Solana Beach’s dining scene just leveled up with the arrival of Lana, a stylish neighborhood gem serving elevated California coastal cuisine in a vintage-inspired setting on Highway 101. The restaurant’s name nods to its hometown — So-“Lana” Beach — and it’s already drawing dedicated crowds thanks to its perfect blend of ingredient-driven dishes, bold design, and authentic hospitality.
The concept comes from hospitality veterans Travis LeGrand (Burlap, Herringbone, Marine Room, Urban Kitchen Group) and sommelier Mark Wheadon, joined by acclaimed chef David McIntyre (Wolfgang Puck star alum from Spago and CUT London), who returned to California to mastermind Lana’s seasonal menu.
Expect vibrant, locally-sourced fare like California sea bass aguachile dotted with edible flowers, Black Mission figs with whipped burrata on sourdough, and Pacific blue mussels in saffron beurre blanc with chorizo. Other standouts include hand-cut tagliatelle with wild mushrooms, a decadent Snake River Wagyu burger topped with jalapeño marmalade, and yellowtail sashimi bedecked with orange segments and a yuzu citrus ponzu drizzle. Weekend brunch brings indulgences like tres leches brioche French toast, or grilled flat iron steak and eggs with rosemary potatoes.
At the bar, Brandon Curry (Lionshare) shakes up playful cocktails like the Pony Boy (gin, cucumber, pink peppercorn), Leave a Light On (bourbon, toasted sesame) or the healthy favorite, The Jenneral, a spicy sipper with cilantro, ginger, lime, serrano chiles, and tequila. Wheadon’s curated wine list highlights small-production, sustainable California producers alongside exciting cult favorites.
Designed by Megan Power of Workind Studio, the 5,000-square-foot space exudes vintage coastal charm. A cedar-shingled façade opens to a dramatic keyhole-shaped bar, topped in blue quartz, that sits beneath floating marigold-toned linen drapes. Look up for a peekaboo moment to find pressed wildflower glass light fixtures, subtly backlit to spotlight their patterns.
Coastal charm continues its weave into the dining room with a melting pot of bold floral booths and festive striped banquettes. Vintage craft highlights the central table displays, flanked by playful chairs inspired by whimsical mid-century resort furniture. The room is finished off with warm bronze mirrors, organic woven wallpaper, and craftsman-style wood details.
Local art completes the atmosphere. Laura Cunningham’s triptych Sea Totems, constructed from strips of printed canvas, features original photographic images captured along the SoCal coastline, sewn together in vertical layers to form a contemporary collage that reimagines the seascape through a modernist lens. Mac Hilenbrand’s “Table Tops” piece depicts the local Solana Beach surf spot, while Paige West’s eye-popping mural flushes the patio with vibrant florals and warmth.
This place is going off!
Lana is open Wednesday–Sunday for dinner (4–9 p.m.) and Saturday–Sunday for brunch (10 a.m.–2 p.m.). Happy Hour is available Wednesday–Friday from 4–5:30 p.m.
437 South Highway 101, Solana Beach | Reservations via OpenTable
