Founded in 2003 by Fei Lianghui in Hengyang, Hunan - a city often regarded as the birthplace of Chinese stir-fry - Chef Fei has grown into a powerhouse of Chinese cuisine with nearly 200 restaurants across 13 provinces in China. The brand is known for its fiery wok-cooked meat dishes, particularly its signature chili stir-fried pork, which has become a nationwide sensation. In 2023 alone, Chef Fei reported selling more than 5 million servings of the dish.
The restaurant has also garnered international recognition. Lianghui was honored at the 2024 Forbes China Restaurant Industry Gala as "Leader of China’s Restaurant Industry," cementing Chef Fei’s status as a benchmark in modern Chinese dining. A strong focus on freshness and in-house preparation has fueled its success, with the company notably refusing to offer takeout in order to preserve the integrity of its dishes.
The new concept takes over from The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, which had occupied the expansive 7,000-square-foot corner space at UTC for six years before closing late last year. The redesign will be spearheaded by Poon Design Inc., a Los Angeles–based architecture and design studio recognized for its high-profile hospitality projects across California. Plans call for a modern, light-filled interior that aligns with Chef Fei’s culinary vision, featuring an exhibition kitchen showcasing hand-cut Kurobuta meats and a dining room accented with pale woods and green bamboo.
The arrival of Chef Fei further elevates Westfield UTC’s reputation as a hub for high-profile Asian dining. The La Jolla mall already boasts acclaimed names such as Din Tai Fung, the Taiwanese dumpling empire, alongside other popular international and regional restaurant concepts like Hai Di Lao Hot Pot, Marugame Udon, and Menya Ultra. Chef Fei’s expansion into San Diego underscores the region’s growing appetite for destination-worthy Chinese cuisine.
Chef Fei is expected to open in early 2026 at 4301 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 2040, within Westfield UTC Mall in San Diego's La Jolla. For more information, visit cheffei.com.
Chef Fei is expected to open in early 2026 at 4301 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 2040, within Westfield UTC Mall in San Diego's La Jolla. For more information, visit cheffei.com.
Originally published on August 22, 2025.