Eureka! Restaurant Group and Grupo Carolo Hospitality announced the opening of The Amalfi Llama at The Collection at UTC this March, a new retail, entertainment and culinary destination nestled in San Diego’s University City. Inspired by coastal cultures stretching from Patagonia’s countryside to the Mediterranean’s Italian coast, this marks The Amalfi Llama’s second location following a successful launch in Miami this past winter.
Utilizing live-fire cooking and masterful fire-manipulating technique found in many different cultures, The Amalfi Llama’s chefs use smoke, coals and embers to cook meat, seafood, grains and vegetable dishes to smoky perfection. Guests will be welcomed by warm, modern farmhouse interiors, where natural light reflects off pale woods, antique mirror finishes, organic design elements and neutral finishes with pops of native greenery and art made from Peruvian llama tassels.
The 7,054-square-foot, 152-seat dining room is anchored by a live-fire grill and wood-burning oven that beckons guests to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of wood-fired dishes crackling over hot embers. Further adding to the drama and excitement is an oversized circular bar anchored in the center of the action that comfortably seats 28. A unique and cozy dining experience also awaits outside on the 2,038-square-foot, 92-seat patio, where guests can dine under canopies of trees and bistro lights illuminating fire pits and contemporary wood furniture.
“After the tremendous success of our Aventura opening in Miami, we are excited to bring The Amalfi Llama to San Diego,” remarks Eduardo Gomez, CEO of Grupo Carolo in a statement. “The warm reception and enthusiastic patronage in Aventura reinforced our belief in the power of live-fire cooking to captivate palates and create unforgettable dining experiences. With the opening of our second location, we are eager to further immerse guests in the rich tapestry of flavors and ambiance that define The Amalfi Llama.”
Diners can dive into a selection of coastal Italian dishes, with starters like the Prime Beef Carpaccio with truffle cream and Cedar-Roasted Burrata featuring cherry tomato and charred leek. Pasta dishes include the Lobster Arrabiata spaghetti with cherry tomato, pomodoro lobster sauce and chili aioli; Baked Tagliolini with prosciutto cotto and bechamel, and more. Wood-fired pizzas include Positano with Soppressata and Finocchiona with a drizzle of hot honey; Roasted Mushroom with white truffle oil; and others. Italian creations will be served alongside Latin-inspired live-fire parrilla-style dishes from the Meat & Sea portion of the menu, including the Tomahawk steak and 3- or 6-ounce Wagyu, accompanied by béarnaise, mustard greens chimichurri or serrano tomato sauce; cedar planked roasted Ora King Salmon; and Branzino, served fire-grilled or sea salt crusted with lemon, capers, and olive oil.
Complementing the gastronomic journey, mixologist Trevor Tyler crafts a diverse range of handcrafted cocktails designed to further elevate the experience through innovation, sophistication, and visual appeal. From bold Negroni variations like the Negroni di Amalfi and Kingston Negroni, the menu caters to spirits enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. The Woodland Place and Purple Orchid are standouts among the “Specialty Cocktails,” boasting eccentric ingredients such as Buffalo Trace palo santo-infused bourbon and lavender. For those seeking non-boozy options, the menu offers “Zero-Proof Cocktails” such as the Mojito and Pineapple Sour. Catering to any palate, the menu also includes “Refreshers” like the Peach Bellini, as well as specialty sodas.
The Amalfi Llama’s sommeliers have curated an extensive selection of wines from Argentina, Italy and the United States to complement the coastal menu. Guests can explore various wine varietals and price points, embarking on a culinary and wine journey across three beautiful regions.
With The Amalfi Llama poised for its San Diego debut, Eureka! Restaurant Group and Grupo Carolo boast over 57 restaurants throughout the United States and Mexico City. Eureka! Restaurant Group is a culinary powerhouse committed to energy, discovery and community. Across 30 restaurants, the hospitality group brings authentic food made with local ingredients, hospitality and an energetic, welcoming atmosphere to each community. Grupo Carolo is a family-owned enterprise known for its portfolio of fashionable restaurant brands. Together, they look forward to opening more locations for The Amalfi Llama while continuing to elevate the dining experience across a diverse range of cuisines.
The Amalfi Llama will host a week-long job fair starting on February 15 with plans to hire 200+ team members. Applicants for both front- and back-of-house positions can visit amalfillama.com to apply.
The Amalfi Llama is located at 4575 La Jolla Village Drive in San Diego. It will be open Sunday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight.
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