3 Best Restaurants in North County and Around, California

One of the fastest-growing companies in the United States, Stone staked out a hilltop overlooking Escondido to create, brew, and sell its beloved craft beer in a gorgeous, solar-run facility. Thirty-six craft and specialty beers are always on tap in the tasting bar and the bistro, which has indoor and garden seating for lunch and dinner, where you can dine on an ingenious menu that features honey-sriracha quail knots, hemp seed pretzels, and the plant-based Impossible Burger; save room for a real beer float. The company store offers signature items; check their website for weekly events.

Live piano music, crystal chandeliers, and leather tufted chairs set the stage at this fine-dining restaurant for a delectable menu that includes market oysters, scallops with squash blossoms, free-range chicken with bourbon glaze, and braised beef short ribs. For a sweet conclusion, try the warm butter cake or the decadent chocolate torte.

Don't let its location above the Lexus dealership dissuade you; this swanky restaurant is part of the Cohen Restaurant empire and it's designed as three restaurants in one: a formal glass-walled dining room; a lively patio with firepits and cabanas; and the lobby bar with leather couches and a wine shop. No matter where you dine, try the macadamia-crusted sea bass or the pork chop with maple bourbon sauce, followed with a cocktail using one of the more than 125 vodkas. For something different, come for “Tuesday Date Night,” which features two entrées and a bottle of wine ($70).