/ DINING AMERICAN BANKERS HILL BAR & RESTAURANT Mismatched antique chairs decorate this casual spot with an urbanindustrial vibe. A seasonal menu includes braised pork tacos, an excellent burger and their famous truffled fries. D (nightly), Br (Su). 2202 Fourth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.231.0222. $$$ Map O16 BROCKTON VILLA An 1894 cottage with a spectacular ocean view. Try the Coast Toast, a French toast soufflé from the breakfast menu. B, L, D (daily). 1235 Coast Blvd., La Jolla, 858.454.7393. $$ Map W19 BROOKLYN GIRL EATERY This trendy neighborhood joint is known for its complimentary daily popcorn and urban Brooklyn pantry vibe. Try the gnocchi and short rib entree. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 4033 Goldfinch St., Mission Hills, 619.296.4600. $$$ Map M15 CAMPFIRE The striking indoor/outdoor restaurant features campground-inspired decor, wood-fired dishes and smoky craft cocktails. L (Tu-Su), D (nightly). 2725 State St., Carlsbad, 760.637.5121. $$$ Map T22
Hidden Gem Off the beaten culinary path in Lemon Grove, Giardino Neighborhood Cucina by owners Marco Provino and Karina Kravalis is a delightful dining surprise. The cozy, casual cucina welcomes with its whitewashed brick walls, antique floral accents, two patios and Italian-inspired seasonal fare. The menu includes wood-fired pizzas, pastas, seafood, salads and antipasti ranging from stuffed mushrooms to prosciutto carpaccio. Menu standouts include the truffle burrata salad with grilled eggplant; The Chef pizza with mascarpone, pancetta, spinach, fig jam and shaved Parmesan; the fettuccine carbonara; and the steak Siciliano entree with a side of shrimp mac ‘n’ cheese. Don’t miss the sausage panini and cannoli waffles served at weekend brunch. 8131 Broadway, Lemon Grove, 619.825.7112
CAROLINE’S SEASIDE CAFE BY GIUSEPPE Overlooking the Pacific, the contemporary indoor/outdoor cafe serves healthy, organic California fare. Try the vegetablepesto wrap or white albacore tuna salad sandwich for lunch; and the smoked salmon egg scramble for weekend brunch. B (M-F), L (daily), Br (Sa-Su). 8610 Kennel Way, La Jolla, 858.202.0569. $$ Map U20 CHART HOUSE Seafood and steakhouse has picturesque coastline location with floor-to-ceiling windows. Indulge in hot chocolate lava cake for dessert. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 2588 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, 760.436.4044. $$$ Map W22 CLAIM JUMPER This popular saloon-style chain offers something for everyone—from Southern-style comfort dishes such as country-fried steak and chicken pot pie; to seafood, pasta, pizza, burgers, soups and salads. B (daily at new Wyndham San Diego Bayside location only); L, D (daily); Br (Su at La Mesa and Carmel Mountain locations). Visit claimjumper.com for addresses and info. $$ CRAFT & COMMERCE Sip inventive craft cocktails at its taxidermy-adorned main bar or in its speakeasystyle tiki lounge, False Idol; or nosh on refined gastropub fare in its cozy-chic library. Must-try dishes include the bone marrow and chicken-fried quail. D (nightly), L (Sa-Su). 675 W. Beech St., Little Italy, 619.269.2202. $$$ Map P15 CRAFTSMAN NEW AMERICAN TAVERN This stylish Encinitas watering hole serves up the Devil’s Free Range Chicken, deep-fried Brussels sprouts and Root Beer Cake. L (M-Sa), D (nightly), Br (Su). 267 El Camino Real, Encinitas, 760.452.2000. $$ Map V22 GARAGE KITCHEN + BAR This hip hangout housed in a historical building features a music motif and menu of craft cocktails and new American eats—including flatbreads, sandwiches, salads and entrees like duck confit with ancient grain risotto. Br (Sa-Su), D (nightly). 655 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.231.6700. $$ Map Q16 HERB & WOOD Dine on wood-fired dishes and sip old-school cocktails inside Brian Malarkey’s sprawling warehouse-turned-chic hotspot. D (Tu-Su). 2210 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy, 619.955.8495. $$$$ Map P15 HERRINGBONE Expect farm-to-sea American dishes with global influences, craft cocktails and 100-year-old olive trees enhancing the decor inside this refined warehouse-style space. L (M-Sa), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 7837 Herschel Ave., La Jolla, 858.459.0221. $$$ Map W19
GUIDELINES
Restaurants are listed by city on page 45. Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map H10, etc.) refer to maps on pages 60-63. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.
INDEX American.........................34 Italian...............................39 Breakfast.........................35 Japanese/Pacific Rim....41 California Cuisine...........36 Mexican/Southwestern.41 French.............................36 Seafood......................... 42 International...................38 Steak............................. 44
HODAD’S Renowned burger joint with fresh toppings, huge portions, onion rings, milkshakes and microbrews on tap. Try the double bacon cheeseburger if you dare. L, D (daily). 5010 Newport Ave., Ocean Beach, 619.224.4623, Map J8; 945 Broadway, downtown, 619.234.6323. $$ Map Q17 HORNBLOWER CRUISES Celebrate a special occasion or surprise your sweetheart with a three-hour dinner cruise aboard a luxury yacht along San Diego’s stunning waterfront. Enjoy a three-course meal, chilled sparkling wine and dancing. D (nightly). 970 N. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero, 619.686.8715. $$ Map Q14 JIMMY’S FAMOUS AMERICAN TAVERN Spicy California cheeseburgers and specialty cocktails served in a fun, casual bayside venue; outdoor patio offers great marina views. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 4990 N. Harbor Drive, Point Loma, 619.226.2103. $$ Map K9 KETTNER EXCHANGE Little Italy hotspot offers progressive American dishes such as big-eye tuna pizza and gluten-free gnocchi. Downstairs is a sumptuous space with a two-way fireplace; upstairs is a sprawling rooftop lounge. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 2001 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy, 619.255.2001. $$$ Map P15 THE MED La Valencia’s charming, Mediterranean-villastyle eatery features locally sourced, sustainable dishes such as miso Chilean sea bass, an ocean-view terrace and live music five days a week. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 1132 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.551.3741. $$ Map W19 MISTER A’S Incredible 12th-floor views and romantic ambiance complemented by fresh, seasonal ingredients. Appetizers range from mac ‘n’ cheese to pan-seared scallops, plus an outstanding wine list. L (M–F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 2550 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.239.1377. $$$$ Map O16 NEIGHBORHOOD This gastropub is a bit snobbish about its condiments (you’ll find no ketchup here), but makes up for it with tasty gourmet burgers, hand-cut sweet potato fries and craft brews. L, D (daily). 777 G St., East Village, 619.446.0002. $$ Map Q16 ONE DOOR NORTH Inspired by the great outdoors, the upscale-casual eatery houses safari-style dining tents and serves “campfire cuisine,” such as grilled street corn, smoky burgers and s’mores bars. D (nightly). 3422 30th St., North Park, 619.618.1285. $$$ Map J12 PACIFIC STANDARD COASTAL KITCHEN Dine on hearty American cuisine using local ingredients inside this bright, modern culinary outpost at the Hilton Garden Inn. Try the steak frites and house-made brioche bread with ricotta cheese. B, L, D (daily). 2137 Pacific Hwy., Little Italy, 619.819.0090. $$$ Map O15
W In the mood for sushi? Try one of the county’s popular outposts for authentic and creative fare—including Nobu, Zenbu and Azuki Sushi p. 41.
COURTESY GIARDINO
THE GUIDE
34 SOCALPULSE.COM SPRING 2018
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