Oceanside CA restaurants?

[crlykat]

Hi, Now its my turn for help with the San Diego area! I am meeting a business associate for dinner Thursday night, and we agreed to meet "halfway" --somewhere in Oceanside. He is staying in La Jolla, and I live in south OC. ANy suggestions for a nice, non chain, slightly upscale place that's not too far off the beaten path (since we both aren't familiar with the area)?
Any help appreciated, and any cuisine is ok. Thanks!
:)

[DanaSD]

If you could meet a little bit south in north Carlsbad there are a bunch of good restaurants in the Carlsbad Village area - Fish House Vera Cruz (huge variety of fish), Vigaluccis (Italian), Cafe Savilla (Spanish), Neimans (Old Victorian building with live jazz in the bar), and a bunch of others.

http://www.cafesevilla.com/
http://www.visitcarlsbad.com/listings/index.cfm?catID=2

I believe there is a good restaurant in the Oceanside marina but I don't know any more than that. There are a bunch of restaurants near the Oceanside/Carlsbad Village at 78 and El Camino but most are chain restaurants.

[crlykat]

Thank you! Ooo, that Spanish one looks wonderful! Earlier, I looked at signonsandiego and was a little overwhelmed by the choices.
By chance, do you know how the traffic is heading either direction on the 5 in the afternoon? I guess I will just check out the traffic sites tomorrow; just wondering what to tell him as he's from the East Coast and not used to the traffic on the 5. Thanks again!

[MaryH]

Originally posted by crlykat
Thank you! Ooo, that Spanish one looks wonderful! Earlier, I looked at signonsandiego and was a little overwhelmed by the choices.
By chance, do you know how the traffic is heading either direction on the 5 in the afternoon? I guess I will just check out the traffic sites tomorrow; just wondering what to tell him as he's from the East Coast and not used to the traffic on the 5. Thanks again!

It's bad. No two ways about it. Either direction. :rolleyes:

Dana, I can tell how long I've been gone because I have to ask, is Cafe Savilla, the same as the one downtown in the Gaslamp? (Did they move or just open another one?)

[KimKelly]

Originally posted by MaryH


It's bad. No two ways about it. Either direction. :rolleyes:

Dana, I can tell how long I've been gone because I have to ask, is Cafe Savilla, the same as the one downtown in the Gaslamp? (Did they move or just open another one?)

Mary is right about the traffic.... .it will be especially bad going north, but south could be bad as well. I'm guessing the southbound will be a bit better though.

Mary, yes, it is the same as the one downtown. They just opened another.

K

[Wendy w]

Kathy, I agree with Dana. There are lots and lots of good places in Carlsbad. Good luck.

[DanaSD]

Traffic will be heavy going from La Jolla to Carlsbad because he must go through the 5/805 merge. I would guess about 45 minutes to an hour to get to Carlsbad Village - slow at the merge then it will open up until you get to Carlsbad, Carlsbad Village is the north part of Carlsbad. This is my daily commute so I know it well except luckily I get on right above the merge. If you're starting south of Irvine your drive should be better.

Carlsbad Village (the 'downtown' part of Carlsbad) is nice to walk around with all the restaurants and shops. Cafe Saville I believe is on Carlsbad Village, the street, but not actually part of the Carlsbad Village downtown area (its closer to the freeway instead of the water) if that makes any sense.

[DebGo]

my favorite restaurant is located just south of the carlsbad village area. it is called Armenian Cafe and serves wonderful middle eastern food. the lamb is to die for (per my husband & my mother, i personally don't eat it!). i love their armenian salad with grilled chicken. you would both exit carlsbad village drive. go west to carlsbad blvd. (highway 101) turn left. make a u-turn at 1st light and it will be right there.

also, one exit east on highway 78 (oceanside area) off at Jefferson is a Mimi's Cafe (chain) which from what i remember has decent food. i think there are other restaurants in that center as well. this is a bit farther north then carlsbad village. i don't think you can go wrong with any of your options! have fun.

[crlykat]

Thanks so much everyone! I appreciate the tips.
:)

[KimKelly]

I can second the Armenian Cafe. The hummus is the best I've ever had!

Kim