Here's our restaurant guide for the local hot spots in Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista. Just like with my vendors, you don't make the list unless you're HIGHLY recommended:
Breakfast (LUNCH AND DINNER BELOW)
CARLSBAD - These are the regular hang-outs. All provide the same kind of local owner-operator commitment and service, plus the food is good too!
The Village Kitchen & Pie Shoppe - The waitresses are real pros. Daily specials
950 Tamarack Ave, just east of the I-5 freeway next to Chevron
Mariah's - A funky old house turned into a restaurant. Hippies welcome, shoes optional
377 Carlsbad Village Dr, just east of Carlsbad Blvd. (Hwy 101)
Don's Country Kitchen - I love this story, Don sold the restaurant to his busboy.
2885 Roosevelt, in the heart of the Village across from the Post Office
The Grand Deli - Great for breakfast or lunch - the best soups in village
595 Grand Ave. on the corner of Grand and Roosevelt - middle of town
OCEANSIDE - Two beach favorites in Oceanside, plus a normal mid-town joint:
The Beach Break Cafe - Huge portions of great home-cooked food, locals hangout
1902 S. Coast Highway in South Oceanside, corner of Kelly
The 101 Cafe - Old diner with great old-time photos. Owner involved in area
631 S. Coast Highway, corner of Wisconsin, just south of downtown Oceanside
Paul's Place - The building is nothing fancy, but the egg burritos are killer.
3671 Mission Ave. close to El Camino Real next to KFC
VISTA - The best two breakfasts in Vista are around the corner from each other:
Allen's Alley - Family-owned for years, it's quick and easy. A Vista classic.
124 Hanes Place - Off Main (when it says Allen's ALLEY, they aren't kidding)
The Curbside Cafe - Eclectic art and dining al fresco, owner was chef at Four Seasons
307 Main St, in the heart of downtown Vista next to the Avo Theater
LUNCH/DINNER
CARLSBAD - Besides the old relaible Four Seasons (great friday seafood buffet) and La Costa Resort:
West Steak, Seafood, and Spirits - similar to Morton's, top quality food and atmosphere 4980 Avenida Encinas west of the I-5 off Cannon exit www.weststeakandseafood.com
Benihana's - There is a lack of Japanese food in North County, but Benihana's delivers 755 Raintree just west of the I-5 freeway off the Poinsettia exit www.benihana.com
Pelly's Fish Market - The best fast-food, fresh-cooked seafood joint in the world 7110 Avenida Encinas, west of I-5 off Poinsettia next to Ralph's by fountain (760) 431-8454
Dini's By The Sea - Oceanfront views, and active nightlife in the bar. Sunsets are special 3290 Carlsbad Blvd. about two blocks south of Carlsbad Village Dr./Downtown (760) 434-6000
Jay's Gourmet Pizza and Seafood - Best Italian in town - order the salmon, you'll love it 2975 Carlsbad Blvd at Carlsbad Village Dr - crossroads of the village, one block to beach (760) 720-9688.
Vigilucci's Seafood and Steakhouse - excellent food, upscale atmosphere/bar scene 3878 Carlsbad Blvd. on the corner of Tamarack, valet parking (760) 434-2580 http://www.vigiluccis.com
Tommy V's - Excellent steaks, upscale trendy atmosphere and full bar 7670 El Camino Real in the La Costa Albertson's Center, corner of La Costa Ave. (760) 943-8182 http://www.tomasos.com/LoCostaHome.htm
OCEANSIDE
Hunter Steakhouse - At night, ask for server Candy, and tell her Jim the Realtor sent you. Great on-site BBQ/catering (760) 433-2633 1221 Vista Way literally just west of the I-5 freeway
VISTA
Ciao's - Incredible Italian food/service combo. The lightest, sweetest bread anywhere 2015 E. Vista Way in North Vista on the way to Bonsall (760) 630-7333 www.ciao2.com (great website)
Marco's - The ambiance is classic Old Italy 1825 E. Vista Way, about a block south of Ciao's (760) 758-1870
San Giorgio Lucano - Owner cooks every night, plus full bar loaded with locals. 1280 E. Vista Way, corner of Foothill in North Vista (760) 724-7242 http://entertainment.signonsandiego.com/profile/268137/
La Paloma - Best Mexican in North County - order the La Paloma Perfect margarita. (760) 758-7140 116 Escondido Ave. near the corner of E. Vista Way next to city hall. http://cityguide.aol.com/sandiego/restaurants/la-paloma/v-100474736
OTHERS IN NORTH COUNTY
Charlie's - Literally on the water in Cardiff - good food and drinks, plus necessary valet parking 2526 S. Coast Highway 101 (760) 942-1300. http://charliesbythesea.com/
En Fuego - Great Mexican & Seafood with ample ambiance. 1342 Camino Del Mar. (858) 792-6551. http://www.enfuegodelmar.signonsandiego.com/
Epazote - Quality steakhouse overlooking the ocean in Del Mar, and the corner of Camino Del Mar and 15th. http://www.epazote.signonsandiego.com/
Jake's Del Mar - Another great spot right on the ocean - excellent seafood too! 1660 Coast Blvd. (858) 755-2002 http://www.jakesdelmar.com/
Samurai of Japan - My favorite Japanese restaurant in the entire county. Whether you like sitting at the sumptous sushi bar, or at the Benihana-ish teppanyaki table, or just want a table of two (or more) this is the best around. No fake krab here, nothing but the finest ingredients, and great ambiance too. Charlie the owner is on duty just about every night, he'll take care of you. 979 Lomas Santa Fe Dr. (on the egde of Rancho Santa Fe) Solana Beach (858) 481-0032. http://samuraijapaneserestaurant.com/
LA JOLLA/UTC
Cafe Japengo - You can call it Asian-fusion-with-a-California-touch, but I'll just call it hip and happening. Memorable for me because the first time I ate here was with the late, great Terry Johnson, one of my favorite clients of all-time. Fleming's is next door, an awesome steak house. 8960 University Center Lane, at the Aventine in the Golden Triangle (just east of the I-5 freeway off La Jolla Village Dr.) http://www.aventine.com/frameset/japengoset.htm
George's at the Cove - In the heart of La Jolla with big view of the cove. World renowned. 1250 Prospect St., (858) 454-4244 http://www.georgesatthecove.com/
Marine Room - Contemporary French cuisine on the water! Go during a storm and you'll witness the waves hitting the windows! 2000 Spindrift Dr., (858) 459-7222 www.marineroom.com