A Foodies Guide to Carlsbad
In Partnership with Visit Carlsbad
Oh Carlsbad, this northern community less than an hour from Downtown San Diego has our heart. With tiny boutique shops, solid breweries and wine bars, Michelin star restaurants and unique activities, this beachside community is the gem of San Diego! We have been visiting Carlsbad for years, so when we put our minds together to come up with an all inclusive list of our favorites we knew we had our work cut out for us!
The Carlsbad Sign in the Village
Where To Stay - Beach Terrace Inn
Quaint, Quiet, and Close, the three reasons we love Beach Terrace Inn. This boutique hotel is located right off the heart of the Carlsbad Village, within walking distance to restaurants, bars, beaches and everything we love. Usually being so close means tons of traffic and noise, but this calming inn is quiet, (probably its the sounds of the crashing waves that drown out the noise), but we dont mind either way. Step inside recently remodeled rooms, to find extra large accommodations with amazing views.
For us its the extra touches that bring this inn to the next level. From the morning chef crafted breakfast, to free beach valet that includes chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards, etc. that they will happily set up. To included fitness gear, yoga mat, and free weights to a beautiful oceanfront pool and fire pits perfect for enjoying a sunset to my favorite their pillow menu. Where you can order specific pillows to make sure you have a quality night sleep.
What To Do
Being next to the ocean means sampling the bounty of the coast! What’s special about this particular stretch of coast is that it is home to one of the best and most sustainable aquaculture practice facilities in California.
Carlsbad Aquafarm has its beginnings in the early 1950s when the Cabrillo Power Station was built. They set up an aquaculture research facility on the southwest shore of Agua Hedionda Lagoon to figure out how to improve the lagoon's ecological health. The research determined that shellfish were essential for a healthy lagoon and could help sustain diverse marine life, shorebirds, and wildlife. It wasn’t until the 90’s that oysters were raised here and the growth of the aquafarm has exploded since then!
Partnering with the City of Carlsbad, and NRG’s they are working to continue the growth of the aquafarm and breed more resilient oysters for a brighter future of the species.
We had the chance to taste several different oysters including their famous “Carlsbad Blondes”, a deep cupped oyster that is briny and delicious, and their “Carlsbad Kraken”, an oversized 5-8 inch oyster perfect for throwing on the grill. We were surprised with the quality and tastiness of these, but my favorite reason to get these are the prices! At $25-$30 a dozen, for their “Luna” and “Blondes”, these are perfect for picking up before a dinner party!
Their team showcased a variety of oysters and showed us how to properly shuck — a skill that we both need some more practice on! We highly recommend learning from these professionals as they are skilled at teaching the novice how to not accidentally hurt themselves!
This storied lagoon located a few minutes away from downtown has quite the history, it was the first place both the wakeboard and jet ski were tested back in the 1982 and 1975 respectively. With such a unique history we knew had to stop by!
At The Lagoon you can rent pretty much everything water themed, from Jet Ski’s, Kayaks, SUPs, and other floating fun! As we have such a love for nature we thought it would be great to rent two kayaks and explore the neighboring nature preserve! From birds, jumping fish and a warm breeze this was a relaxing way to enjoy an afternoon in Carlsbad!
For over four generations, the Carlsbad Strawberry Fields has been producing some of the best produce in town. Known for their super sweet. berries, and unique seasonal activites. The Carlsbad Strawberry Fields is a great family friendly activity for all!
There are so many different activites than just strawberries though! Thought the year you can enjoy checking out rabbits, sheep and goats, tractor rides, lavender fields, pumpkin patches, photo opps, and even a haunted corn field during October!
Where to Eat and Drink
Casual Lunch and Dinner - Pizza Port
This may not be the fanciest spot in town, but time and time again it is one of our favorites. Home to some of the best beers in town, this locally own and operated brew pub is one of San Diego’s oldest and most established breweries! From their famous Swami’s IPA to my personal favorite the easy drinking Ponto Session IPA both of which are named after surfing spots, Pizza Port beers are aways a solid choice especially when paired with their pizzas!
Known for extra thick and chewy dough, these hand made pizzas are so popular for a reason. With two categories, original and anti wimpy, they served up these traditional and untraditional pies fast and cheap perfect for a quick dinner out with friends!
Some of our favorite pies are the BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza, and the Pizza Carlsbad!
Brunch in the Village - Le Papagayo
One of the most popular spots in the Village, Le Papagayo or “The Parrot” in Spanish is known for its live music, friendly vibe, and extra large outdoor patio! Perfect for a brunch or dinner you cant go wrong with Le Papagayo’s casual menu full of creative takes on classics.
From their Skillet Cinnamon Roll Pancakes with cinnamon roll filling, house made vanilla cream cheese glaze, topped with candied pecans this extra large skillet is perfect for sharing with a group!
Other favorites to order for brunch are the Loco Moco, Chilaquiles and Birria Benedict!
Village Fine Dining – Jeune Et Jolie
From Partner John Resnick and Executive Chef Eric Bost, Comes Jeune et Jolie, a stunning One Michelin Star Restaurant located on the buzzy State Street. This French restaurant features a four course tasting menu for $105 as well as a limited “Menu De Bar” for those looking for a snack. With dishes “almost too pretty to eat”, you can expect artfully prepared dishes with classic flavors all in a So Cal style akin to their surroundings in Carlsbad.
Casual Fine Dining – Campfire
From the same owners of the aforementioned Jeune et Jolie, Campfire is our most visited spot in Carlsbad. This eclectic wood fired spot is centered around the 12 foot wood burning grill where nearly every dish is placed at some point. Stop for a cocktail at their well stoked bar where you can sip on unique comboniations before getting a table and enjoying wood grilled veggies, (one must order the broccoli with chermoula sauce), as well as artfully prepared coffee rubbed brisket or extra large cowboy style steak for two. Don’t forget to grab a DIY smores for dessert!
Other Great Choices for Food and Drink
Coffee - Lofty
There isn’t a shortage of well made coffee in Carlsbad, but one of our favorites is Lofty Coffee in the Village. With classic bottomless cups of drip to smooth Kyoto Cold Brew and all the flavors in between, Lofty Coffee is a staple for a reason. Solid breakfast choices also make this a great spot for a quick morning!
Cute Breakfast - Café Topes
Family owned since 2013, this cute café features solid breakfast choices perfect for fueling your beach day. From house made cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting, order it “dirty” for extra frosting, to Cardiff Crack Benedicts with softly poached eggs and smooth hollandaise sauce, this café is a cute neighborhood gem.
Food Hall and Good For Groups – Windmill Food Hall
This hip and modern food hall in a historic building is the perfect spot to bring a group. 13 vendors ranging from donuts, thai, sushi and burgers fill this hall with options for plenty. Daily events like live music and trivia make this a great casual spot for a bite!
Sushi and Buns – Blue Ocean Robata
Modern and vibey spot serving up unique takes on classic Japanese fare. Expect solid specialty rolls, skewers and a well supplied sake selection.
Italian - 264 Fresco
Made in house pasta with a great wine list, close to ocean and a fun rooftop with live music. This buzzy spot is a staple of the community and great for a solid bowl of noodles!
Wine – Carruth Cellars
This ever expanding San Diego business with spots in Liberty Station, Oceanside, Solana Beach sources the best grapes from all over California. After spending time in San Diego where they are blended and stored, this wine bar has a fantastic selection and a killer wine club. A great spot for a glass or bottle.
Lunch Inland – Wise Ox
Started in North Park, this satellite spot of the ever popular butcher / sandwich concept Wise Ox, by Trust Restaurants is a well needed and welcomed addition to the neighborhood. Grab a sandwich for lunch like their Philly Cheesesteak or Peppered Turkey and stock up on a house made sausage or well sourced steak for dinner.