calling my San Diego experts!
 

I usually give advice on San Diego so here I am asking for it!

I am going to be at an event in San Diego for a weekend. I am thinking we will want to eat off property on Sat night - we are staying in Rancho Bernardo - and I am not really fimilar with any great places to eat out that way - my girls (12, and 16) and dh will be with me. We like Italian, Sushi, Seafood - do not want anything too fancy (not looking for a mille fleurs)...

Budget is about 25.00 for an entree max... would like to keep the entire bill with tip under 150.00 for the four of us (less is better).

Hi Dawn!

You might like Cafe Luna in Carmel Mountain Ranch for Italian.

http://www.cafelunasd.com/cafe_luna.html

Or the French Market Grille on Pomerado Road for French Bistro food.

http://www.frenchmarketgrille.com/

And you won't be very far from the Hacienda de Vega in south Escondido, just off enter City Parkway.

http://www.haciendadevega.com/about_us.htm

Oops, Center City Parkway.

Thanks Barbara - I was hoping you would weigh in. Cafe luna looks perfect and is nice and close. I think dh and have been there? (Depends on how long it has been around...) We moved to OC in 97.

I think it opened in 1991. It says on the web site.

Hi,
My vote is for Cafe Luna, too. It is one of our favorite "hole in the wall" local eateries. You can request a half portion for the kids. Call for a reservation, can be a bit busy. Ask for Chris Penny as your waiter, he is a darling.

Oh...oops! I accidentally hit enter. I also like the Luna Salad and my husband's favorite is the Tournadoes...filet mignon with gorgonzola, a mushroom and a demi-glace. Yum. I may see you there!!
Another nearby place is just South about 5 miles. It is: Yannis Bistro on Scripps Poway Parkway...if you go order the "Boudino" for dessert. Chocolate HEAVEN!!
Enjoy
Tina

Tina thank you! I will make a reservation.

French Market Grille, Cavaillon in Santa Luz/Fairbanks Ranch is excellent.
Hacienda de Vega is awesome Mex and about 10 minutes up the 15 north.
Take the 56 and its a straight shot to LJ/Del Mar from RB so you can enjoy the coastal towns with good food too.
Brigantine Del Mar has the great happy hour fish tacos.
Fidel's Del Mar for the best chile relleno and chicken white breast burritos.
Vigilucci's has some pretty good Italian.

www.cavaillonrestaurant.com

Horton Grand, They also have great prices and good food. I spoke to the owner of www.karmasnack.com and he also said we should hit it up.

CEO - We get downtown a lot - I do not want to go down to the Horton Grand but thank you for the suggestion.

Ksucat - I think we want to stay N County inland this time. Last few times this event was held at La Costa and we enjoyed that area. :)

I will check out Hacienda de Vega!

Hi Mom!
Cavaillon is inland next town west of RB/RP..great for Sunday breakfast too.
Hacienda de Vega is one of our fave's!

I wanted to follow up.

We ended up not leaving the Rancho Bernardo Inn for the weekend. I was not sure, but all the meals were included in the event.

I am not sure what to say about the RB Inn. It is a lovely property, but in a rather odd location. I am not sure why someone would stay there if it was not for an event. The service was great. The food for the event was just "so-so". In the past this event was held at La Costa and the food was much better.

Dh confirmed that Cafe Luna is where we have eaten in the past Barbara. :)