A new French Mediterranean restaurant in La Jolla is officially open — and it’s one worth lingering over.
From the visionary chef behind San Diego favorite Callie, Fleurette is the newest dining destination to land in La Jolla, bringing a radiant interpretation of Cuisine du Soleil — the cooking of sun, season, and place — to North County and beyond.
Rooted in French Provençal tradition but unmistakably Californian in spirit, Fleurette celebrates coastal bounty, thoughtful technique, and the kind of hospitality that encourages long dinners and second glasses of wine.
COURTESY ERIC WOLFINGER
Opened by Chef Travis Swikard, Fleurette is a tribute to the French Mediterranean filtered through San Diego’s coastal landscape. After spending over a decade cooking in New York City alongside culinary icon Daniel Boulud, Swikard fell in love with the sun-driven cuisine of Southern France — food that’s light, ingredient-forward, and deeply tied to time and place.
At Fleurette, that philosophy comes to life through modern French Provençal cuisine made with California ingredients, uniting the Riviera and San Diego in one thoughtful, transportive dining experience.
The name Fleurette, meaning “little flower,” symbolizes new life and seasonal renewal — a fitting metaphor for a restaurant grounded in freshness, simplicity, and warmth.
Designed by Studio UNLTD, Fleurette’s interior is airy, elegant, and sun-washed. Natural materials, sculptural details, and soft coastal tones evoke the charm of Provence with the polish of modern La Jolla.
It’s the kind of space that feels equally right for a celebratory dinner, a special occasion, or an unhurried weekday meal that turns into an entire evening
The branding, led by Folklor, reinforces Fleurette’s refined yet relaxed identity — elevated without being precious.
Notably, Fleurette was named one of Robb Report’s 13 Most Exciting Restaurant Openings in America, putting it on the national culinary map before doors even opened.
A San Diego native, Chef Travis Swikard built his culinary foundation in New York City, working alongside Daniel Boulud and Gavin Kaysen before returning home to open Callie, his Michelin-recognized restaurant that earned praise from Esquire, Robb Report, and the Michelin Guide.
With Fleurette, Swikard expands his vision — leaning into the flavors of the French-Italian Riviera, Mediterranean conviviality, and a lighter, sun-driven approach to modern fine dining.
COURTESY ERIC WOLFINGER
Fleurette’s menu is designed for lingering — beginning with shareable bites and snacks that immediately set the tone. Early standouts include crispy Barbajuans tossed with winter greens and Parmigiano Reggiano, the indulgent “ham & cheese” gougères filled with prosciutto, gruyère, and black truffle fonduta, and a beautifully restrained chilled San Diego lobster “aioli” paired with garden vegetables and fines herbes.
The classic pissaladière, a caramelized onion tart with niçoise olives and anchovy, nods to Provençal tradition and pairs effortlessly with a glass of wine. From there, starters invite guests to slow down — think beets à la “Fleurette” with fromage blanc and orange blossom honey, leeks vinaigrette topped with duck egg and golden Kaluga caviar, kanpachi & carrot “cru” brightened with citrus, and a rich duck liver & bone marrow pâté served with fennel marmalade and brioche. The Hope Ranch mussels vol-au-vent, bathed in garlic-persillade butter, have already become a quiet favorite among early diners.
Pastas and mains carry the meal into richer territory while maintaining Fleurette’s sun-kissed balance. Handmade pastas range from egg yolk fettuccine with Meyer lemon butter and golden ossetra caviar to winter pumpkin and chestnut doppio agnolotti finished with brown butter and sage, alongside indulgent classics like white truffle tagliolini and garganelli alla Genovese with 24-hour braised beef shank ragù.
For mains, the kitchen leans into refined comfort with dishes such as San Diego bouillabaisse featuring spiny lobster and saffron bourride, roast golden chicken enriched with black truffle and vin jaune jus, dry-aged Liberty Farms duck with honey-glazed persimmon, and a Provençal lamb duo finished with persillade and banyuls jus. The 32-ounce dry-aged Flannery côte de bœuf anchors the menu as a true celebratory centerpiece. Dessert brings a final flourish with the crowd-pleasing warm dark chocolate fondant, the bright and airy winter citrus vacherin, and a layered milk chocolate and hazelnut mille-feuille — each one a fitting end to a long, leisurely evening.
Fleurette’s cocktail program mirrors the menu in both spirit and execution — regionally inspired, balanced, and transportive, with each drink named after a coastal locale that reflects its flavor profile. Signature cocktails span the Mediterranean and California coastline, from La Jolla, a savory, briny blend of gin, caper vermouth, Provençal olive oil, and brine, to Provence, which leans bright and floral with rosé wine, Armagnac, strawberry, and lemon. More celebratory pours include Cannes, combining gin, raspberry, Champagne, and Campari foam, and Coronado, a richer, indulgent cocktail built with bourbon, Champagne reduction, and brown butter — proof that the bar program is just as thoughtful and destination-driven as the kitchen.
Inspired by the convivial spirit of the Mediterranean, private dining at Fleurette is designed for gathering, celebration, and long, unhurried meals. While full details are still unfolding, the restaurant will offer several elegant options, including the Matisse Room, an intimate private dining space for up to 24 guests, the Provençal Garden, which accommodates up to 35, and full restaurant buyouts for seated events of up to 110 guests. Whether for milestone celebrations, corporate dinners, or special occasions, Fleurette’s private dining experiences are poised to bring the same warmth, beauty, and Cuisine du Soleil philosophy to larger gatherings.
📍 Location:
4727 Executive Drive, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92121 (La Jolla)
🕰 Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Bar open until 11:00 PM
📞 Contact:
(858) 332-2655
info@fleurettesd.com
📲 Instagram: @fleurettesd
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