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The Whaling Bar, San Diego, CA
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The Whaling Bar

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Visa Dining Collection

$31 to $50
Californian
1132 Prospect St, San Diego, CA 92037-4533

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 30 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Great for happy hour
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • 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
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • 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 115 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
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Diego

    Californian

  • San Diego

    Californian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Whaling Bar offers a "stylish and refined" ambiance, perfect for special occasions. Guests rave about its "creative dishes" and "top-notch service." Highlights include the "Twinkie Caesar salad," "potato pesto gnocchi," and "exceptional cocktails." While some found it pricey, many agree it's "worth it" for the experience.

115 Reviews
  1. Aracely

    San Diego4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    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.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Hailey VIP

    Los Angeles2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service, cute ambience, delicious food and mocktails. Burger 10/10

    Is this helpful?

  3. Joseph and Lisa

    Portland1 review

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of our favorite spots in La Jolla. We dine there at least once every two weeks.

    Is this helpful?

  4. David VIP

    San Diego26 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We have been to Kettner Exchange many times and loved the Cesar Twinkie, so great to see at the Whaling Bar. Also the Meatball and Polenta which is a favorite.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Frank VIP

    San Diego32 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We have enjoyed sharing small plates several times at The Whaling Bar. Dinner there is not just a meal, it is an experience. Wonderfully creative dishes surprise. Two thumbs up 👍🏼👍🏼

    1 person found this helpful

  6. Laurie

    San Diego5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 5, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, good vibe and service. Can’t wait to go back!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Bob

    Tampa3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great overall, good wine, great service, chill vibes and dark ambiance.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Henry

    London1 review

    2.0

    Dined on April 4, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Bang average food, definitely not worth the dollar.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Sam

    Nashville2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 2, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing experience. The Whaling bar went above and beyond for our wedding anniversary dinner and we look forward to returning every year!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Penny

    San Diego5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 2, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It would be great to see more vegan options than just salads 

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Whaling Bar is rated 4.7 stars by 115 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego
  4. San Diego
  5. La Jolla

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 30 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for The Whaling Bar

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
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