Anthony Wells

Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton, a landmark 50-year-old property located in the picturesque seaside community of La Jolla Shores, has announced the appointment of Anthony Wells as executive chef overseeing the property's food and beverage operations, including the reimagining of its penthouse level restaurant, as Sea & Sky, an all-new concept slated to debut in January 2024. The restaurant will open as part of a multi-million-dollar renovation of the hotel, encompassing all 110 guestrooms and suites, 1,600 square feet of meetings and space, and its 11th floor dining and private events room.

Chef Wells comes to Hotel La Jolla from San Diego's acclaimed Juniper & Ivy restaurant located in the city's vibrant Little Italy neighborhood. Handpicked as part of the opening culinary team by owner and Top Chef: All Stars winner, Richard Blais, he spent nine years at the award-winning restaurant, starting as chef de cuisine in 2014, prior to being promoted to executive chef a year later. During his tenure at Juniper & Ivy, Chef Wells made an indelible mark on the neighborhood's dining scene, helping to expand the area's acclaimed dining options several blocks north with his creative fine dining "west coast cookery" concept, and drawing countless accolades including a MICHELIN Guide California Bib Gourmand award, consistent recognition as one of San Diego's best restaurants, and his own James Beard nomination for Best Chef, California in 2022. Prior to Juniper & Ivy, Wells captured the attention of Chef Blais when he assisted the trailblazing restauranteur as opening sous chef at The Spence in Atlanta, following several years in the kitchens of a handful of high-profile east coast kitchens. Additionally, Chef Wells pursued formal education at the California Culinary Academy.

In his new role, Chef Wells will oversee concept and menu development, as well as day-to-day operations of Sea & Sky, an entirely new concept drawing inspiration from the seasonality and bounty of coastal California, as well as the captivating views that have become the location's hallmark. The menu will focus on quality regional ingredients with simply elegant presentations and offer an innovative drink menu with regional California and Valle de Guadalupe wines and handcrafted cocktails with ingredients from around the world. Architectural changes to the existing space will include the installation of retractable windowpanes in the revamped main dining area replacing previously enclosed floor-to-ceiling windows and a newly enclosed show kitchen that will give guests a front row seat to the culinary action. The new restaurant will also feature a floor-to-ceiling redesign of its intimate private dining room, creating the perfect space for memorable group meals, celebrations, and business meetings.