The Best Foodie Spots in North County San Diego

Hey there, grub-lovers! Are you ready to ditch the San Diego downtown crowds for a stretch of coastline where the pace is a little slower and the food scene is phenomenal? Welcome to North County San Diego – a foodie’s dream. This isn’t your standard tourist checklist. Del Mar, Carlsbad, and Encinitas have some of the best restaurants around, and our local guide, Alex,  is laying it all out on the table for you! 

North County San Diego offers a delightful contrast to the city. Alex describes it as “easy-going,” where every little town has a different personality – beachy, fancy, younger, older. You can literally find a new vibe day by day.

While the sunny beaches are certainly a draw for travelers, the real magic happens at happy hour! Here are the hidden culinary gems that make this part of SoCal shine.

Must-Eat List: From Oysters to Salsa Matcha

1. The Grown-Up Happy Meal

For a chic date night with a well-priced happy hour, Alex raves about Herb & Sea in Encinitas. You can snag one of their “Happy Meals,” which includes champagne, a burger, and a side of fresh oysters, Tuesday – Friday from 5:00 – 6:00 pm. It’s the perfect pre-dinner indulgence, located just two blocks from Moonlight Beach. Tip: Get there early as the seats fill up fast! 

2. The Freshest $1 Oysters You’ll Find

If you’re passionate about oysters, stop by the Glass Box San Diego, nestled in a cute shopping area near Del Mar. Alex calls these the “best bang for your buck.” From 2 PM to 6 PM, they offer large, cold, and incredibly tasty $1 oysters. Pro tip for spice lovers: ask for the wasabi sauce.

3. Authentic Mexican with a Twist

For Mexican food with a creative culinary flare, head straight to Cocina De Barrio in downtown Encinitas. Made famous by Chef Jose J. Flores, this local hub has delicious brunches as well as lunch and dinner. You must try the Aquachile negra (“fire water”) – a spicy take on ceviche – and ask for the salsa matcha if you want an extra spicy kick. The margaritas here are pretty tasty, too! It’s located just a few blocks from the beach, making Cocina De Barrio a perfect evening stop.

4. Sunset View & A Killer Sandwich

You can’t do North County without catching the sunset. The best spot for both views and food is Monarch Ocean Pub in Del Mar. Its giant terrace and window seating open up completely to let in the fresh air and breathtaking views overlooking the beach. It’s a great spot for affordable American fare and coastal charm. Alex highly recommends the short-rib pastrami sandwich!

For a San Diego foodie delight you can enjoy anywhere, check out the indoor local market, Cardiff Seaside Market. Grab their famous marinated tri-tip, lovingly dubbed the “Cardiff crack” by locals. This massive, tender marinated steak is designed to be taken to-go and grilled – the ultimate SoCal BBQ move!

Beyond the Bites: Coffee, Nature, and Music

A great food tour needs some supporting characters. Here are our top recommendations:

• Your Morning Fuel: If you love a good cup of coffee in the morning, start the day right at Prager Brothers Artisan Bread, known for its amazing pastries and perfect cappuccino. (It’s also a solid spot for sandwiches.) 
• Between Meals: The beautiful, spacious Moonlight Beach is a must-see – a soft sand beach that’s great for swimming, volleyball, and sunbathing. It’s also perfectly positioned just two blocks from the Encinitas downtown food scene, so head here when you need to digest!
• Sunset Chill: Wind down the day with cushy resort vibes and epic views. The Park Hyatt Aviara Pacific Point restaurant is a sweet spot to enjoy a cocktail and live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

Plan Your San Diego Foodie Adventure with NowAI

Ready to stop scrolling for hours through endless reviews and hotel listings? North County offers a world of unique experiences, but creating a complete itinerary with the perfect hotels, dining reservations, and beach time is a job unto itself! 

That’s where NowAI comes in.

Use our smart travel companion to build your custom itinerary in minutes. NowAI will find the best hotels that match your style and budget (whether you want to stay in lively South Encinitas or tranquil Del Mar) and seamlessly weave in all the best foodie spots from this guide. 

Your Southern California getaway awaits you.