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Indulge in the finer things in life at this AAA 5-Diamond, three-star Michelin restaurant by acclaimed chef William Bradley who serves up haute French flavors in his 10-course prix-fixe dinners that feature dishes like Kumamoto oysters or Osetra caviar with gold leaf, coffee-roasted duck or tender calotte de boeuf with escargot. Beyond the swanky bar and wine cave is a sophisticated Tuscan-style dining room with intricately carved dark woods, marble pillars, and arched windows draped in red velvet. While the menu changes seasonally, count on impressive presentation and a first-class dining experience that comes with a heavy price tag (10 courses, $355; with wine pairing $710). Addison delights wine lovers with more than 3,500 varietals from around the world.
5200 Grand Del Mar Way, Del Mar, California, 92130, USA
Known For
- Decadent tasting menus
- Impeccable service
- San Diego’s first Michelin-starred restaurant
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch, Reservations essential
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For authentic Italian cuisine, head to the “Good Fork” where you'll feel like you've stepped into the home of your long-lost Italian relatives, no matter where you’re from. Nearly every dish—Neapolitan-style pies, eggplant Parmesan, lasagna Bolognese, vegetarian ravioli—is made from scratch, with many of the ingredients imported from Italy; even the star of the show, “Isabella,” their golden-domed pizza oven, was handmade in Naples. The pizzas are your go-to though, with their blistered crust, fresh toppings, and artisan-cooking techniques that make them perfect to fold, bite, and eat.
250 N. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, California, 92024, USA
Known For
- Neapolitan-style pizza
- Homemade Italian desserts
- Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free options
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Get ready for a true French garden experience, where you can sip espresso, pluck flowers from galvanized buckets, and even hold a bunny. This flower shop-meets-café experience has lite bites and pastries that will have you sinking your teeth into a flaky croissant and saying “merci!”
240 S Cedros Ave., Solana Beach, California, USA
Known For
- Flower shop-meets-café
- French pastries
- Bunny experience for kids
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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Say "bonjour" to this delightful French restaurant with a Breakfast at Tiffany’s vibe, where pink velvet booths and a center bar with an absinthe tower will leave you thinking you’ve died and gone to Paris. The French-inspired, four-course menu changes with the season, but expect labor-of-love cuisine like veal tartare, rabbit with spring peas, or duck with fig and black truffle; embrace the moment with ibérico ham and caviar or fresh-shucked oysters. Add the wine pairing for $75 and savor your meal beneath olive trees and twinkling stars.
2659 State St., Carlsbad, California, 92008, USA
Known For
- Cocktails inspired by the French Belle Epoque
- Raw oyster bar
- Four-course tasting menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
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In 1984, “Mom” (aka Anita Nichols) opened her first pie shop in the old Julian Café building. People lined the streets for a slice of the guilty pleasure, known for its buttery crust, not-too-sweet filling with local apples, and commitment to quality. Two bakeries later—plus training at Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute—the integrity of Mom’s pies remains the same. And although apple is the moneymaker, you can’t go wrong with peach, bumbleberry, or pecan pies, or other sweet treats like chocolate chip cookies and apple dumplings. For something savory, there are soups, salads, sandwiches, and chicken potpies. When the wait is too long at the Main Street location, head five minutes outside of town to Mom's Wynola on Highway 78, or better yet, call in your order and they will ship a pie right to your door.
2119 Main St., Julian, California, 92036, USA
Known For
- Pressed apple cider
- Cinnamon ice cream
- Baking classes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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For four generations, recipes have been handed down the line of this Sicilian family who opened their first restaurant in 1920. From Milwaukee to Julian, they set down roots in the quaint pie capital in 1982 and never looked back, creating this casual, red-checked-tablecloth kind of place, where you can dine outside in good weather. The menu is consistently on-point with Sicilian classics like spiedini—stuffed slices of rolled beef on skewers—calzones that are big enough to share, pizzas, and pasta dishes. All sauces, dressings, ravioli, breads, and desserts are made from scratch. There's a small bar (serving beer and wine only) that's popular with locals.
2718 B St., Julian, California, 92036, USA
Known For
- Thin-crust pizza
- Cozy setting
- Old-school Italian cooking
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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.
1999 Citracado Pkwy., Escondido, California, 92029, USA
Known For
- Real beer floats
- Brewery tours offered twice daily at 2 and 4 pm.
- Farm-to-table bistro food
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Every morning at 3 am, chefs are hard at work in this scratch, stone-hearth kitchen where nearly everything is produced in-house, including the sauces, dressings, and breads baked with a sourdough starter dating back 120 years. Handcrafted sandwiches range from steak-mushroom melts with smoked blue cheese to turkey with aged Brie and balsamic compote, and the pizzas are large enough to share, though most people find themselves walking out with a to-go box—especially if they start with “Mother’s Meatballs,” made with Kobe beef, bubbling in a cast-iron skillet. If you didn’t save room for dessert, take a leisurely stroll around Old Town and come back for the bread pudding, a treat that lures people time and again.
41923 2nd St., Temecula, California, 92590, USA
Known For
- Stone-hearth kitchen
- House sangria
- Sourdough pretzels
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No breakfast
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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
Known For
- Tapas menu great for sharing
- Ideal date spot
- Weekend brunch 11–2:30
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Valle de Guadalupe has arrived in Oceanside thanks to executive chef Roberto Alcocer who brings the flavors of Baja directly to the beach. This Michelin-star chef prepares four- and eight-course tasting menus paired with the best of Valle’s robust wines. Since every dish is dialed in, you won’t find salt on the table, nor will substitutes be considered. This culinary experience is worth every bite—and dollar—for an unforgettable evening that will likely last three hours. The seasonal menu may feature lobster tacos, crab on tostada, Baja raised quail, and tiger shrimp with serrano remoulade. For next-level dining, request the 12-course Chef’s Table dining experience on Friday and Saturday evening.
222 N. Pacific St., Oceanside, California, 92054, USA
Known For
- Charcoal oven and wood-fire cooking
- Seasonal menu influenced by Valle de Guadalupe
- Agave-based cocktails
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch
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A diner dating back to 1928 is both a local hangout and the headquarters of the historic Highway 101 movement. Find all kinds of Highway 101 memorabilia here along with old-school ambience, prompt service, and great prices. The bountiful breakfast menu (served all day) lists omelets, eggs any way you want, buttermilk pancakes, and French toast. On offer at lunchtime are burgers, sandwiches, and chili fries. The thick milkshakes and root-beer floats will take you back in time.
631 S. Coast Hwy., Oceanside, California, 92049, USA
Known For
- Headquarters of the historic Highway 101 movement
- All-day breakfast
- Thick milkshakes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner, Reservations not accepted
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Directly across from Oceanside Pier, Oceanside’s most upscale restaurant specializes in seafood dishes and upscale comfort food in an elegant, art-deco setting; it’s worth visiting for the ocean views and appetizers and sides like charred Brussels sprouts and lamb lollipops. If you're thirsty, start with a drink from the menu of more than 120 vodkas that make up exotic cocktails like the Spicy Pineapple, Pear Blossom, and Cali Mango. Sweet tooths should save room for the New York cheesecake with bourbon cherry glaze.
It's best to make a reservation since this place can get busy, especially during weekly promotions and happy hour.
333 N. Pacific St., Oceanside, California, USA
Known For
- Martinis
- Weekly dinner specials
- Ocean views
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. No lunch Mon.–Thurs.
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This bakery tucked down a narrow alley proves there’s no such thing as too many pie shops in Julian. After mastering the apple-to-crust ratio, they took on lunch specials by offering a soup–sandwich–pie combo for $13. Wraps, salads, and other wholesome goodies are also available. Apple crumb is the biggest seller, but few can pass up their lemon tarts, molasses cookies, and berry strudels.
2122 Main St., Julian, California, 92036, USA
Known For
- Apple pie
- Lunch specials
- Gluten-free and vegan options
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The appropriately named AVANT—meaning stylistically advanced and original—delivers contemporary California cuisine—duck, lobster, lamb, fish, or the pride of AVANT, Wagyu beef—in an upscale setting. Dark woods, leather chairs, and pillar-candle chandeliers adorn the mission-style dining room, and the upper-level bar shakes up handcrafted cocktails with their own double-barrel reposado tequila. Start with the artisanal cheese platter with a side or Parker rolls sprinkled with sea salt and rosemary. The crudo bar draws a crowd with fresh oysters and ceviche. For a VIP experience, reserve AVANT Table 65 where chefs prepare dinner in a private demonstration kitchen for up to 12 guests.
17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr., Rancho Bernardo, California, 92128, USA
Known For
- Local, sustainable, and seasonal ingredients
- Their own double-barrel reposado tequila
- $10 wines by the glass during happy hour 4–5
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch
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The elegant, dinner-only restaurant at Barona Resort is one of the few fine-dining venues east of San Diego. It caters to high rollers whose culinary choice often involves steak, thus the menu here lists a large selection of USDA Prime, including dry-aged porterhouse and buffalo rib eye, but there are seafood options, too.
1932 Wildcat Canyon Rd., Ramona, California, 92040, USA
Known For
- Dry-aged steaks
- Seafood options
- Remarkable rack of lamb
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Wed. No lunch, Reservations essential
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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.
417 W. Grand Ave., Escondido, California, 92025, USA
Known For
- California-French cuisine
- Upscale dining
- Half off wine Wednesdays
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch
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Void of GMOs, colorings, preservatives, or enhancers, this family-owned business taps into locally sourced ingredients to offer great food at a remarkable price. Located on the edge of Old Town Temecula, it's as simple as point, grab, and go with an online kitchen firing up bowls, burgers, sandwiches, and entrées like grass-fed tri-tip, free-range chicken, and sustainable salmon. The Thai-chicken curry bowl comes with coconut, lemongrass, and chilies, while the En Fuego Burger is piled high with double-smoked bacon, organic avocado, and jalapeno aioli. There’s plenty of gluten-free and vegan options, as well as family packs, perfect for four. The understated chocolate chip cookie might be the best you’ve ever had.
40665 Winchester Rd., Temecula, California, 92591, USA
Known For
- Antibiotic-free meat
- Food is made slow and served fast
- Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes
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With its flowering trellises and vineyard views, the spacious patio at Thornton Winery's café is the perfect place to lunch on a sunny day. The kitchen, which faces the French country–style dining room, turns out lobster ravioli, margarita flatbread, sandwiches, and other hearty fare. The reasonably priced wines include the winery's signature sparklers.
32575 Rancho California Rd., Temecula, California, 92589, USA
Known For
- Bacon cheeseburger
- Sunday brunch
- Live music weekends April–Sept
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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Paying tribute to community around the campfire, it’s all about connecting here, both with the cool crowd and with the distinctive cocktail and dinner menus. Throughout the restaurant, subtle hints of the camping theme—canvas-backed booths, servers in flannels, leather menus branded with the Campfire log—are visible, but it’s the food that will leave you setting up camp, as chefs work their magic behind glass walls grilling, roasting, and smoking almost every dish including the oysters warmed over coals. The fire-roasted cabbage has a crunch, and the smoked brisket with coffee rub delivers with polenta and pickled tomatoes. Topping off the meal are tableside mini-Dutch ovens of hot coals for DIY s’mores with vanilla marshmallows, graham cookies, salted caramel, and chocolate ganache.
2725 State St., Carlsbad, California, 92008, USA
Known For
- Smoky cocktails
- Wood-fired American fare
- Innovative seasonal menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. No lunch
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This local watering hole seems to collect characters ranging from hippies to mountain men and is the place to go any night of the week. A large, dimly lighted room houses the bar and dining tables, and the menu lists pasta and pizza in addition to old-fashioned entrées such as liver and onions, ribs and steaks, and a mixed grill. Dinners come with soup or salad, and mashed potatoes and vegetables. There's live music Friday and Saturday at 8 pm.
660 Palm Canyon Dr., Borrego Springs, California, 92004, USA
Known For
- Classic entrées
- Long-standing roadhouse
- Extensive menu
- Good buffalo wings, burgers, and ribs
