in terms of cuisine, ambience, service - Chef Arizmendi is a gift to San Diego! We have been twice now and can't wait to return!! read more

Lucien - Oscietre Egg Royale - Bars Near Me - La Jolla, California

Wow. A phenomenal experience. The staff were all personable and to interact with, and super knowledgeable. The courses were yummy, both visually and taste wise. There were a few too many sweet dishes for my date and I but that's likely a personal preference. I was a little underwhelmed by the Hana Haze cocktail; I was excited about a gin and sake combo but it was just okay. The wine pairings were all divine, and even included a scrumptious lager. One of the owners gave us a tour of the kitchen at the end of the meal and it was nice touch to the end of the evening. Thanks Lucien for a lovely food and wine based adventure. read more

Service was great. Ambience good. The food was solid. It's better than most one star Michelin restaurants I've been to. In a city where they hand them out like candy I could see it getting two (but we are in San Diego!). Even at this level of quality I think the food is slightly overpriced. It's a new place though and I look forward to following up in the future. read more

Lucien - Bars Near Me - La Jolla, California

TERRIBLE food. Worst service. We sat for too long per serving and it was mediocre food. You can also hear everything from the kitchen especially when the chef or whoever is running it is degrading his team. This isn't Gordon Ramsey's show, he can relax. My Valentine's proposal was ruined by obnoxious and foul mouthed behavior read more

The best fine dining in San Diego. Very creative menu and high quality local sourced ingredients. The wine selection is great, especially the wine pairing. read more

We had dinner at Lucien to celebrate my partner's birthday! We are both vegetarian and the food was creative, beautifully presented and delicious!! The place was so pretty. The staff made us feel so specia - right from sharing a printed menu with us, wishing us throughout and giving us an amazing your of the kitchen! Thank you so much for making our experience so special and memorable. read more

We had the most amazing time. The servers anticipate your every need and create a truly seamless service experience. The bar tenders choice was one of the best cocktails I have ever had and my husband loved the unique beer selection. We were nervous seeing some of the negative reviews. The bulk of the reviews are regarding how long the meal is. Its 12 courses. Even if every course comes out exactly 15 minutes apart, I think we can all do basic math and determine its a 3 hour event, not just a quick dinner. This truly is an experience, not just a dinner. Each dish has a story and they share cool tidbits about the ingredients, dishes, etc... We loved that and would expect nothing less in a fine dining setting. There is also a comment about the chef yelling? The chefs don't yell. The only time we heard the chefs voices was when we met them and our table was close to the very open beautiful kitchen. Not to spoil anything but tickets don't even print because they have a special way of running service. Ignore the internet trolls that probably never even sat for a meal at lucien. The bad reviews all seem fake. They are also incredibly accommodating to dietary needs. I have celiac and they went above and beyond to curate a meal for me that I would absolutely love with thoughtful changes that made it gluten free! I never felt like I was missing out, except they do have this sourdough that my husband absolutely loved. My husband put it in the notes of our reservation as well as called ahead to confirm they saw the note since the booking is through open table and not directly through the restaurant. This made sure the experience was seamless for both us and the restaurant. While at Lucien it is incredibly apparent that everything is so intentional. From the plates/bowls, the service, the alcohol menu, the dishes themselves, and even the setup of the restaurant. This is truly such a beautiful space and our 12 course meal was superb. Every single bite felt like the best bite of food we have ever had. Time and money very WELL spent if you ask us. They made my birthday so special and we absolutely loved our time here. read more

Stunning! I miss the food scene from living in nyc and this brought me back but to another level. The entire experience from start to finish is perfection. The team, the management, the decor, the food, the chefs, the music: incredible. We are so grateful to have this in our neighborhood and cannot recommend it enough. read more

Lucien - Bars Near Me - La Jolla, California

This is such an incredible addition to the San Diego culinary scene. Truly no detail when unthought of when launching this concept, from the perfectly executed dishes, all the way down the coasters the water glasses sit on. Service is superb, every single course was a delight and memorable, and the ambiance is unlike anything in the area. This is a truly special experience that is worth every penny. read more

See all

Very disappointed with my experience at Lucien. I booked the reservation with OpenTable and in the notes I listed that I was pregnant (to help with avoiding high mercury fish etc) and it was my husband's birthday. I even communicated with someone from the restaurant a few days before through chat on OpenTable who verified the dietary restrictions and that it was my husbands birthday. Multiple dishes were served to me that were not pregnancy safe and I couldn't eat. Also there was not any mention of my husbands birthday the entire night. We were there for 4+ hours for an 11 course meal which is way too long. We had to tap out early after 4 hours. Additionally there was dust all over the drinks. For a $500 meal you expect certain service and it was not there. Food was also not super tasty. read more

It was an amazing experience .This is the best fine dining restaurant I ever experienced. The dishes were very creative and tasty. I loved the wine list and desserts. The ambience was very cozy and modern. Services were excellent. I would recommend it to all my friends. I have to go there again. read more

See all

We had the pleasure of dining at Lucien on Wednesday night. We had known of the chef from his Michelin starred NYC restaurants and were excited to see he was opening his own restaurant here. Start to finish our experience was OUTSTANDING-- expert sommelier, beautiful decor, exquisite and attentive service, and delicious and gorgeously plated food. A bonus was the beautiful ceramic dish-ware handmade by the chef's mother. Lucien was the best dining we've ever had in San Diego, and among the best from throughout the world. We look forward to going back. read more

Fantastic meal and a relatively under the radar restaurant(for now). Left throughly full and the service was great. Friendly atmosphere that wasn't uptight. read more

We dined at Lucien for our first time. Celebrated our anniversary as lgbtq we're selective with where we dine for our celebrations. Tonight was exceptional experience. Our booth was intimate, our server was very attentive and he was very knowledgeable. Wife and I both went to the restroom separately during our dinner and passing by the kitchen was delightful. We saw the main chef at work and diligent making sure his dishes were on pace. We both had the same thoughts on one of the workers in the kitchen though a girl with short dark hair barking orders at the servers was distasteful and pretentious. She seems unhappy in her life and more concerned with making sure the plates were spotless rather than display a welcoming energy. As a restaurant lover espeically fine dining, its a fact that a true leader leads with respect and we both noticed she was not displaying that whatsoever to the team. In terms of the courses--- excellent and creative. We loved every aspect of the experience, delicious, intimate, designed with intent. Even our bread was warm, presliced beautifully, and tucked neatly. Our menus were specialized as well noting we are celebrating our anniversary which was a sweet surprise to take home with us. The lovely lady who was outside in the front who walked us to our table had a genuinely warm personality the moment we arrived, and when we left she said goodbye to us and remembered it was our anniversary she made us feel very special. Her energy is the epitome of how fine dinijng experiences should be displayed. We look forward to returning in the future and potentially sitting in the private room where we noticed the large windows facing Girard! read more

Hands down, best restaurant/dining experience in San Diego. Service was impeccable. I also appreciate the fact that they try and source local products. read more

We went there last night for the second time. It was again amazing. I spend a great deal of time in Paris so I have had good food. In my opinion this would be a top destination if it were in Paris. Certainly the best restaurant in San Diego by far. We are blessed to have them here ! read more

My dinner at Lucien was THE culinary experience of all my years in San Diego. The ambiance is lovely, the service is warm and attentive. The food adventure is amazing - one exciting chapter after another, each dish building on the previous one, with an array of mostly locally sourced offerings, perfectly executed and delightful. The many dishes are presented in an unhurried environment (we were at our table for over 4 hours). I will dream of this meal for a long time. read more