Celebrating 25 Years of Seasonal Cuisine, Innovation and Hospitality
For twenty-five years, NINE-TEN Restaurant has welcomed guests from around the world to experience thoughtful, ingredient-driven cuisine in the heart of La Jolla. As the restaurant celebrates its silver anniversary this summer, it also celebrates a legacy that helped shape San Diego's dining scene long before "farm-to-table" became part of the culinary conversation.
Located inside the historic Grande Colonial Hotel, NINE-TEN opened in 2001 with a simple philosophy: let exceptional ingredients speak for themselves. By building relationships with local farmers, fishermen, ranchers and artisans, the restaurant embraced seasonal cooking years before it became commonplace. That commitment continues today, making every menu a reflection of Southern California's remarkable agricultural bounty.
A Pioneer of California's Farm-to-Table Movement
Long before locally sourced ingredients became expected, NINE-TEN built its culinary identity around them.
Each menu evolves with the seasons, showcasing produce harvested at its peak, responsibly sourced seafood, premium meats and handcrafted products from trusted local purveyors. Rather than creating dishes around trends, the culinary team creates menus around what is freshest and most flavorful each day.
That philosophy has remained unchanged for twenty-five years.
Chef Jason Knibb's Enduring Vision
Executive Chef Jason Knibb has been at the helm since 2003, leading the kitchen for twenty-three of NINE-TEN's twenty-five years.
Known for blending classical culinary techniques with global inspiration, Chef Knibb has earned national recognition for his thoughtful, ingredient-first approach, including competing on Iron Chef America. His menus celebrate simplicity, balance and seasonality, allowing exceptional ingredients to take center stage.
"Twenty-five years represents far more than a milestone," says Knibb. "It's a reflection of the incredible relationships we've built with our farmers, purveyors, guests and team members. Those relationships continue to inspire everything we do."
National Recognition Rooted in Consistency
Over the past two decades, NINE-TEN has earned press recognition as one of Southern California's premier dining destinations.
Today, the restaurant proudly holds recognition from the California MICHELIN Guide while its award-winning wine program has repeatedly earned Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence. Together, these honors reflect an unwavering commitment to exceptional food, service and hospitality.
While accolades are appreciated, the greatest compliment continues to be welcoming generations of returning guests who have made NINE-TEN part of birthdays, anniversaries, engagements and everyday celebrations.
A Rich History on Prospect Street
Although NINE-TEN opened in 2001, the building's story stretches back nearly a century.
The restaurant occupies the former home of the La Jolla Drugstore, later Putnam's Pharmacy, whose iconic soda fountain served generations of La Jolla residents. The pharmacy was operated by the father of Academy Award-winning actor Gregory Peck, who spent much of his childhood in La Jolla before beginning his legendary film career.
Although NINE-TEN opened in 2001, the building's story stretches back nearly a century.
In 1980, the space became Putnam's Grille, another beloved local institution. Today, NINE-TEN proudly continues the tradition of welcoming both neighbors and visitors to gather around great food.
Some Traditions Never Change
While the menus evolve almost daily, one guest favorite has remained since opening day.
The restaurant's famous Half-Baked Chocolate Cake has become an icon in its own right, with well over 100,000 servings enjoyed during the past twenty-five years. Rich, warm and perfectly indulgent, it has become the sweet ending to countless celebrations.
Like the restaurant itself, it's a classic that never goes out of style. Reserve your table today and become part of the next chapter in NINE-TEN's story.
