1 Best Restaurant in North County and Around, California

Valentina

$$ Fodor's choice

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.