St., downtown, 619.231.7777; 909 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.459.8800, richardwalkers.com ROPPONGICL0000026973 Eclectic/Fusion. This fun, sleek spot in the heart of La Jolla is known for its inventive sushi rolls, buttery sashimi and specialty cocktails. The popular tapas menu includes crispy pork gyoza, hamachi tacos and kung pao calamari. The wine list has earned Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence several years running. Grab a seat on the patio and enjoy happy hour (M-F). D (nightly). 875 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.551.5252, roppongiusa.com H SALLY’S SEAFOOD ON THE WATER Seafood. This marina-facing venue at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, which comes complete with knockout views and an exhibition kitchen, is one of San Diego’s best-kept secrets. The seafood-heavy menu includes fresh creations such as diver scallops and crab cakes with tomato relish and avocado aioli. Makes for a great power lunch spot along the waterfront. L, D (daily); Br (SaSu). 1 Market Place, Embarcadero, 619.358.6740, sallyssandiego.com H SEA & SMOKE American. Located at the Flower Hill Promenade in Del Mar, Sea & Smoke is the third restaurant by Chef Matt Gordon (Urban Solace). The massive oven serves up woodfired meat and seafood options, such as hanger steak, Jidori chicken and Maine diver scallops, as the menu stars. Plus vegetarian, gluten-free and daily brunch menus, and an array of creative craft cocktails. Br, L, D (daily). 2690 Via de la Valle, Suite D210, Del Mar, 858.925.8212, seaandsmoke.com SEARSUCKERCL9007928 American. At this trendy, alwayshopping Gaslamp Quarter hotspot, outspoken Top Chef finalist Brian
Malarkey crafts a bold, flavorful menu that ranges from a mammoth 32-oz. rib-eye steak to small appetizer plates. The enormous downtown space features an exhibition kitchen and see-and-be-seen square bar, where guests can sip on signature cocktails. In 2014, Searsucker opened an additional location in Del Mar, featuring a large outdoor patio, koi pond, fire pit and sprawling back bar. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Su) Gaslamp only; Br (Sa-Su) Del Mar only. 611 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.233.7327; 12995 El Camino Real, Del Mar, 858.369.5700, searsucker.com H SOLACE & THE MOONLIGHT LOUNGE California Cuisine. Sister to North Park’s Urban Solace and Del Mar's Sea & Smoke, this North County spot from Executive Chef Matt Gordon offers quality dining without scaring away the taco-stand types. Get situated in the ground-floor dining room or head to the upstairs raw bar for oysters and seared albacore in the more casual Moonlight Lounge. Try the artisan meat and cheese boards. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 25 East E St., Encinitas, 760.753.2433, eatatsolace.com STARLITECL900670 California Cuisine. Behind its hexagonal entryway, this hip, sleek bar/ restaurant spotlights farm-to-table cuisine—including one of the town’s top burgers, served on a buttery brioche bun—and signature cocktails including the Starlite Mule, served in a rustic copper mug. Don’t miss the stunning chandelier suspended over the sunken bar, and the charming back patio. Kitchen stays open late till midnight. 21+ only. D (nightly), Br (Su). 3175 India St., Midtown, 619.358.9766, starlitesandiego.com STONE BREWING WORLD BISTRO AND GARDENSCL900649 Brewpubs. Known for “big character” beers with clever names like Arrogant Bastard and Ruination
WH ER E G U ESTBOO K 83
070-084_DINING LISTINGS_GBSD14.indd 83
7/2/14 1:21 PM