Diners' Choice: Californian restaurants in North San Diego

OpenTable

Updated October 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 Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1886)

$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!

The Veranda Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1475)

$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

Victor

Dined 3 days ago

We had a wonderful time. It was a relaxing fun time. Food was delicious and resonable. I will definitely return!

Ponto Lago - Park Hyatt Aviara

4.8

4.8 (1014)

$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

Lisavip

Dined 1 day ago

Delicious food and great service The food was delicious and service was great.

Discover more

4.6

4.6 (1002)

$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

Alyssa

Dined on Sep 26, 2024

Had a great experience! Group of 11 from out of town. Really enjoyed the food and drinks. Standout was the coconut shrimp appetizer!! Our server was terrific as well.

Herb & Sea

4.5

4.5 (2753)

$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

SANDRA

Dined on Sep 25, 2024

Excellent restaurant, Food was delicious, great service and environment

Discover more

4.6

4.6 (693)

$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

Isabelvip

Dined 6 days ago

Dolce never disappoints. This has become my go to restaurant for dinner with friends, highly recommend.

Masters Kitchen and Cocktail

4.5

4.5 (448)

$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

Fred

Dined on Aug 25, 2024

Great food and awesome service. Celebrating their ten years in business is a testament to their great business model. Convenient location near the train station, too. Have fun. Enjoy.

AVANT

4.5

4.5 (1639)

$30 and under

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. Crafted by Chef de Cuisine Sergio Jimenez, 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

Katievip

Dined on Sep 28, 2024

Had a wonderful dinner, Parker house roll was the perfect way to start off our meal. We shared the seafood tower (prawns were my favorite), and salmon belly sashimi. The salmon belly sashimi was one of the best I have had. Our waiter, Blaine was excellent! He gave some excellent recommendations and was just a pleasure to be around. Looking forward to going back soon.

Discover more

Vine to Table Series - The Wines of France

Le Papagayo Carlsbad

4.5

4.5 (1063)

$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

Aleicia

Dined 1 day ago

Just getting to know the Carlsbad location and we really like it so far. Food has been great. Service is friendly. Easy to get a reservation or walk in. We love music so enjoy coming here to listen to our favorite local musicians.

Discover more

Popular dish

Lobster Roll

20|TWENTY

4.2

4.2 (1142)

$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

DON

Dined 6 days ago

Food quality was high. Service was very good. Menu is VERY limited and somewhat esoteric. Reasonable value, especially for a hotel restaurant.

Explore Diners' Choice best of North San Diego

Explore more Diners' Choice lists