We will be staying at the Radisson Rancho Bernardo over the Memorial holiday weekend with a large family group. There will be about 12 adults and a few little kids. Can you give me suggestions for a couple of good restaurants (no chains please) not too far away? There will need to be a few "group meals" so need some places that can accommodate us.

Also, what do you think are the best area wineries to visit? We've already been to Temecula, so looking for something else. I see that there is music on Sunday afternoons at the Orfila winery. Anyone been there?

Any other thoughts or tips about the area are appreciated. We have a few seniors and tots along that will not be able to do a great amount of walking.

Thanks in advance for your help!
Deb

Sorry- correction- it's Bernardo Winery that has the music. Anyone been there?

The Rancho Bernardo Inn has an excellent restaurant and would probably be able to accommodate you all. Other very good restaurants in the area are Bernard'o and the French Market Grille. Both are small and may not be able to manage such a big group, but you can always ask.

http://www.ranchobernardoinn.com/

http://www.bernardorestaurant.com/

http://www.frenchmarketgrille.com/

www.haciendadevega.com

Good luck! Enjoy your visit.


Another poster recently recommended a Mexica restaurant in Escondido. It's called Hacienda de Vega and is not far from your hotel.

oops!

I love the French Market Grille..just there for lunch last week..Yum..
Also, El Bizcocho at the RBI is outstanding.. If you want to go a little south for Mexican, I would do Fidel's in Solana Beach(10-15 minutes).. the Chile Relleno or the Chicken Burrito is excellent and they only use white breast meat and the Chile Relleno is used with egg whites so it puffs like a pastry..plus the city is great too..
I would do the Orfila Winery and either go to some of the great restaurants on Grand avenue in Escondido..150 Grand Cafe on Grand avenue is wonderful..
150grandcafe.com
Jake's Del Mar for brunch on Sunday is always a good choice too..oceanfront and they make a fab bloody mary..
All places can handle your group..
Have fun!

If you enjoy Mexican food, I recently discovered one of the very best Mexican restaurants I've ever been to, just 6-8 miles north of Rancho Bernardo. It has a wonderful ambience but is still appropriate for family dining. It's called Hacienda de Vega and it's located on the south side of Escondido.

You can see its web site at www.haciendadevega.com.

I have been to Bernardo Winery in January. It has a special atmosphere and resembles more a historical museum than a producing winery. It is a rather cramped place, with several historical shacks, antiques everywhere, cafés, restaurants and shops. They have an open-air area with tables, stage etc. for group reunions.
For my taste, the wines, however, are not among California's highlights.
http://www.bernardowinery.com/

Barbara: When I reviewed this thread prior to posting my reply, I completely missed your mention of the Hacienda de Vega. That's why my reply sounds like no one had mentioned it yet. Sorry!

dwooddon, no problem at all! So long as the OP sees it somewhere!

Thanks guys! I'm taking notes on all your suggestions. Since many of us are coming from New Mexico..... we may not want Mexican food .

Any other suggestions?? Easy excursions appreciated. Looking for more winery tips too.

Californian Mexican food is very different than New Mexico Mexican food..
I found it to be more of a Tex-Mex style..was just there in December and I prefer my California style but completely understand if you want different food!!
There are so many different types of food but what you probably don't get is the Fresh Fish which we have tons of great restaurants for that..
Georgesatthecove.com in La Jolla
Marine Room Ljbtc.com
Jakedelmar.com Del Mar oceanfront
Enjoy!