Stacked atop a maze of world-class eateries and set against the backdrop of the Pacific is where La Jolla’s latest Italian hotspot, Stella, held its soft opening on the evening of June 5. Stella’s founder and head chef, Vincenzo “Enzo” Mauri, should be a familiar name around the neighborhood through his previous role at the helm of the now-shuttered La Jolla favorite, Ristorante Pasquale. Mauri’s latest concept on lower Girard embraces the authentic and sophisticated flavors of Umbria, the heart and soul of fine central Italian cuisine. From the traditional savory dishes of his grandmother’s kitchen to modern-day infusions of vodkas for the bar’s signature cocktails, Stella has sumptuous surprises at every turn. Together with young enterprising restaurateur Gary Duplaisir, the duo leads a team focused on creating an environment along the coast that emphasizes the utmost in hospitality, finest authentic cuisine and elegant and fabulous ambiance within its four-level indoor-outdoor dining establishment. Stella is located at 8008 Girard Ave. For more information, visit www.stellalajolla.com or call (858) 551-3242. The Hake Kitchen & Sushi Bar is bringing a fresh new globally inspired seafood concept to La Jolla this month in the form of a modern neighborhood-centered brasserie that fuses Mediterranean, Latin American and Asian cuisine. The menu offers a range of simple, yet sophisticated dishes with modern twists on simple, culturally inspired dishes. “The Hake is based on our passion for simple dishes that showcase the high quality and freshness of ingredients,” said managing partner Ricardo Dondisch. The unique concept is based on chefs Federico Rigoletti and Roberto Craig’s successful contemporary incarnation of classic neighborhood-focused brasseries in Mexico City. Hake’s menu showcases fresh seafood cuisine that embraces inventive preparations and sharable plates of all sizes. The restaurant design embraces the natural elements of the existing building with an earth-toned color palette and hints of exposed wood and bright greenery on the front patio that enables its guest to relax and have a good time. Hake is located at 1250 Prospect St. For more information, visit www.thehake.com or call (858) 454-1637.