Dining flavor del mar Contemporary California coastal cuisine in an airy, ocean-view space upstairs at Del Mar Plaza. L (W-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, 858.755.3663. $$$ Map X22 George’s AT THE COVE La Jolla institution comprises three levels (from elegant to casual), all with picture-perfect views. Award-winning Chef Trey Foshee creates fresh seafood, steak and regional cuisine. L, D (daily). 1250 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.454.4244. $$$$ Map W19 Grant grill Expect seasonal dishes with ingredients native to the region—jumbo diver scallops are a signature dish—while Jeff Josenhans crafts mixology magic behind the bar, all inside the historic U.S. Grant Hotel. B, L, D (daily). 326 Broadway, downtown, 619.744.2077. $$$$ Map Q16
Brewpubs Blind Lady Ale House This bicyclist-friendly uptown spot is a local favorite thanks to its gourmet pizzas, handcrafted organic salads and vast beer selection. There’s even a mini-brewery in the back. L, D (TuSu). 3416 Adams Ave., Normal Heights, 619.255.2491. $$ Map I12 CORONADO BREWING COMPANY Fresh from the local microbrewery, the diverse beer selection complements the steaks, seafood, pizzas and pastas in this casual family environment. L, D (daily). 170 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.437.4452. $$ Map L11 Pizza Port A huge hit with locals, Pizza Port’s three locations deliver quirkily named pies, award-winning private-label beers and a fun, family-friendly environment just blocks from the beach. L, D (daily). 135 N. Highway 101, Solana Beach, 858.481.7332, Map X22; 571 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, 760.720.7007, Map T22; 1956 Bacon St., Ocean Beach, 619.224.4700. $$ Map J7 Stone Brewing Company Home of Arrogant Bastard Ale, Stone’s massive brewery comes complete with scenic gardens and a restaurant serving eclectic, beer-friendly food inspired by cuisines of the world, like wild boar ribs and duck tacos. L, D (daily). 1999 Citricado Parkway, Escondido, 760.471.4999. $$$ Map C3 yard house World’s largest selection of draft beer with American fusion cuisine including orange-peel chicken and pan-seared ahi. Extensive children’s menu, late-night dining and 152 beers on tap. L, D (daily). 1023 Fourth Ave., downtown, 619.233.9273. $$ Map Q16
California Cuisine 1500 OCEAN Housemade pastas and adventurous starters with bold, inventive flavors define this specialoccasion spot on Coronado, complete with intimate ocean-view terrace, beach cabanas and a wine cellar. D (Tu-Sa). Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.522.8490. $$$$ Map L10 Arterra A favorite power-lunch spot, Arterra’s seasonal menu makes good use of locally sourced ingredients in dishes like braised beef short ribs. Sushi bar and outdoor lounge with fire pits and cabanas, too. B (daily), L (M–F), D (M–Sa). Mariott Del Mar, 11966 El Camino Real, Del Mar, 858.369.6032. $$$ Map X22 bluefire grill La Costa Resort’s stylish destination dining spot serves coastal delicacies and seasonal vegetables. Elegant setting with indoor waterfall and outdoor fire pits. D (Tu-Sa). 2100 Costa del Mar Road, Carlsbad, 760.929.6306. $$$ Map T22
JAYNE’S GASTROPUB Gastronomy meets pub grub at this UK-inspired casual eatery in Normal Heights. Don’t miss the Jayne burger. D (Tu-Sa). 4677 30th St., North Park, 619.563.1011. $$ Map J12 JSIX Modern restaurant in Hotel Solamar features seasonal foods inspired by the coastline and area farms, lots of handcrafted elements and wines from Washington to Baja. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 616 J St., Gaslamp, 619.531.8744. $$$ Map Q16 JRDN Hip restaurant at Tower 23 Hotel has steak and seafood dishes, as well as a full raw bar. Patio offers boardwalk and ocean views, and great people-watching. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 723 Felspar St., Pacific Beach, 858.270.5736. $$$ Map H7 kitchen 1540 Farm-to-table is the concept at this eatery at L’Auberge Del Mar hotel. Executive Chef Scott Dolbee crafts dishes like whole roasted Tai snapper and pan-seared black cod. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 1540 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, 858.793.6460. $$$ Map X22 THE LINKERY Named one of the best farm-to-table restaurants in the U.S. for its near-exclusive use of local, seasonal ingredients, the Linkery makes nearly everything in-house, including its gourmet sausages. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 3794 30th St., North Park, 619.255.8778. $$ Map J12
marrow and chorizo-date fritters. Outdoor patio great for people-watching. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 1044 Wall St., La Jolla, 858.551.7575. $$ Map W19
Chinese DEL MAR RENDEZVOUS Upscale Chinese bistro featuring entrées like Mongolian rack of lamb and steak Shangri-La, plus handmade dumplings and sauces made in-house. L (M-Sa), D (nightly). 1555 Camino del Mar #102, Del Mar, 858.755.2669. $$ Map X22 JASMINE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Popular for dim sum, this casual spot also serves authentic Hong Kong-style seafood, duck and barbecue entrées at dinner. L, D (daily). 4609 Convoy St., Kearny Mesa, 858.268.0888. $$ Map G11 Panda inn A rare sit-down spot at Horton Plaza mall serving Mandarin-style dishes like tea-smoked duck and Phoenix chicken; finish with white-chocolatecovered fortune cookies. L (M-F), D (daily). 506 Horton Plaza, downtown, 619.233.7800. $$ Map Q16 RED PEARL KITCHEN Pan-Asian cuisine served in a hip, contemporary bar setting decked out with dark lacquered tones contrasted with vibrant colors and textures. Favorite dishes include hearts of palm salad, spicy tuna tartare, crispy tofu and Alaskan halibut. D (nightly). 440 J St., Gaslamp, 619.231.1100. $$ Map R16 WANG’S NORTH PARK A former JC Penney’s becomes a sophisticated restaurant and lounge with a wide-ranging menu of Asian dishes and creative cocktails. D (nightly). 3029 University Ave., North Park, 619.291.7500. $$ Map N18
Desserts CUPS Retro-styled organic cupcake lounge features vegan and gluten-free options plus cheekily named standards like the Elvis (chocolate cake with banana cream filling and peanut buttercream). Open daily. 7857 Girard Ave., La Jolla, 858.459.2877. $ Map W19
MARKET RESTAURANT + BAR Chef Carl Schroeder crafts modern cuisine using local produce, handmade cheeses and locally raised meat. Highlights include the blue cheese souffle, market veggie tasting and desserts like Meyer lemon-cream crepes. D (nightly). 3702 Via de la Valle, Del Mar, 858.523.0007. $$$ Map X22
EXTRAORDINARY DESSERTS Topped with edible flowers and gold flakes, Karen Krasne’s stunning tarts, cakes and other treats are truly extraordinary. A must-try spot to satisfy that sweet tooth. Open daily at both locations. 1430 Union St., Little Italy, 619.294.7001, Map P16; 2929 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest, 619.294.2132. $$ Map O16
MISTRAL Acclaimed Chef Patrick Ponsaty makes unique French/Italian dishes using farm-fresh ingredients and herbs grown in the hotel’s on-site garden. D (Tu-Sa), Br (Su). 4000 Coronado Bay Road, Loews Coronado Bay Resort, Coronado, 619.424.4000. $$$ Map L11
ghirardelli soda fountain A staple in the Gaslamp, this old-timey soda shop serves up rich sundaes, shakes and malts that will take you back to childhood. Open daily. 643 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.234.2449 $ Map Q16
NINE-TEN Award-winning Chef Jason Knibb creates evolving California cuisine from local, organic ingredients. The Jamaican jerk pork belly appetizer and the braised short rib entrée are highlights. B, L, D (daily). Grande Colonial Hotel, 910 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.964.5400. $$ Map V19
heavenly cupcake Sweets boutique rotates flavors daily, from banana to mocha chip to red velvet. Open daily. 518 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.235.9235 $ Map Q16
Sky Room Elegant dining room features contemporary California cuisine atop a classic hotel with fantastic scenic views. More than 1,000 wines to choose from. D (W-Su). 1132 Prospect St., La Valencia Hotel, La Jolla, 858.454.0771. $$$$ Map W19 STARLITE Dazzling design complements sustainably farmed food and boutique cocktails at this ultra-hip restaurant/bar. Don’t miss the burger on brioche and the signature Starlite Mule. D (nightly), Br (Su). 21+. 3175 India St., Midtown, 619.358.9766. $$$ Map O15 whisknladle Chef Ryan Johnston uses local organic ingredients in back-to-basics dishes like roasted bone
MICHELE COULON DESSERTIER A longtime favorite among La Jolla locals, the renowned Michele Coulon whips up tortes, pies, cakes, confections, homemade jams, breads and quiches using local organic products—all made from scratch. (M-Sa). 7556-D Fay Ave., La Jolla, 858.456.5098. $ Map W19
Eclectic/Fusion Bali hai Tiki oasis has a Polynesian menu, featuring Korean barbecued ribs and wok-fried whole striped bass, plus fabulous bay views and stiff Mai Tais. Check out the renovated decor by architect Graham Downes. L (M-Sa), D (nightly), Br (Su). 2230 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island, 619.222.1181. $$$ Map K9
Cole Humphus
Pork Osso Bucco at 100 Wines Hillcrest, p. 51
50 WHERESD.COM WINTER 2013
048-59_Dining List_WSD.indd 50
11/6/12 1:35 PM