Carlsbad Village is the primary hub of this seaside city, and lately, increasingly 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 modern exteriors and delightful interiors make it a busy culinary vacation spot. State Road, specifically, 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, consistent with its identify, options many camping-inspired touches all through. From the distinctive Quonset hut-style exterior with its arched corrugated metallic 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, entire grilled Maine lobster, and Koji-Aged Ribeye.
It’s an important choice for lunch if in case 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 on account of tables being shut collectively. The skin patio is adorned with fairy lights and can be a enjoyable place for teams or a date evening on heat evenings. Thoughts you, a good friend and I had been just lately eating on the patio when the marine layer got here in and evenly 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 fashionable!
2. Jeune et Jolie
Plateau de Fruits de Mer (photograph courtesy of Go to Carlsbad) 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 Road 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 sorts: a four-course tasting menu with numerous choices for the programs (that is typically booked out weeks forward) or an a la carte choice referred to as ‘Le Menu du Bar’ for walk-in friends, 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 reasonably outside patio.
3. 264 Fresco
This fashionable restaurant is a should when visiting Carlsbad. Specializing in fashionable Italian delicacies, it has a heat and alluring really feel in its lovely major restaurant, whereas its outside deck upstairs boasts picturesque ocean views. It may be laborious to choose a favourite place to take a seat, 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 homeowners arrange a big outdoors tented space to the left of the restaurant with tables on synthetic turf surrounded by pot vegetation. It proved so fashionable that the realm continues to be there immediately.
Alongside favourite Italian dishes are menu choices together with Halibut, Salmon, Hen Marsala, or Braised Brief Rib. In addition they have an important cocktail listing.
4 & 5. Vigilucci’s
There are literally two Carlsbad places of this massively fashionable 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 should 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 best, which is fashionable however doesn’t have ocean views.
The menu options a big choice 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 Road 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 additionally contains a complete listing of rooster, veal, and steak entree choices with some fish and vegetarian decisions.
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 massive outside seating space on the entrance of the restaurant. The menu is heavy on pasta decisions but additionally contains a complete listing of rooster, veal, and steak entree choices with some fish and vegetarian decisions.
6. Barrel Republic
State Road 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 greater tables within the again room near a roaring fireplace. The restaurant has a enjoyable open-air vibe because of the 2 big entrance home windows being completely open onto the road.
One other large draw for the restaurant is their Self Pour Faucet system, which 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 big choice 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 if you happen to’ve had one glass of wine and simply need half a glass extra somewhat than a complete one, you may!
In addition they have rotating beer faucets, which means there’ll possible be an important new beer to attempt each time you come back. Simply word 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 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 an area favourite.
The menu is billed as ‘basic American consolation meals’ however the restaurant’s inside is certainly on the subtle aspect — suppose upscale however informal. Contained in the cavernous house is a surprising bar space flanked by largely darkish industrial decor, big home windows, and wood arches. Exterior there’s an important 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 an important 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, daily, and so they’re nice! They’ve nice Taco Flights if you need variation, or you may 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 outside seating is sheltered with heaters, and it’s well worth the wait to get a desk. The bar can be a gorgeous 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 undoubtedly an important choice for households, and it’s not on State Road! It’s really proper throughout the road from LEGOLAND California, and I extremely advocate it.
Karl Strauss is a massively fashionable native brewery, and its founders are among the many pioneers of the craft beer motion in San Diego. At this time, they’ve three eating places in San Diego, together with this North County favourite.
The Carlsbad location is spacious, has a ravishing 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 if you happen to ask for an additional bowl. Or attempt their Beer Sausages, big burger menu, or Carne Asada Tacos. As for sides, their Mac On Faucet has really received awards!
10. Park 101
If barbecue in an informal outside setting is your factor, Park 101 undoubtedly suits the invoice. This open-air eatery is pure SoCal – though it’s really owned by an Australian! The sprawling multi-level design makes for a enjoyable choice for excellent 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 repute as an important occasion 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 primary Carlsbad Village heart, simply ft away from the fountain. It has an important outside seating space with loads of firepits and reside leisure 7 days per week. Count on 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 enticing, and it’s undoubtedly 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 massive and full of life Mexican restaurant is situated within the upscale procuring heart, The Discussion board, near the place Carlsbad borders Encinitas. It’s received a number of greatest Mexican restaurant awards and was initially situated in San Diego’s Outdated City district. The restaurant is thought for its unbelievable 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 big 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 identified for its roaming Mariachi band, who may simply pop up subsequent to your desk to serenade you and your occasion. And the Teresita Paper Flower Maker will hold the children entertained.
The restaurant additionally has an important outside 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 important household choice. And if you happen to fancy a spot of procuring after, The Discussion board shops embody Anthropologie, Apple, lululemon, and Madewell.
13. Ponto Lago at Park Hyatt Aviara
Photograph courtesy of 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 lodge’s Pacific Level terrace is an beautiful expertise, and naturally, the eating choices are unbelievable. As a result of the lodge’s award-winning steakhouse Ember and Rye is quickly closed on the time of scripting 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 friends. 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 forms of the 2 liquors.
The restaurant’s scrumptious Sunday buffet brunch menu contains Oysters, Paella, and and Wooden Fireplace Asado grill combine, all washed down with Mexican scorching chocolate or Margherita flights.
14. Blue Ocean Robata
Photograph courtesy of Blue Ocean Robata In case you’re trying to find an important sushi bar in Carlsbad, try Blue Ocean Robata. It’s away from the primary 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 all types 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.
In addition they have a artistic listing of craft cocktails and numerous sorts of Sake. Strive the Pom Sake Bomb if you happen to dare — a singular concoction of chilly sake, pomegranate syrup, Sapporo, and a splash of cranberry juice. The restaurant is a well-liked Completely satisfied Hour venue on Mondays by means of Thursdays from 3 – 6 p.m. Their enjoyable themes embody Whiskey Wednesdays and Thirsty Thursdays, and you may count on 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 passion in beer brewing. The restaurant shortly 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. An excellent 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 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. Strive the Bressi Ranch (a Carlsbad neighborhood) pizza paired with a Swami’s IPA, named after the native seaside.
16. Tip Prime Meats & European Deli
Photograph credit score: Darlene Horn For one thing completely different and a spot identified 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 fashionable with expats dwelling in San Diego who head there for its wonderful 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 superb meats and cheeses, and worldwide favorites like Sauerkraut. Common scorching sandwich choices embody the German Weiner and Hen Cutlet, and naturally, Strudel for dessert. Simply word 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 decisions like Bruschetta Mamma Mia with salmon and gorgonzola cheese. There’s virtually each pasta dish you may consider to observe and a big choice 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 reside music on Friday nights from 6 – 9 p.m. and you may test 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 singular expertise. A restaurant and museum in a single, Inexperienced Dragon, could also be situated within the sunny climes of SoCal, but it surely was really modeled on the 18th-century famed tavern of the identical identify in Boston.
Friends can take in some historical past within the Revolutionary Conflict 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 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. In addition they have an important cocktail menu that includes the gin-based ‘Flower Fields’ in a nod to the well-known Carlsbad Flower Fields situated simply throughout the road from the museum.
Darlene Horn additionally contributed to this text.
