Opening New Restaurant Mia's in Solana Beach
Join us in Solana Beach to Open Our New Restaurant, Mia's
What's on the menu
Veteran restaurateurs Rick Staunton and Jimmy Ulcickas are putting the final touches on Mia’s, an exciting new Baja-Mediterranean concept opening late October in Solana Beach. Located just steps from the Pacific Ocean and a short drive south of the duo’s popular Bluewater Grill in Carlsbad, Mia’s brings a bold and vibrant dining experience to the heart of North County.
Taking over the former Alce 101 space, Mia’s blends the bright, coastal flavors of Baja California with rustic Mediterranean influences. The concept is anchored by the partners’ signature focus on fresh, sustainable seafood and locally sourced ingredients. “We’ve always believed in letting the food speak for itself, and Mia’s will be no exception. Our menu will take guests on a journey from the beaches of Baja to the coastal Mediterranean, with stops in between for ceviche, crudo, fire-roasted meats and fine tequila or mezcal,” said Staunton.
The space has been completely reimagined by the San Diego office of design firm PGAL, embracing a modern Baja aesthetic layered with breezy, coastal-modern touches. The result is a relaxed yet elevated ambiance tailored to both locals and visitors.
Mia’s menu blends coastal flavor with refined technique, featuring dishes like Hibiscus Hamachi Crudo with hibiscus ponzu, hamachi, charred pineapple, serrano pepper, avocado and radish, the Volcano Tostada with carne asada, chorizo, refried beans, queso chihuahua, pickled onion, avocado salsa verde and salsa macha, and Papás & Mole Negro with crispy potato pave, oaxacan mole negro, crema salad, chicken chicharron and micro epazote. Entrées
include Ancho-Rubbed Skirt Steak, Seared Bluefin Tuna, and Pan-Seared Halibut with cannellini beans, salsa verde, tomato and kalamata olives, alongside Mediterranean-inspired plates like Rack of Lamb with dry fruit couscous, confit eggplant, labneh, mint lamb jus and chermoula spices. Vibrant salads and inventive vegetable dishes round out the offering. In addition, Mia’s cuisine is seed-oil free and will offer numerous gluten-free and vegetarian options.
The beverage program is equally thoughtful. Mia’s will offer a fresh lineup of craft cocktails with Baja and Mediterranean flair, an expansive mezcal and tequila selection, and aged Caribbean-style rum from the owners’ own Catalina Rum Company. A rotating list of local craft beers—paying homage to San Diego’s celebrated brewing scene—and a curated global wine list complete the bar experience.
According to Ulcickas, “Whether you’re stopping in for ceviche and a cocktail or settling in for a full meal with friends, Mia’s is designed to be your new go-to spot in Solana Beach. We want to create a social hub—a place where great food, drink, and community come together.”
In addition to daily service, Mia’s will host chef dinners, tequila, mezcal, and wine tastings, and seasonal community events throughout the year, further reflecting its mission to become a true neighborhood favorite.
More details on Mia’s, grand opening festivities, and menu previews will be announced soon. In the meantime, visit mias101.com and follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates and announcements.
