La Jolla native Steve Horowitz has opened Aldea, a Mexican-inspired restaurant with an elevated food & cocktails menu. But it goes beyond that because for Horowitz, it’s almost as much about providing a comfortable community gathering place as it is about serving dinners and drinks.
“Where gastronomic elegance meets coastal bliss” is Aldea’s motto and its name translates into “village,” which is quite appropriate considering it is in La Jolla Village. Its location at 1251 Prospect St., takes over the Cowboys & Mermaids space.
“Aldea aims to be the cornerstone of our La Jolla community, a place where memories are forged and connections blossom,” Horowitz said, adding “Aldea isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a testament to my love for La Jolla.
“My deep-rooted connection to this community has shaped and inspired me in so many ways. La Jolla is more than a place; it’s the beating heart of my fondest memories, and Aldea is my way of giving back. My vision was to create a space where future generations would experience the same profound inspiration – a restaurant where the warmth of hospitality intertwines seamlessly with delicious flavors and great food.”
The menu has a wide range of seafood- and meat-centric dishes, including Ceviche, Local Red Snapper, Aguachile, Line Caught Mahi-Mahi, Bone-In Ribeye, Birria Bone-In Short Rib, Pollo A La Plancha and Crispy Pork Belly.
High-end cocktails include the Amiga blending vodka, lavender truffle syrup, zesty lime citrus, and velvety egg white; the Vieux with sweet vermouth, cognac, rye, xtabentun, peychauds; the Jean Jacket made with whiskey, licor 43, lime citrus, and aromatic angostura; and the Coriander featuring cilantro-infused gin, macerated cucumber, lime citrus and celery bitters for a refreshing twist.
To make all this happen, Horowitz recruited the expertise of Las Vegas chef Alex Reznick, a seasoned veteran of Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 7 and Food Network’s “Beat Bobby Flay,” and Executive Chef John Villalba, renowned for his global culinary expertise with a background that includes the prestigious Tavern on the Green in New York City’s Central Park. Together, they created a menu inspired by the vibrant flavors of California’s West Coast and influenced by regions across Mexico.
“Opening our doors to the public is an exhilarating moment for me, an opportunity to unveil my team’s dedication and passion that has gone into bringing Aldea to life,” Horowitz said.
Website: Aldea La Jolla
Address & Map: 1251 Prospect Street, La Jolla
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4-9 p.m. Friday & Saturday 4-10 p.m. Sunday: 4-9 p.m. Starting March 9, Aldea will serve brunch on weekends starting at 11 a.m.