Icon

The Whaling Bar

$31 to $50

Californian

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 27, 2025

March 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 17 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Great for creative cocktails
Great for happy hour
Good for special occasions

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 4:00 – 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 4:00 – 5:00 PM * Full dinner menu begins at 5:00 PM

What 103 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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.6Service
4.7Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Diego
Californian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Whaling Bar in La Jolla offers a "charming and intimate" setting with a stylish ambiance. Known for its creative and delicious food, standout dishes include the "Caesar Twinkie salad" and "lobster roll." The "cocktails are exceptional," and service is often praised as "top-notch." Ideal for both date nights and group outings.

103 Reviews

A
Ally
Unspecified1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
we made a last minute res for drinks and they did not disappoint. The cocktails + mocktails were 10/10 and our service was even better.
Is this helpful?
B
Blair
San Diego1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was fantastic! We went for happy hour and tried every food item on the menu. Everything was delicious, and we can’t wait to come back!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner VIP
San Diego3 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 19, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Love the renovation and vibe.
Is this helpful?
E
Esteban
Orange County1 review
5.0
Dined on March 17, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food, service, and drinks! Staff was friendly and helpful with any questions we had.
Is this helpful?
C
Ceciliam VIP
Baja California2 reviews
1.0
Dined on March 15, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
Waitress was VERY rude. Terrible experience.. will not be dining here anytime soon.
Is this helpful?
M
Miranda VIP
Chicago10 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 13, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Perfect for drinks and apps with a cozy classy ambiance. You have to get the bread here if only for the fact the butter is shaped like a cute little whale, the carrot cake bread that comes with it is perfectly sweet and savory. The kale salad is incredible and the portion size is huge, easily shareable between multiple people. We got a seasonal app which was tempura fried squash with a creamy jalapeño dipping sauce. 10/10. Love this spot!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego1 review
5.0
Dined on March 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The food was delicious, the service was excellent. We had a wonderful evening.
Is this helpful?
N
Nahal
San Diego11 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The Whaling Bar never disappoints! It’s our go-to spot for date night, and every visit feels special. The ambiance is charming and intimate, the service is always top-notch, and the food is consistently delicious.
Is this helpful?
J
Jose VIP
San Diego9 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The Whaling Bar is a very hip spot inside the Valencia Hotel in La Jolla, and it definitely lives up to the hype. The ambiance is stylish and refined, making it a great place for a special night out. Service was solid--attentive without being overbearing. The food is served tapas-style, perfect for sharing, and every dish we tried was spot on. The Philly bread was a standout, a must-order, and the potato pesto gnocchi was perfection--pillowy, flavorful, and rich without being too heavy. The drinks were also top-tier, crafted with care and balance. It is on the pricier end, but absolutely worth it for the quality, vibe, and experience. Definitely make a reservation to secure a spot. If you're looking for an elevated dining and cocktail experience in La Jolla, this is it.
Is this helpful?
P
Pamela VIP
San Diego5 reviews
4.0
Dined on February 19, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A group of my girlfriends and I went to bingo night and had a fantastic time! The food was great. The service was as well. It was a little bit loud but overall great!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Whaling Bar is rated 4.7 stars by 103 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Booked 17 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 103 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