Restaurants in North County San Diego
 

We are staying at Rancho Bernardo for a few days next week & have been reading not to miss their restaurant El Bizocho. However, I did read that their chef has left. Anyone heard anything about the food since the chef has left? Also, what about the restaurant Bernard'O in Rancho Bernardo?

We would also like to find a place for lunch in Del Mar or any place near there where we can eat where we can view the water. Any recommendations?

I think both those restaurants at your hotel are highly regarded. As far as Del Mar goes, go to Del Mar Plaza. I usually do lunch at Pacifica Del Mar which is great and all the places there have great views. Right on the water, you can go to the Chart House in Cardiff by the Sea. When in Rome in Encinitas has great food also but no view. It is a lovely traditional dining room. Jake's and Poseidon in Del Mar have fantastic right on the water views and decent food. If you head downtown, Island Prime has one of the most stunning views and also very good food.

If you're looking for a more upscale dining experience, you might try Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe, Pamplemousse Grille in Del Mar or the restaurant at Rancho Valencia Resort.

Bernard'O is very good.

Another possibility is the French Market Grille.

http://www.frenchmarketgrille.com/

If you would be interested in Mexican, but not the usual chain, there is an excellent place just a few miles north on I-15 called Hacienda de Vega. It has been highly recommended by several Fodorites, including me!

http://www.haciendadevega.com/

Jake's Del Mar and Poseidon, as mentioned, are right on the beach at Del Mar, so you can stroll on the beach before or after eating. Be sure to valet park at these restaurants because parking is difficult there.

Wow, Barbara....I've never even heard of Hacienda de vega and I live here also! I was just along the 15 corridor this weekend for stepson's ACT tests at Rancho Bernardo High School. I'll check it out next time I am in the area again.

donnap- a few more mentions: Market on Via de la Valle and Arterra in Carmel Valley are also known to foodies. They are not in significant view areas though.

p.s.- most of these mentions are expensive to very expensive. There may be a few moderates in there. Just an fyi.

All the restaurants I mentioned are moderately priced.

IMO, Mille Fleurs is overrated.

Try Cafe Luna. It is one of my favorite "hole in the wall" neighborhood places. It's lovely atmosphere and delicious Italian/Med. cooking. It is located in Carmel Mountain Ranch, which is just a few exits South on the 15 from Rancho Bernardo. The location is odd, in a strip mall adjacent to a Carls Jr and Olive Garden. But the interior is intimate and tastefull. Favorites of ours are: Luna Salad, Rosettas, Tornedoes (filet mignon with bluecheese, mushroom and a reduction),the Fusilla Umbriaco and the homemade bread with dipping sauce "delish". No view.
The places mentioned above have views only at lunchtime...otherwise it's just dark. If you want waterfront dinner with a view try The Marine Room in La Jolla and ask for a window seat. They have flood lights on the beach.
Another stand out for lunch in Del Mar is the Americana cafe, no view of water, but yummy. Del Mar is about 20 minutes from RB and Encinitas is about 35, La Jolla 25. I also like the suggestions of Bernard'O and French Market Grille for evening.
Two thumbs WAY up for Posiedon in Del Mar for lunch...great Walnut Pear Salad and the location CANNOT be beat for right on the beach front dining San Diego. Have Fun!

For lunch in Del Mar with an ocean view, my pick is Pacifica Del mar
http://www.pacificadelmar.com/

Hey donnap - since your trip was a few weeks back, what restaurants did you discover? What's good to eat?? :)

I know this is late but wanted to say we just tried Hacienda de Vega last weekend with the in-laws who live in RB after years of driving by it. Really great place!!!!

Isn't it a lovely place? The food's pretty good too!

I've had dinner at the Rancho Bernardo Inn several times since the chef left and it was excellent!

Chili
www.sdcasinoreview.com

I second the recommendation of Hacienda de Vega in the south end of Escondido. Very good food in an outstanding ambience.

ncounty: If you've been there awhile and remember, Hacienda de Vega is in the same space as the old Los Amigos. The building is still owned by the Cueva family but when the older generation retired, they closed the restaurant. A few years later, the Vega family leased it. It's more upscale and pricey than Los amigos was but is still moderatley priced.

I had never been there dwooddon, even back when it was Los Amigos. Thanks for reminding me. I just texted SO that we have to go and check it out!

Don't know what happened with the chef but I'm sure le Fontainbleau At The Westgate Hotel still have the same decent chef. You can search for food you like here

http://www.bestmealdeals.com/region/...ego-san-diego/

Not only for San Diego restaurants. Its quite convinient to plan a journey with. Have a great time!