Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Dining in the North County tends to reflect the land where the restaurant is located. Along the coast, for example, there is one luxury fine-dining spot after another. Most have dramatic water views and offer platters of exquisite fare created by graduates of the best culinary schools. Right next door you can wander into a typic
Dining in the North County tends to reflect the land where the restaurant is located. Along the coast, for example, there is one luxury fine-dining spot after another. Most have dramatic water views and offer platters of exquisite fare created by graduates of the best c
Dining in the North County tends to reflect the land where the restaurant is located. Along the coast, for example, ther
Dining in the North County tends to reflect the land where the restaurant is located. Along the coast, for example, there is one luxury fine-dining spot after another. Most have dramatic water views and offer platters of exquisite fare created by graduates of the best culinary schools. Right next door you can wander into a typical beach shack or diner for the juiciest hamburger you’ve ever tasted. Locally sourced food can be found at restaurants throughout the area, although a few chefs have adopted molecular gastronomic techniques. Backcountry cuisine is generally served in huge portions and tends toward home-style cooking, steak and potatoes, burgers, and anything fried.
It's lively, it's casual, and it's the coolest spot to share tapas with a date over a glass of wine. This Leucadia-based bistro turns heads with its black-and-white decor, as does the Spanish-meets-Mediterranean menu inspired by the owners’ travels. Start off with oysters and bite-size cubes of patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), and keep the plates coming with the authentic jamon ibérico, seared artichokes, and shrimp bathed in chili oil. Don't be afraid to eat with your hands and sweep dishes clean with their house-made bread.
810 N Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, California, 92024, USA
Breakfast foodies religiously line up for a table at this cheerful A-frame restaurant for the chance to dig into wholesome food made from scratch like organic quinoa Benedict, multigrain pancakes, and French toast stuffed with fresh ricotta. Built from reclaimed wood and salvaged bricks, the eatery has a green roof, solar panels, and is insulated with recycled denim—all of which helped it earn platinum LEED status. Breakfast is served all day, but you can opt for sandwiches, salads, and burgers for lunch. You also can’t go wrong with the Thai steak salad made with grass-fed Angus or the cucumber and avocado sandwich with a side of homemade potato chips. The attached grab-and-go bakery opens at 7 am for train commuters. There is even a doggie menu for patio-side pooches.
246 N. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach, California, 92075, USA
The parking lot in front of D'Carlos is always full, a sure sign that Ramonans like this casual family-style dinner house. The menu offers something for everyone: burgers, sandwiches, salads, steaks, barbecue, seafood, and pasta. Old-time favorites include chicken-fried steak and homemade meat loaf. Monday is all-day happy hour and daily drink specials feature up to 50% off cocktails. The place can feel chaotic, but friendly waitresses are surprisingly efficient. There's also patio dining in good weather.
Overlooking the water in Oceanside, this beachside restaurant serves oysters, clam chowder, fish tacos, and several fresh catch options, which can be enjoyed from their rooftop lounge.
211 Mission Ave., Oceanside, California, 92054, USA
Situated next to grassy Powerhouse Park, Jake's feels like Southern Californian dining at its best—a beachfront location coupled with beautiful ocean views and the freshest ingredients. In a true aloha spirit, friendly servers are ready to tempt with cucumber margaritas and starters like macadamia-crusted calamari as well as items from the main menu, which is split "by garden," "by sea," and "by land," with options like the seafood pot, the chef's burger, and the barbecued ribs. Just steps from the sand, this is one of San Diego's best restaurants for mai tai sunsets.
Iconic Hula Pie dessert, a thick wedge of macadamia nut ice cream on a chocolate cookie crust that's topped with chocolate fudge, whipped cream, and more macadamia nuts
This casual beachy-style eatery offers sweeping ocean views and seasonal Pacific Coast fare that reflects California's Mexican and Asian influences with dishes like seabass tacos and ahi poke bowl. Evenings are a scene, as attractive beachy types sip microbrews and well-priced wines along with morsels from the sushi bar; dinner in the spacious dining room or on the dog-friendly sunny patio brings porcini-crusted scallops with corn-truffle puree, or plum-ginger–braised short ribs washed down with a margarita that sings with fresh lime and lemon juice.
2526 S. Hwy. 101, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, 92007, USA
The menu at this American bistro changes quarterly but the clientele is here to stay, especially during summer months when people-watching becomes a sport. Grab a seat on the terrace if you’re lucky to enjoy such magical cocktails like a cucumber crush of grapefruit, vodka, and elderflower, and menu mainstays such as buttermilk-fried Jidori chicken, braised short ribs, and seared ahi tuna. For a collision of textures, try the sticky steam buns with crunchy chicken, or the crispy calamari with chipotle crema. This is a popular spot for weekend brunch.
Put your phone down and lose track of time—or thyme—at this darling cottage in the heart of Rancho Santa Fe. Owner-chef Keely Barrera has created quite the spread with artisan-baked goods made with locally sourced ingredients like the homemade muffins that blend blueberry with bran or raspberry with mango. Grab a scone or sweet bread to go, or stay for the savory Mediterranean quiche, albacore tuna salad, or old-fashioned turkey meat loaf; the focaccia sandwiches are guilt-free with locally grown avocado, tomatoes, and eggplant. If available, snag a table on the patio overlooking the rose garden.
16905 Av. de Acacias, Rancho Santa Fe, California, 92067, USA
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).
1205 Auto Park Way, Escondido, California, 92029, USA
Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:
There are no results for {{ strDestName}} Restaurants in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:
Try increasing the mile radius or searching near one of these popular suggestions:
Addison
The Goat & Vine
Valle
Romano's Restaurant
Enter a sight, restaurant, hotel, or other place to find restaurants nearby.
Neighborhoods Some neighborhood filters have sub-neighborhoods that can be selected individually in a dropdown by clicking on the icon to the right of the name.
I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails.
Thank you for your interest!
Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers.
Sign up for Travel Tips & News
By signing up for the newsletter, I agree to the Privacy Policy. You must check the box to subscribe
Thank you for your interest!
Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers.
