ISO: Restaurant Suggestions in San Diego - KimKelly and others?

[Natasha]

Similar to message re: LA restaurants...
To make a long story as short as possible, I am hoping, if all goes well, to make a trip down to SoCal fairly shortly. We may end up spending 1-3 days in San Diego and area, and I was wondering if anyone had restaurant suggestions to share. This could also include restaurants between LA and San Diego.
As stated in the LA thread, if this is too broad a question, I can say that I would be most interested in: an Italian restaurant, an Asian restaurant, and anyplace nice and quiet! But I leave the details to you. Basically, whatever you would recommend is of interest to me. I value your suggestions!
KimKelly, I hope you can help me out. I know I can trust you to recommend some places with awesome desserts that I won t be able to resist! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Thanks, everyone.

[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 10-14-2000).]

[KimKelly]

Natasha... I'll have to do some research for you! As you have noted, I'm a big restaurant (especially dessert!) fan, but since we have been in San Diego I have had two kids, one of them who is just one and my restaurant experiences here are slim. Well, except for the local Islands burger place down the road http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif (Might I suggest the chedder fries - with ranch on the side????)

I do have a few suggestions though... I live in Carlsbad, about 20 minutes (depending on traffic) north of San Diego - Carlsbad is where LegoLand and the flower fields are. We do have a local Italian place that is quite good. It is called Jay'sand is in downtown Carlsbad about a block from the beach. Not the best ambiance, but good food. When you walk by you would swear that they have a fan right in front of some sauteeing garlic that they blow out into the street. They have a Chicken Diavolo that we both love. I haven't had dessert there, but there is a cold stone ice cream shop right around the corner. The address is 2975 Carlsbad Blvd. 760-720-9688.

I also just tried a place in Cardiff called Vigilucci's. It was quite good as well. This one is a bit more upscale and has a nicer ambiance. I went with my Mom's group and we had a wonderful evening trying everything from appetizers thru.. yes... dessert! I had the Mahi-Mahi special which was excellent (vegies just soso). The bruchetta appetizer was wonderful, as was the Benziger Cab! And, I did have a superb dessert, can't recall the name, but it was made with white and chocolate mousse. Well worth any amount of calories that came along with it. The address is 1933 San Elijo Drive. 760-634-2335. I would recommend this one if you are looking for a nicer evening. Jays is very good, but more casual.

There is one more called Fio's in downtown San Diego. I have not been there, but the head chef is the father of one of the boys in my son's class. I talked to his wife and she said it was "contemporary" italian. I have had one other person tell me that it was a good place.

I also have a breakfast place in Encinitas if you are interested... I can't think of the name of it now, one of those on the tip of my tounge things! They have the best pancakes topped with raisins, bananas and walnuts I've ever had. I ate there a zillion times when I was pregnant. Great smoothies to go along with the breakfast. I'll get the name for you when my husband wakes up!

I'll check around with some friends also - we have some with grown kids who actually go out to places with cloth napkins regularly!

Where in San Diego will you be staying? Downtown? Let me know where you are and I will ask around for that particular area. Kids? No kids? Money no object? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

I'll do some checking and get back to you.
Kim

[KimKelly]

sorry... posted double.... I just deleted....
K

[This message has been edited by KimKelly (edited 10-15-2000).]

[Natasha]

Kim,
This is amazing! Thanks so much for your trouble.
I don't know yet where we will be staying, but will hopefully figure it all out soon http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif
As to your other questions, we will be dining out without kids. And as for type of place, anything from casual to upscale is just fine.
I would LOVE the name of the breakfast place, if you don't mind finding out. Sounds incredible.
Thanks again, Kim! Please don t go to too much trouble, though.


[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 10-15-2000).]

[BevP]

Just moved from SD this summer. What do you like, Italian? Greek? Spanish? Mideastern? Thai? It's all there. We ate the Gaslamp all the time so all these are walking distance down there.

For good Italian try Itri on 4th I think. The best greek is Athens Market (brain just died, near the mall in Gaslamp). Bayou Bar and Grill is good for cajun, they're on Market. Um, California Cuisine, there's a place on the top floor of the mall that's great but a tad pricey. Lower price just get a great pizza at California Pizza Kitchen on, um, 4th(?) (sorry, know how to get to them but not the actual address, if you know what I mean. Any phone book or restaurant guide can help.)

As I think of more, all add them to the list if you like.

[Natasha]

Thanks, Bev! I like every kind of food, pretty much, so this sounds great. Please do feel free to add more suggestions if you think of them. Have a wonderful day.

[Gail]

Another vote for Athens Market, which is really easy to find. Last time I was there, they were extremely kid-friendly, too, bringing my son two kinds of soup to trip, and an extra dessert an no charge.

I know the Fish Market tends to be crowded, touristy and priced too high, but on the other hand, their fish is always fresh and plentiful and there's tons to choose from. A terribly California-style fish place, predominantly that mesquite-grill I'm always talking about-- but good, wholesome food which is always reliable. (I think they've also got a restaurant in Del Mar, yes?)

And call me a complete fool for even fighting the masses, but there are times when the rotisserie chickens and handmade tortillas call me down to Old Town. What is that annoying place called? Old Town Café or something like that. Really, you've got to be nuts to go there. There's too much traffic, hordes of tourists, no parking and an atrocious wait. Nothing is edible but the aforementioned, which is tasty and succulent, served with beans from the pot, rice, cilantro, onion and peppers.

[This message has been edited by Gail (edited 10-15-2000).]

[debg]

Another vote for Fish Market. Love it! Yes, they do have a location in Del Mar, but the downtown location has better "ambiance!" Great place to watch the sunset. Also, Jake's of Del Mar, another over-priced, but consistently good fish place. It's right on the sand too!

[KimKelly]

Debg you were close! I was thinking of St. Germains (1010 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas). We have eaten at the Potato Shack as well, but thought it was just ok. Not bad or anything, just nothing special. Again, I loved the pancakes and smoothies at St. Germains, the cafe mocha was just ok.

As for Vigilucci's please don't be sorry! As I said, I don't get out much, but the one meal that I had there was very good. I loved the desssert and the ambiance was nice. It was a cold (well.. for San Diego) evening and it suited the night with a fire and all. My friend ordered the ciopino (sp) and said it was the best she had ever had. As for When in Rome - I have definitely added it to my "to go to" list.

And thanks for mentioning the Armenian Cafe as well. I have driven past there hundreds of times and always see it busy, but have never stopped. It's on the list too!

I remembered one more, it's called Buster's (Buster's something or other - maybe someone can help me out here?) in Sea Port Village.It is sort of a surf motif. I had a wonderful lunch there (actually have always ordered the same thing.) it was a sort of tropical pulled pork sandwich with really tender pork and mangoes and onions in a slightly sweet sauce.

I will also have to put in a vote for Jakes... same comments as above.

Debg - please feel free to post away! I would love to hear more of your favorites. We are always looking for something new.

Goodness... I've got to get out more! Anyone know of a good babysitter???? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Kim

[debg]

KimKelly, St. Germain's was the other restaurant I was thinking of too and could not remember the name! I'm excited you're going to visit those new places! Keep me posted as to what you think. I'm anxious to hear.

Natasha, here's 3 more...My favorite Thai restaurant is also in Encinitas (I think you just ought to stay there! Many wonderful places to eat - small beach-town type ambiance too!) Anyway, it's called Siamese Basil (funny name, but great food!), favorite vegetarian restaurant is Encinitas Cafe (next door to Siamese Basil) the squash enchilada's are too die for! And, great pizza joint is Pizza Port. Definitely the surfers hang-out. There's one in Solana Beach and the other in Carlsbad. They make their own beer and the pizza's great too! Bon appetite!

[MaryH]

Had to add in here as I grew up in SD but now live in Fresno (that's a LONG story http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif). I've been away for about 3 1/2 yrs but here goes - Fio's -which has been around for quite a while is pretty good. Fish Market I always thought was ok but not spectacular. Athens Market and Bayou Grill are both good. For traditional Italian that's been around a long time - try Filippis Pizza Grotto - the original is on India Street just north of downtown and also at various other locations. Laurel's (which may or may not still be open was at Laurel and First just north of downtown and is a great upscale restaurant (a bit pricey though). In Hillcrest, about 5 minutes north of downtown, try KemoSabe (chef Deborah Scott) for very good and imaginative "pacific rim" - the fried brie is out of this world - or if you're taking kids, go to the Corvette Diner. There's also a new wine place right next to KemoSabe where you go taste "flights" of wines (but they only have appetizers). (They'll call next door for you if you decide you want to eat dinner.) And as one last side note - my favorite hole in the wall Mexican is a place called Las Quatro Milpas, its almost under The Coronado Bay bridge - Crosby Street exit off of I-5.



[This message has been edited by MaryH (edited 10-15-2000).]

[debg]

Natasha,

As KimKelly said, Fio's downtown is a great choice. My coastal choices are different from hers however. Many people like Vigilucci's, I however, don't think it's so great (sorry KimKelly!). My favorite Italian is in Encinitas (very near Vigilucci's) and is called, When In Rome. They make an awesome spicy crab pasta (to DIE for!). Probably a little pricier than Vigilucci's but I haven't been to V's in a while. For desert at When In Rome, don't forget to try the Perfolli's (spelling?) they are a cream puff covered in a wonderful, rich, dark chocolate and are so yummy. They have a reputation of being an "aphrodisiac" so becareful! My favorite middle eastern (greek-type) is in Carlsbad and is called The Armenian Cafe it is right across from the beach on Carlsbad Blvd. I've had breakfast, lunch & dinner there and have never been disappointed! The BEST! Their Armenian chicken salad is yummy for lunch. I think they even have belly dancing on the weekends at dinner time.

The breakfast place for pancakes might be called The Potato Shack (in Encinitas) or try Pipes right off San Elijo for cheap, yummy, big breakfast burrito's. It's the local surf hangout!

I've got lots more up my sleeve! I LOVE to find great restaurants! Keep us posted as to where you'll stay, and I'm sure we can all get you places close to where you'll be!!!

[cjm]

My husband and I were in San Diego a year ago. Being from Kansas good, fresh seafood is a very high priority item. We went to the harbor and took in some sights then had the most wonderful seafood dinner at the Fish Market - at Top of the Market (750 North Harbor Drive phone #619-234-4TOP). Expensive but what a view of the sunset and again real fresh seafood (nice & romantic too).

[KristaMB]

Okay, my favorite place in Old Town for Mexican food is Casa de Bandini. I agree that Old Town can be a nightmare, but sometimes if you're in the mood it is definitely worth it.

I recently went to the Pacific Coast Grill in Del Mar just north of the racetrack on Hwy 101. It was a bit pricey for me, but the food was excellent. I had the macademia encrusted halibut, and thought it was to die for. If you need specific address information I can look it up.

Most of the other places that I eat at are pretty boring or are in areas that you wouldn't particularly be visiting when in San Diego (Escondido, San Marcos, Vista)

Enjoy your trip, Natasha!

[debg]

Krista MB,

Was wondering what your choice of restaurants in inland No. County. We've lived in Esc. for 2 years and have had a horrible time finding decent places!
we've tried many, but are usually disappointed! Please let me know if you can recommend any.

P.S. My favorite for chicken tacos is Taco Pablo's on San Marcos Blvd.!!!

[Natasha]

WOW!!!

You probably think I m really ungrateful and/or forgetful by now. I was away for a few days and came back to find this tremendous list of suggestions. Thanks so much for all your ideas! I think a whole month in S.D. sounds just about right! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

I will have to read over these suggestions soon - when I m a bit more awake - and will likely have more specific questions...thanks again, guys! If people in S.D. are generally even half as helpful as you have been so far, this trip should be a delight!

[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 10-18-2000).]

[KristaMB]

Debg,

Most of the places we eat at are pretty budget friendly and not very gourmet or exciting, but I'll share a few of my favorites. We live in Escondido, too, so most of the places we try are here.

For Mexican food, I love Casa Reveles just west of Broadway on Mission in Escondido. Their food is plentiful and really good, they have a lot of variety (they serve Italian, too -never tried it though) and their prices are extremely reasonable. You can get a huge burrito for about 3.00, an enchilada combo plate for under 5.00, I think. This is a sit down restaurant, not a little taco shop.

There is also a great Mexican place on Quince near the motorcycle shop. I don't remember the name of it, but it is always packed on weekend nights. It, too is delicious and very reasonable. Strange place for a restaurant, but I love Mexican food, so it's worth going over there.

I've heard that El Nopal on Grand is good, but I haven't been there yet.

For Italian, I like A Taste of Florence on Grand Avenue in Escondido. A note of forewarning about this place, though. Be prepared for a very long dinner. After returning from a trip to Italy this summer I finally realized why the service was so slow. The woman that owns and operates the place is very Italian, and she runs it like a restaurant in Italy...with casual, slow service. It's been awhile since we've been here, but I think all the entrees are under $15.00. You get salad, soup, and bread with your meal. They make great canollis (SP?) too. Try the hazelnut ones!

One more Italian place I like is Felicia's in Vista. It's behind the post office, off Escondido Avenue. Their food is good, and the service is much faster than at A Taste of Florence.

None of these places are especially nice, but I enjoy eating at all of them.

Bon Apetit!

~Krista

[KimKelly]

Debg.... I was telling my husband about this thread and he wants me to ask you (or anyone else who my know) if you have ever been to Roger's on 5th? He's been hearing about it on the radio, but do not know of anyone who has been there. Any comments???

Kim

[SHERRY]

My husband and I visited SD a couple years ago. I did some research on various restaurants, and one we LOVED was DOBSON's. It is fabulous. The crab bisque with a splash of Sherry is to die for. It is a pricey place, but very quaint and romantic. Great food!!!!!! Hope you try DOBSON's.

[MaryH]

I can second the recommendation for Dobson's (forgot about that one). I used to live 5 minutes north of downtown - and worked downtown - so I was pretty familiar with everything in the Gaslamp. The mahogany bar alone is worth seeing, so even if you have reservations somewhere else, stop in for a drink. The restaurant is on 3rd (I think) just outside of Horton Plaza.

[debg]

Wow! Such wonderful ideas! KimKelly, I have never heard of this "Roger's".... What has your husband heard of it? I'll ask around, but most of my friends don't get out much anymore with kiddos attached at hip!

Krista, we like A Taste of Florence! We love their pizza with ricotta & fresh tomatoes. You're right about the service. The owner is a bit abrupt and can come on very strong with her missing teeth if you don't know her! We took friends and kids their and it was very kid friendly. Luckily it's not crowded (my husband & I wonder how she makes any money some nights!). I've been to the Mexican place on Quince and I too can not remember the name. It was pretty good, but not cheap. But I look forward to trying the Casa Reveles shop!

Has anyone tried the shrimp place in Escondido where they put newspaper on your table and give you mallots to break open the crab? I can't remember the name of it, but I've always wanted to try it. Just wasn't sure if it was worth it???]

Thanks for all the ideas! Keep them coming!!!

[KimKelly]

Debg - Roger's on 5th is owned by Roger Hedgecock (I have no idea if I spelled that right!)He is a local radio personality, fairly politically minded on the local San Diego station (am)- for the life of me I can't remember the call letters, 600 am though. He talks frequently on his show about the resteraunt. My husband likes the guys show and we were just curious about the restaurant.

How about Cafe Sevilla in Carlsbad? I think it is on Pio Pico and is fairly new. Our mom's group is planning on trying that one out next month. Any thoughts?

Kim

[This message has been edited by KimKelly (edited 10-22-2000).]

[KristaMB]

Debg, I haven't heard of the crab place, but it sounds interesting. Do you know where it is? I'm willing to try it out.

Kim, I haven't been to the Cafe Sevilla in Carlsbad, but I've been to the one in the Gaslamp. I really liked it. It was just voted the best Spanish restaurant in the San Diego Readers Poll that came out a week ago, too.

Natasha, here's a link to restaurant reviews in San Diego. www.sdreader.com/ed/rr/restcaps.html (http://www.sdreader.com/ed/rr/restcaps.html)

I havne't really looked at them, so I can't say if I agree with the reviewer, but you may find some worthwhile information.

~Krista

[MaryH]

So Roger is now a restaurant owner, huh. For those who've been in SD a long time, they'll remember he used to be the mayor, got indicted, appealed (eventually had most of his convictions thrown out) and then became a local radio personality. Just thought I'd share that little bit of trivia (not food related I know, but hey.)

[KimKelly]

Ahhhh.. so that's where the political connection comes in! I had no idea of all that Mary, thanks for filling us in! I've only heard him a few times (in between Dragon Tales and Arthur if I can get the tv off) and had no idea of his background.

Kim

[MaryH]

Kim,

Well I'm glad I'm not the only one who's TV seems to always be on Dragon Tales, Arthur, Blues Clues etc. ..... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/cool.gif

[debg]

KimKelly,

Haven't tried Cafe Sevilla. Is it supposed to be one of those "trendy" type places? We try to stay away from them. But, I know i've heard the name from somewhere! Let me know if it's worth my venturing out of my comfort zone! In Carlsbad, my favs are: Pizza Port for pizza & beer (loud, though); Armenian Cafe on Carlsbad Blvd. and an Italian cafe Caldo Pomodoro.

KristaMB, I don't know the name of that shrimp,crab place. I know it's in an industrial area of Escondido. We've been meaning to try it, but have not gotten there. I've seen the ad in the SD Union when it does it's restaurant section. You might try there for the name! And if you do get there, please let me know if it's worth it!

"Roger's" is Roger Hedgecocks? FORGET IT! I wouldn't step foot in there just cause that sleeze ball would get a dime of profit off me! Guess you know where I stand on that issue, eh? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Have I told you lately how glad I am to have found a couple of "locals" amongst the "foreigners" on this BB??? Who knows, we might even be borrowing cups of sugar from each other and not even realize it!!!

[Natasha]

Everyone,

I would like to thank you all again for the excellent suggestions. I am going to print out the thread and take it along (though the trip is a couple of months down the road yet). Crab bisque, macadamia-encrusted halibut, cannolis, and so on...mmmm... Thanks also for the tidbits about local culture - how else would I ever have known who Roger Hedgecocks was?! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[almiter]

Another great restaurant is in La Jolla and is called Rappongi which is an Asian Rim fusion restaurant. I love asian and you will most likely visit la jolla if you are in San Diego- very beautiful.

[JeanneW]

Thanks everybody for your suggestions! I was eaveslurking here since I had a trip to San Diego planned - business unfortunately, but what a great city! I had one night free and went to Old Town to try Casa de Bandini. KristaMB - thanks for the recommendation!!!! It was exquisite. The tamales had to be homemade because they were lumpy and uneven. Yum! We enjoyed ourselves immensely. I'd love to go back and try the other suggestions. Thanks again.

[KristaMB]

JeanneW,

I'm glad that you enjoyed Casa de Bandini. I think I'm due for another visit soon! Please tell me that you had one of their infamous margaritas!

[JeanneW]

But of course! After a week-long meeting with 500 attendees and 130 exhibitors (I'm a meeting planner) a margarita was first on the agenda! They are great! Jeanne