This La Jolla enclave is becoming an indisputable design destination

The biggest design bonafides in Bird Rock are thanks to the husband-and-wife visionaries behind Paradisaea restaurant by “AD100” architecture and design firm Georgis & Mirgorodsky. Owners Zoe and Eric Kleinbub didn’t stop at one concept for the landmark “Piano Building” designed by William Kesling. Following Paradisaea came Dodo Bird Donuts next door, then the new Tropical Punch, a refined bohemian bazaar. “Eric and I bought the building in 2018 and wanted to bring new life to the area,” says Zoe of her triple-concept vision. “We did this by bringing things we thought were special — both culinary, design, and style-wise.”

Elevate your interiors and your social life. That’s the dynamic directive of Roam Homeware, the newest kid on the block, stocked with furniture, décor, and local art. “After years of living abroad, collecting unique pieces from my travels, I knew this was the perfect place to share them with the community,” says La Jolla native Elyse Clark. Not to be missed: the monthly Gallery Night, where creativity and cocktails are on tap. “It’s an experience.” 

“It’s an identity maker,” says Jenna Hanson, who co-founded Revival Vintage Eyewear with business partner Jon Hershman. “What you put on your face is a declaration of self-expression.” Sustainable, vintage, and unworn, Revival Vintage Eyewear specializes in deadstock designer frames from YSL and Dior to Nikon and Nina Ricci. Bespoke everything. From the see-and-be-seen boutique on La Jolla Boulevard, the store provides eye exams and creates custom tinted lenses for sunnies and readers alike. 

From the same designer who brought us the dreamy Hermosa Surf Shop comes Forbleu by Solstice Interiors. Exuding the sun-dappled, homespun vibe of owner Katie Betyar, the shop features custom and vintage furniture, lighting, textiles, and art. “My overall design aesthetic is truly a reflection of the laid back, California lifestyle,” says Betyar, who named the shop for her daughter, Blue. “I’m a firm believer in the importance of our surroundings at home — it’s where we recharge our batteries, connect with our loved ones, nourish ourselves and our bodies. So, Forbleu is a special curation of goods meant to inspire just that. 

It’s a board shop. It’s a café. It’s a high-designed hangout with serious local cred. Racks brim with S.D. brands like Moon Wetsuits while the mid-century chairs are an ideal spot to kick back with the Kale-r Wave, a vegan smoothie made with ashwagandha, kale, and house granola. Living the dream: Owners Benny Walter and Attila Betyar, brothers who spent their youth on Lower Hermosa and later manifested this surf-stoked HQ designed by Solstice Interiors. 

Foodies follow breadcrumbs to Wayfarer Bread, San Diego’s most acclaimed craft bakery with a soul-stirring menu of sweet and savory goods. Owner Crystal White earned her chops at the world-renowned Tartine Bakery in San Francisco before setting her sights on San Diego back in 2018. Consider White the lynchpin for Bird Rock’s success, with Wayfarer remaining the de facto foodie destination. 

To achieve on-the-verge neighborhood status, an art gallery is required. Thankfully, there’s Two Rooms. The artist-run gallery and project space was founded by Lizzie Zelter two years ago. From this strip mall location, she single-handedly drums up excitement for a tightly conceived curation of S.D. and Baja artists.