In April, Veranda restaurant made its debut at Hotel del Coronado, a nod to the property’s 20-foot-wide terrace that wrapped around the Victorian building when it opened in 1888. Famous guests, including Marilyn Monroe, would stroll the 1,800-foot-long outdoor structure, basking in the salty breeze blowing off the Pacific. Today, that landmark serves as the inspiration for executive chef Brian Archibald and his Southern California-forward cuisine at the new 159-seat restaurant. Here, Archibald discusses Veranda’s bright future and storied past.
This chilled vanilla souffle with meringue feather and strawberry rosewater elixir was a favorite of Marilyn Monroe while filming Some Like It Hot in 1958.
What inspired this new concept at Hotel del Coronado?
We really wanted to tap into The Del’s incredible history. The hotel’s original wraparound veranda was an amazing gathering spot where people connected and enjoyed the ocean air. We aimed to bring that timeless, social vibe into a fresh, modern dining experience for today’s guests.
Tell us about the overall concept and how it’s elevating San Diego’s dining landscape.
Veranda is all about laid-back, refined American cuisine with a spectacular ocean view. We’re big on local ingredients and working with our purveyors to celebrate Southern California flavors. We think it elevates the dining scene by offering that unique blend of comfort and elegance right here at an iconic San Diego spot. It’s the whole package—amazing food, incredible views and a really welcoming atmosphere.
Tell us about the ambiance.
The ambiance is truly special—it’s designed to feel like a lush, garden-inspired oasis by the ocean that feels both classic and contemporary. It’s intimate and comfortable, with lots of natural elements, all crafted to highlight those breathtaking Pacific views. We want guests to feel relaxed, whether inside or enjoying the fresh air on the patio.
What should we order?
For starters, you have to try the grilled California artichokes—they’re just fantastic. For mains, the Veranda French Dip is a must-try twist on a classic, and the grilled whole red mountain trout noisette is super fresh and flavorful. Our Dungeness crab wedge is also a fun, decadent choice. And don’t forget our specialty nights: fried chicken on Wednesdays, prime rib on Thursdays and a seafood boil on Fridays. For drinks, we’ve got awesome classic cocktails with a modern twist, and our California wine list has some real gems.
The Dungeness crab wedge salad features fresh crab, iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onions, chives, a sliced egg and Louis dressing.
How about something sweet?
One of our guest-favorite dishes is An Iconic Chilled Souffle, inspired by actress Marilyn Monroe. While staying at The Del during the filming of Some Like It Hot in 1958, Monroe ordered this dessert daily.
“Veranda is all about laid-back, refined American cuisine with a spectacular ocean view. We’re big on local ingredients and working with our purveyors to celebrate Southern California flavors.” —BRIAN ARCHIBALD
What’s your favorite dish?
I’d say the California halibut Veracruz. It’s fresh, cooked perfectly and topped with a spicy Veracruz sauce that takes it to another level. It’s a dish that truly lets the ingredients shine, and it just feels right when you’re looking out at the ocean. For those looking to explore more and indulge, Veranda’s knowledgeable service team always has a few off-menu features available, such as the Pacific seafood tower and whole roasted lobster.
