5 North County Restaurants You Will Love

While the Gaslamp district may have trendy downtown eateries, North County restaurants can boast a fabulous and quaint ambiance. From La Jolla to Del Mar to Carlsbad, North County has a myriad of dining options to offer. We have gathered together a list of our 5 favorite new North County restaurants —from upscale dining to healthy, casual options—that everyone should check out!

Catania

Located at ​La Plaza Center - Suite 301, 7863 Girard Ave | (858) 551-5105 | Web

Catania is a restaurant located in La Jolla, and it is a product of the Whisknladle Hospitality group. This restaurant opened in the spring, and it serves primarily Italian cuisine. Catania’s menu includes a variety of unique Italian flavors that extend beyond popular Americanized dishes. For example, they offer a Duck Sugo Orecchiette, a Prosciutto and Blackberry Pizza, and a Pear and Pecorino Agnolotti. Catania also offers an extensive brunch menu. The real selling point of this new restaurant, however, is the ambiance. Located near the coast, Catania offers diners a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean that is especially breathtaking at sunset.

Hello Betty

211 Mission Ave., Oceanside, CA 92054 | (760) 722-1008 | Web

Hello Betty is located in the up-and-coming Coastal North County, Oceanside. This beautiful town has really come a long way. 

Do not think twice and come to Hello Betty, an Oceanside seafood restaurant that perfectly captures the beachy vibe. With its sprawling space and inviting atmosphere, this popular joint is a must-try for anyone visiting the area. Hello Betty is renowned for its signature dishes, which showcase a range of delicious seafood options that are sure to satisfy your cravings. From mouthwatering oysters to flavorful fish tacos and more, every meal at Hello Betty is prepared using fresh ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're planning a family outing or an evening out with friends, the casual ambiance of this restaurant provides the perfect setting. For an even more delightful experience, make sure to take a seat in the outdoor dining area, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the ocean sunset.

If you're looking for a lighter option or simply want to pair your drink with a delectable appetizer, Hello Betty has some delightful recommendations. One such recommendation is the classic Oyster On The Half Shell, served with a zesty tomatillo habanero salsa and a squeeze of fresh lemon. This dish perfectly combines the briny goodness of the oysters with the tangy and spicy flavors of the salsa, creating a harmonious burst of taste in every bite. Another excellent choice is the Cauliflower El Pastor, featuring charred cauliflower tossed in a flavorful el pastor sauce, accompanied by fresh tomatillo, pineapple, onion, and cilantro. This vegetarian delight offers a unique twist on the traditional El Pastor dish, delivering a satisfying blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Whether you're a seafood lover or seeking a vegetarian option, Hello Betty offers an array of mouthwatering choices to please every palate.

Bistro du Marché

​7437 Girard Ave | (858) 551-7500 | Web

Bistro du Marché is a French restaurant located in inland North County. Created by the same people who own Tapenade, Bistro du Marché offers an upscale collection of French cuisine, including a Butternut Squash Gnocchi, a Gigot D’Agneau (lamb), and aged beef tenderloins. Bistro de Marché uses all-natural, seasonal ingredients in their dishes. The restaurant has a cozy and romantic ambiance, with dim lighting, a minimalist-style bar, and comfortable red chairs.

Seasalt Del Mar

2282 Carmel Valley Rd | (858) 755-7100 | Web

Seasalt Del Mar opened in February of 2015 in Del Mar. As the name suggests, this restaurant serves primarily seafood, including lobster, fish, shrimp, mussels, crab, and clam dishes. Some of the standout entrées offered by Seasalt Del Mar include their Crab Raviolis Del Mar, Seared Blackened Sea Scallops, and Citrus Jewel Ceviche. What makes Seasalt Del Mar stand out, however, is that they also offer a selection of sushi rolls, served with special sauces and dips. Seasalt Del Mar provides guests with both an indoor dining area and an outdoor covered patio that overlooks the Del Mar marsh.

Bushfire Kitchen

433 Via Montebello Suite 166, Carlsbad, CA | (760) 456-7620 | Web

Bushfire Kitchen is a new casual dining experience that opened in early 2015 in Carlsbad. This restaurant prides itself on serving healthy foods made from fresh, hormone-free ingredients. Even better, the Bushfire Kitchen sources their ingredients from local and organic producers whenever possible, and they make most of their dishes gluten-free. Bushfire Kitchen offers a variety of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and chicken dishes for an affordable price. This new restaurant is a great casual dining option that provides a healthy, family-friendly meal.