La Jolla Business Roundup: Roppongi returns; Mexican restaurant and ‘micro-bakery’ debut

Business openings in La Jolla took a bit of a holiday in December, but a pair of restaurants and an at-home bakery do provide some new food spots.

Here’s a look at local businesses that opened before the new year.

Roppongi

A decade after closing, Roppongi Restaurant & Lounge made its comeback in La Jolla on Dec. 4.

Roppongi, created by restaurateur Sami Ladeki in 1989, serves Asian cuisine ranging from crab stacks and Mongolian shrimp to Tahitian bananas for dessert. The menu also boasts sushi, wok-fired creations and shareable plates.

A statement from the restaurant describes its return as “a fresh vision that is both a nod to its legacy and a bold new chapter.”

The opening at 875 Prospect St. was ushered in by Ladeki and interior designer Stephanie Parisi, a creative partner behind Hotel Parisi, Prime Ten and Roppongi Palm Desert. Her designs are described as “a living work of art.”

A fireplace that was a piece of the original Roppongi is a focal point in the new restaurant.

Roppongi La Jolla has a happy hour from 2 to 5 p.m. daily, while dinner is served from 5 to 10 p.m. Find out more at roppongiusa.net/restaurant-and-lounge.

La Jollita

La Jollita, a restaurant characterized by “the flavors, warmth and vibrancy of Mexico’s seaside culture,” is now open at 1251 Prospect St.

The official opening Nov. 10 followed a social media marketing campaign dating to Aug. 31.

La Jollita offers tacos, tostadas, ceviche, cold and hot bar selections and “elevated classics” such as mezcal-flamed filet mignon and fire-roasted branzino.

Seating is available indoors or on an outside heated terrace.

The restaurant offers a mix of signature cocktails and a variety of tequilas, beers and wines to pair with the food.

La Jollita is led by Alejandro Angulo, a second-generation member of a family involved in Mexico’s restaurant industry for 50 years.

Learn more at jollita.com.

Merci Bakery

One of La Jolla’s newest businesses is an at-home bakery with delivery available exclusively in The Jewel.

Merci Bakery is a “micro-bakery” offering traditional French items with an American twist. It’s the creation of pastry chef Sofia Perez and her husband, Job.

The couple formally launched the business in November, offering croissants, cookies, cruffins (a croissant and muffin hybrid) and more. In addition to online sales, they offer large pastry orders for events such as birthday parties and baby showers.

One of Merci’s signature offerings is the brioche swirl — “soft, laminated brioche rolled with rich chocolate or bright raspberry jam, baked until light and buttery,” Sofia Perez said. The cruffin is another popular pick.

Seasonal items include an apple cider doughnut in November and a tin of Christmas cookies in December.

Orders are accepted on a weekly basis Mondays through Wednesdays. Orders are then baked fresh and made available for local pickup or delivery over the weekend.

See more and order at mercibakeryca.com.

New at Westfield UTC

Westfield UTC mall welcomed several new stores over the past of couple months, and more are expected in the new year.

These establishments opened in November or December:

• Gyminny Kids: This store, near the mall’s Genesee Avenue parking garage, offers “a safe, clean, climate-controlled” activity center for children. The family-run business was launched in 1987 and has since expanded from Rancho Bernardo to several locations across San Diego County. gyminnykids.com

• Rivian: The maker of electric trucks, SUVs and vans opened a location between LensCrafters and Victoria’s Secret on the west side of the mall. rivian.com

• HeyTea: Founded in China in 2012, HeyTea offers drinks ranging from tea lattes and boba milk tea to matcha and fruit drinks. The UTC location is close to Palm Plaza and Woofpak Pet Kitchen, Cariloha and Silverlake Ramen. heytea.com

These stores were relocated in the mall:

• Joe & the Juice: Now between Oakley and Lovisa near the middle of the shopping center

• J.Crew: Now between J. Jill and Gap in the northern section of the mall

• Gabriela Ceballos: Now next to the Apple Store on the west side of the mall

In addition, Oakley was given a new look in November.

See the mall’s full map and business lineup at westfield.com/en/united-states/utc/maps.

La Jolla Business Roundup is published monthly by the La Jolla Light. Send your business news to staff writer Noah Lyons at noah.lyons@lajollalight.com.