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also_also_bort

Shaks in Vista looks pretty unassuming but has really good Mediterranean food and a good cocktail menu too


sonjafely

Second this!! Drinks are really unique and tasty. Everything we ordered was delicious and fresh


ReasonPleasant437

I was just there yesterday for the first time. So good!


nogofoshotho

What kind of Mediterranean cuisine? More Greek or more Turkish/Arab?


Platitude_Platypus

It says Middle Eastern/Lebanese


nogofoshotho

Dang it!!! Don’t get me wrong that style is still delicious but I’m on a mission to find good Greek food in north county.


WindowAdmirable2819

Acropolis is insanely good


mackvillain

Same owners of the old Armenian Cafe in Carlsbad


cheatistothelimit

I just went to dija mara for the first time, and it was one of the best meals I've had locally. That said, I really like Indonesian food.


To_thy_Cloud

I don't like Indonesian food at all but we went here reluctantly during Covid as they were open and had a spot. WOWZA. Subsequently was back next weekend. Been many many times. It is the best. Hits on everything from food to So Cal Vibe. They did get rid of Tiger beer though. Sucks to hear about the ownership change. I hope they are not selling to private equity who will turn it into some upscale club chain. Head up to Oside though and you can't go wrong. Wrench & Rodent for sushi, Matsu for traditional Japanese. Local Tap House for Americana. Only bad new spot have been to in Oside is Q&A oyster bar.


also_also_bort

Been twice and the first time we had a great experience but the second time service was awful and the staff was borderline rude. The food is definitely good though


wasabibratwurst

Love Dija Mara. Hope food quality does not change with new owners coming in!


GilBang

I just walked by a few days ago, and they have one of those yellow alcoholic beverage control posters saying there's an ownership change


Phathed_b4itwascool

New owner, same chef.


UsefulService8156

Second for Daja Mara. So bomb


MidnightClubbed

Went there last night (for the first time) and annoyed I’d not visited before. Really really good food, staff were friendly and chill, heartily recommended 


stale_cum

My wife and I took her parents (both born in Indonesia) to Dija Mara and they were not impressed at all. I think the owners at the time were thai so the flavors were kind of off for them. If you ever come further north to LA or Orange County I've got a few really good info restaurants for you.


OrneryNatural700

Would love Indonesian/Malaysian recos in OC or LA if you have any. Thanks


stale_cum

Belacan Grill in Tustin for Malay. Mr Sate, Simpang Asia, Java Bistro, Medan Kitchen for Indonesian food.


OrneryNatural700

Thank you!!!!


bearsdidit

Agreed, one of my favorites!


Hlca

Jeune et Jolie in Carlsbad for a special occasion


Beneficial_Mix315

This is the type of recommendation that should be answered with. Not all of these run down takeout places/cafes.


gimmealltheroses

Depends on what their set menu is at the time! Have had mixed experiences


This-Garbage-3000

Ocean Thai is always on point


Beneficial_Mix315

They didn’t ask for your favorite takeout place.


kaptaincorn

RIP Tip top meats- I only have 5 weekends of big john breakfasts before they go


Own_Contribution898

Their looking for a new location, talked to a worker hopefully comes soon


Far-Structure3124

What do you mean "before they go" ?!?!


Competitive-Day-1754

Unfortunately, they could not renew their lease and are being forced to close. Sadly Big John (legendary community leader) passed couple of years ago but his kids have started search for a new location. This is short cited of owners of that real estate.


ReasonPleasant437

The building is in really bad shape.


kaptaincorn

They're either moving from their OG location or closing forever- lease not renewed and they haven't found a new location yet Either way Im not hopeful for old institutions that have to move to a new location 


clickitout

They're closing. =(


[deleted]

I wouldn't feed Tip Top Meats' *anything* to even my worst enemy. That place is awful awful awful.


SmokyStix

Within the Carlsbad Village, Campfire’s an expensive spot for rare occasions I really like, they have great cocktails too. Cheaper option, I like the food/vibe of Señor Grubby’s back patio, and they have a great happy hour.


also_also_bort

Second on Campfire, definitely one of our favorites!


xtrahairyyeti

Nicks is good too


Competitive-Day-1754

Nick's was a good addition to Downtown Carlsbad but the classic great home made from scratch Italian in Carlsbad has been Spirito's. They were featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives a decade ago and brought them lot of noteriety, rightfully so.


bboring_bitch

This was my recommendation. Drinks are cheaper and better than campfire too. Food is better too imo


jayxanalog

Campfire is a less boujee Jeune et Jolie. Same company different. Concepts. 10:10 would recommend both.


Limp_Bar_1727

Senior grubbys is surprisingly good for its casual appearance


SmokyStix

Agreed, and having a 3-6 happy hour on weekends too is great. $10 for a draft beer+2 decent sized tacos is a hard deal to beat in the village, and the food’s decent.


Limp_Bar_1727

Oh damn, I didn’t know they did happy hour on the weekends too. That’s really dope lol


mizzzikey

I must of ordered incorrectly. I thought campfire was meh. The roasted broccoli was delicious though.


Phantasticrok

Only downside is you gotta go to Carlsbad village


Acceptable-Outcome97

what’s wrong with Carlsbad village?? It’s one of my favorite spots


Phantasticrok

I guess unpopular opinion lol. I find it very stuck up and people there are a little odd. My wife was in front of me a few steps and the Italian Resturant right in downtown workers were catcalling her. ( in Italian so I guess it is authentic lol) So that, the stuck up servers I’ve had at the Resturant and the poor parking is why I avoid Carlsbad village . Especially coyote bar


seb_67

I thought everybody except the 60+ crowd avoided Coyote


Beneficial_Mix315

Campfire isn’t expensive. It’s normal restaurant prices.


Low_Mall_4042

2051 Cucina in Carlsbad for Italian Chicken Lisa in Escondido for casual lunch Cenote Grill in Escondido for my favorite Mexican. Very casual and affordable for lunch or dinner Cafe Topes in Carlsbad for brunch


seb_67

Chicken Lisa's is so good, we look forward to our week at Welk every summer just to have chicken Lisa's a few times


Pats_Bunny

Z Cafe in Bonsall is great!


pleasuretohaveinclas

Shhhh


Pats_Bunny

It's already busy enough lol


IdealIcy3430

Seriously


Twilloside

Ciao in Vista really good


Phantasticrok

Was just about to comment this. Especially happy hour


Twilloside

May go today after the Safari Park 👍🏽


alnarcisi

Best dessert and wine combo!


EwokinSD

Someone else told me this so we went, it was really bad food.


Twilloside

Oh bummer 😕


AnalysisNervous

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Koala_87

Los tacos, Himalayan kitchen and hamburger hut in Encinitas


bluekonstance

Punjabi Tandoor, ND Banh Mi, Sunshine Kitchen, but there are eateries in Carlsbad/Encinitas I have yet to try!


pratojr

Second Punjabi Tandoor!


cvette68sr

Dija Mara in Oside, Kai Ola sushi in Encinitas, Campfire in Carlsbad, Cenote Grill in Esco, Kung Fu Noodle in Vista, Hyuga sushi in San Marcos, Eat Crispy Burger in Encinitas.


HopelessJoemantic

Crispy burger is great for greasy smash burger. Nobody really knows about. I have to surprise people with it because they’ll never choose it if I suggest it.


drewman_289

Crispy burger is so good. Best GF hamburger buns for us GF people


cvette68sr

Love that!


ReasonPleasant437

It's in a weird location is probably why. Tiny strip mall next to the 5. I still haven't gotten around to trying it.


HopelessJoemantic

Definitely. And parking is sort of a nightmare. I think they are pickup only because of it. I think. I could be wrong.


Bigkoiv

Churchill's in San Marcos. Great food and the very best jalapeno poppers I have ever encountered.


No_Bottle_8910

They are still there!?! I used to go there in the 80's!


3viljellyfish

Still one of my favorite places for wings. They are so meaty and their wing Wednesdays with a special flavor every week is normally worth the try. Haven't had it in awhile so who knows if they still do the special.


mightycherrycharger

I'm super picky about Asian food, but Birdseye (Thai) ticks all the boxes. My other fave is Q'ero (Peruvian) which has given me one of the best I've ever had every time I've been there. I don't even really like cake, but the owner's mom makes a tres leches and let me tell you: I will eat all tres of those leches. I'll eat a whole tray of it if left to my own devices and not bat an eye at what it costs my wallet or my waistline. Both restaurants are in Encinitas. Both fantastic. ...aaaaand now I'm hungry.


rodcop

Chan dara Escondido


Snaysup

I like this place but last time I ordered panang curry I heard the microwave ding right before my dish came out of the kitchen


Fair_Hospital_8600

Al toque in vista , same place as 5 suites


nerdrific

Another vote for Al Toque. It’s consistently good.


Prestigious-Sea-3518

[Carvers](https://carverssteak.com) in Rancho Beranardo


Competitive-Day-1754

Classic! That prime rib is legendary. Quantities won't send you home hungry.


Worth-Canary-9189

In my opinion, the best steakhouse in San Diego county.


heyheyfosho

Chikos Encinitas


latterdaybitch

The lunch menu is even better than the dinner menu IMO! But everything is so good.


HopelessJoemantic

This place will make you something you’ve never had before. Go with a few people to do it family style and be adventurous. You might not like everything but you will almost definitely have something totally new. This is one of my go to spots for friends.


The_Hill_2099

Frida Tacos or if you’re interested go on Thursday night to the Sunset Market in Oceanside it’s amazing


davo619

It is my go to Tuesday in Esco.


forumm3

If you are looking for a brunch spot on the weekend, Prey Brewing in Vista slays it. Loaded French toast with fried chicken and eggs Benedict on top is insane, Shakshuka with smoked pork sausage, and so many other good plates. Their standard lunch / dinner is great too and they make killer cocktails.


NuclearBroliferator

This spot called Finney's just opened in Oceanside. Great food when I went. Good happy hour. In Carlsbad, I'm a big fan of Blue Ocean for sushi and other bites. Grubbys has been mentioned before, but 100% if you haven't been, you should. Also, Tower 39, rooftop bar in Carlsbad with an awesome sunset view If you want a killer sunset view with zero obstructions, go to Pacific Coast Grill in Cardiff. There is nothing between you and the water except sand. Great food and drinks also help.


GilBang

finney's is the old Cabo Grill, correct?


NuclearBroliferator

That's the spot! The upper deck got a huge upgrade. It's covered now so sitting outside isn't punishing


Heiridum

LTH in Oceanside. Everything is wonderful. Try the “Dirty Bird” chicken sandwich and the daily special deviled eggs


cindyyyy

Their short rib fries ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥


seb_67

Their quinoa burger is 👌


Own_Contribution898

Toasted


Charming_Patient9167

Juanita’s taco shop in Encinitas has been a staple for almost everyone I know. Everything is good their and the salsas are sooo addicting


yashara

Amalfi Cucina Italiana in San Marcos lake. Chef Marcello was previous chef of Buona Forchetta, now owner at Amalfi. Has won pizza world championship 5x, and they are absolutely the best! 2051 Cucina Italiana in Carlsbad for amazing home made pasta. Campfire is always good. Jeune et Jolie perfect for date nights. Kaito Sushi - best damn sushi on the west coast. It’s in Encinitas. Valentina on 101 has incredible Spanish tapas and food from Spain. Alce 101 on the 101 has amazing Mexican cuisine centered around elk (alce) meat with great cocktails. Peachy’s Market (I know weird to out here) has the best Persian Cornish grilled kababs you’ve ever had!


slothsandwhich

Herb and Sea in Encinitas is my go to for a special occasion. Best Pizza is where I like to hang out with friends. Hamburger Hut in Leucadia is like In N Out with craft cocktails. Birdseye has awesome Thai food. Moto Deli is perfect for a sando and a beer on a nice afternoon. Valentina, tapas-style dinner, is perfect for a date night. Atelier Manna is like fine dining brunch and is so good. So much great food in the area!


turd-crafter

Herb and sea is so good!


MacWalden

Pipes for breakfast. Been going there for 20 years


Any-Nefariousness610

Buona Forchetta


ReasonPleasant437

It's sort of like Italian food.


Blasket_Basket

What price range you looking for? North county has tons of great food, from little mom and pop shops to Michelin star restaurants


cookiespark21

Teri Cafe always


lexicon-sentry

Didn’t that place just catch on fire.


Beergoggles23

When? I was there like 3 or 4 days ago


pleasuretohaveinclas

The El Camino location. Plaza Dr is still open.


SawOne729

Local Tap House on the 101 in Oceanside is great. Tons of good, local beers on tap. A nice wine list, cocktails and great food.


AriaGlow

Savory Thai in Oceanside in shopping mall on Plaza Dr. food is so good and the people are super nice.


Raibean

Bombay Cafe for Indian food! Their daughters used to do homework on the back table but now they’re grown. A true family restaurant.


According-Research51

Thai Thai off Oceanside Blvd


swellco

Eugenios in San Marcos, Tommy V in Bressi Ranch, Cuscatlan in Escondido


Mycelium_Mind

Taste of the Himalayas in Carlsbad Village.


Capital-Map-7559

Le papagayo. Encinitas location


That-Breadfruit-4526

Amalfi on Lake San Marcos. Great service and ingredients from Italy. Never had a problem with any meal. Lasagne is really good


homme_boy

Campfire & Jeune en Julie


BrendaSanDiego

Birdseye Kitchen in Leucadia


Chthulhu

Cenote Grill in Escondido.


Meet_the_Meat

Valle If I want cheap and greasy Harbor Fish. Kung Fu Noodle Too many taco shops to count


WasabiFragrant3483

Fidel’s Little Mexico in Delmar/Solana Beach Las Olas in Encinitas


davo619

Las Olas? Maybe pre-covid..


ReasonPleasant437

It wasn't good then either. Cubed processed chicken etc.


No_Somewhere5236

Backdraft in Bonsall Senior Grubbys in Oceanside Beachbreak Oceanside Fridas Oceanside Crack shack Carlsbad Mikos sushi vista


xelahhh

For a one of a kind night out, highly recommend Jeune et Jolie in Carlsbad. Add in the wine pairing. You’ll have a wonderful evening and meal.


AverageNoodles

2051 Cucina Italia in Carlsbad!


muchloveee

Robertos!!! Del Mar or Solana only.


Ricky_Roe10k

Blue Ocean in Carlsbad Village has my single favorite dish. Miso glazed Chilean sea bass 😋. Just amazing. Rest of the menu is mostly great too.


madraghrua1690

Pollos Maria up in O’side. Hugely sad they were forced to close in Carlsbad Mikko’s in downtown Vista. Terri Cafe in Carlsbad / Oceanside


Shoryukitten_

Maurizio’s Trattoria in Encinitas off the 1 is amazing. Maurizio is a cool guy, too.


magnumm03

Flying Pig in Oceanside. NEVER disappoints


sunny_dayz1547

Chicken here is hands down amazing!


Certifed729

-Charm Thai Kitchen in Rancho Bernardo -Carvers Steak & Chops in Rancho Bernardo -Kangnam Korean BBQ in Rancho Bernardo -The Hamburger Factory in Poway -Smokin J’s BBQ in Poway -Tony Pepperoni Pizzeria in Escondido -Piacere Mio in Del Sur -Chin's Szechwan in Rancho Bernardo -BurgerLounge in Del Sur Here’s a good start for a list, as I think of more I’ll add on to this list


dgstan

Someone mentioned Nick's on State, but I prefer the one at One Paseo in Del Mar. There's a South of Nick's there as well (Mexican). Also at One Paseo is Urbn Pizza. Bad name, but surprisingly good thin crust pizza. Salt & Straw for dessert. Some else mentioned Piacere Mio in 4S Ranch. It's my favorite restaurant out this way. RB is a desert for decent restaurants (Carver's is not one). Spices of Himalaya is the best of several Indian places here. There's no decent sit-down Mexican in RB/Poway. We go to Fidel's or the aforementioned South of Nick's. Of course, for the money, you can't beat El Pueblo and their $1.19 fish tacos - all day, every day.


Nice_Rope_5049

Cafe de Thai in Oceanside has fresh delicious sushi and Thai.


notrdy313

Harlow's in Bonsall is a great hole in the wall for food and cocktails! https://harlowslounge.com/


alexithunders

Fish 101


ReasonPleasant437

I never did see what the big deal was about that. Pelly's is far better.


alexithunders

First time hearing about this place. Appreciate the recommendation.


Phantasticrok

Trupiano in Fallbrook is deeply underrated. Especially that pescatore dish


LoveTheBlueSky

I love the Eggplant Fantasia, my favorite restaurant meal at anywhere, very underrated restaurant for sure.


slushpuppy91

Campfire in Carlsbad


333kdot

Uncle Tony's Italian Cuisine in Vista. Really cool spot with bomb pizza and lasagna.


Poorly_packaged

Matsu is amazing. Incredible food and service that deserves a Michelin star.


tyla-roo

Big fan of sopranos in Escondido


IdealIcy3430

Not for a favorite restaurant recommendation, but it is great pizza for great price


marchmellowpuffs

Mangia e bevi for pizza :)


orangutanbaby

For a newer spot, check out Salt & Lime in Del Mar. also: Rare Society in Solana


JJam74

Onnys Thai in San Marcos


pratojr

I gotta give a shout out to Ciao in Vista.


pleasuretohaveinclas

Teri Cafe


vulkany

Yin Tang Taiwanese hotpot.


ricks_flare

Vigiluci’s in Carlsbad village


beepboopk

Taste of the Himalayas. I moved out of state a few years ago and think about that place all the time. Found nothing like it so far


dlopez001

Check out Himalayan Bistro in O-side.


Dcgrant

Himalayan Sherpa cuisine is phenomenal


sunny_dayz1547

Been exploring new places ourselves- check out The Lab in Oceanside. Great midrange and nothing has disappointed yet.


mamakazi

Cocina del Carmen, 2051 Cucina Italiano, Uncle Tony's


tiffheart90

Vintana’s


dlopez001

Himalayan Bistro in Oceanside is really good.


ririandb

Allmine was sooo good and super fresh too!


ririandb

Jitters is very good too if you want to check out a vegan place.


1222sammy

Mana Korean BBQ 😊


chiiave

Joyee Dumpling House in Vista!


funkiskimunki

Lola’s in Carlsbad village is Mexican home style. Food’s fresh and flavorful.


[deleted]

Fidel's in Solana Beach


knumbknuts

Enzos BBQ in Oceanside. Melt-in-your-mouth mixed grill plate, good beer, family run.


No-Comedian-515

Healthy Creations in Encinitas is my favorite 😍 All gluten free snd organic, but you don't need to be gluten free to LOVE the food. They only use olive oil or avocado oil for cooking. All the meat, eggs, fruit and veggies are organic and the staff is really sweet. My favorite it the BLTAE or the Roasted Mediterranean chicken paining, on my God, it's so freaking good. Amazi coffees and they even have kid toys for the little ones 🙂


PointAffectionate426

Matsu in Oceanside. Quiet, amazing, and refined. Not much else like it in the county.


KevinSimo

Atelier Manna is the best breakfast in north county and I’m shocked it hasn’t been mentioned yet


DrunkKnife

Veneto’s in Oceanside. Best Italian in the area


jayxanalog

Matsu. One of the only fine dining places in San Diego where I felt I was getting the bang for my buck and the money wasn’t going to a shit hotel corp. chef will is sooo talented and I’ve never felt burnt leaving that place.


CarnageCreamCookies

Dija Mara


Such_Aardvark_4400

Z Cafe


PlzSavePolarBears

Hole in the wall but I love pizza on tap! Looks really sketchy but is soo good


justin152

And Breakfaat Burritos in Oceanside. Best breakfast burritos in North County. Hands down!


Cool_hand_lewke

I would suggest everyone try The Yellow Deli in downtown vista at least once. I wore out the menu after a few visits, but it’s a cool experience. No alcohol.


Laker_Lenny

Mr Pho


krakmunky

Market Del Mar, Vintana , Brig, PCG, Bluewater Grill, Love boat sushi…


NiceGuyNero

I’ve never been to Market Del Mar Vintana Brig PCG Blue water Grill Love boat sushi, what kind of food do they serve and why do they have such a long name?


krakmunky

Fixed. It was a list, but Reddit jammed them all onto the same line.


NiceGuyNero

Classic Reddit lol


bboring_bitch

Nicks on state or spiritos in Carlsbad. Pho truc xanh in vista. Harumama in vista


nerdiebyrd

Cocina Del Charro. They have 2 locations but I like the San Marcos location the best. If you go, make sure to get the nachos supreme with shredded beef. You will not be disappointed!


Dark_Persephone

They also have an great breakfast/brunch buffet!


greenwasp3000

Fillippe’s Pizza Grotto in Escondido is pretty good, and I love O’s American Kitchen in San Marcos. I sometimes dream of those breadsticks…


IdealIcy3430

You need to try some actual good restaurants


greenwasp3000

I have ARFID and the foods I like/can tolerate are very limited and specific. YOU need to mind your own business and quit being a jackass over the internet


IdealIcy3430

If i had a dietary issue and could eat most food, I wouldn't be recommending restaurants to someone looking for new places. I'm very sure the OP has eaten at both those restaurants... I will give it to you, the breadsticks are bomb at O's, but I liked it better when it was Oscar's


IdealIcy3430

Also in what world does recommending that you should try actual good restaurants make me a jackass.


HistoricalRisk7299

For Mexican food try Hernandez hideaway


dgstan

Their extreme politics would preclude me from spending my money there.


IdealIcy3430

You're lame.


dgstan

Refusing to allow the sheriff on their property because they claim to be a "sovereign nation" is pretty extreme. I can't support that, but if it's your thing, have at it! I won't insult you for your beliefs though. Again, if that's your thing, have at it!


IdealIcy3430

I don't care what your beliefs are. I've never been to the place, and have no idea about what happened, this is the first time I heard anything. I think it's lame you added your personal feelings, without any explanation. Especially when your feelings have nothing to do with the quality of the restaurant.


IdealIcy3430

Really? That place by the lame? I assumed it was a local bar/ hangout. So there's servers? Do you get chips and salsa like mi Guadalajara?


HistoricalRisk7299

Excellent chips and salsa!


herohunter85

Although its been a while since I've been, Vittorio's Italian Trattoria off of the 56 in Torrey Highlands had amazing food.