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The Whaling Bar

Visa Dining Collection

$31 to $50

Californian

1132 Prospect St, San Diego, CA 92037-4533

Make a reservation

2 people

May 30, 2025

May 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 15 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Great for creative cocktails
Great for happy hour
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

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

Experiences

Whaling Bar Happy Hour – Drinks & Light Bites
Multiple dates available
Join us at Whaling Bar for Happy Hour from 3:00 – 5:00 PM! Sip on a curated selection of crafted cocktails, wine, and spirits while enjoying a selection of light bites before dinner service begins at 5:00 PM. We look forward to hosting you—cheers! Details: * Beverage service and light bites available from 3:00 – 5:00 PM * Full dinner menu begins at 5:00 PM

What 125 people are saying

The Whaling Bar reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.8Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Diego
Californian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Whaling Bar is a vibrant dining spot known for its "amazing food," "fantastic cocktails," and "charming ambiance." It's a favorite for date nights, offering a tapas-style menu perfect for sharing. Guests rave about the "excellent service," with standout dishes like the kale salad and potato pesto gnocchi. A "must-visit" in La Jolla!

125 Reviews

S
Sarkis
Los Angeles2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Awesome vibes and tasty food, shoutout to Alex for being a great help and accommodating for my gf’s gluten allergies
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B
Barbara VIP
San Diego13 reviews
1.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 1
Apparently, the ventilation system was down- so as we sat there the kitchen billowed smoke into the restaurant/bar area. We didn’t know what was happening at first, because we were in the front of the restaurant away from the kitchen, but the air had become thick with smoke, just as we were finishing eating. When we got up to leave, I could see all the smoke coming from the kitchen- what a health hazard for the crew! Management should’ve closed the kitchen down before it got so bad, but apparently they didn’t want to lose business over the holiday weekend. On the other hand, our server was very nice and did a good job. I really enjoyed our food; especially the celery salad.
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j
joseph VIP
Portland1 review
5.0
Dined on May 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great vibes and a perfect date spot. The cocktails were very good!
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J
Jennifer VIP
San Diego1 review
5.0
Dined on May 13, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My family and I had a wonderful experience at The Whaling Bar. Luke provided excellent service, and all the staff was very friendly. The food and drinks were delicious. We are looking forward to going back again.
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I
Inna
San Diego3 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was delicious and beautiful ambiance! Great service and delicious drinks
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J
John VIP
San Diego11 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always the perfect afternoon. 35 years coming here and we love it even more. Thank you George and Team! Our pup loves the specially made treats as well!
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C
Corey
San Diego1 review
5.0
Dined on May 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was great the atmosphere respectacular and the dirty martinis were amazing!
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A
Aimee VIP
San Diego46 reviews
2.0
Dined on April 27, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Rude service from start to finish. Manager did comp meal once we spoke up, but after a birthday dinner was ruined by extremely rude and dismissive waiter. Birthday girl was treated poorly when asking questions about the menu. No offer to clear table, to go bags, or dessert/coffee/after dinner cocktails. Never mind they forgot her birthday then as I’m raising these issues to the manager, another server spilled drinks down the back of my leather pants. Table was also dirty when we sat down, food on booth seats, water glass was dirty. Menu is an odd combo of things and our particular waiter was not helpful with recommendations.
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I
Isabella
Cleveland1 review
5.0
Dined on April 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
DELISH drinks & food! Great service and ambience. A bit expensive for the drinks but it makes sense for the spot.
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A
Aracely
San Diego4 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of my favorite places now. The HH menu is small yet amazing. Both the drinks and food are delicious.
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FAQs

The Whaling Bar is rated 4.6 stars by 125 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Booked 15 times today

Experiences are available.

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

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat

The Whaling Bar

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Why they're an Icon

Additional information

Experiences

Whaling Bar Happy Hour – Drinks & Light Bites

Menu

What 125 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is The Whaling Bar restaurant rated?

Is The Whaling Bar currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information