DINING
The Negroni cocktail at Barbusa in Little Italy
CUSP DINING & DRINKS Head 11 stories up at Hotel La Jolla for Mediterranean-influenced California cuisine and small plates overlooking the coastline. D (nightly), B (M-F), Br (Sa-Su). 7955 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, 858.551.3620. $$$ Map V20 FIRESIDE BY THE PATIO The sprawling indoor/ outdoor eatery focuses on wood-fired, charcoalgrilled, globally inspired cuisine. Think flatbreads, salads, smoked chicken and pork rib entrees, and a yakitori menu. Great wine list and dog-friendly patio. L, D (daily). 2855 Perry Road, Bldg. 8, Point Loma, 619.432.2100. $$ Map J9 THE FLYING PIG PUB AND KITCHEN This foodieapproved restaurant features farm-to-table cuisine focused on Cali-American dishes. Think handmade pasta, organic salads and Duroc pork belly. D (nightly). 626 S. Tremont St., Oceanside, 760.453.2940. $$$ Map S22 GEORGE’S AT THE COVE La Jolla institution comprises three levels (from elegant to casual) of ocean views. Chef Trey Foshee creates seafood, steak and regional dishes. Mid-level bar is a great happy hour spot. L, D (daily). 1250 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.454.4244. $$$$ Map W19 GRANT GRILL Expect seasonal dishes with ingredients native to the region—jumbo diver scallops are a signature dish—while Jeff Josenhans crafts his mixology magic behind the bar, all housed inside the historical US Grant hotel. B, L, D (daily). 326 Broadway, downtown, 619.744.2077. $$$$ Map Q16 GREAT MAPLE This upscale “diner” serves comfort food and cocktails. Choose from salads, sandwiches, seafood, pasta, flatbread pizzas and maple-bacon doughnuts. B, L (M-F); D (Tu-Su); Br (Sa-Su). 1451 Washington St., Hillcrest, 619.255.2282, Map N17; 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, UTC, 858.886.7403. $$. Map T21 JRDN Hip restaurant and bar at Tower23 Hotel has steak and seafood dishes, plus a full raw bar and happy hour specials. Patio offers boardwalk and ocean views, plus fun people-watching. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 723 Felspar St., Pacific Beach, 858.270.5736. $$$ Map H7 JUNIPER & IVY Top Chef star Richard Blais oversees the modern Cali-American menu—from raw seafood, pastas and small plates, to prime strip loin and local chicken served with English pea gnocchi. D (nightly). 2228 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy, 619.269.9036. $$$ Map P15 LEROY’S KITCHEN & LOUNGE Recognized for its farm-to-table fare, Leroy’s offers seafood, meat and pasta dishes. Favorites include roasted rainbow trout and duck pot pie. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 1015 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.437.6087. $$ Map L11 MADISON Nosh on SoCal-Med cuisine inside a sleek, cedar-walled space with vaulted ceilings; plus a trendy
bar and lounge with unique cocktails. D (Tu-Su), Br (SaSu). 4622 Park Blvd., University Heights, 619.269.6566. $$$ Map M17
It’s the only AAA Five Diamond Restaurant and Forbes Five-Star Restaurant in SoCal. D (Tu-Sa). 5200 Grand Del Mar Way, Del Mar, 858.314.1900. $$$$ Map X22
MARINE ROOM Outstanding nouveau French-infused California cuisine such as macadamia-pesto-crusted salmon and artisanal cheeses by chef Bernard Guillas in an unparalleled oceanfront location. D (nightly). 2000 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla, 858.459.7222. $$$$ Map W20
BLEU BOHEME Kensington’s charming bistro, with its candlelit rooms and old-world European ambiance, is known for its traditional French fare—including mussels, coq au vin and boeuf bourguignon. L, D (daily). 4090 Adams Ave., Kensington, 619.255.4167. $$$ Map I12
MARKET RESTAURANT + BAR Chef Carl Schroeder crafts modern cuisine using local produce, handmade cheeses and locally raised meat. Highlights include the blue cheese soufflé, market veggie tasting and Meyer lemon-cream crepes. D (nightly). 3702 Via de la Valle, Del Mar, 858.523.0007. $$$$ Map X22
BO-BEAU KITCHEN Classic French dishes (boeuf bourguignon, chicken fricasse)—along with craft cocktails and French wines—are served in a cozy and inviting bohemian atmosphere. Great spot for conversation and date nights. D (nightly). 4996 W. Point Loma Blvd., Ocean Beach, 619.224.2884, Map J8; 1027 University Ave., Hillcrest, 619.481.5033. $$$ Map N17
MISS B’S COCONUT CLUB This laid-back hangout features an open-air bar, Caribbean-inspired fare and tropical cocktails. Try the curried coconut mussels and the jerk-rubbed chicken wings. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 3704 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach, 858.381.0855. $$ Map H7 NINE-TEN Award-winning chef Jason Knibb creates evolving California cuisine from local, organic ingredients. The Jamaican jerk pork belly appetizer and the braised short rib entree are highlights. B, L, D (daily). 910 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.964.5400. $$$ Map V19 THE PATIO ON GOLDFINCH Dog-friendly neighborhood spot features a glass-encased cheese cave and two “living walls.” Seasonal menu includes salads, flatbreads, seafood and meat dishes; as well as cocktails, global wines and local craft beers. B, L (M-F); D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). 4020 Goldfinch St., Mission Hills, 619.501.5090. $$$ Map N15 THE PATIO ON LAMONT This popular neighborhood nook features craft cocktails, beer and a global menu of small plates, salads, flatbreads and entrees with California influences. Dogs welcome outside. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 4445 Lamont St., Pacific Beach, 858.412.4648. $$ Map H8 PREP KITCHEN LITTLE ITALY Its stylish second-story locale makes for a fab alternative to the area’s Italian eateries. Daily specials include the farmers market flatbread and scallops. D (nightly), L (M-F), Br (Sa-Su). 1660 India St., Little Italy, 619.398.8383. $$$ Map P15 STARLITE Dazzling interior design and a cool back patio complements sustainably farmed food and cocktails at this hip restaurant/bar. Don’t miss the burger on brioche and the signature Starlite Mule. D (nightly). 21+. 3175 India St., Midtown, 619.358.9766. $$ Map O15 WAYPOINT PUBLIC Laid-back gastropub features 100 international beers; a custom 30-tap system focused on West Coast craft brews; and comfort dishes such as the buttermilk-fried chicken and biscuit sandwich. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 3794 30th St., North Park, 619.255.8778. $$ Map J12 WE OLIVE Olive oil tasting room also includes coastal-view wine bar featuring California wines and tastings of gourmet food items, plus specialty gifts. Great spot for happy hour, featuring discounted cheese plates and other gourmet nibbles, plus wines by the glass. L, D (daily). 1158 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.551.8250. $$ Map W19 WHISKNLADLE Chef Ryan Johnston uses local organic ingredients in dishes like roasted bone marrow and chorizo-date fritters. Trendy bar and lounge area serves up exceptional craft cocktails. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 1044 Wall St., La Jolla, 858.551.7575. $$$ Map W19
FRENCH ADDISON Executive Chef William Bradley creates delectable, elegant dishes from local ingredients at this ultra-fine-dining restaurant at Fairmont Grand Del Mar.
THE FRENCH GOURMET This quaint restaurant, bakery and wine shop serves California-influenced French cuisine. Entrees include duck confit, rack of lamb and vegetarian ratatouille. Visit the bakery for to-go sandwiches, cheese, charcuterie and desserts. B, L (daily); D (Tu-Sa). 960 Turquoise St., Pacific Beach, 858.488.1725. $$ Map H8 MILLE FLEURS This romantic, fine-dining restaurant is a classic date spot. The cuisine is creative, updated French/California (think: escargot and whole Dover sole meunière). L (Tu–F), D (nightly). 6009 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.756.3085. $$$$ Map W23 PAMPLEMOUSSE GRILLE Chef Jeffrey Strauss presents a country-French–influenced American menu in a quirky, casually elegant setting near the racetrack. Don’t miss the basil-roasted sea bass with sauteed rock shrimp and a polenta cake. L (F), D (nightly). 514 Via de la Valle, Del Mar, 858.792.9090. $$$$ Map W22 THE SMOKING GOAT This cozy neighborhood bistro serves up French and American cuisine with a countryside flair. Expect such dishes as the Berkshire pork chop, steak frites and its famous duck fat truffle fries. D (Tu-Su). 3408 30th St., North Park, 619.955.5295. $$$ Map J12
INTERNATIONAL CAFE SEVILLA A celebrated staple of the Gaslamp, Cafe Sevilla still serves up the same Spanish tapas, seafood specialties, and flamenco and salsa lessons that have made it a longtime locals’ favorite. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 353 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.233.5979. $$$ Map R16 LOTUS THAI Elegant bamboo decor and modern Thai cuisine, with authentic dishes from Bangkok, Chiang Mai and northern Thailand. Specialties include Choo Chee pork chops and roasted half-duck curry. L (M-F), D (nightly). 3761 Sixth Ave., Hillcrest, 619.299.8272, Map N16; 906 Market St., East Village, 619.595.0115. $$ Map Q17 THE PRADO Its dramatic garden patio is lovely, and the eclectic American menu is spiked with Latin/Italian flair. Try the lobster bucatini and the chicken and gnocchi dumplings with bacon. L (daily), D (Tu-Su). 1549 El Prado, House of Hospitality, Balboa Park, 619.557.9441. $$$ Map O17 Q’ERO RESTAURANT A cozy Peruvian restaurant featuring regional classics such as lomo saltado and the signature beverage, chicha morada, made from purple corn. L, D (W-Sa). 564 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 760.753.9050. $$ Map V22 QUEENSTOWN PUBLIC HOUSE Salads, burgers and fish ‘n’ chips rule the menu at this New Zealand-inspired eatery, featuring a charming dining porch and dog-friendly dining lawn and patio. Weekend brunch includes chicken ’n’ waffles. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 1557 Columbia St., Little Italy, 619.546.0444. $$ Map P15 REI DO GADO Brazilian-style steakhouse serves succulent mesquite-cooked beef and pork, brought
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