The 10,600-square-foot restaurant will be located on the ground level beneath Telefèric Barcelona and adjacent to Javier’s, placing it within UTC’s emerging cluster of upscale dining concepts. The space has been purpose-built near the mall’s northwest corner, featuring indoor and outdoor dining areas designed to transition from daytime service into late-night operations.
JOEY Restaurants, founded in Vancouver in 1992, has expanded to dozens of locations across North America, including multiple Southern California outposts in Newport Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Santa Clara. The brand is known for a globally influenced menu spanning premium steaks, sushi, seafood, and shareable plates, alongside a full cocktail and wine program. The La Jolla location will follow that format, offering lunch through late-night dining with extended hours until midnight on weekdays and 1 a.m. on weekends.
Design elements at the new UTC restaurant include a fire feature at the entrance, a covered patio, and a central dining space built around a large olive tree beneath a wood canopy. Interior finishes incorporate artwork from multiple artists, including Patrick Puckett, America Martin, Molly Paulick, and Raymond Logan, alongside a bar and lounge area designed to support high-volume social dining.
Design elements at the new UTC restaurant include a fire feature at the entrance, a covered patio, and a central dining space built around a large olive tree beneath a wood canopy. Interior finishes incorporate artwork from multiple artists, including Patrick Puckett, America Martin, Molly Paulick, and Raymond Logan, alongside a bar and lounge area designed to support high-volume social dining.
The opening of JOEY La Jolla comes as Westfield UTC continues to position itself as a destination for high-end retail and dining following its ongoing redevelopment. Telefèric Barcelona, the Spanish tapas concept expanding from Northern California, is slated to open above JOEY within the same development, though an exact opening date has not been publicly confirmed. Another major addition, Chef Fei, the China-based stir-fry restaurant group, is also expected to open within the mall, but its timeline remains undisclosed.
JOEY La Jolla will offer a limited preview period with reservations available from April 18 through April 22, before officially opening to the public on April 23. The restaurant is located at 4489 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 1600, within Westfield UTC in San Diego’s La Jolla community. For more information, visit joeyrestaurants.com.
Originally published on March 23, 2026.
JOEY La Jolla will offer a limited preview period with reservations available from April 18 through April 22, before officially opening to the public on April 23. The restaurant is located at 4489 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 1600, within Westfield UTC in San Diego’s La Jolla community. For more information, visit joeyrestaurants.com.
Originally published on March 23, 2026.