DINING

HERB & SEA > American $$$

The Moonlight Deck here features ramshackle sand fencing and stylish striped umbrellas. It’s a SoCal-meets-Cape Cod vibe, perfect for enjoying chef Sara Harris’ sea fare and wood-fired dishes. 131 West D St., Encinitas, 760.704.8300 Map V22

JEUNE ET JOLIE > French $$$

Owner John Resnick’s modern French bistro boasts a romantic dining patio, a four-course dinner menu by executive chef Eric Bost, raw seafood platters, wine pairings and French cocktails. 2659 State St., Carlsbad, 760.637.5266 Map T22

PACIFIC COAST GRILL

> Seafood $$$

Popular North County spot epitomizes casual-chic coastal dining. Locals love the lobster tacos, Cardiff Reef sushi roll, fresh seafood entrees and Hawaiian-style baby-back ribs. 2526 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, 760.479.0721 Map V22

PARK 101 > American $$

Bilevel hangout offers barbecue, burritos, lobster rolls, cocktails and more; plus games, picnic tables and a rooftop deck. 3040 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad, 760.434.2217 Map T22

Q’ERO RESTAURANT

> Peruvian $$

Cozy spot features regional classics such as lomo saltado and the signature beverage, chicha morada, made from purple corn. 564 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 760.753.9050 Map V22

TRATTORIA I TRULLI

> Italian $$

Enjoy superb pastas (try the ravioli and beef lasagna) and porkshank ossobuco in a cozy, rustic setting; paired with a selection of 100-plus wines. 830 S. Coast Hwy. 101, #100, Encinitas, 760.943.6800 Map V22

VIGILUCCI’S SEAFOOD & STEAKHOUSE > Steak $$$

Italian-influenced chophouse nestled directly across the street from the ocean features steaks, chicken, veal, fresh catches, salads and house-made pastas such as the classic capellini checca. 3878 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad, 760.434.2580 Map T22

VIGILUCCI’S TRATTORIA

ITALIANA > Italian $$$

Quaint Italian eatery is known for its homemade, authentic pasta dishes, prime steaks, fresh seafood and pizzas baked in a Florentine wood-burning brick oven. The Filetto pizza with mozzarella, gorgonzola and filet mignon is perfection. 530 N. Coast Hwy. 101, Leucadia, 760.634.2365 Map V2

Uptown

ALEXANDER’S > Italian $$

Romantic neighborhood eatery is known for its darling back patio, traditional pasta dishes and its White Room pizza with chicken and pesto. Start with the stuffed mushrooms and finish with the tiramisu. 3391 30th St., North Park, 619.281.2539 Map J12

AZUKI SUSHI > Japanese $$$

Seemingly a hole in the wall, but inside lies a charming eatery and sushi bar with an airy back patio. Excellent, authentic sushi, a vast sake selection and unique specialty rolls. The Kobe roll is a must. 2321 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.238.4760 Map O16

BARRIO STAR > Latin $$

Trendy eatery serves up healthful, Latin-American dishes, including tacos, tamales, bowls with “power rice,” tortilla soup and chipotle-chicken wings; plus, margarita tasting flights and coconut flan for dessert. 2706 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.501.7827 Map O16

BLEU BOHEME > French $$$

Candlelit bistro is known for its traditional French fare— including moules frites, boeuf bourguignon and French wines. 4090 Adams Ave., Kensington, 619.255.4167 Map I12

BUONA FORCHETTA

> Italian $$

The wood-fired oven named “Sofia” takes center stage at this busy neighborhood eatery known for its traditional Neapolitan pizzas (try the Nicola with prosciutto and truffle oil), house-made pastas and tiramisu. 3001 Beech St., South Park, 619.381.4844 Map K12

(V) CIVICO BY THE PARK

> Italian $$$

Feast on refined Calabrian cuisine at this glam-casual, modern cucina. We love the handmade pastas, Italian cocktails and pizzas made with Roman pinsa 2550 Fifth Ave., Suite 120, Bankers Hill, 619.310.5669 Map O16

GREAT MAPLE > California $$

Upscale diner with a 1950s vibe serves comfort food and cocktails. Choose from salads, sandwiches, seafood, pastas and the famous maple-bacon doughnuts. 1451 Washington St., Hillcrest, 619.255.2282 Map N17

HASH HOUSE A GO GO

> Breakfast $$

Huge portions of “twisted farm food” including egg scrambles, hashes and more. Housed in a rustic-urban bungalow with a quaint back patio. 3628 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest, 619.298.4646 Map N16

LOUISIANA PURCHASE

> American $$

New Orleans-inspired cuisine by chef Quinnton Austin—alligator andouille cheesecake, gumbo, sweet potato cornbread and Southern-inspired libations. 2305 University Ave., North Park, 619.255.8278 Map J12

MADISON > California $$$

Nosh on SoCal-Med cuisine inside a cedar-walled space with vaulted ceilings or outside. Menu stars: the craft cocktails and panko pork chop. 4622 Park Blvd., University Heights, 619.269.6566 Map M17

MISTER A’S > American $$$$

Incredible 12th-floor, bird’seye views and romantic ambiance complemented by seasonal ingredients. Appetizers range from mac ‘n’ cheese to pan-seared scallops; plus an outstanding wine list. 2550 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.239.1377 Map O16

PARC BISTRO-BRASSERIE

> French $$$

Dine on exceptional, refined French dishes and seafood inside this elegant neighborhood bistro that blends Old World charm with contemporary touches. Standouts include the steak frites, escargot, duck confit and French wines. 2760 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.795.150 Map P16

THE PRADO

> International $$$

Its dramatic garden patio is lovely, and the eclectic American menu is spiked with Latin/ Italian flair. Try the mustardcrusted pork chop and signature paella. 1549 El Prado, House of Hospitality, Balboa Park, 619.557.9441 Map O17

(V) PLUMERIA > Thai $$

Enjoy vegetarian Thai dishes, from curries to noodles. The casual eatery uses organic nonGMO and gluten-free tofu. 4661 Park Blvd., University Heights, 619.269.9989 Map M18

THE SMOKING GOAT

> French $$$

This cozy neighborhood bistro serves up French and American cuisine with a countryside flair. Try the Berkshire pork chop, steak frites and its duck-fat truffle fries. 3408 30th St., North Park, 619.955.5295 Map J12

STARLITE > California $$

Dazzling decor and a cool back patio complement sustainably farmed food at this hip den. Don’t miss the burger on brioche with gruyere cheese, roasted bone marrow and signature Starlite Mule. 3175 India St., Midtown, 619.358.9766 Map O15

Old Town

CAFE COYOTE > Mexican $$

Choose from more than 100 tequilas for your margarita to wash down the authentic Mexican fare. We love the enchiladas suizas, carnitas plate, Baja-style fish tacos and handmade tortillas. 2461 San Diego Ave., Old Town, 619.291.4695 Map M14

Casa Guadalajara

> Mexican $$

Bazaar del Mundo’s popular, award-winning Mexican restaurant and cantina features a colorful outdoor patio, giant margaritas, live mariachi music and some of the best enchiladas and flautas in town. 4105 Taylor St., Old Town, 619.295.5111 Map M13

HARNEY SUSHI > Sushi $$$

Find tasty sushi and fun specialty rolls with a molecular gastronomy twist—plus creative cocktails—at this groovy local mini-chain. Popular rolls include the Chuck Norris, Mellow Yellow, Bomb James Bomb and the spicy I Dare You. 3964 Harney St., Old Town, 619.295.3272 Map J10

JACK & GIULIO’S > Italian $$

Known for its scampi, spaghetti and meatballs, and other traditional dishes, this Italian spot has an old-school bistro vibe—complete with retro redlinen tablecloths in the dining room. 2391 San Diego Ave., Old Town, 619.294.2074 Map N14

MIGUEL’S COCINA

> Mexican $$

Family-owned chain boasts five San Diego locations, but the lively Old Town outpost is our favorite. We love the fried chimichanga, pollo asado burrito and seriously addictive queso dip. 2444 San Diego Ave., Old Town, 619.298.9840 Map N13

OLD TOWN MEXICAN

CAFE > Mexican $$

This Old Town staple of 40 years is famous for its hand-pressed tortillas, which you can see being made fresh daily through the restaurant’s front window. A festive atmosphere and traditional Mexican dishes await; try the chicken-verde enchiladas. 2489 San Diego Ave., Old Town, 619.297.4330 Map N13

TAHONA > Mexican $$$

This modern Mexican restaurant and mezcal bar boasts 120-plus different mezcals. The food menu centers on Oaxacan-inspired seasonal dishes, such as slowbraised beef in a banana leaf, grilled octopus with mole, and soft-shell-crab tacos. 2414 San Diego Ave., Old Town, 619.255.2090 Map N14