Located on the brink of the San Diego shore, The Marine Room serves contemporary surf'n'turf cuisine in its stately dining hall, with enchanting views of the ocean to keep company. Along with its divinely crafted cuisine, this 1941 culinary stalwart boasts of a well-heeled clientele that includes several celebs and world figures. Award-winning Executive Chef Bernard Guillas along with his stellar team leads the kitchen, whipping up specialties such as the Skuna Bay Salmon, Angus Beef Filet Mignon and Cervena Elk Loin. The elegant confines of this establishment also include an elevated seating area that lets its guests enjoy the azure waves gently crashing against the window.
Located in a Spanish Colonial style building that features an outdoor fountain and flora common to Mexico and the American southwest, Casa de Bandini recreates a dining experience from Old California. Outside, guests can sit at a bench and enjoy the shade beneath one the many trees near the fountain or at a table with an umbrella. Inside, guests can dine in a well-lit, multi-colored dining room, where they can also watch the making of hand-made tortillas. While guests enjoy their meals of enchiladas, burritos, and other Mexican favorites, they can listen to the sounds of the house Mariachi band. Casa de Bandini also offers a Gluten free menu, vegetarian menu, and a happy hour every weekday from 4p until 7p. - Erick Petterson
Fresco Trattoria & Bar at Carlsbad is an upscale Italian restaurant with an extensive menu of pasta, pizza, soup and salads. The restaurant is cozy and charming with its cream and coffee hues, dark wooden furniture, hand painted murals, lovely outdoor patios and its close proximity to the ocean. You can just hear the waves calling out to you if you are dining at the patio. The food is a work of love, deliciously hearty and soul warming such as the Rigatoni Salsiccia alla Siciliana, Veal Milanese, Pizza Rustica and Linguine Mare Mosso. And a delightful end with desserts like chocolate souffle, raspberry sorbet and pastries. Fresco has an amazing wine list, so whether you are a wine aficionado or a newbie, you will have plenty to choose from. The restaurant has got two patios while one is by the sidewalk with a lot of tables laid in front, the other is wonderfully landscaped. Fresco is ideal for a memorable evening of romance.
Visit Vigilucci's Seafood & Steakhouse if you want to indulge yourselves. From magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean, to the sublime prime steaks and seafood with the heartiness of Italian cooking, will just make you want for more. Their full bar features an impressive wine list. The Seafood & Steakhouse is a great place for parties and special events with an awe inspiring ocean backdrop or just dine in their grand private dining room for an atmosphere of the classic Italian charm. Godere!
Combine your favorite ice cream flavors with your choice of "mix-ins" at Cold Stone Creamery. Each day, the store features several ice cream flavors, such as French vanilla or coffee. Guests select an ice cream and then choose from a vast line of "mix-ins," ranging from oreos to pecans. The servers at cold stone set your slab of ice cream and mix-ins on a clean metal counter. Then, with the use of two spatulas, the server mixes your ice cream to order.
Fresco Grill is the sister restaurant of Fresco Trattoria and is nestled in the River Village shopping center of Bonsall. The restaurant serves traditional Italian food with an innovative twist using the freshest ingredients available. The ambience is casual yet chic with features like Italian music every Wednesday and Friday, alfresco dining and a wine bar with an award winning wine list and signature cocktails. If you want to savor wholesome, ambrosial and appetizing Italian food paired with excellent wine, then step into Fresco for a lovely dining experience.
Bobboi Natural Gelato is well-known for using organic ingredients that offer a fresh and seasonal surprise. Uniquely flavored gelatos are made everyday at their premises using organic Californian milk, organic sugar and organically grown seasonal fruits to ensure freshness.
Opened in 2006, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters is the brainchild of Chuck Patton. This acclaimed coffeehouse roasts only the finest of green beans from sustainable farms from all over the globe. This direct trade cafe is where you can enjoy a great cuppa of pure delight. Take a sip of a decaf, Viennese, mocha and latte. You can also buy coffee paraphernalia from the cafe.
Vine San Clemente is warm, intimate and features wines and a menu inspired by Napa Valley. Following a similar aesthetic, the restaurant and bar offers guests a choice of dining spaces from the chef's pub, dining room to the semi-private dining space and a lovely outdoor patio. The menu features the use seasonal ingredients to prepare fresh, flavorful dishes like the Grilled bone-in ribeye steak, Baby belgian endive & black kale salad and House made pumpkin raviolis. Besides an impressive selection of over 100 wines including 25 by the glass varieties, the bar also offers craft beers on tap and craft cocktails. For reservations, call the restaurant.
Named after an ancient port city on Sicily’s east coast, Catania offers an assortment of coastal Italian delicacies that are sure to delight your palate. Menu offerings include contemporary Italian dishes like Braised Beef Tongue, Crispy Octopus and Wild Boar Pasta. Complement the meals with draft and bottled brews, wines or Italian sodas. Situated atop La Plaza Center, the restaurant also allows you to enjoy sweeping views over La Jolla Cove while you enjoy the creative delicacies and delectable drinks. If you are craving for inventive Italian food, on a clear evening in the middle of summer, it’s hard to think of a better place to be.
Taking inspiration from the taco stands of Tijuana, a family started its first Taco Stand place in La Jolla in 2013. By 2016, the owners managed to open Taco Stand at two new locations in Downtown San Diego & Encinitas. Every day, they serve handmade fresh handmade tortillas, salsas, burritos etc. Besides the taco fever, you can also indulge in tasting a selection of Mexican flavored popsicles along with premium beer. Catering orders for private and corporate events can be booked in advance for authentic Mexican tacos along with salsas and fresh side dishes.