Carlsbad is one in all San Diego’s hottest coastal cities because of the colourful Carlsbad Village middle, incredible seashores, and the truth that it’s dwelling to LEGOLAND California. It’s 35 miles north of Downtown San Diego however a terrific place for vacationers and locals alike who’re on the lookout for a relaxed vibe in a good looking setting. Not surprisingly, it’s additionally a terrific place to eat! From stylish eateries with roof decks to upscale steakhouses to fashionable French bistros, Carlsbad’s culinary variety has one thing for everybody.
Carlsbad Village is the principle hub of this seaside city, and lately, increasingly nice eating places have opened up, drawing in younger folks 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 modern exteriors and delightful 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, in line with its identify, options many camping-inspired touches all through. From the distinctive Quonset hut-style exterior with its arched corrugated steel roof, the gorgeous outside patio full with firepits and a 12-foot teepee, to the connoisseur wood-fired menu. Menu favorites embody oysters warmed over coals, complete grilled Maine lobster, and Koji-Aged Ribeye.
It’s a terrific possibility for lunch when you have youngsters, given its outdoors vibe and decor, however come night, it’s undoubtedly higher for adults as the within can get very noisy as a result of tables being shut collectively. The surface patio is adorned with fairy lights and can be a enjoyable place for teams or a date evening on heat evenings. Thoughts you, a buddy and I have been lately eating on the patio when the marine layer got here in and calmly 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 beautiful 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 common!
2. Jeune et Jolie
This award-winning fashionable French eatery opened in 2018 and shortly grew to become Carlsbad’s first Michelin-star-rated restaurant. It’s owned by John Resnick, who additionally owns Campfire (listed above) simply alongside the street, and each eating places have firmly put town’s State Avenue on the culinary map.
Jeune et Jolie means ‘younger and delightful’ 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 typically booked out weeks forward) or an a la carte possibility referred to 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 stunning bar within the center. It additionally has a reasonably outside patio.
3. 264 Fresco
This common restaurant is a should when visiting Carlsbad. Specializing in fashionable Italian delicacies, it has a heat and welcoming really feel in its stunning essential restaurant, whereas its outside deck upstairs boasts picturesque ocean views. It may be laborious to select 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 instances, the house owners arrange a big outdoors tented space to the left of the restaurant with tables on synthetic turf surrounded by pot crops. It proved so common that the world continues to be there in the present day.
Alongside favourite Italian dishes are menu choices together with Halibut, Salmon, Hen Marsala, or Braised Brief Rib. Additionally they have a terrific cocktail record.
4 & 5. Vigilucci’s
There are literally two Carlsbad areas of this vastly common 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, that you must e book upfront 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 embellished, and there’s additionally a tented space outdoors to the suitable, which is common however doesn’t have ocean views.
The menu options a big collection of fish-inspired antipasti, oysters, and a shared Chilled Seafood Platter, and so they 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 incorporates a complete record of hen, 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 giant outside seating space on the entrance of the restaurant. The menu is heavy on pasta decisions but in addition incorporates a complete record of hen, veal, and steak entree choices with some fish and vegetarian decisions.
6. Barrel Republic
State Avenue can be the placement for this rousing and welcoming eatery famed for its wonderful 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 fireplace. The restaurant has a enjoyable open-air vibe because of the 2 large entrance home windows being completely open onto the road.
One other massive 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 alternative, and pour as a lot — or as little — as you need. So for those who’ve had one glass of wine and simply need half a glass extra slightly than a complete one, you’ll be able to!
Additionally they have rotating beer faucets, that means there’ll possible be a terrific new beer to attempt each time you come. Simply observe 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 decide can be on State Avenue! Nick’s upscale chain of eating places additionally has areas in San Diego’s Del Mar, Laguna Seashore, and San Clemente in Orange County, and several other branches in LA. And whereas the Carlsbad location solely opened in 2021, it’s already a neighborhood favourite.
The menu is billed as ‘basic American consolation meals’ however the restaurant’s inside is unquestionably on the delicate aspect — suppose upscale however informal. Contained in the cavernous house is a shocking bar space flanked by largely darkish industrial decor, large home windows, and picket arches. Outdoors there’s a terrific patio space for heat evenings.
Menu highlights embody Asparagus Fries and Shrimp Taquitos to begin, adopted by connoisseur 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 customary burger and salad menu and a terrific 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 ‘International Taco Bar.’ Alongside its extra complete menu it serves a $1.99 Baha Fish Taco all day, every single day, and so they’re nice! They’ve nice Taco Flights if you need variation, or you’ll be able to select from extra inventive choices of Inexperienced Curry Shrimp or Korean Pork Bo SSam tacos. I undoubtedly 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 sexy place to hang around for each dinner and margaritas, and the entire place has a soothing, informal, and enjoyable environment.
9. Karl Strauss Brewing Firm
That is undoubtedly a terrific 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 vastly common native brewery, and its founders are among the many pioneers of the craft beer motion in San Diego. As we speak, they’ve three eating places in San Diego, together with this North County favourite.
The Carlsbad location is spacious, has a good looking wooden inside, and a very pleasant environment. 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 wonderful and simply sufficient for 2 adults for those who ask for an additional bowl. Or attempt their Beer Sausages, large burger menu, or Carne Asada Tacos. As for sides, their Mac On Faucet has truly gained awards!
10. Park 101
If barbecue in an off-the-cuff outside setting is your factor, Park 101 undoubtedly suits the invoice. This open-air eatery is pure SoCal – though 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 stunning ocean views. The deck additionally has a popularity as a terrific get together 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. Test 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 a terrific outside seating space with loads of firepits and stay leisure 7 days every week. Anticipate to show as much as a stay band taking part in and a busy outside dancefloor, even within the day time.
The inside can be enticing, and it’s undoubtedly a vigorous 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 massive and vigorous Mexican restaurant is positioned within the upscale procuring middle, The Discussion board, near the place Carlsbad borders Encinitas. It’s gained a number of finest Mexican restaurant awards and was initially positioned in San Diego’s Previous City district. The restaurant is thought for its incredible 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 stunning 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 get together. And the Teresita Paper Flower Maker will preserve the youngsters entertained.
The restaurant additionally has a terrific outside seating space however I like to recommend getting an inside desk to get one of the best expertise of this enjoyable eatery that’s undoubtedly a terrific household possibility. And for those who fancy a spot of procuring after, The Discussion board shops embody Anthropologie, Apple, lululemon, and Madewell.
13. Ponto Lago at Park Hyatt Aviara
In case you’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 resort’s Pacific Level terrace is an beautiful expertise, and naturally, the eating choices are incredible. As a result of the resort’s award-winning steakhouse Ember and Rye is briefly closed on the time of penning this, I’m going to advocate the resort’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 sorts of the 2 liquors.
The restaurant’s scrumptious Sunday buffet brunch menu contains Oysters, Paella, and and Wooden Hearth Asado grill combine, all washed down with Mexican sizzling chocolate or Margherita flights.
14. Blue Ocean Robata
In case you’re looking for a terrific sushi bar in Carlsbad, take a look at Blue Ocean Robata. It’s away from the principle Carlsbad Village motion, but it surely’s undoubtedly price 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 inventive record of craft cocktails and varied sorts of Sake. Attempt the Pom Sake Bomb for those who dare — a singular concoction of chilly sake, pomegranate syrup, Sapporo, and a splash of cranberry juice. The restaurant is a well-liked Joyful Hour venue on Mondays by Thursdays from 3 – 6 p.m. Their enjoyable themes embody Whiskey Wednesdays and Thirsty Thursdays, and you’ll count on 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 Seashore 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 interest in beer brewing. The restaurant rapidly 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 important addition to the Carlsbad restaurant is the premium bottle store subsequent door, which additionally affords a whole lot of craft beers from different native breweries.
The restaurant’s enjoyable pizza menu contains 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 High Meats & European Deli
For one thing totally different and a spot recognized for its legendary breakfasts, head to Tip High’s informal however high quality eatery. Half European-style meals market/deli, half restaurant, Tip High is vastly common with expats dwelling in San Diego who head there for its glorious meat choices.
Their eating space undoubtedly isn’t fancy, but it surely’s a agency favourite with locals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so count on to attend in a reasonably lengthy line for a desk. The menu is loaded with wonderful meats and cheeses, and worldwide favorites like Sauerkraut. Fashionable sizzling sandwich choices embody the German Weiner and Hen Cutlet, and naturally, Strudel for dessert. Simply observe there are solely ‘home’ choices for wine and beer.
17. Cicciotti’s Trattoria & Seafood
For one more nice Italian restaurant in Carlsbad, head to Cicciotti’s Trattoria & Seafood. Located in the course 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’ll be able to consider to observe and a big collection of ravioli and gnocchi. Pizza, steak, hen, and veal dishes spherical out the menu, plus a fish choice that features the divine-looking Cioppino dish – a mix of shellfish and contemporary fish of the day over linguine.
The restaurant has stay music on Friday nights from 6 – 9 p.m. and you’ll verify 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 singular expertise. A restaurant and museum in a single, Inexperienced Dragon, could also be positioned within the sunny climes of SoCal, but it surely 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 Most important 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 inventive dessert menu features a Churro Sundae and Cappuccino Mud Pie. Additionally they have a terrific 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.