Carlsbad is one in all San Diego’s hottest coastal cities because of the colourful Carlsbad Village middle, improbable seashores, and the truth that it’s residence to LEGOLAND California. It’s 35 miles north of Downtown San Diego however an excellent place for vacationers and locals alike who’re searching for a relaxed vibe in a stupendous setting. Not surprisingly, it’s additionally an excellent place to eat! From fashionable eateries with roof decks to upscale steakhouses to trendy French bistros, Carlsbad’s culinary variety has one thing for everybody.
Carlsbad Village is the principle hub of this seaside city, and lately, increasingly more nice eating places have opened up, drawing in younger individuals and households along with vacationers. Whereas the Village used to have a barely kitsch vibe round 5-10 years in the past, the plethora of recent and upscale eating places with up to date exteriors and exquisite interiors make it a busy culinary vacation spot. State Avenue, specifically, is the middle of the gastronomic motion.
1. Campfire
Campfire is among the hottest eating places in Carlsbad with locals of all ages, and, consistent with its identify, options many camping-inspired touches all through. From the distinctive Quonset hut-style exterior with its arched corrugated steel roof, the beautiful outside patio full with firepits and a 12-foot teepee, to the gourmand wood-fired menu. Menu favorites embody oysters warmed over coals, entire grilled Maine lobster, and Koji-Aged Ribeye.
It’s an excellent possibility for lunch when you have youngsters, given its outdoors vibe and decor, however come night, it’s positively higher for adults as the within can get very noisy because of tables being shut collectively. The skin patio is adorned with fairy lights and can be a enjoyable place for teams or a date night time on heat evenings. Thoughts you, a pal and I had been lately eating on the patio when the marine layer got here in and flippantly drizzled us with rain droplets. Inside was absolutely booked, so the waiter gave us heat blankets and turned on the heater. We ended up having a stunning night with a barely adventurous really feel.
Price noting is that Campfire was acknowledged by the Michelin Information California in 2019 when it was bestowed with Bib Gourmand standing. This culinary honor highlights ‘hidden gems’ that serve high-quality meals, together with two programs and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or much less. Another excuse it’s so widespread!
2. Jeune et Jolie
This award-winning trendy French eatery opened in 2018 and shortly turned Carlsbad’s first Michelin-star-rated restaurant. It’s owned by John Resnick, who additionally owns Campfire (listed above) simply alongside the highway, and each eating places have firmly put town’s State Avenue on the culinary map.
Jeune et Jolie means ‘younger and exquisite’ in French, and the restaurant has an upscale French bistro vibe. There are two menu varieties: a four-course tasting menu with varied choices for the programs (that is usually booked out weeks forward) or an a la carte possibility known as ‘Le Menu du Bar’ for walk-in visitors, which is served within the bar and lounge.
The restaurant’s inside has an intimate really feel, with round bistro tables dotted across the edges and excessive stools organized across the lovely bar within the center. It additionally has a fairly outside patio.
3. 264 Fresco
This widespread restaurant is a should when visiting Carlsbad. Specializing in trendy Italian delicacies, it has a heat and alluring really feel in its lovely essential restaurant, whereas its outside deck upstairs boasts picturesque ocean views. It may be exhausting to choose a favourite place to sit down, with an alternative choice being the outside decks on the entrance of the restaurant, a few of which embody a firepit.
And the restaurant appears to maintain on increasing. Throughout Covid-restricted occasions, the house owners arrange a big outdoors tented space to the left of the restaurant with tables on synthetic turf surrounded by pot vegetation. It proved so widespread that the world remains to be there as we speak.
Alongside favourite Italian dishes are menu choices together with Halibut, Salmon, Hen Marsala, or Braised Quick Rib. Additionally they have an excellent cocktail checklist.
4 & 5. Vigilucci’s
There are literally two Carlsbad areas of this massively widespread Italian eatery chain.
Vigilucci’s Seafood & Steakhouse: The primary and doubtless most spectacular location sits alongside the coastal route main into Carlsbad Village. Not surprisingly, you’ll want to e-book prematurely to safe one of many outdoors tables that line the entrance of the restaurant and have nice ocean views. The inside eating room is elegantly adorned, and there’s additionally a tented space outdoors to the precise, which is widespread however doesn’t have ocean views.
The menu options a big collection of fish-inspired antipasti, oysters, and a shared Chilled Seafood Platter, they usually have a complete seafood entree part alongside steak and pasta choices. There’s additionally a pretty big youngsters menu.
Cucina Italiana: The Vigilucci Group’s different Carlsbad location sits on State Avenue within the coronary heart of Carlsbad Village. Once more, it has a chic vibe inside and it additionally has a big outside seating space on the entrance of the restaurant. The menu is heavy on pasta decisions but in addition encompasses a complete checklist of rooster, veal, and steak entree choices with some fish and vegetarian decisions.
The Vigilucci Group’s different Carlsbad location sits on State Avenue within the coronary heart of Carlsbad Village. Once more, it has a chic vibe inside, and there’s a massive outside seating space on the entrance of the restaurant. The menu is heavy on pasta decisions but in addition encompasses a complete checklist of rooster, veal, and steak entree choices with some fish and vegetarian decisions.
6. Barrel Republic
State Avenue can be the placement for this rousing and alluring eatery famed for its superb burgers (that are supplied at a steep low cost on Monday nights). The restaurant’s distressed wooden exterior leads right into a entrance bar space with excessive tops or there are larger tables within the again room near a roaring hearth. The restaurant has a enjoyable open-air vibe because of the 2 large entrance home windows being completely open onto the road.
One other huge draw for the restaurant is their Self Pour Faucet system, that means alcohol is served by quantity. Whenever you enter an attendant will register your bank card and offer you a particular wrist sensor (worn like a wristband) linked to your account. You then select from their large collection of craft beers and wines. Merely scan your wristband to the sensor subsequent to your selection, and pour as a lot — or as little — as you need. So should you’ve had one glass of wine and simply need half a glass extra fairly than a complete one, you possibly can!
Additionally they have rotating beer faucets, that means there’ll doubtless be an excellent new beer to strive each time you come back. Simply notice there’s a restrict on how a lot a person can drink per go to for security causes.
7. Nick’s On State
You guessed it, this subsequent choose can be on State Avenue! Nick’s upscale chain of eating places additionally has areas in San Diego’s Del Mar, Laguna Seaside, and San Clemente in Orange County, and a number of other branches in LA. And whereas the Carlsbad location solely opened in 2021, it’s already an area favourite.
The menu is billed as ‘basic American consolation meals’ however the restaurant’s inside is unquestionably on the subtle facet — assume upscale however informal. Contained in the cavernous area is a surprising bar space flanked by largely darkish industrial decor, large home windows, and picket arches. Outdoors there’s an excellent patio space for heat evenings.
Menu highlights embody Asparagus Fries and Shrimp Taquitos to start out, adopted by gourmand consolation meals choices of San Francisco Cioppino (a scrumptious mixture of seafood served in a sourdough loaf), Buttermilk Fried Hen, or Maple Glazed Meatloaf. There’s additionally a extra commonplace burger and salad menu and an excellent cocktail menu to scrub all of it down with.
8. Pure Taco
Proper subsequent door to Nick’s is a superb new family-friendly Mexican eatery marketed as a ‘World Taco Bar.’ Alongside its extra complete menu it serves a $1.99 Baha Fish Taco all day, daily, they usually’re nice! They’ve nice Taco Flights if you would like variation, or you possibly can select from extra artistic choices of Inexperienced Curry Shrimp or Korean Pork Bo SSam tacos. I positively advocate the Hen Tikka Masala Bowl for an anticipated Indian twist.
Solely the principle a part of the restaurant is roofed, however the outside seating is sheltered with heaters, and it’s definitely worth the wait to get a desk. The bar can be a pretty place to hang around for each dinner and margaritas, and the entire place has a soothing, informal, and enjoyable ambiance.
9. Karl Strauss Brewing Firm
That is positively an excellent possibility for households, and it’s not on State Avenue! It’s truly proper throughout the road from LEGOLAND California, and I extremely advocate it.
Karl Strauss is a massively widespread native brewery, and its founders are among the many pioneers of the craft beer motion in San Diego. At present, they’ve three eating places in San Diego, together with this North County favourite.
The Carlsbad location is spacious, has a stupendous wooden inside, and a extremely pleasant ambiance. After transitioning to counter ordering throughout Covid restrictions, the restaurant continued this course of, and you continue to go straight to the counter/bar as quickly as you enter to order and pay earlier than discovering a desk.
The Korean BBQ Rice Bowl with salmon is superb and simply sufficient for 2 adults should you ask for an additional bowl. Or strive their Beer Sausages, large burger menu, or Carne Asada Tacos. As for sides, their Mac On Faucet has truly received awards!
10. Park 101
If barbecue in an off-the-cuff outside setting is your factor, Park 101 positively suits the invoice. This open-air eatery is pure SoCal – despite the fact that it’s truly owned by an Australian! The sprawling multi-level design makes for a enjoyable possibility for excellent meals and a relaxed vibe within the midst of the downtown Carlsbad motion. It’s one block from the seashore, and the upstairs roof deck has lovely ocean views. The deck additionally has a fame as an excellent celebration venue.
Menu favorites embody Surf N Turf Fries and Loaded BBQ Mac to share, and the Wagyu Burger or Tri Tip Burger for mains.
Park 101’s web site says it’s child and dog-friendly, however the final time I went, you needed to be 21+ to go as much as the roof deck. Examine with a server if wanted.
11. Coyote Bar & Grill
This Carlsbad stalwart has been open since 1989 and is on the perimeter of the principle Carlsbad Village middle, simply toes away from the fountain. It has an excellent outside seating space with loads of firepits and reside leisure 7 days per week. Anticipate to show as much as a reside band taking part in and a busy outside dancefloor, even within the day time.
The inside can be engaging, and it’s positively a full of life place to go for excellent meals and drinks. The menu is typical Southern Californian fare, and favorites embody the Smoked Hen Enchiladas, Flat Iron Steak, or Grilled Salmon with Raspberry Chipotle Sauce.
The restaurant additionally turns into a nightclub each Friday and Saturday from 10 p.m.–1.30 a.m.
12. Casa De Bandini
This huge and full of life Mexican restaurant is positioned within the upscale buying middle, The Discussion board, near the place Carlsbad borders Encinitas. It’s received a number of greatest Mexican restaurant awards and was initially positioned in San Diego’s Outdated City district. The restaurant is understood for its improbable genuine Mexican meals and vibe. The primary eating room options conventional colourful decor all through, contrasted with darkish wooden tables and chairs, and the bar space is adorned with lovely glass hanging lights.
The dishes are large and scrumptious (their Shrimp Tostada and Hen Mole Poblano dishes are to die for), and the margheritas are famously large. Casa de Bandini can be recognized for its roaming Mariachi band, who would possibly simply pop up subsequent to your desk to serenade you and your celebration. And the Teresita Paper Flower Maker will hold the children entertained.
The restaurant additionally has an excellent outside seating space however I like to recommend getting an inside desk to get the perfect expertise of this enjoyable eatery that’s positively an excellent household possibility. And should you fancy a spot of buying after, The Discussion board shops embody Anthropologie, Apple, lululemon, and Madewell.
13. Ponto Lago at Park Hyatt Aviara
For those who’re in North County San Diego, visiting this spectacular resort in Carlsbad is a should. Sipping cocktails whereas watching the sundown over the ocean on the lodge’s Pacific Level terrace is an beautiful expertise, and naturally, the eating choices are improbable. As a result of the lodge’s award-winning steakhouse Ember and Rye is quickly closed on the time of penning this, I’m going to advocate the lodge’s Ponto Lago for now.
Housed in a chic eating room, Ponto Lago options Baha-inspired delicacies, with standout menu decisions together with the Butter Poached Lobster Taco and Entire Hog Spear in peanut mole sauce. The restaurant exudes a heat ambiance because of the present kitchen the place cooks create in full view of visitors. Tequila and mezcal dominate the drinks menu, a lot in order that the restaurant bar hosts the Agave Tasting Expertise each Tuesday, that includes their 50 plus kinds of the 2 liquors.
The restaurant’s scrumptious Sunday buffet brunch menu consists of Oysters, Paella, and and Wooden Hearth Asado grill combine, all washed down with Mexican sizzling chocolate or Margherita flights.
14. Blue Ocean Robata
For those who’re trying to find an excellent sushi bar in Carlsbad, take a look at Blue Ocean Robata. It’s away from the principle Carlsbad Village motion, nevertheless it’s positively value a go to to get your sushi repair. They really have an in depth menu of every kind of Asian-inspired dishes alongside the sushi, sashimi, and nigiri choices. Highlights embody the Mizo Glazed Chilean Sea Bass, Korean BBQ Ribs, and the I Love Poke Salad.
Additionally they have a artistic checklist of craft cocktails and varied sorts of Sake. Attempt the Pom Sake Bomb should you dare — a novel concoction of chilly sake, pomegranate syrup, Sapporo, and a splash of cranberry juice. The restaurant is a well-liked Comfortable Hour venue on Mondays by Thursdays from 3 – 6 p.m. Their enjoyable themes embody Whiskey Wednesdays and Thirsty Thursdays, and you may anticipate nice offers on drinks, small plates, and sushi.
15. Pizza Port
This SoCal establishment is a pizza and beer lover’s dream and has fairly the native historical past. The unique Pizza Port was based in Solana Seaside by siblings Gina and Vince Marsaglia again within the late 80s. It began life as only a pizzeria, with Vince utilizing the storage room to construct his pastime in beer brewing. The restaurant shortly developed right into a brewpub although, combining the proper pairing of pizza and beer.
Pizza Port’s Carlsbad venue opened in 1997 and was the chain’s second location. 4 extra SoCal areas have since been added. An incredible addition to the Carlsbad restaurant is the premium bottle store subsequent door, which additionally gives a whole lot of craft beers from different native breweries.
The restaurant’s enjoyable pizza menu consists of a number of custom-made creations named after varied Californian cities and cities, to the Meet Excessive Meat, which says all of it. Salads and different munchies spherical out the menu, whereas rotating brews on faucet will quench your thirst. Attempt the Bressi Ranch (a Carlsbad neighborhood) pizza paired with a Swami’s IPA, named after the native seashore.
16. Tip Prime Meats & European Deli
For one thing totally different and a spot recognized for its legendary breakfasts, head to Tip Prime’s informal however high quality eatery. Half European-style meals market/deli, half restaurant, Tip Prime is massively widespread with expats residing in San Diego who head there for its glorious meat choices.
Their eating space positively isn’t fancy, nevertheless it’s a agency favourite with locals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so anticipate to attend in a fairly lengthy line for a desk. The menu is loaded with superb meats and cheeses, and worldwide favorites like Sauerkraut. Well-liked sizzling sandwich choices embody the German Weiner and Hen Cutlet, and naturally, Strudel for dessert. Simply notice there are solely ‘home’ choices for wine and beer.
17. Cicciotti’s Trattoria & Seafood
For an additional nice Italian restaurant in Carlsbad, head to Cicciotti’s Trattoria & Seafood. Located in the midst of Carlsbad Village, this trattoria is an offshoot of the favored beach-front Cardiff location. Each eating places have the identical menu, together with excellent Appetizer decisions like Bruschetta Mamma Mia with salmon and gorgonzola cheese. There’s nearly each pasta dish you possibly can consider to observe and a big collection of ravioli and gnocchi. Pizza, steak, rooster, and veal dishes spherical out the menu, plus a fish choice that features the divine-looking Cioppino dish – a mix of shellfish and recent fish of the day over linguine.
The restaurant has reside music on Friday nights from 6 – 9 p.m. and you may test their calendar forward.
18. The Inexperienced Dragon Tavern & Museum
For dinner with an historic twist, Carlsbad’s iconic Inexperienced Dragon Tavern & Museum will present a novel expertise. A restaurant and museum in a single, Inexperienced Dragon, could also be positioned within the sunny climes of SoCal, nevertheless it was truly modeled on the 18th-century famed tavern of the identical identify in Boston.
Visitors can absorb some historical past within the Revolutionary Battle museum, which is free to enter, earlier than heading to eat. The restaurant continues the colonial American theme with its décor and New England fare, together with Major and Connecticut Lobster Rolls. Nevertheless, there are many different decisions, together with consolation meals classics Shepherd’s Pie, Beef Bourguignon, and Turkey Pot Pie.
The artistic dessert menu features a Churro Sundae and Cappuccino Mud Pie. Additionally they have an excellent cocktail menu that includes the gin-based ‘Flower Fields’ in a nod to the well-known Carlsbad Flower Fields positioned simply throughout the road from the museum.
Darlene Horn additionally contributed to this text.
