Lucien · Restaurant · San Diego
Thirty seats and a tasting menu in downtown La Jolla, Michelin-starred in 2026.
Lucien is a thirty-seat tasting-menu restaurant on Girard Avenue in downtown La Jolla, and it took its first MICHELIN star in the 2026 California selection, announced in San Diego in June. It is the first restaurant from Elijah Arizmendi, whose career ran through Per Se, Robuchon and Restaurant Daniel before he came back to open his own room.
The cooking is his reading of California cuisine: a menu of ten or more courses built on local farms and fishermen, taking ingredients at their seasonal peak and working them through both modern and classical technique. The scale of the room is the point. At thirty seats the kitchen can hold a standard that a larger dining room could not, and the menu moves with what is landing and growing rather than on a fixed cycle.
The main format is the full seasonal tasting menu, prepaid at booking. A shorter six-course menu, Essence, runs Tuesday through Thursday, and there is an à la carte option at the bar for walk-ins. Vegetarian, pescatarian and gluten-free versions are prepared with notice.
Dinner is served Tuesday through Saturday from 5 PM to 10 PM. The restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday.
Address: 7863 Girard Ave, Ste 308, La Jolla, CA 92037, San Diego
Lucien takes reservations through OpenTable. This MyRSVP guide covers the room, what it is known for and when to go in San Diego; use the booking link on this page to reserve direct.
Hours of operation
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 17:00 - 22:00
- Wednesday: 17:00 - 22:00
- Thursday: 17:00 - 22:00
- Friday: 17:00 - 22:00
- Saturday: 17:00 - 22:00
- Sunday: Closed
Frequently asked about Lucien
How do I get a reservation at Lucien in San Diego?
Tables at Lucien are booked directly with the restaurant. If it is part of a bigger San Diego plan, our San Diego partner handles the beach clubs and nightlife around your dinner and can point you to the venue's own reservations channel.
What should I order at Lucien?
Lucien is best known for its signature dishes and shareable plates. Tell MyRSVP your party size and any dietary needs and we note them with your request.
What is the dress code at Lucien?
Lucien keeps an upscale dining dress code: smart, dressed-up attire, no athletic wear or beachwear. MyRSVP confirms any current door specifics with your booking.
Where is Lucien located?
Lucien is in San Diego, at 7863 Girard Ave, Ste 308, La Jolla, CA 92037. MyRSVP can build it into a full San Diego itinerary alongside the surrounding nightlife.
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