Less than 6 months since opening, these new and notable dining options for residents and visitors to North San Diego County are a must-try.
CARLSBAD, CA — From artisanal pizza places to fine 12-course dining, these four North San Diego County restaurants have made it to the famed EATER dining list.
Each restaurant is changing the dining landscape in Oceanside, Carlsbad, and Encinitas, according to Eater San Diego magazine.
"They give a sense of what's hot and happening around town," they say.
So, where do you go when you want to try something new? There is no shortage of excellent eateries in North County San Diego. Indeed, you can pop over to any one of these Oceanside and Carlsbad Michelin Star-rated restaurants to see what the gourmet news is about. When one of them is also a Michelin Star restaurant, the better.
Still, there is something special about supporting a new and notable restaurant in your neighborhood.
Lilo, situated in an unassuming spot in Carlsbad, opened in April with chef Eric Bost and John Resnick at the helm. The duo at Lilo earned their first Michelin Star in June and has not slowed down since. Behind their all-day restaurant, Wildland, Lilo is special in its limited seating and 12-course dining experience. Located at 2571 Roosevelt Street, reservations are essential, as only 22 diners are seated for meals at a time. Eater San Diego recommends pairing with suggestions from the wine director, Savannah Riedler, or the beverage director, Andrew Cordero. When it comes to eating at Lilo, let the experts guide your palate to a unique dining experience.
Little Victory Wine Bar in Carlsbad is a perfect stop for tasting wine, tidbits, and even a full meal, says Eater. When you go, be sure to try the crudo, the Parmesan-flecked risotto, or the pan-seared pork chop with spring peas and mushrooms. According to their website, they serve natural wines made by real people with an attention to detail, from grapes farmed using organic and biodynamic techniques and minimal intervention winemaking in the cellar, to small plates that will accompany the wines in both quality and simplicity. Cheeses, cured meats, alongside pickles, crudo, seasonal salads, and ethically caught tinned fish plates."
Reservations are recommended for the restaurant open Wednesday through Sunday at 505 Oak Avenue.
ENCINITAS:
Leucadia lovers, this one is for you. Leu Leu offers decadent flavors by chef Claudette Zepeda, with influences from Baja California, Peru, Japan, and the Levant region, according to Eater. The inside is as decadent as the dishes served here, a feast for the senses. This is an intimate dining experience, and reservations are recommended for the restaurant at 466 N. Coast Highway in Encinitas.
OCEANSIDE:
If you're a fan of sourdough and pizza, this one is for you. Calling itself "Sourdough pies with radical vibes," Odie's Pizza serves classic, handcrafted pizza with specials throughout the day, from midday meal to happy hour. Sourdough crust pizza with inventive toppings is what you'll find at Odie's Pizza Company, where the crust is celebrated for its natural fermentation, bold flavor, and health benefits. This pizza shop offers pizza pockets (think pizza rolls, filled with mozzarella, marinara, and pepperoni), as well as chicken tenders, salads, crudites, and a variety of desserts. Eater recommends trying the round pie with vodka sauce. Visit them at 121 N. Cleveland Street, in Oceanside.