Local Recommendations for Lodging & Food

Union Kitchen & Tap
Huge glass garage doors are open to the 101 and all the action. There’s a lot going on at this hip new eatery. Great place to hang out and people watch, drink local brews or eat great food. Industrial retro atmosphere fits right in the heart of this fabulous beach town area. Walk everywhere including the beach. Near Swamis. Open till 2 am. This is one of my personal favorites. Try the Union burger. To die for!

East Village Asian Diner
On the 101 between E & F streets. Try the stone hot pot. This is a trendy but “beachy cool” type of place that has yummy Asian food and great atmosphere. The video screens show some of the early kung fu movies from China and they’re fascinating to watch.

Swami’s Café
Swami’s “comfortable and casual” atmosphere typifies Encinitas as a beach town. I’ve eaten here many times, and I’ve never had anything I didn’t like. Everyone sits outside, the food is mostly natural and it’s well known for its awesome breakfast and lunch. Try the Swamis Surprise smoothie. Don’t miss this one.

Potato Shack Café
One of the best breakfasts around. Huge pancakes and of course awesome potatoes. Most of the dining is outside on an off-street of the 101. Local with great food. Right in the center of Encinitas.

Via Italia Trattoria
Northern Italian cuisine in a wonderful relaxed atmosphere along the 101 in the heart of Encinitas. Palo is the owner, and he’ll take good care of you. Try the Cucumber Martini it’s amazing. Anything on the menu is good. You can eat out on the sidewalk in the evening when it’s cool and nice. 565 South Coast Hwy 101 760.479.9757

TheFish Shop Encinitas
Casual and local, the Fish Shop is known for fresh fish, tacos, and salads. Lots of outdoor dining. You order from the counter, and they bring the food to you. Lots of beer on tap and plenty on the wine list. This is an Encinitas Gem located across from the Lumber Yard on the 101. The TKO Taco and The Fish Shop Shrimp are my personal favorites.

Carlsbad Local Eats

Campfire
The website says “A celebration of the spirit of our name in which we gather around a fire, create honest food, and share it with friends.” Built in an old warehouse with arched wooden ceiling just off Grand in Carlsbad Village, this is such a wonderful place to eat. Not a bad thing on the menu. Wines list is plentiful and the signature craft cocktails are unique and clean on the palate. Large bar scene at happy hour with extra tall garage doors that open to an outside patio. Eat outside if the weather is right. Anything on the menu is fabulous. This is a really fun experience. 2725 State Street in Carlsbad.

Cicciotti’s
Casual Italian dining cooked by a Published Author & Chef Gaetano Cicciotti. Cicciotti’s Trattoria serves classic Italian pasta like fettuccine Alfredo which you might find in Italian restaurants, but you won’t find Italian restaurants that cook fresh Italian food the way Gaetano Cicciotti does. Gaetano oversees his catering business like his restaurant, all focused on the freshest ingredients available. As a native Italian Chef, he serves true Italian cuisine, Italian dinners and traditional Italian food. It is one of the great Italian Restaurants in North San Diego County. Outside dining and great happy hour. 595 Grand Avenue in Carlsbad.

Vigalucci’s Carlsbad
Restaurateur Roberto Vigilucci is passionate about food. The Carlsbad resident hails from Milano, Italy, where families are raised in the kitchen and food is a centerpiece of the culture. Breath-taking views of the sunset while chefs prepare the most exquisite cuisine in North County. The menu features only certified prime steaks and the freshest seafood, all with a signature Italian flair. The wine list is extensive, and the Italian wines are impressive. 3878 Carlsbad Blvd in Carlsbad. Located on the 101 next to the ocean.

Chandler’s Oceanfront Dining
With a panoramic view of the ocean, Chandler’s is an easy way to wile away the afternoon or sunset hours. There is a splendid outdoor patio on summer evenings or a cozy indoors with bar and booth seating. The view is good either way and so is the luscious seafood fare. Lobster, fabulous crab cakes, and fresh catch. The Kobe burger is excellent, and so are the soups and salads. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner it’s a great place to get acquainted with SoCal dishes and a view that won’t stop. Plenty of parking out back.

San Marcos Local Eats

Amalfi Cucina Italiana / Amalfi Marina Bar (Dockside)
One of the most creative new restaurant designs in North County and quickly becoming a new hot spot. Situated on Lake San Marcos, the splendid view of glistening water and the evening light show from fluctuating fountains is mesmerizing. Amalfi serves authentic Italian cuisine in a well-appointed atmosphere. Artisan-baked pizzas, fresh pasta, and seafood with an Italian flare won’t disappoint. The restaurant is getting rave reviews for its main dishes, appetizers, and drinks. You absolutely can’t go wrong with this beautiful setting.

Local Accomodations

La Costa Resort and Spa
From the moment you enter through the gates of La Costa Resort and Spa, you are embraced by the picturesque beauty and leisurely charm of our coastal California lifestyle. Here within this quaint village setting, you’ll discover an idyllic Southern California getaway. Nestled among 400 lush garden acres near the beach in Carlsbad, CA this delightful coastal California hotel is a haven of rejuvenation, comfort and escape where you can do it all or, if preferred, nothing at all. Two championship golf courses, lushly appointed spa, pool, shops, several wonderful restaurants. You won’t want to leave.

Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa
Situated thirty minutes north of the San Diego Airport, the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa is a refreshing retreat in a charming coastal community with beautiful Spanish Mediterranean architecture, rolling lawns, flowering shrubs, and nearby pristine beaches. This stunning setting is sure to inspire every guest. The hotel is next door to LEGOLAND® California  (also featuring SEALIFE^TM Aquarium), Carlsbad State beaches, The Crossings at Carlsbad Golf Course, and many other activities in and around Carlsbad.

Courtyard By Marriott Solana Beach
Courtyard by Marriott surrounds travelers with the conveniences that make business and pleasure travel easy. Relax and get ready for the day ahead in one of our guest rooms, featuring a comfortable large well-lit work desk with ergonomic chair, two phones with dataports, complimentary weekday newspaper, and in-room coffee. Start your morning with a reasonably priced healthy breakfast buffet. When you need to unwind at the end of the day, take advantage of our swimming pool, whirlpool and exercise room. Courtyard the hotel designed by business travelers.

Morgan Run Club and Resort – A Golf and Spa Resort
Morgan Run Resort & Club is a premiere private club, boutique resort and conference center located in San Diego’s most affluent community, Rancho Santa Fe. Set amidst majestic hills and embraced by perfect weather, this prestigious area, and its surrounding community, is heralded as a most exclusive spot for travel and recreation. Located just three miles from Del Mar and the Pacific Ocean and half an hour from downtown San Diego, Morgan Run is the perfect destination for any traveler.

Grand Pacific Palisades Hotel
Carlsbad’s Grand Pacific Palisades Resort & Hotel is a world-class hotel and timeshare resort Magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and Carlsbad Flower Fields. With luxurious furnishings and a complete array of resort amenities, this Carlsbad hotel offers a family vacation experience everyone will enjoy. Whether for business or leisure travel, we have accommodations to suit your needs, including space for wedding receptions!
Grand Pacific Palisades is located next to LEGOLAND® California and the new SEA LIFE^TM Aquarium, close to Carlsbad beaches and an easy drive to SeaWorld San Diego, the World-Famous San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Wild Animal Park. We look forward to having you visit soon!

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
The Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort is Carlsbad’s one true destination hotel. Our Carlsbad hotel is just steps to the beach and within the quaint village of Carlsbad, California.
Carlsbad is well-known for antique shopping, boutique browsing and its great array of dining opportunities. Play at LEGOLAND, California (LEGOLAND is nearby the hotel). Visit The World-Famous San Diego Zoo or explore the adventures of SeaWorld San Diego.

Sheraton La Jolla Hotel
A warm southern California welcome awaits you at the Sheraton La Jolla Hotel, a low-rise resort-style hotel encompassing 7.5 acres of tropical beauty.
We are just a five-minute drive from spectacular beaches, tide pools, the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course, snorkeling and sunbathing at romantic La Jolla Cove and shopping in La Jolla’s elegant boutiques. Step out our doors and walk to theaters, restaurants, and shopping centers.

AlilaMarea Beach Resort
This is a stunning, brand new, environmentally designed luxury hotel right on the coastline in the very Northern part of Encinitas.  Feet to the North is the popular Ponto Beach, great for beach bathing, surfing, and just about anything with plenty of parking and showers.  The Vaga restaurant serves upscale food from a well-known area chef. There’s an outdoor deck to watch the sunset and have drinks, a pool, a gym, and a coffee shop. This hotel and eatery are well worth a visit.