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PrintBon Appetite! A Taste of San Diego
The Bar at 333 Pacific located at 333 N. Pacific Street, Oceanside
With eateries and dining venues ‘just around the corner’ throughout the county, our attraction as “America’s Finest City” goes well beyond our coastal lifestyle and Southern California charm; the dining scene itself draws much acclaim - noting world renowned chefs, Food Network and Iron Chef personalities, along with a host of top rated menu selections and traditions that span the globe.
Of course, any feature depicting “the best of” in San Diego dining, would be remiss without the very mention of notables such as Pacifica Del Mar, Pamplemousse, Blue Point Coastal Cuisine, A.R. Valentien, and 1500 Ocean at Hotel Del - among others. In taking advantage of this offering, we encourage you to expand your horizons and explore your palate; with an endless list of choices, from seafood and Italian cuisine, to French, American, and California flavours - you never know where you will end up.
333 Pacific
333 N. Pacific Street, Oceanside
As an oasis in North County with a splendid ocean view, 333 Pacific - of the Cohn Restaurant Group - is best known for their seafood selections and outdoor dining in the spring and summer. It has an incredible bar scene, and their bar tender mixes a mean Bloody Mary; 333‘s raw and sushi bars are also a treat. If you are in the area, Chef Brian Hyre is providing some of the best food in the area, seafood and beef. Their side dishes are interesting and worth a second look, including the Gouda Mac and Cheese. They also provide a guide on the menu for steak temperatures so that you get your beef cooked just the way you like it. During the warmer months, take a stroll on the pier; the sunset and horizon views are simply captivating.
333 Pacific affords guests the opportunity to donate pocket change to several local non-profits - including Operation Bigs and the San Diego County Food Bank; simply round up the purchase to the nearest dollar. They are in partnership with Round It Up America, an innovative new consumer-driven philanthropy program. 333 and the Cohn Restaurant Group serve as founding members.
Web: cohnrestaurants.com
The Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen
626 South Tremont Street, Oceanside
A member of the Slow Food Movement - a farm-to-table philosophy that equates the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment, The Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen was founded by husband and wife duo, Roddy and Aaron Browning, along with Chef Mario Moser - previously of Nine Ten in La Jolla and Studio at The Montage. As a gastropub in downtown Oceanside, menu selections offer fresh local greens, handmade pasta, and organic ingredients, along with a standard eight beers on tap; and a bit unexpected, the actual menus are made of album covers from 33 rpm records. The casual atmosphere is perfect for that wind-down meal with a beer or wine paired for your enjoyment. All they need now is to add the Flying Pig wine of Cayuse to the list and they can make perfect music.
Web: flyingpigpubkitchen.com
Paon Restaurant and Wine Bar
2875 Roosevelt Street, Carlsbad
Crafted by Chef David Gallardo (formerly of WineSellar & Brasserie), Paon is well worth a visit for seriously good food. With California-French cuisine, their menu features seasonal, locally grown organic produce fit for the palates of fine food lovers. The Grilled Lamb Salad, Organic Beet Salad, Pan Roasted Pheasant, and Provençal Herb Crusted Colorado Rack of Lamb are all highly recommended. Paon serves lunch and dinner, with patio dining for warm afternoons or summer evenings; an adjacent wine bar and retail store are also of note.
Web: paoncarlsbad.com
Solace and the Moonlight Lounge
25 East E Street, Encinitas
Located in a LEED certified mixed-use space on Old Highway 101 and adjacent to the railroad tracks in Encinitas (yes, you can hear the trains go by), Solace now serves weekend brunch featuring Bloody Mary’s and good old fashioned comfort food. Their Salmon and Glazed Cod dishes are tasty, as is the Steak with Sweet Potato Mashers; they even make a notable burger, with a vegan version available as well. For those in the North Park area, try their sister restaurant, Urban Solace.
Web: eatatsolace.com
Delicias
6106 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe
With the addition of live music at the venue, Delicias has recently acquired two forces of nature to its repertoire - giving this Rancho Santa Fe destination in the heart of The Village a rebirth and a new menu: Managing Partner, Alex Campbell and Chef/Partner Paul McCage. Chef McCabe (formerly of Kitchen 1540 and Star of the Sea) brings his talent and passion for locally grown, seasonal farm produce to Delicias - an establishment that has served the local community for 19 years. The new menu is not yet set, so comments are limited, except to say, that if Chef McCabe prepares your dinner, you will enjoy every bite.
Web: deliciasrestaurant.com
Thyme in the Ranch
16905 Avenida de Acacias, Rancho Santa Fe
A hole-in-the-wall known by few, Thyme in the Ranch is very much a quintessential bakery with an intimate cafe ambiance; breakfast, brunch and lunch menus are also available. Good food on a consistent basis. Their talent (and a real torment for anyone on a diet) is a selection of freshly baked cakes, scones, breads, pies, pastries, and other great treats. If you are looking for something sweet for a friend or for your family, Thyme in the Ranch is worth every penny.
Web: thymeintheranch.com
Burlap
12995 El Camino Real, Del Mar
A true hotspot in North County and sister restaurant to Seersucker, Burlap provides the club atmosphere of the Gaslamp District with a great sound and vibe. Menu selections including their popcorn shrimp appetizer and miso fish entrée are highly recommended.
Chef Brian Malarkey and Restaurateur James Brennan will have three additional locations open by the end of April, including Gingham in La Mesa (just opened and serving barbecue and meats), Gabardine (serving seafood) in Point Loma, and Herringbone in La Jolla. They appear to have run out of fabric names, and have indicated that future locations will be outside of San Diego County.
Web: burlapeats.com
Twisted Vine Bistro & Wine Bar
7845 Highland Village Place, Carmel Valley
A neighborhood restaurant that opened with little fanfare, Twisted Vine California cuisine with Italian flavors, styled under the direction of Executive Chef Mia Saling (formerly of The Pantry and the Rancho Santa Fe Farms Golf Club).
Under the guise of offering great food and wine in a casual setting, the bistro’s palate extends from crafted beers and wine, to a terrific spread of flat bread pizzas, soups and sandwiches; for both lunch and dinner, small and large plate portions are available, as is a menu for minors.
Web: thetwistedvinebistro.com
Whisknladle
1044 Wall Street, La Jolla
Of PrepKitchen fame, Whisknladle continues to dish some seriously good food presented in a casual manner and setting; even claiming a spot on the “Conde Nast Traveler” magazine Hot List Table in 2008. Their bone marrow appetizer is still a favorite, but their Crows Pass Persimmon Salad, flatbread
(“One Way or Another”), the prime Hanger Steak and fries, or the local mussels and fries, make a visit inviting and enjoyable. Do not confuse the casual setting with an inability to deliver; the farm-to-table philosophy lends very well to its practice of making nearly all selections from scratch and in-house.
Web: whisknladle.com
Tapenade
7612 Fay Avenue, La Jolla
Tapenade’s Executive Chef and Owner Jean Michel Diot – a native of France (with a brief sojourn in the big apple), he has been at the head of the class in French food for many years. Simple and understated in appearance, the food is quite wonderful – to say the least. Upon arrival, you can expect the traditional French bread and a tasty tapenade to whet the appetite. Soon after you order you can enjoy a Salade de Crabe a la Mangue or traditional escargots. Try a traditional Steak au Poivre, Coq Au Vin de Bourgogne, or opt for a more contemporary dish. Everything on the menu is worth a try.
Web: tapenaderestaurant.com
George’s California Modern
1250 Prospect Street, La Jolla
A perennial local favorite in La Jolla, George’s was started by George Hauer – a member of the Restaurant Hall of Fame – and he wisely brought Trey Foshay – a “Food & Wine Magazine” Best New Chef – to direct the culinary operations of this dining destination.
The restaurant was rebranded about five years ago as George’s California Modern. Not only does its main dining room have amazing food and a remarkable view, but they have two additional venues as well: Georges at the Cove – a rooftop terrace serving lunch with panoramic views of the Pacific and nearby cove; and George’s Bar (located on the middle level) features a casual bistro menu for lunch and dinner.
Web: georgesatthecove.com
