Opening next week in the space that long housed Donovan's Steak & Chophouse in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter is La Conde, an upscale Latin American fusion restaurant with a location in Santa Monica.
The first outpost of La Conde (previously called La Condesa) was opened in early 2021 in Santa Monica by Chef Misael Guerrero, the proprietor of the Emme Group of restaurants that includes 20 branches of Culichi Town and two Mamá Por Dios restaurants. Locally, there is a location of Culichi Town in San Diego's North County city of Vista and another now open in the the 7,800 square-foot space that last housed Fuddruckers in downtown Chula Vista. Emme Group recently leased the Gaslamp Quarter unit that housed Donovans Steak & Chophouse, which was the first San Diego restaurant to shutter in March 2020 due to growing COVID-19 precautions. The company also took over the nearly 8,000 square-foot space long occupied by BiCE Ristorante in the Gaslamp for the opening of a Mamá Por Dios restaurant.
Where Culichi Town offers a casual dining concept that combines Mexican mariscos and Japanese sushi flavors, La Conde presents a more elegant ambiance with an extensive, high end menu featuring Latin-inspired sushi, USDA Prime & Wagyu steaks, unique tacos, a gold coated Wagyu burger, fresh seafood entrees, ceviches, aguachiles, crab legs, salads and desserts, as well as a full weekend brunch. From the bar, expect an ambitious cocktail list with visually appealing signature drinks, 'Mezcaltinis', margaritas, beer, and a substantial wine cellar.
La Conde will grand open on Thursday, March 10, at 570 K Street in downtown San Diego. For more information and to make reservations, visit laconderestaurants.com and check out the first look at the restaurant's interior photos below.
