Since opening its doors on May 17, 1965, under the vision of founder John Alessio, the 11,000-square-foot penthouse restaurant has offered unparalleled views of the city skyline and San Diego Bay, hosting dignitaries, celebrities, and generations of locals seeking a classic white-tablecloth experience. To mark this diamond anniversary, Mister A’s is launching a series of events starting in May, honoring its legacy while looking forward to a future of elevated hospitality.
The restaurant’s journey began in the early 1960s when Alessio, inspired by penthouse dining in Acapulco, decided to add a 13th floor to the under-construction Fifth Avenue Financial Center, defying skeptics who doubted its location - then considered too far from downtown - would succeed. On opening night, 250 guests from the American Tunaboat Association dined amidst Mediterranean-inspired interiors of rich reds, walnut paneling, and Spanish, French, and Italian accents, designed by local Walter Broderick.
Over the decades, Mister A’s has evolved under three owners: Alessio, French restaurateur Bertrand Hug (1999-2022), and current owner Ryan Thorsen, who took over in 2022 after serving as operations manager since 2010. Thorsen’s $2 million renovation that year revived the restaurant’s retro elegance, incorporating elements like seven crystal chandeliers from the Alessio family’s Mount Helix villa, a new 18-seat bar, and a 72-seat indoor-outdoor lounge, all while preserving its timeless charm.
For over 20 years, Executive Chef Stéphane Voitzwinkler has helmed the kitchen, blending French techniques with California flavors, using 100 pounds of imported French butter weekly to craft dishes that have earned accolades like the California Restaurant Association’s "Chef of the Year" in 2013. Wine director Scott Rose curates a 5,000-bottle cellar in the building’s former bank vault, while pastry chef Amy Simpson creates seasonal desserts like the Baked Hawaiian Alaska, featuring a coconut macaroon and sorbet. Bar manager Alvin Pugeda maintains a cocktail program rooted in classics, with martinis—a nod to Alessio’s $1 originals in 1965—remaining a staple. The restaurant’s legacy of service was epitomized by maître d’ Jerry Capozzelli, who passed away in 2023 after 39 years, leaving an indelible mark with his warmth and discretion, often remembered as “Uncle Jerry” by guests who returned with childhood photos.
Mister A’s anniversary events reflect its commitment to community and tradition. On May 8, the 2nd Annual Mister A’s Golf Invitational at Coronado Municipal Golf Course will benefit Pro Kids, followed by a "Lighting the Legacy" rooftop sign ceremony. June, dubbed "Jerry’s Month," will honor Capozzelli with charity partnerships, vintage menu offerings, and a focus on impeccable service. From June 24-26, a ticketed "60 Years of Community: 1965 Menu at 1965 Prices" dinner series will feature Voitzwinkler’s vintage dishes, with reservations opening on OpenTable May 1. These events celebrate a history that includes milestones like California Governor Edmund G. Brown christening the building in 1965, Mexican President José López Portillo dining in the 1970s, and the restaurant’s 1992 ranking among Gourmet Magazine’s "Top 25 Restaurants in America."
Thorsen, who also plans to break ground in 2026 on The Admiral at NTC, a $15 million hospitality complex in Liberty Station featuring a 140-seat restaurant, cocktail bar, game room, and event venue, sees the anniversary as a testament to Mister A’s enduring spirit. The restaurant, which has maintained the same phone number (619.239.1377) for 60 years, continues to draw guests who marvel at planes soaring past the skyline every 10 minutes. With accolades like Wine Spectator’s "Award of Excellence" and OpenTable’s "Top 100 Restaurants in the US," Mister A’s remains a beacon of culinary excellence, proving that its sky-high vision still resonates in San Diego after six decades.
Mister A's is located at 2550 Fifth Avenue in San Diego's Bankers Hill community. For more information, visit asrestaurant.com.
Originally published on April 5, 2025.
