BoujieMana: San Diego's Elevated Take on Mediterranean Dining
Where fine dining meets soulful Mediterranean flavor and artful storytelling.
A New Chapter in San Diego's Culinary Story
San Diego has no shortage of good food, but when it comes to Mediterranean cuisine that feels both indulgent and deeply rooted, BoujieMana is setting a new standard. Tucked in the heart of Kearny Mesa, this hidden gem offers a modern interpretation of traditional dishes through a luxurious lens, blending seasonal ingredients, sophisticated plating, and a sensory dining experience that's hard to forget.
"BoujieMana doesn’t just serve food — it crafts edible experiences."
The Philosophy Behind the Plate
Chef Dante, the creative visionary behind the menu, believes in honoring Mediterranean heritage while infusing every dish with unexpected flair. "Mediterranean cuisine is all about connection — to land, to people, to time. We just dress it up a little," he says with a smile.
At BoujieMana, food isn't rushed. Each plate is layered with texture and flavor and plated like art. Whether it’s a refined twist on a traditional recipe or a completely new expression, there’s a thoughtfulness in every bite.
Dish Spotlights
Grilled Whole Snapper {gluten free}
A show-stopper served with charred castlefranco, golden raisins, mint, dill, garlic chili oil, and lemon aioli. Light yet bold.
Herb Roasted Chicken
Comfort food with elegance — toasted levain, frisée, and a savory mustard jus bring warmth and texture.
Roasted Duck {gluten free}
An indulgent centerpiece: 15-day dry aged, wet brined, cold smoked, served with roasted pear and frisée. Limited availability, worth every second of the wait.
Pumpkin Pie Pizza
A savory-meets-sweet masterpiece: sugar pie pumpkin, garlic, thyme, calabrian chili, fontina, pumpkin seed, chocolate persimmons, delicata, and activated charcoal.
Anson Mills Polenta {gluten free}
Silky polenta topped with wild mushrooms, manchego, a soft egg, and braised escarole — comforting and rich.
Lamb Sugo Pappardelle
Tender house-made pappardelle tossed in a tomato-based lamb ragu with burrata, pecorino sardo, and toasted breadcrumb.
Saltimboca {gluten free}
Prosciutto-wrapped pork loin paired with sage, grilled fig, and a fennel-herb salad. A timeless dish, reimagined.
Boujie Cheeseburger
A rich grind of brisket and short rib, garlic aioli, crispy bacon, cambozola, pickled onion, and lettuce on a pillowy pan de mie bun.
Grilled Hanger Steak {gluten free}
Seared to perfection with chimichurri, creamy mashed potatoes, and crispy onion rings.
Dry Aged Ribeye
45-day dry-aged cut with red wine porcini jus, chives, and golden frites. A statement plate.
Cocktails to Crave
BoujieMana’s mixology program is as daring and luxurious as the dishes. Here are some standouts:
Espresso Martini – Meili vodka, Kahlua, Baileys, and bold espresso
Blood Orange Margarita – Avion Silver, blood orange, and lime
Vanilla Chai Mule – Chai-infused Absolut Elyx, lime, bitters, and ginger beer
Sazerquack – Duck fat-washed High West rye, amaro, star anise syrup, and bitters
Forbidden Desire – Avion Reposado, elderflower, aqua chile syrup, and lime
Butterfly Effect – Pea flower elderflower infusion with lemon, mint, prosecco, and soda
Rye’d On – 100 proof rye, sweet vermouth, and Cynar
Dirty Dill – Dill-infused Elyx, Gray Whale gin, Lillet Blanc, and olive juice
Beet-Dill Juice – Dill Elyx, beet juice, Lillet Rosé, lemon, and syrup
Cooper Colada #2 – Pineapple-infused Avion Reposado, coconut purée, lemon, amaretto, and Luxardo
Event Banner
BoujieHeARTS Always Give- A Night of Art & Generosity
Date and time: Tuesday, May 13 · 4:30 - 8pm PDT
Location: 3545 Aero Court San Diego, CA 92123
About this event
BoujieMana is hosting its first-ever art show on May 13th! Recently named the #8 best new restaurant in America by Yelp users, BoujieMana is the perfect setting for a night filled with beauty, creativity, and community—and we want your art to be part of it!
The evening will also feature the celebration of a brand-new permanent art installation by local artist Jonnie Allen, making this a true celebration of local talent and artistic expression.
Want to Showcase Your Art?
Sign up today to be considered! We’ll be reviewing submissions soon and will be in touch with next steps.
Event Theme: Generosity (Give Back Through Art!)
This is more than an art show. It’s a celebration of generosity and a chance to give back through your gifts. Artists are invited to display and sell their work, with 3% of all proceeds donated to the Special Olympics, our #Boujieheartsalwaysgive partner for the month of May. Whether you specialize in sculpture, photography, painting, or mixed media, we welcome all styles and forms.
We believe great art gives something to the world—and this event is built around that idea. From curated cocktails to kids’ art activities, everything is designed to spark connection, conversation, and community giving.
Details for Artists:
Arrival Time: 4:30 PM
Art Display Time: 5:00–7:00 PM
We'd love for you stay for dinner or a drink at BoujieMana after the show!
You’re welcome to sell your work directly, with a request that 3% of proceeds are donated to the Special Olympics.
What Guests Are Saying
"The duck alone is reason to come early and stay late. An unforgettable plate."
— @gastronomysd
"BoujieMana is what happens when fine dining, flavor, and San Diego soul collide."
— Yelp Review
"Chef Dante’s passion is palpable. Every dish tells a story."
— Local Foodie Magazine
Behind the Pass: A Moment with Chef Dante
We asked Chef Dante what drives his approach:
"San Diego has always had diversity, but now we’re learning how to express it through food in deeper ways. BoujieMana isn’t just mine — it’s a reflection of our whole creative community."
His goal? To create a restaurant that feels like a love letter to both the old world and the new San Diego.
Menu & Reservations
Final Bite
Looking for the top restaurant in San Diego with bold Mediterranean food and an artful twist? BoujieMana is an experience worth savoring. From the art on your plate to the art on the walls, it’s where storytelling and flavor come alive.
Make a reservation. Stay for the art. Come back for the food.
"At BoujieMana, Mediterranean food is more than cuisine — it’s a curated experience."
