Nestled beneath the sidewalk of Prospect Street in The Village of La Jolla, lies this unexpected neighborhood restaurant serving fresh seafood with Latin American and Mediterranean influence. Mr. Ricardo Dondisch managing partner of The Hake Kitchen & Bar has been generous enough to donate a $75 gift certificate for one of our lucky readers! Come along with us on our adventure and don't forget to enter the chance to win, the contest ends August 5th at Midnight.

With a comfy and cozy atmosphere the space is inviting, relaxing and bright. A mix of bistro four-tops with stylish leather and stud accented chairs; a few long counter height tables and a granite topped bar allow the space to seat over 100 diners both indoors and out. Windows to the left cascade from floor to ceiling and two French doors ahead open up to patio dining.



The implementation of exposed beams adds beauty and architectural interest to this space built in 1968.  The white decorative ceiling plates and use of mirrors adds elegance and drama to the decor creating an energy that works. Geared for a romantic dinner or business luncheon this restaurant is also family friendly and handicap accessible.


We had the pleasure of visiting with Ricardo to find out why they decided of all places in San Diego to open business in La Jolla. No amateur in the restaurant business this is number 14 for Señor Dondisch who has successfully owned and operated several restaurants in Mexico City, Puntarena, Marentino and Sobrinos to name a few. Local residents and partners Chefs Federico Rigoletti and Roberto Craig oversee the menu creations. Owners felt the city of La Jolla needed a great Seafood Restaurant with fair prices and exceptional service and they have delivered!


Creative preparations of local fresh ingredients sourced daily makes this restaurant experience stand out from the rest. If you are looking for a healthy food choice and stellar customer service then The Hake is for you! Don't be fooled by the name, until Hake can be obtained fresh there won’t be any on the menu. Over half of the menu is sourced from the sea. The Tiraditos, lightly dressed sashimi style preparations are Marc’s personal favorites. From Tuna with jalapeño, radish sprouts, ponzu and sesame oil to the ultimate melt in your mouth combination of tuna tartare, capers, and Dijon mustard mounted on a thin, crispy sea-salt potato chip.



Visiting today for the roll- out of the new Happy Hour tweeted last week I've had visions of the Spanish Bikini, avocado tacos and Mezcal dancing in my head. I wish I could describe these meals like the sommelier, Mr. Sterling Watts, he knows this menu inside and out, don't be shy if you have a question, he knows the answer!
 
The Spanish bikini was the perfect salty combination of manchego cheese, thin shavings of Serrano and micro cilantro on top of ciabatta bread shaped like a bikini bottom.



We also dove into the Avocado Tacos they were amazing!! Avocado deep fried in a light airy batter served with spicy mayo, jalapeño and red onion snuggled up in a corn tortilla. Hungry yet?

Last time we visited The Hake I ordered the shaved rib eye appetizer and although I don't have any pictures, this is my personal favorite on the menu. Served with a side of their house-cured pickles please!! The steak is thinly sliced and cooked to perfection, served on a piping hot skillet accompanied by caramelized shishito peppers and onions. The side of warm home-made corn tortillas made the perfect rib eye street taco. Highly recommended!!

I save the best for last, I do love my desserts! Options included chocolate hazelnut cake, a grilled summer peach draped in honey rum syrup, house-made ice cream and more! We had a hard time deciding on the Key Lime Semifreddo with no regrets!!  Glad we saved room for this delectable light zesty lime cream pie, cookie crumbled crust with a side of refreshing hand whipped basil cream and Meyer lemon gelato, the perfect end to our meal. I will go back to The Hake specifically to order this again and indulge in the dessert cocktail they call the Hazelnut Buttercup (Frangelico, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur & Tres Leches Liqueur). Drooling!!!



There are so many wonderful items on the menu but we would be here all day if I detailed them out, see current menus on their website here. The menu is changed often to correspond with seasonal ingredients, willing to try and accommodate everyone if you have a special diet don't hesitate in asking for what you want. The 'Mexico City' mentality of anything is possible resides in the heart of this owner. Looking to build a loyal customer base as well as pleasing the palates of all diners The Hake is passionate about providing a quality experience.

I feel a little winded and I want you to come back for more! Stay tuned for our experience of cocktails and entertainment. I was ecstatic when Ricardo shared they will be hosting live jazz performances on Wednesday nights. That's right my friends! Jazz in La Jolla at The Hake on Wednesdays.









Enter the contest here!!!

$75 Gift Certificate to The Hake Kitchen & Bar


Neighborhood Restaurant Details
The Hake Kitchen & Bar tops our list of Restaurants that are a must visit for all of San Diego! 

Location: 1250 Prospect St, Ste B10
La Jolla, CA 92037
Tel. (858) 454-1637
E-mail: info@thehake.com

Hours of operation:
Mon-Thu 11:30am to 10:00pm
Fri-Sat 11:30am to 11:30pm
Sun 11:30am to 9:00pm
For more details and to make a Reservation visit The Hake Kitchen & Bar On-line