Founded in 2012 by San Diegans Eric and Alan Adler, along with their cousin Isi Lombrozo, Puesto began with its first location on Wall Street in La Jolla. The chain has since expanded across Southern California, blending traditional Mexican flavors with modern culinary techniques. The Adlers' track record of innovation includes additional projects like Marisi Italiano, an Italian restaurant they opened in 2021 at the former Whisknladle space in La Jolla, and Roma Norte, a James Beard-nominated cocktail bar sited next door to their Seaport Village site.
According to recent documents submitted to the San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality, Puesto has filed permits to open on Barnes Canyon Road in Sorrento Valley, marking the company's fourth San Diego site and 12th overall, including its stadium locations.
The incoming Puesto outpost will occupy a brand-new, unnamed development that previously housed Courtney's, a longtime local restaurant in the area. While an exact opening date remains unclear, the move signals Puesto's continued growth in the region, joining existing San Diego locations in Downtown, Mission Valley, and La Jolla, as well as additional sites in Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Clara, and Concord. The Sorrento Valley location will also share the neighborhood with a new White Rice restaurant - chef Phillip Esteban’s fourth San Diego venture - further enhancing the area's dining scene.
The incoming Puesto outpost will occupy a brand-new, unnamed development that previously housed Courtney's, a longtime local restaurant in the area. While an exact opening date remains unclear, the move signals Puesto's continued growth in the region, joining existing San Diego locations in Downtown, Mission Valley, and La Jolla, as well as additional sites in Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Clara, and Concord. The Sorrento Valley location will also share the neighborhood with a new White Rice restaurant - chef Phillip Esteban’s fourth San Diego venture - further enhancing the area's dining scene.
Sorrento Valley, a bustling life science corridor in northern San Diego known for hosting biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical device companies, is an emerging hub for culinary innovation. Located about 17 miles north of Downtown San Diego, the neighborhood is easily accessible via public transit. This strategic location positions Puesto to cater to both local professionals and residents seeking high-quality Mexican fare.
When the Sorrento Valley location opens, patrons can anticipate Puesto’s signature menu of Mexican dishes, ranging from tacos and shareables to plates and enchiladas. The restaurant has gained widespread acclaim not only for its food but also for its inventive beverage program, featuring both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Highlights include the famous frozen horchata and a variety of craft beers from Puesto Cervecería, the brewery launched in 2020 inside its Mission Valley location, formerly Gordon Biersch.
When the Sorrento Valley location opens, patrons can anticipate Puesto’s signature menu of Mexican dishes, ranging from tacos and shareables to plates and enchiladas. The restaurant has gained widespread acclaim not only for its food but also for its inventive beverage program, featuring both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Highlights include the famous frozen horchata and a variety of craft beers from Puesto Cervecería, the brewery launched in 2020 inside its Mission Valley location, formerly Gordon Biersch.
Puesto is also working on a new eatery within the under construction Terminal 1 in San Diego International Airport. They will be part of a new 70,000 square-feet of retail and dining space, which will also include new locations of Kettner Exchange, Mostra Coffee, Cutwater Spirits, Parakeet Cafe, Better Buzz Coffee, Ambrogio 15, The Taco Stand, Carnitas' Snack Shack, Novo Brewing, Mr. Moto Pizza, Understory Bar, a new food hall by celebrity chef Brian Malarkey and a Top Chef-driven bar & grill from skateboard icon Tony Hawk.
Puesto is expected to open in 2026 at 9955 Barnes Canyon Rd, Unit 1, in San Diego's Sorrento Valley. For more information, visit eatpuesto.com.
Originally published on February 22, 2025. Information first reported by Joey Reams of What Now.
