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Carlsbad is certainly one of San Diego’s hottest coastal cities because of the colourful Carlsbad Village heart, improbable seashores, and the truth that it’s residence to LEGOLAND California. It’s 35 miles north of Downtown San Diego however an incredible place for vacationers and locals alike who’re on the lookout for a relaxed vibe in a stupendous setting. Not surprisingly, it’s additionally an incredible 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 primary 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 contemporary and upscale eating places with up to date exteriors and exquisite interiors make it a busy culinary vacation spot. State Road, particularly, is the middle of the gastronomic motion.

1. Campfire

Photograph courtesy of 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 metallic roof, the beautiful out of doors patio full with firepits and a 12-foot teepee, to the connoisseur wood-fired menu. Menu favorites embrace oysters warmed over coals, entire grilled Maine lobster, and Koji-Aged Ribeye.

It’s an incredible possibility for lunch when you have children, given its exterior vibe and decor, however come night, it’s undoubtedly higher for adults as the within can get very noisy because of tables being shut collectively. The surface patio is adorned with fairy lights and can also be a enjoyable place for teams or a date night time on heat evenings. Thoughts you, a good friend and I had been not too long ago 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.

Value 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. One more reason it’s so in style!

2. Jeune et Jolie

Plateau de Fruits de Mer (photograph courtesy of Go to Carlsbad)

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 street, and each eating places have firmly put town’s State Road 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 sorts: a four-course tasting menu with numerous 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 company, 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 out of doors patio.

3. 264 Fresco

This in style restaurant is a should when visiting Carlsbad. Specializing in trendy Italian delicacies, it has a heat and welcoming really feel in its lovely major restaurant, whereas its out of doors deck upstairs boasts picturesque ocean views. It may be arduous to choose a favourite place to sit down, with another choice being the out of doors decks on the entrance of the restaurant, a few of which embrace a firepit.

And the restaurant appears to maintain on increasing. Throughout Covid-restricted instances, the homeowners arrange a big exterior tented space to the left of the restaurant with tables on synthetic turf surrounded by pot crops. It proved so in style that the realm remains to be there immediately.

Alongside favourite Italian dishes are menu choices together with Halibut, Salmon, Hen Marsala, or Braised Quick Rib. Additionally they have an incredible cocktail record.

4 & 5. Vigilucci’s

There are literally two Carlsbad places of this massively in style Italian eatery chain.

Vigilucci’s Seafood & Steakhouse: The primary and possibly most spectacular location sits alongside the coastal route main into Carlsbad Village. Not surprisingly, you should ebook prematurely to safe one of many exterior 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 exterior to the best, which is in style however doesn’t have ocean views.

The menu options a big number of fish-inspired antipasti, oysters, and a shared Chilled Seafood Platter, and so they have an entire seafood entree part alongside steak and pasta choices. There’s additionally a pretty big children menu.

Cucina Italiana: The Vigilucci Group’s different Carlsbad location sits on State Road within the coronary heart of Carlsbad Village. Once more, it has a chic vibe inside and it additionally has a big out of doors seating space on the entrance of the restaurant. The menu is heavy on pasta selections but additionally includes a complete record of rooster, veal, and steak entree choices with some fish and vegetarian selections.

The Vigilucci Group’s different Carlsbad location sits on State Road within the coronary heart of Carlsbad Village. Once more, it has a chic vibe inside, and there’s a giant out of doors seating space on the entrance of the restaurant. The menu is heavy on pasta selections but additionally includes a complete record of rooster, veal, and steak entree choices with some fish and vegetarian selections.

6. Barrel Republic

State Road can also be the placement for this rousing and welcoming eatery famed for its superb burgers (that are provided 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 huge draw for the restaurant is their Self Pour Faucet system, that means alcohol is served by quantity. While 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 number 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 in case you’ve had one glass of wine and simply need half a glass extra reasonably than an entire one, you’ll be able to!

Additionally they have rotating beer faucets, that means there’ll possible be an incredible 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 choose can also be on State Road! Nick’s upscale chain of eating places additionally has places in San Diego’s Del Mar, Laguna Seaside, 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 ‘traditional American consolation meals’ however the restaurant’s inside is unquestionably on the delicate aspect — suppose upscale however informal. Contained in the cavernous area is a surprising bar space flanked by largely darkish industrial decor, large home windows, and wood arches. Exterior there’s an incredible patio space for heat evenings.

Menu highlights embrace 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 an incredible cocktail menu to clean all of it down with.

8. Pure Taco

Proper subsequent door to Nick’s is a good 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, each day, and so they’re nice! They’ve nice Taco Flights in order for you variation, or you’ll be able to select from extra artistic 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 primary a part of the restaurant is roofed, however the out of doors seating is sheltered with heaters, and it’s definitely worth the wait to get a desk. The bar can also be a pretty place to hang around for each dinner and margaritas, and the entire place has a calming, informal, and enjoyable environment.

9. Karl Strauss Brewing Firm

That is undoubtedly an incredible possibility for households, and it’s not on State Road! It’s truly proper throughout the road from LEGOLAND California, and I extremely advocate it.

Karl Strauss is a massively in style native brewery, and its founders are among the many pioneers of the craft beer motion in San Diego. Right this moment, 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 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 superb and simply sufficient for 2 adults in case you 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 informal out of doors setting is your factor, Park 101 undoubtedly matches 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 nice meals and a relaxed vibe within the midst of the downtown Carlsbad motion. It’s one block from the seaside, and the upstairs roof deck has lovely ocean views. The deck additionally has a status as an incredible celebration venue.

Menu favorites embrace 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 primary Carlsbad Village heart, simply ft away from the fountain. It has an incredible out of doors seating space with loads of firepits and dwell leisure 7 days per week. Anticipate to show as much as a dwell band taking part in and a busy out of doors dancefloor, even within the day time.

The inside can also be engaging, and it’s undoubtedly a full of life place to go for nice meals and drinks. The menu is typical Southern Californian fare, and favorites embrace 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 full of life Mexican restaurant is positioned within the upscale buying heart, 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 Outdated City district. The restaurant is thought for its improbable genuine Mexican meals and vibe. The principle 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 also be identified 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 incredible out of doors seating space however I like to recommend getting an inside desk to get the most effective expertise of this enjoyable eatery that’s undoubtedly an incredible household possibility. And in case you fancy a spot of buying after, The Discussion board shops embrace Anthropologie, Apple, lululemon, and Madewell.

13. Ponto Lago at Park Hyatt Aviara

Photograph courtesy of Park Hyatt Aviara

In the event 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 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 briefly 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 selections 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 company. 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 contains Oysters, Paella, and and Wooden Hearth Asado grill combine, all washed down with Mexican sizzling chocolate or Margherita flights.

14. Blue Ocean Robata

Photograph courtesy of Blue Ocean Robata

In the event you’re looking for an incredible sushi bar in Carlsbad, try Blue Ocean Robata. It’s away from the primary Carlsbad Village motion, nevertheless it’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 embrace the Mizo Glazed Chilean Sea Bass, Korean BBQ Ribs, and the I Love Poke Salad.

Additionally they have a artistic record of craft cocktails and numerous sorts of Sake. Attempt the Pom Sake Bomb in case 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 means of Thursdays from 3 – 6 p.m. Their enjoyable themes embrace Whiskey Wednesdays and Thirsty Thursdays, and you may anticipate nice offers on drinks, small plates, and sushi.

15. Pizza Port

Photograph courtesy of 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 rapidly advanced 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 places have since been added. A terrific addition to the Carlsbad restaurant is the premium bottle store subsequent door, which additionally presents a whole bunch of craft beers from different native breweries.

The restaurant’s enjoyable pizza menu contains a number of custom-made creations named after numerous 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 seaside.

16. Tip High Meats & European Deli

Photograph credit score: Darlene Horn

For one thing completely different and a spot identified 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 massively in style with expats dwelling in San Diego who head there for its wonderful meat choices.

Their eating space undoubtedly 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. In style sizzling sandwich choices embrace 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 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 selections like Bruschetta Mamma Mia with salmon and gorgonzola cheese. There’s virtually each pasta dish you’ll be able to consider to observe and a big number 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 contemporary fish of the day over linguine.

The restaurant has dwell music on Friday nights from 6 – 9 p.m. and you may examine their calendar forward.

18. The Inexperienced Dragon Tavern & Museum

Photograph credit score: Darlene Horn

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.

Friends can take in 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 Principal and Connecticut Lobster Rolls. Nevertheless, there are many different selections, 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 incredible 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.