Starlite ready to shine once again under new proprietors

Jason St John, left, and Barbara Rourke, co-founders and creative directors of Bells + Whistles architectural firm in the bar at the newly reimagined Starlite restaurant in San Diego's Middletown. It reopens March 24. (John Gastaldo / For the Union-Tribune) — Jason St John, left, and Barbara Rourke, co-founders and creative directors of Bells + Whistles architectural firm in the bar at the newly reimagined Starlite restaurant in San Diego’s Middletown. It reopens March 24. (John Gastaldo / For the Union-Tribune)

UPDATED: March 24, 2025 at 12:36 PM PDT

One of San Diego’s most universally beloved restaurants will reopen next week after a 14-month closure, carrying on a legacy that began nearly 18 years ago.

Nestled along India Street in the neighborhood between Mission Hills and downtown appropriately named Middletown, Starlite opened in 2007 as somewhat of a revelation, converging a craft cocktail bar and locally sourced gastropub together in a way that’s now familiar but had just barely begun to emerge in San Diego at the time.

First-time restaurateurs Matt Hoyt and Tim Mays, who opened Starlite alongside a group of co-investors that included singer-songwriter Steve Poltz, were already embedded in San Diego’s arts and music scene. Hoyt was a multi-hyphenate director, actor, artist, and musician while Mays ran The Casbah, the historic live music venue he co-founded.

Their Starlite was an instant classic, becoming a destination for date nights, late nights, and everything in between. Serving a menu of casual but compelling dishes and introducing San Diegans to signature cocktails like the Starlite Mule, the mid-century modern space had a timeless cool that endured across the years.

But in 2021 at the height of the pandemic, its long tenure was marked by tragedy when Hoyt suddenly ed away at the age of 45 after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. Hoyt had been a constant presence at the restaurant, overseeing day-to-day operations. While Mays, Hoyt’s wife Allison, and key staff tried to keep Starlite going, a decision was ultimately made to find new ownership.

Arsalun Tafazoli of CH Projects in one corner of the Starlite Lounge. Photo by JOHN GASTALDO for the Union-Tribune — Arsalun Tafazoli of CH Projects in one corner of the Starlite restaurant. Photo by JOHN GASTALDO for the Union-Tribune

CH Projects co-founder Arsalun Tafazoli shared that he initially said no when approached with the offer. Calling Starlite, “a beacon,” Tafazoli says he drew inspiration from Hoyt and Mays — who opened their restaurant the same year as Tafazoli rolled out his first venture, the East Village beer bar Neighborhood — but assuming the weight of responsibility seemed like too daunting a task.

“Then one day I was driving up the 5 past Starlite and realized there might be a day when it would be gone,” he said.

Confronted with that possibility, Tafazoli finally said yes and took over in Fall 2022, running Starlite virtually as-is through 2023 before shuttering it in preparation for a remodel.

San Diego, CA_3_14_25_The soon-to-open Starlite Lounge in Little Italy. Photo by JOHN GASTALDO for the Union-Tribune

When approaching how his group might guide the space into its next chapter, he called in Bells + Whistles, the original design team. Now the award-winning architectural firm behind standouts like Carlsbad’s Jeune et Jolie and Providence in Los Angeles, Starlite was the first major project for principals Jason St John and Barbara Rourke, who say that it’s been an incredible experience returning to the restaurant that helped launch their careers.

Almost two decades ago, Hoyt and Mays charged St John and Rourke, along with their partner Jason Lane, with transforming a former dive bar into a hip cocktail lounge and many of their foundational design features remain, including the sunken bar, which has been enlarged and now mirrors the hexagonal shape of the existing entryway.

A trip to New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns was one of the inspirations for Starlite’s early look, with its glittering formation of stalactites hanging from the ceiling and textured stone walls. Under Tafazoli’s patronage, Bells + Whistles has installed impressively tall craggy rock facades flanking the bar and main dining room, and added elements that lean into its retro space-age theme.

San Diego LA_3_14_25_The soon-to-open Starlite Lounge in Little Italy. Photo by JOHN GASTALDO for the Union-Tribune

And with a bigger budget, the upstairs patio has been completely reimagined into a futuristic Flintstones landscape dotted with plants and crater-like fire pits. The remodel even managed to reveal a tucked-away section that will have a waterfall feature and more seating.

With all the new design changes, care has been taken to preserve the soul of the original Starlite and the same goes for the menu, which is now being cooked in an upgraded kitchen.

It helps that chef Ted Smith (The Lion’s Share, Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant) would frequently stop in for a bite at Starlite after his restaurant shifts, so he’s familiar with classic dishes like the pan-roasted Jidori chicken, homemade sausage plate, and the Starlite Burger, which Smith will be serving alongside fresh offerings including a selection of prime steaks.

And Starlite regulars will still be able to find their favorite drinks, from the T. Mays Margarita and Kentucky Colonel to the signature Starlite Mule, which has been updated with a new recipe.

Tafazoli, who consulted with Mays and Hoyt’s family through the process of reopening the restaurant, says he wants to continue honoring Hoyt. Starlite will be hosting a fundraising event on April 7 for a scholarship created in his name.