Anne’s Top 8 Restaurants in North County SD
Northern San Diego County has an incredible selection of food.
You can find adventurous dishes like tonkatsu ramen and homemade octopus ink pasta, or you can find classics like al pastor tacos and coal-fired pizza. There are amazing options for all palettes.
Here is a short list of restaurants I would recommend after 3 years of dining in North County:
8. MIKKO Sushi in Vista Village
My go-to order: the Baked Salmon Roll and hot green tea
MIKKO Sushi is a great find for raw fish lovers. Located in downtown Vista Village, this a-la-carte sushi restaurant offers cut rolls, hand rolls, nigiri, sashimi, bento boxes and other special entrees. This is a local favorite because there is plenty of booth, table, or bar seating suitable for families or date nights. One of my favorite things at MIKKO is their fresh blue crab. Many sushi restaurants in San Diego offer blue crab on the menu, but when I go to order it they are out of stock. MIKKO consistently stocks fresh blue crab which in my opinion is a step up from soft shell crab and krab mix.
7. Eureka! in Carlsbad
My go-to order: Crispy Glazed Brussel Sprouts, Bison Burger, and Edna Valley Pinot Noir
Eureka! has a fun selection of upscale pub fare and lighter menu options with an excellent drink menu to pair with anything you choose. Eureka! is located in the Bressi Ranch neighborhood in Carlsbad, which makes this a great location if you want to check out a dessert spot or brewery after your meal. The vibe inside is moody and trendy, but very comfortable. You can also opt to sit on the covered patio and enjoy the fire pits while you watch planes land at Palomar Airport.
6. Privateer Coal-Fire Pizza in Oceanside
My go-to order: Privateer Salad, Brixton Pie, and Pure Project Tropical Mist on tap
Privateer is not just a pizza place! Yes, they have perfectly-sized coal-fired pizza with some of the best dough in the area and high-quality toppings. They also have delicious salads, burgers, and pasta dishes on the menu. I have never been disappointed by their wine list and my husband loves their beers on tap. We have always been seated quickly and received excellent service. Check out their happy hour and wine Wednesday deals to save $$.
5. The Plot in Oceanside
My go-to order: The Goddess Salad, Shepherd’s Pie, and Kismit Shrub & Soda
The Plot is a plant-based sit-down restaurant with a clean aesthetic. I love their creative food menu which includes comfort food dishes like chicken and waffles or gnocchi and fresh flavors like sushi or salads. The best part is everything is vegan! While they have a great beverage menu, one of my favorite things about the plot is their selection of non-alcoholic drinks. I always bring my vegan friends here when they visit from out of town and they are blown away. Bring a sweater if you are going to sit on the patio because this restaurant is only a few blocks from the water and can get chilly at night.
4. Q’ero Restaurant in Encinitas
My go-to order: Ceviche Nikkei, Carne Empanadas, Aji de Gallina and Nana’s Alfajores
You can probably tell from how long my go-to order is that this place is outstanding. Q’ero serves Peruvian food on the main strip of downtown Encinitas. The restaurant itself has only a few tables inside and a few more on the patio, so I recommend scheduling a reservation or dining for lunch to guarantee a spot. The Ceviche Nikkei is a bright and citrusy tuna ceviche with spicy jalapenos and crunchy fried yuca strips for serving. Every time I stop at Q’ero this is a must-order. I recommend sharing dishes family style so everyone can try even more of the menu. Last thing – you must try the spicy, lemony “macho sauce.” Don’t be surprised if you down the entire bottle. It is that good.
3. The Taco Stand in Encinitas
My go-to order: Al Pastor Tacos and Camaron Tacos
I think we could probably start a small war between San Diego’s taco enthusiasts over which is more legendary – The Taco Stand or Tacos El Gordo. The Taco Stand forever has my vote. Don’t be intimidated by the line, it moves quickly and these tacos are 100% worth it. The al pastor tacos are rich, balancing the heat from the perfectly spiced pork with the sweetness of pineapple. The Camaron tacos (spicy shrimp) have grilled shrimp with a bold flavor complemented by a creamy chipotle sauce. Both tacos are served on thick homemade tortillas with cilantro on top. I dream about these tacos.
2. 2051 Cucina Italiana in Carlsbad
My go-to order: Polenta Funghi E Gorgonzola, Rucola & Pere salad, and homemade Balanzoni Pasticciati Pasta with a glass of Super Tuscan
2051 Cucina Italiana is a family-owned Italian restaurant located in Carlsbad off of Palomar Airport Road. The menu includes fresh pasta made in-house, imported cheeses, traditional Italian entrees and pizza. I love their polenta appetizers because they are perfectly crispy and cheesy without being greasy or too filling to enjoy a second course. Adventurous eaters will enjoy unique menu items like octopus-ink pasta or Tagliatelle with porcini mushroom and black truffle. The inside seating area is well-suited for families or large groups. There is also more intimate outdoor patio seating available for date nights. 2051 has become our favorite Italian restaurant in the area for its authentic flavors and hospitable service.
1. Herb & Sea in Encinitas
My go-to order: Kanpachi Crudo, Gem Salad, Crispy Boardwalk Potatoes and Jidori Half Chicken with a glass of Barbera
Herb & Sea is North County’s “companion restaurant” to Herb & Wood located in Little Italy. The atmosphere is modern-coastal with colorful design elements. Herb & Sea is what I would consider special-occasion dining, so we typically treat ourselves to a mezcal cocktail and oysters while we consider the full menu. They seem to rotate their raw fish menu throughout the year. We have tried the Kanpachi Crudo, Hamachi Crudo, and Blue Fin sashimi which have all been mind-blowingly fresh. The Gem Salad is dressed with a light and lovely buttermilk ranch dressing that has just a touch of dill. Trust me on the Crispy Boardwalk Potatoes. Even if you think it will be too much food, these are worth ordering and packing in a to-go box for later. While I do love the juicy Jidori Half Chicken I would be happy eating just from the menu of appetizers and raw bar items all night. If you have any room after your main course, order the Butterscotch Budino for dessert.
Honorable mentions: Communal Coffee, Tacos Don Pacos, and Nick’s on State.
We are always looking for new restaurants to try. Have a favorite you’d like to share? Email me at [email protected]! You might just see it on my next blog post.
