Diners' Choice: Californian restaurants in North San Diego

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Californian cuisine in North San Diego? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Addison By William Bradley

4.8

4.8 (1884)

$50 and over

Californian

Del Mar

About the restaurant

Addison, Southern California’s first three-star Michelin restaurant, showcases the beauty and allure of California Gastronomy. Chef William Bradley offers his distinct culinary perspective through an experience that celebrates regional ingredients and influences. With its picturesque views of the surrounding hillside, the dining room creates a transportive setting for Bradley’s ten-course tasting menu. To further enhance the experience, Addison’s 10,000 bottle wine program showcases small producers, rare Champagnes, and new discoveries from around the world.

Since 2006, the purity and precision of Addison's approach has led to global recognition for the restaurant and the San Diego culinary scene. Addison is among an exclusive selection of stand-alone Relais & Châteaux restaurants worldwide, and, in addition to its three-star Michelin designation, is honored on La Liste. It has consistently received the highest recognition from Wine Spectator for its wine program.

Top review

LouiseE

Dined on Apr 1, 2023

worth every penny and every calorie - bravo chef bradley and staff!

Ponto Lago - Park Hyatt Aviara

4.8

4.8 (1034)

$50 and over

Californian

Carlsbad

About the restaurant

Immerse yourself into a refined modern setting featuring Baja-inspired cuisine and specialty cocktails composed of mezcal and tequila. Enjoy a show kitchen allowing you to get an inside look behind the scenes bringing Chef's creations to center stage. Locally sourced cuisine with a coastal flair is the cornerstone of this fine dining Baja-inspired experience.

Top review

Kelly

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

Server was great and we Loved the food and presentation

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The Veranda Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1511)

$30 and under

Californian

Fallbrook

About the restaurant

While dining at the most atmospheric restaurant in Fallbrook, you can gaze at our sparkling lake and gorgeous grounds while enjoying a delicious meal prepared with seasonal produce from our on-site vegetable and fruit gardens. We offer patio heaters during the winter months and fans during the warmer months. Reservations are recommended. Enjoy a stroll through our many gardens before or after you dine at The Veranda.

Top review

LizVIP

Dined 2 days ago

The weather was beautiful & warm today & we enjoyed dining outside. The food was great & the servings are large enough to split. I had a glass of sangria which was delicious. The service is great & we had a lovely day. We also took a stroll through the grounds which are lovely!

Masters Kitchen and Cocktail

4.7

4.7 (454)

$30 and under

Californian

Oceanside

About the restaurant

Masters Kitchen and Cocktail is located blocks from the beach in the heart of Oceanside, CA. An industrial space with classic history, Masters was once a well remembered drag car shop. The revamped restaurant keeps its authentic character, and offers a warm and inviting dining experience for a lovely escape from the sun and sand. A separate bar with communal seating serves traditional craft cocktails that sip and smell of the 1920s.

Top review

LindaVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Back to back week visits and the service and food were consistent… amazing! Very creative cocktails.

Ki's Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (1024)

$30 and under

Californian

Cardiff By The Sea

About the restaurant

During these trying times, we are trying to adjust our service so that customers feel safe but still have a great Ki's experience. Daytime service is as it always has been: order at the counter and the food will be brought to you in the seating area we have created outside under the tents. Night-time is full service. Sunday through Thursday is upstairs. The tables are spaced far apart and there is an option of being out on the front deck for parties of two. On Friday and Saturday, we will be offering full service in both seating areas of upstairs and under the tents outside.
Ki's is a perfect fit for its local beach community culture. We provide food options that serve the needs of people who enjoy the outdoors and have a high degree of awareness for their health, fitness and well being. And Ki's is more than just a 'health food' option for many. It is simply great food for anyone-professionals, families looking for a home-cooked meal or friends hanging out enjoying some tasty eats.

Top review

AnnabellVIP

Dined today

The sunset special was amazing—I would highly recommend the cioppino dish and the the curry! Super affordable for a high quality large meal.

Dolce

4.7

4.7 (706)

$30 and under

Californian

Rancho Santa Fe

About the restaurant

Dolce is a high quality, inviting atmosphere and the perfect Ranch neighborhood hideaway. Intimate and lively, Dolce offers delicious local, rustic wine-country inspired cuisine, fine wine and occasions for joyful gatherings.

Top review

lisa VIP

Dined on Dec 10, 2024

Loved our dinner love the ambience and it was so great being there !!! The Christmas cheer was everywhere !! The food was delicious !!

Herb & Sea

4.6

4.6 (2835)

$30 and under

Californian

Encinitas

About the restaurant

Blending classic East Coast culinary traditions with a modern Californian sensibility, Herb & Sea is Chef Brian Malarkey’s venerable companion restaurant to the much-loved Herb & Wood in Little Italy. Quickly becoming one of the most sought-after tables in town, the concept shines with a menu that focuses on simple, clean, bright flavors. Located steps from Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, the vibrant space is housed in a 1920’s art deco building that has been restored to its original glory.

Daily operations are helmed by Executive Chef Aidan Owens. The menu includes a mix of raw bar staples, fresh seafood, meat dishes, and roasted vegetables. A variety of pizzas and pastas round out the offerings, alongside dessert and a dedicated kids’ menu.

The spirits program is bright and playful, emphasizing citrus and floral notes that utilize the same ingredients found on the menu. The wine list offers a similar sense of whimsy, highlighting labels meant to complemen

Top review

GrantVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Herb & Sea is one of my favorite restaurants, the food is delicious (especially the Mussel Toast). Ambience is fun and energetic, highly recommend this restaurant.

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4.5

4.5 (1091)

$31 to $50

Californian

Carlsbad

About the restaurant

At Le Papagayo Carlsbad Village you can expect live music nightly blended with the best in Coastal/Mediterranean/New American food and cocktails. With a full bar and service from 8am-10pm nightly you'll have ample opportunity to enjoy the newest addition to Carlsbad Village. Located conveniently off Carlsbad Village Dr. we are a short walk from State St and just off the freeway for easy access from either direction. We have a large public parking lot directly in front of the restaurant along with assigned parking off to the north end. Please come in and enjoy breakfast/lunch or dinner any day or night of the week and don't hesitate to call to see who's performing today :)

Top review

Pam

Dined 1 day ago

Super terrific time here with friends. Adriana was excellent server, friendly and funny too. Food was very good, best time with the Swinging Johnsons band! Thank you for a great evening!

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Popular dish

Lobster Roll

AVANT

4.5

4.5 (1662)

$31 to $50

Californian

Poway / Rancho Bernardo

About the restaurant

AVANT is the signature Forbes Four-Star rated restaurant at Rancho Bernardo Inn, offering elevated contemporary California cuisine that unites culinary influences and flavors from Baja California with French techniques and inspiration. The seasonal menu uses the freshest local ingredients and produce from The Inn's on-site garden. Regional Sommelier & Cellar Master Joe Baumgardner has curated an award-winning wine cellar for AVANT, from limited production wines around the globe to bio-dynamically farmed selections, offering the perfect pairing for each course. AVANT's cocktail program serves up imaginative libations ranging from light to direct, all complemented by playful presentations and artistic touches. The essential San Diego dining experience is set in inviting indoor and outdoor spaces with stunning views of the surrounding resort.

Top review

Ryan

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

Great everything thank you very much! Food really good

20|TWENTY

4.3

4.3 (1155)

$31 to $50

Californian

Carlsbad

About the restaurant

Named for its picture-perfect views of the Pacific coastline, 20|TWENTY offers contemporary California cuisine that is globally inspired, yet locally sourced from within a 40-mile radius. At the helm of Chef Jason Luke, minimalistic dishes put fresh, seasonal ingredients at the forefront while maintaining flavorful profiles that embrace Southern California’s coastal palette. Do not miss our brunch on Sundays from 10AM - 2PM, bottomless mimosas $18!
Complimentary Valet Parking

Top review

Alexandria

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

wonderful experience, will be back!

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