Opening in August, Cohn Restaurant Group is gearing up for the anticipated launch of its most ambitious project to date: Coasterra, the $10 million bayfront modern Mexican restaurant, lounge, and event space on Harbor Island. More than eight years in the making, the 28,000-square-foot venue promises a compelling combination of panoramic views of San Diego’s downtown skyline, carefully crafted Mexican dishes, and a tequila-focused bar program all housed in sleek, modern design. Cohn Restaurant Group partnered with Sunroad Enterprises on this one-of-a-kind project.
“We can’t wait to unveil Coasterra to the San Diego community – it’s been a project nearly a decade in the making and we’ve strived to create a truly exceptional venue unlike any in the city,” said David Cohn, founder of Cohn Restaurant Group. “San Diego has earned the reputation of ‘America’s Finest City’ for many reasons, and the breathtaking skyline and incredible views of our beautiful bay and downtown are at the top of the list. Pair that with a delicious dining experience and top-notch service at Coasterra, and I think we’ve built something incredibly special.”
Tapped to lead the culinary program alongside partner/chef Deborah Scott will be John Gray as the executive chef. With more than two decades of culinary experience at some of the finest restaurants in Latin America, Gray brings a worldly perspective to San Diego’s dining scene. At Coasterra, Gray and Scott are introducing a menu of regional Mexican cuisine with a focus on unexpected flavor combinations with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Sharable starters include ordering from the tableside guacamole cart with specialty add-ins like lobster, crab, and shrimp, or the Tostada de Atun with soy, garlic and sesame oil glazed tuna, crispy tortilla, creamy coleslaw and cilantro sprouts. Signature dishes include the Mar y Tierra, a savory blend of beef short rib, Oaxacan mole, lobster risotto cake, and charred asparagus, as well as the Tamal de Champinon with crispy criminis, goat cheese, pomegranate seeds, and topped with smoked poblano cream. Coasterra is a destination for the beverage experience in itself with more than 70 labels of agave spirits including high-end tequila and artisanal mezcal, a robust wine emphasis on Latin America and Baja varietals, and over a dozen local and Mexican craft beer options on tap.
Coasterra’s impressive design comes from a contemporary local architect, the late Graham Downes (Graham Downes Architecture). The mid-century-influenced restaurant features seating for 300-plus people, more than half of which is outside, and comes together with a central inspiration: the views of the San Diego Harbor. Offering a panoramic perspective of the water and skyline from every vantage point throughout the artfully designed building, the space also infuses modern furnishings, rustic statement pieces sourced from Mexico, and massive abstract murals on the interior and exterior of the restaurant by local Mexican artist Rafael Lopez.
Along with the restaurant, Coasterra is home to a unique event center ideal for weddings, business banquets and special occasions. The space will soon feature an outdoor floating event deck that accommodates 500 people standing as well as an airy banquet room, which seats more than 300.
all event areas showcase breathtaking views of San Diego’s skyline and harbor.
Additional menu and design details will be available soon. Coasterra is located at 880 Harbor Drive. For more information, visit Coasterra.com.
Gray’s dynamic career started at The Ritz-Carlton Resort in Cancun, Mexico where he was awarded the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award for both restaurants on the property, a first for any hotel at the time. He also led the menu development for the prestigious opening of The Grand Havana Room in New York City in 1997, followed by the launch of his own collective of restaurants in Riviera Maya with his namesake, John Gray’s Restaurant Group. One of his concepts called John Gray’s Place was named one of Condé Nast Traveler’s “Hot Tables,” and most recently Gray helped the Hilton group open two new luxury properties in Panama in 2013 and 2014.