JOEY Restaurants was founded in Vancouver in 1992. The upscale restaurant concept has since expanded to 34 locations across North America, with recent openings in Southern California, including Newport Beach and Woodland Hills, and a flagship venue on Toronto's King Street in November 2024. The chain is known for its diverse offerings, from shareable plates like Korean Fried Cauliflower to entrees such as Steak & Ravioli Bianco, Bollywood Butter Chicken, and Steak & Sushi, as well as craft cocktails and decadent desserts.
At Westfield UTC, it is unclear where exactly JOEY will install. Speculation is that it may head into the 7,000 square-foot space previously occupied by The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, which closed unexpectedly in December 2024 after six years, but there is possibility it may be housed in a newly constructed unit near Din Tia Fung. The opening aligns with JOEY’s strategy of targeting upscale retail hubs, as seen with its recent entry into Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara.
The concept joins a growing dining and drinking scene that includes Consortium Holdings' Raised By Wolves, Javier's Cantina, Lady M Cake Boutique, Lucrezia, Marugame Udon, Menya Ultra, Pacific Catch, Panini Kabob Grill, Pazza Market & Cucina, Queenstown, Ramen Nagi, True Food Kitchen, and upcoming additions like Katsuya Ko, further enhancing the mall's reputation as a culinary destination following its $585 million expansion.
JOEY’s arrival introduces a fresh culinary concept to La Jolla’s bustling shopping center, offering a menu that blends Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Indian, and American flavors, alongside a curated art collection and a dynamic atmosphere. Diners can start with shareable plates like Miso Roasted Mushrooms with shallots and white wine or a Hummus platter featuring tzatziki and crispy pita.
Main dishes range from Chicken Parmesan with spaghetti pomodoro to Sake Glazed Chilean Seabass with wok-fired vegetables, alongside options like Herb Crush Salmon. Sushi lovers can enjoy Seared Salmon Sushi or Tuna & Avocado Crunch Rolls, while steak options include a 14 oz Prime New York Strip and a Steak & Ravioli Bianco with truffle beurre blanc. Salads and bowls, such as the Mediterranean Bowl with harissa grilled chicken and the Yellowfin Tuna Salad, cater to lighter appetites, and desserts like the Individually Baked Apple Pie with vanilla ice cream provide a sweet finish.
We reached out to Westfield UTC and JOEY Restaurants representatives for comment on the opening timeline and any planned renovations for the space but did not receive a response.
JOEY Restaurant is expected to open by year's end at 4301 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 2040, within Westfield UTC mall in San Diego’s La Jolla community. For more information, visit joeyrestaurants.com.
Originally published on March 26, 2025.
