Pala Mesa Resort

Good things often come in small packages, and it's certainly true of Lilo, where guests are welcomed to a moveable feast beginning on a gorgeous, heated patio before moving to a stylish counter wrapped around Chef Eric Bost and his kinetic team. Ambitious and complex, the cooking features prime ingredients like Japanese kinmedai and wagyu, Maine lobster and scallops, and California abalone. Midway through, hope for a thrilling orgeat ice cream topped with celery root bushi and Ossetra caviar. The experience ends with a myriad of desserts like sake-infused rice pudding with passionfruit granita

Flaunting a nouvelle-French sensibility, this appealing restaurant from Chef Eric Bost is dressed in shades of rose and flooded with natural light. The food turned out by the wide-open kitchen is top-notch, showcasing excellent ingredients handled with precision. Most diners opt for the perfectly pitched prix fixe, though à la carte offers many of the same dishes for those looking for a quick snack at the bar. Start with grilled leeks and buttermilk finished with fragrant black truffles before moving into heartier territory like roasted duck with parsnips. Milk bread is a must. An excellent co

This industrial Indonesian eatery is every bit as easy-breezy as its Oceanside hometown—imagine cheeky murals, dim lighting and a roll-up garage door entrance. But lest you consider it a divey drinking hole, be advised you’ll find some serious cooking here. Excellent nasi goreng combines fried rice with shrimp, pork belly, chicken and the yolk of a sunny egg, while charred eggplant with smoked tomato sambal and crispy fried shallots is a textural (and flavor-forward) delight.All that spice is sure to put you in the mood for a drink, and their creative cocktails deliver, with unique low-ABV bev

Global inspiration and Californian sentimentality are at the heart of Chef William Bradley’s world-class dining destination. Located just north of San Diego, Addison commands its own enclave among the manicured greenery and curvaceous pathways of the luxurious resort grounds.An opening act of canapes presenting a chicken liver churro, a playful take on bluefin nigiri and ranch dressing-filled cracker topped with young greens sums up the menu’s personality and is a distinct preview of what is to come. Skillful execution and creativity transform excellent quality product, such as Japanese shima

Husband-and-wife Andrew and Larah Bachelier have fashioned a hipster haven at this Encinitas hideaway where the covered patio dining area is set with furnishings crafted from recycled and upcycled materials. Meanwhile in the kitchen, local ingredients are the basis for a streamlined selection of seasonally focused and shareable dishes for breakfast and lunch. Whether you've ordered the locally caught halibut with sudachi and coconut leche de tigre or the grilled Salmon Creek Farms pork rack with a tableside pour of pomegranate-infused jus, expect plates that are as pleasing to the eye as they

24 Suns from Chef/owner duo Nic Webber and Jacob Jordan retains the nimble mindset of its pop-up roots with an ever-evolving rotation of dishes and ingredients that are driven entirely by the season. Set in a former dive bar that has been transformed into a comfortable space with tables, booths, and bar seating, this spot filters fine dining through a casual lens. The menu is split between snacks and dumplings, chef's selections, and shareable plates for the table, while the wine list features a nice mix of by the glass and bottle, as well as sake. This is the sort of place to order without li

Barbecue is a veritable religion in America, and chefs in this realm have a near cultish way of doing things. With that in mind, consider this SJC bijou, packed to the gills with focused diners and trays of smoky meat.Punctuality is of the essence as everyone is here, early and eager, for Chef/owner Daniel Castillo's food. His creations draw inspiration from central Texas, so when that sweet scent of California white oak gets going, find yourself transported on a riotous journey, starting with slices of glistening brisket—correctly charred and deliciously rich. Add on a side of chili with more