Acclaimed Chefs Craft a Sun-Kissed Seasonal Menu in a Vintage Coast Chic Space
Lana isnāt just the next hot reservation in Solana Beach, itās the neighborhood restaurant your inner foodieās been manifesting. Now officially open on South Highway 101, this coastal-chic newcomer is already proving to be our new favorite obsession. This design-forward, chef-driven restaurant takes over the former California Pizza Kitchen space with serious swaggerāthink bold California cuisine, nostalgic-meets-modern interiors, and a powerhouse team leading the charge.
Heartfelt Hospitality by Industry All-Stars
The magic behind Lana comes from local hospitality pros Travis LeGrand and Mark Wheadon, who teamed up with longtime friend and internationally acclaimed chef David McIntyre (Spago, CUT at 45 Park Lane) to launch the project. After 14 years in London, McIntyre returns stateside as Consulting Executive Chef, overseeing menu development, programming and kitchen leadership. Holding it down on the line is Chef de Cuisine Matt Martinez, a San Diego native whose love of char and coastal flavor is all over the menu.
The Menu: California Cuisine, Wood-Fired and Worldly
McIntyreās ingredient-first approach meets Southern California soul with dishes that are craveable, colorful and occasionally kissed by wood fire. The menu shines with seasonal stars like Jumbo Baja Prawns, Organic Half Chicken, and Fennel Sausage Flatbread topped with scamorza and pickled chili. Other highlights? Prime Beef Steak Tartare, Local Halibut Ceviche, Wild Mushroom Tagliatelle, and a dreamy Baked Mt. Tam Cheese from Cowgirl Creamery.
And brunch? Worth setting an alarm for. The teamās weekend lineup features Grilled Flat Iron Steak & Eggs, a sweet-and-decadent Tres Leches Brioche French Toast, and the wood-fired Morning Harvest Flatbreadāall best paired with a cocktail and a sunny patio seat.
Cocktails, Curated
Behind the bar, Brandon Curry builds cocktails with the same ingredient-forward, inventive spirit. Sip on the Pony Boy (gin, cucumber, pink peppercorn), Leave a Light On (bourbon, toasted sesame syrup), or the vibrant Piper No! with vodka, kumquat and mango. Zero-proof drinkers will love spirit-free options like Arise & Shine with citrus tonic and edible flowers. With Wheadonās wine world savvy, the California-centric wine list leans towards sustainable, small-batch, and oh-so-sippable options.
The Look: Golden Hour Forever
Designed by Workind Studio, Lanaās 5,000-square-foot space feels like an eternal golden hour. A glowing circular chandelier wraps the central bar in warm light, setting a golden tone from the very first sip. Cherry and walnut woods mix with midcentury-inspired art and oversized windows, channeling pure California coastal chic. The dining room flows into a cozy front lounge and a lush patio, perfect for cocktails, conversation, or a dreamy dinner for two.
This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!
