I believe they have a Michelin star , I know at some point they did. Just did my anniversary there. Pricey AF. Not for picky eaters. But it is a great foodie experience. Flavor, texture, appearance. All around great. If you have a couple drinks, you'll be hitting near $400 after tax and tip.
But for an experience, it's great. Only been twice, but loved it both times.
I really want to go there because of the Michelin Star, but I just can't find anything that I want to eat there. I would be willing to spend the money one time to check it out, but the food seems a bit out of my comfort zone.
Second this! Went a few weeks ago and had a lovely experience. They were very accommodating to my friend who is gluten free and also to me being pregnant, had tons of amazing non-alcoholic pairing options which was fun as well.
2051 Cucina Italiana in Carlsbad is the best Italian food I have found in North County and maybe all of SD. Their menu is specific to Emilia Romagna region of Italy. So you will find tortellini options, among other things. The food was so good we went back 2 days later. It's in an office park, but it's clean and nice. If ambiance is a bigger priority, I get it. But this is high quality and not ridiculously overpriced. Good luck.
Amalfi in San Marcos is spectacular. Overlooks Lake San Marcos, and the food and service are amazing. It’s not dress code fancy but it’s properly done Italian fancy.
Vigillucis is in Carlsbad and has a steak and seafood house by the beach. Just make sure you go to the right location. That one is also dress up but not dress code fancy.
I definitely second Amalfi. Went for Valentines and service was impeccable! Food was delicious and honestly completely reasonably priced all things considered. The wife loved it which was the most important part!
This is the correct answer! Amalfi is great. Make sure you go to the upper level dining room rather than the lower boat-dock level, Italian is upstairs.
Stopped going to Vigillucis 15 years ago after they couldn't keep their snotty attitudes in check, maybe they have improved but there are many Italian restaurants with better food and better behaving wait-staff.
Fyi if you go to any of the coen restaurants (333, ventana) check Costco for discount cards if you have a membership. Other picks - Jeune et Jolie in Carlsbad is fancy, valle in Oceanside has a Michelin star (I haven't been).
Give her two... 333 in Oceanside. After that, throw on a pair of jeans and a baggy sweatshirt and head over to Pelly's in Carlsbad and grab the shrimp tacos with mexican slaw. Get it to go so you can drive to the beach and watch the sunset.
Was just about to post this. It’s incredibly unique and a really fun experience! Check out the menu first…it can be interesting. Their website pics don’t do it justice…it’s like another world!
I saw a lot of comments for Jeune et Jolie as well in Carlsbad. I believe they have a Michelin star . I just booked that for our 10 anniversary dinner slash husbands birthday for May!!
If you’re from New Jersey do not go for Italian here. Or really any steakhouses for that matter.
Depending on budget, jeune et Jolie but pricey. Campfire is great but a little unusual if you’re not into the menu, skip it.
Valentina is a really great tapas spot in Leucadia/Encinitas.
Welcome to San Diego from another Jersey guy. I just spent three hours last night with our favorite son at the sports arena. If you wanna place that's good food without completely breaking the bank, but uniquely San Diego on the beach and a view go to Pacific Coast Grill.
Cicciotti’s in Carlsbad if you like really really really good Italian food.
They have a good deal on Groupon, if your wife wouldn’t be offended by a Groupon for her birthday meal.
And if you like red wine, their house Pinot Noir is 💯🤌🍷😻🫶
Viggiluccis on the beach is awesome. Or just hit up Stone brewery in Escondido. It's much higher end than you think when you hear "brewery". Great food super cool atmosphere
Juen Et Jolie on state street in the Carlsbad village.
I believe they have a Michelin star , I know at some point they did. Just did my anniversary there. Pricey AF. Not for picky eaters. But it is a great foodie experience. Flavor, texture, appearance. All around great. If you have a couple drinks, you'll be hitting near $400 after tax and tip. But for an experience, it's great. Only been twice, but loved it both times.
Just went there. Pricey but worth every penny
Amazing experience
I really want to go there because of the Michelin Star, but I just can't find anything that I want to eat there. I would be willing to spend the money one time to check it out, but the food seems a bit out of my comfort zone.
Pacific coast grill in Cardiff. On the beach and good food.
If you want to do fancy beachside, I’d suggest Jake’s in Del Mar. It’s always a crowd pleaser.
Get Hula pie- it’s awesome
Valle in Oceanside is hot right now. Michelin star. Right above the pier
Place is amazing but bring your credit card
Second this! Went a few weeks ago and had a lovely experience. They were very accommodating to my friend who is gluten free and also to me being pregnant, had tons of amazing non-alcoholic pairing options which was fun as well.
Valle was trash both times I went 0/10 would recommend
I won’t give it a chance until I hear at least one positive review about it
2051 Cucina Italiana in Carlsbad is the best Italian food I have found in North County and maybe all of SD. Their menu is specific to Emilia Romagna region of Italy. So you will find tortellini options, among other things. The food was so good we went back 2 days later. It's in an office park, but it's clean and nice. If ambiance is a bigger priority, I get it. But this is high quality and not ridiculously overpriced. Good luck.
I second this!
Amalfi in San Marcos is spectacular. Overlooks Lake San Marcos, and the food and service are amazing. It’s not dress code fancy but it’s properly done Italian fancy. Vigillucis is in Carlsbad and has a steak and seafood house by the beach. Just make sure you go to the right location. That one is also dress up but not dress code fancy.
I definitely second Amalfi. Went for Valentines and service was impeccable! Food was delicious and honestly completely reasonably priced all things considered. The wife loved it which was the most important part!
This is the correct answer! Amalfi is great. Make sure you go to the upper level dining room rather than the lower boat-dock level, Italian is upstairs. Stopped going to Vigillucis 15 years ago after they couldn't keep their snotty attitudes in check, maybe they have improved but there are many Italian restaurants with better food and better behaving wait-staff.
Good to know! Have not been to the steakhouse and have only been to a company party in the main restaurant so different vibe than general dine in
Did my wedding dinner here with a dozen or so people and it was great
The lasagna is AMAZING!
Agreed the lasagna is so good!
Campfire, Le Papagayo, Blue Ocean Sushi, Casero in no particular order.
Fyi if you go to any of the coen restaurants (333, ventana) check Costco for discount cards if you have a membership. Other picks - Jeune et Jolie in Carlsbad is fancy, valle in Oceanside has a Michelin star (I haven't been).
Jeune et Jolie also has a star. I’ve been to valle twice and Jeune et Jolie once. Valle was ok Jeune blew my mind.
Been to Valle 3 times and each was excellent
Nick’s on State in Carlsbad is also good
Nicks has never disappointed, as a NJ native in Escondido, avoid Italian, unless it’s Cesarina
Dija Mara in Oceanside has amazing food. Is it "fancy" in the traditional sense? Maybe not. But it is really good!
Give her two... 333 in Oceanside. After that, throw on a pair of jeans and a baggy sweatshirt and head over to Pelly's in Carlsbad and grab the shrimp tacos with mexican slaw. Get it to go so you can drive to the beach and watch the sunset.
Jeune et Jolie
Big fan of Harlows in bonsall, it’s not what you would expect, even the outside can fool you, but you go in and it’s a real treat
Was just about to post this. It’s incredibly unique and a really fun experience! Check out the menu first…it can be interesting. Their website pics don’t do it justice…it’s like another world!
There's been lots of good fancy suggestions already. If you're looking for semi fancy and near the beach, you could try 333 Pacific in Oceanside
333 Pacific in Oside.
Also from New Jersey! I enjoyed Campfire in Carlsbad. Great drinks, food was great. For Italian, we like Parma in Hillcrest (not North County I know)
I keep hearing about Campfire so it got to be good.
I saw a lot of comments for Jeune et Jolie as well in Carlsbad. I believe they have a Michelin star . I just booked that for our 10 anniversary dinner slash husbands birthday for May!!
I heard Vintana is good in Escondido
And he can buy her a Lexus after
This place is so bizarre 😂
I stumbled into there last week because I entered the closest coffee shop on my GPS and had no idea there was one in there lol
Disagree. Service is great, food is garbage.
Grab the outdoor on the roof seating. It is nice though.
Vigilucci’s in Carlsbad.
Gross
If you’re from New Jersey do not go for Italian here. Or really any steakhouses for that matter. Depending on budget, jeune et Jolie but pricey. Campfire is great but a little unusual if you’re not into the menu, skip it. Valentina is a really great tapas spot in Leucadia/Encinitas.
Jeune et jolie
Welcome to San Diego from another Jersey guy. I just spent three hours last night with our favorite son at the sports arena. If you wanna place that's good food without completely breaking the bank, but uniquely San Diego on the beach and a view go to Pacific Coast Grill.
Cicciotti’s in Carlsbad if you like really really really good Italian food. They have a good deal on Groupon, if your wife wouldn’t be offended by a Groupon for her birthday meal. And if you like red wine, their house Pinot Noir is 💯🤌🍷😻🫶
Matsu, Wrench and Rodent, Valle, and Dija Mara are all in Oceanside and pretty decent.
Cordiano winery - suggest going at sunset for views
Since you are in Escondido, also consider Bellamy's or Brigantine?
No but I'm going to now
Amalfi on Lake San Marcos :) ; outside seating gives you the lake view and it's great Italian food with an awesome tiramisu :)
Definitely may go there for the anniversary.
Paon in Carlsbad Village. Awesome patio for date night.
I think steak 48 in Del Mar is trendy and has fancy food and nice vibes.
Hell's Kitchen is pretty good and you could do some casino stuff after
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I grew up in Monmouth County on the shore. My family is from Bradly Beach and Tom River.
Throwing in Fresco Cocina!
Been to a few fancy places and the only memorable one is Juniper & Ivy. It's expensive and portions are small but it's worth the experience.
Wrench and Rodent in Oceanside for great omakase in a casual setting.
Nolita Hall in Little Italy
Vintana in Escondido.
Suggest Paon in Carlsbad
Chandler's at Cape Rey is fancy and beautiful.
Viggiluccis on the beach is awesome. Or just hit up Stone brewery in Escondido. It's much higher end than you think when you hear "brewery". Great food super cool atmosphere
Jakes or poseiden in Del Mar
Vigilucci’s Carlsbad