If you’ve ever come across a mouth-watering scent during your hike at Black’s Beach or the Saigon Trail, chances are you’ve detected the cuisine over at Mustangs and Burros. The adventurous La Jolla eatery waits amidst the five-star Estancia Hotel, serving up a southwest cuisine alongside a Hacienda-style décor. Their menu consisting of top-notch food in a casual dining environment make this restaurant fit for any occasion among friends and family.
Described as a coastal inspired cuisine with a California twist, Mustangs and Burros pride themselves on their unique menu combining Baja and Mediterranean flavors. The culinary team prioritizes cooking sustainable and local ingredients, sourcing from over 50 California farms daily. The establishment’s environmental ideals can easily be spotted within their dishes, as Executive Chef Vincent Savignano notes a crowd favorite, the Tomahawk: “The story and philosophy really meshed with our overall goal of what we wanted Mustangs to represent.” This special dish is a grass-fed, free-range, non-GMO antibiotic piece of meat all the way from Tasmania, Australia, which Savignano declares could be ordered based on the presentation alone!
While experiencing the unique dishes and offerings of the restaurant, what really sets Mustangs and Burros apart from the rest is the communal atmosphere. They have broken away from the conventional means of seating to create a welcoming environment creating a sense of branching out, by palette especially. “Our plates are designed for sharing which lets the diner break away from the normal ordering structure. Our casual dining style brings diners together to sample and taste different things they might not otherwise try,” he describes. The combination of menu offerings and cozy seating gift the La Jolla community a unique bonding experience through cuisine.
Just beyond the kitchen walls of lies a culinary team that has just as much fun crafting the plates as the patrons do enjoying them. Savignano recounts, “One of the most exciting things was getting to know my team and being able to combine all our unique culinary flavors to make a new menu that’s uniquely us. There’s a little bit of each of our team member’s personality in our new menu and a true diversity in the flavor profiles.” With a happy staff placed among a playful cuisine and relaxed atmosphere, Mustangs and Burros has created nothing short of a gem among La Jolla.
Experience a fabulous new happy hour every day from 4-6PM with discounted appetizers, wine, beer and cocktails! Complementary valet offered.