COASTAL • Orfila Vineyards Tasting Room & Kitchen

Dining: Coastal

THE OSIDER MAY / JUNE 2022

Wild Mushroom Flatbread

ORFILA VINEYARDS TASTING ROOM & KITCHEN

WORDS: KATIE LALICATA PHOTOS: ZACH CORDNER

As towns grow and change, often the businesses that serve these places do, too. Starting back in December 2018 as a traditional tasting room, with small menu offerings, Orfila winery has “grown up.” Mostly as a result of Covid (and an amazing chef with so talent much to offer), Orfila has transformed into a full service restaurant boasting an amazing menu, and great wines. Executive Chef Luke Morganstern and Manager David Robinson are quite the Dynamic Duo. Chef Luke began as the brains and heart of the kitchen since day one, and Robinson came along as the face of the house not long after. They’ve since poured their time and energy, and wine of course, into establishing Orfila as a premier Oceanside destination for both wine drinkers and food connoisseurs. Orfila Vineyards & Winery (the mothership of Orfila Oceanside) is located just outside of town in the picturesque San Pascual Valley. For patrons looking for a full tasting experience, a day trip to the vineyards themselves is a perfect option. What Chef Luke and David really want to translate here is that Orfila Oceanside is as much a restaurant as any of their neighboring eateries. “I like to call us a restaurant owned by a winery,”

Shrimp Penne

said Robinson. The transformation from tasting room to restaurant has given the whole staff an opportunity to showcase their personality through food and service. As a result of this spirited combustable synergy, Orfila Oceanside keeps getting busier and busier. Something that sets Orfila Oceanside apart from other restaurants, however, is their capability to offer food and wine pairings for any of the menu items. Chef Luke builds seasonal menus that can be matched to any of the varietals of red or whites they pour. He has a lifetime of restaurant experience that began as a kid in his parent’s restaurant in New York. Once he “landed” in Oceanside, Chef Morganstern finally honed his culinary expertise by attending the San Diego Culinary Institute. Having experience in some of the finer dining locations in greater San Diego, Chef has found his home here, creating beautiful and tasty plates at Orfila Oceanside. For the front of the house, David and his friendly, welcoming staff are all knowledgeable in the wine varietals and can help pick the perfect pour for any palette.

Located centrally in the heart of downtown Oceanside, Orfila is a great place to stop in for a glass or enjoy a whole meal. With a playful smirk

Vegan Coconut Cake

(L to R): Manager David Robinson and Executive Chef Luke Morganstern

Chef Luke set the scene: “Here people will come to see the musicians, people are having fun, drinking the wine, eating delicious food, and listening to good music. Right here in beautiful Oceanside, a block from the beach. It’s amazing.” Sounds dreamy, right? Come get in on the dream. With inside and outside seating, full table service six days a week (closed Mondays), live music Thursday through Saturday, and wine club opportunities for wine lovers, Dave, Luke & Co are here to ensure all your dining, drinking, and entertainment needs are satisfied.

Orfila Vineyards Tasting Room & Kitchen 221 North Cleveland Street (760) 755-7040 orfila.com