The new restaurant atop Hotel La Jolla, Aries is named for its team’s fiery passion for destination dining and plans a Pan-Pacific menu with European flair.

With designs on igniting nightlife in La Jolla, new restaurant Aries has taken over Hotel La Jolla’s rooftop space and will celebrate its launch with a grand opening from Nov 11 through 15.

“We’re creating something that we believe La Jolla has been missing,” said Giancarlo Guttilla, co-managing partner with veteran restaurateur Alessandro Minutella.

Located 11 floors above La Jolla Shores where Sea & Sky operated from May 2024 through August, Aries has an “incredible ocean view” and unique atmosphere perfect for watching the sunset, Guttilla said.

But Aries is more than just a restaurant with a view, he said; the vision is to create a destination for great food, creative cocktails, music, and “amazing vibes, all in one place.”

Image courtesy of Aries

Aries’ culinary program will feature California influences and Asian flavors, Guttilla said.

The Pan-Pacific coastal cuisine is currently under development in collaboration with award-winning chef James Montejano, whose career includes roles at Michelin-starred kitchens and renowned destinations like L’Auberge and Four Seasons. Chef Luis Aguirre will oversee day-to-day culinary operations, bringing experience from notable San Diego dining destinations, including La Valencia Hotel and Kettner Exchange.

Image courtesy of Aries

While menu details are still being finalized, diners can expect fresh seafood, crudo sushi and elevated American cuisine, Guttilla said, served daily for lunch and dinner, along with weekend brunch and sunset happy hour offerings. 

Friday and Saturday evenings will have a livelier social atmosphere with curated DJs and live entertainment.

The restaurant is named for the first sign of the zodiac, Guttilla said. Aries is a “fire sign,” which aligns with “the power [and] fire, the passion that we put inside our project.”

The “fire” is further embodied in the brilliant colors of the daily sunset as viewed from Aries’ location, he said.

Cassandra Builer of Huntress Decor designed Aries’ interiors, inspired by the European seaside glamour of Saint-Tropez, Cannes and more.

Aries is backed by a $1 million-plus investment; the project is supported by CL Hotels with Joao Woiler, hotelier and principal and Kawa Capital. Minutella and Guttilla also manage Zama and AKA in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter.

Aries’ fiery ambition will extend to Hotel La Jolla’s newly renovated pool, with monthly poolside parties planned to combine dining, cocktails and music for an added celebratory dimension; the Aries team will also oversee the hotel’s other food and beverage options including room service, catering and banquets. 

“We’re building something for the long term,” Guttilla said.

“My goal is for Aries to become one of the most recognized rooftop dining destinations in San Diego.”

For more information, visit arieslajolla.com.