After much anticipation, the team at Grupo Hunan has opened doors to Lucrezia at 4301 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 1050. The new concept is in collaboration with chef Miguel Torres Flores (Caccio, Tijuana, Mexico), known for his mastery cooking inspired Italian cuisine, and aims to offer guests a transportive dining experience set in a lush and welcoming indoor-outdoor space that recalls the allure of the Amalfi Coast.
At its core, Lucrezia positions itself as a contemporary twist on Italian cuisine set in a chic, upscale environment ideal for dining ‘la dolce vita.’ The menu is crafted to provide diners with a culinary escape; reimagining classic Italian flavors through a modern lens heightened by seasonal produce, coastal ingredients, and everyday approachability.
Signature dishes on the opening menu include Crudo Of The Day, Gamberoni alla Griglia tiger prawns with garlic, herbs, lemon, and olive oil, Romaine Spicy Calabrese with shaved aged pecorino sardo and toasted pine nuts, Oreganata Pizza with Pomodoro and dried Sicilian oregano, Tartufo Pizza with housemade ricotta cheese, sauteed mushrooms, and shaved Italian truffles, 
Tagliatelle Fatto in Casa with 6-hour meat sauce and grana padano, Rigatoni Spicy Vodka with tomato vodka cream sauce, Grilled Baby Lamb Chops with Mediterranean cannellini purée and heirloom tomato salad, Veal Milanese with arugula, lemon, and cherry tomato, Bistecca alla Florentina with dry-aged, prime porterhouse 800g and garlic confit.
The beverage menu boasts a wine collection curated by Flores, a known oenophile, offering approachable, inspired varietals from around the globe highlighting both new and old world producers, some classic but many unexpected and progressive.
Cocktails are modern riffs on classic Mediterranean beverages including Amore Mule with vodka, lemon sour, and blood orange ginger beer; Reposado Rosa with tequila reposado, watermelon, basil, jalapeño, cranberry, lime, and tajin; Mezcal-Groni with mezcal, Campari and carpano; and La Dolce Vita Espresso Martini with vodka, liquor 43, Kahlua, and coffee.
“I am a curator of fine ingredients, from the wine, produce, and protein to our team itself. I strive to show ingredients the utmost respect which has guided my life’s journey,” Flores said. “We plan to do the same thing at Lucrezia, harmonizing with beautiful ingredients and great people where the magic of good wine and the best produce intertwine to create unforgettable dining experiences.”
The 10,000-square-foot building was completely renovated, now leaning into an Italian palazzo vibe that recalls the patina of a vintage Fellini film. The romantic indoor-outdoor 300-seat restaurant, designed by Hunan’s sister company Cuaik Comprehensive Design Studio features rich finishes including a Calacatta Viola marble bar, two private dining areas, grown olive trees, and overhanging plants that seamlessly connect the terrace and dining room.
The welcoming design highlights architecturally curved walls, wrapping throughout the space and providing intimate moments perfect for date nights and sun-kissed gatherings. A grand piano, green-tiled Marraforni pizza oven, and plush banquettes provide a melding of sophistication for diners while the service and hospitality are provided by the restaurant’s white jacket-adorned waitstaff.
Located at the Westfield UTC, Lucrezia is on the street level of the shopping destination, providing views for enjoying sunsets and coastal scenes. The restaurant is open for dinner service seven days a week, 5-10 p.m. with expanded evening service on Fridays and Saturdays until 11 p.m. and lunch service to begin in upcoming weeks. Reservations can be made via OpenTable, 30 days in advance with availability for walk-ins to accommodate shoppers and neighbors. Valet and street parking will be available to guests. For more information, visit lucrezia.us.
