CALIFORNIA OCEANSIDE – FOOD & FUN – PLACES TO EAT

If you are coming to Oceanside to do the Ironman 70.3 California, we hope you checked out our Food & Fun, Things To Do guide that gave you a whole list of great things to do in the area. Now, we’re back with places to eat. The area is really spread out, so we’re staying more local for this guide, realizing you may not want to venture too far away for dining, at least close to race day. I would suggest checking into reservations at some of the nicer restaurants. A few are on Open Table.

Update 2015/2016: Just found a new restaurant in Oceanside called Hello Betty Fish House on Mission Avenue close to the water. Has indoor and outdoor dining and a nice bar and TV area. We had lunch and my husband enjoyed his Mahi Mahi grilled tacos.

Looked like a nice menu and reasonably priced. Was quite busy on a Thursday for lunch. Nice addition to the neighborhood. There’s also a new pizza place in the Wyndam Resort called ZigZag Pizza for totally design your own pizza, salad, and a brew! You can eat in or take out and it’s close to the race site and Pier. Seems very popular.

OCEANSIDE

• 333 Pacific – Dine here for steaks and seafood. It’s located right at the Wyndam Pier Resort close to the beach and race finish. It has a big bar and is hugely popular. We’ve eaten here multiple times and have not been disappointed.
  

  333 Pacific.

• Fratelli’s Italian Kitchen – This restaurant is located in a strip mall, but remember looks can be deceiving. Offers a wide range of Italian dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere.
• Hunter Steakhouse – If you like prime rib, this is the place for you.
• Rockin’Baja Lobster – Craving a little Mexican food? For great sunsets and salsa & chips at the Harbor, this place can’t be beat.
• Beach Break Cafe – Only open for breakfast and lunch. Great for omelets, salads, burgers, and sandwiches. They have 2 locations in the area, a new one at the Harbor.
• Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen – This is a farm to table restaurant that promises fresh, quality ingredients. It is owned by a husband and wife team and serves rustic American cuisine. They also have a collection of craft beers.

Flying Pig Pub and Kitchen

• That Boy Good – If you just have to have BBQ while you’re in southern California, this is apparently the place to find it.
• Veneto’s – Known for its lasagna and pizza. Also has an outdoor patio.
• Ty’s Burger House – Gets consistent raves for it’s burgers and fries – especially the sweet potato fries. Has a variety of meats used for it’s burgers if you so choose.
• The Breakfast Club Diner – Open for breakfast and lunch. Frequented by the locals.
• Teri Cafe – If you’re looking for Japanese, try this family owned noodle house. They’ve been in town for over 20 years, so must be doing something right and have their very own noodle factory, in case you were wondering!
• Rosina’s Italian Restaurant at Del Oro – This is a casual, family run Italian. Seems to have consistently good food and service.
  

  Rosina’s Italian Restaurant’s Salad Caprese.

• Hill Street Cafe – This is a certified green restaurant located in the Weitzel House, an old Victorian home that is a registered landmark. They are committed to using only the finest and healthiest ingredients. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

ENCINITAS

• Union Kitchen & Tap – A neighborhood restaurant and tavern that serves new American food, local craft beer, and unique small vintage wines. Described as very beach cool.
• Solace & Moonlight Lounge – Classic and modern American cuisine in the heart of downtown Encinitas. Many people’s go-to restaurant in the area for a nice evening out.

If you do want to venture down the road, check out Carlsbad or Del Mar.

CARLSBAD

• Bistro West – We actually ate here last year when we visited my husband’s aunt in Carlsbad, so can highly recommend. They serve contemporary American food and comfort food, such as pot pies. They have their own garden and adapt the menu according to what’s growing.
• PAON Restaurant and Wine Bar – A small place with atmosphere and a variety of food. Offers California cuisine with a French influence. Features seasonal, locally grown organic produce. Has outdoor dining.
• West Steak and Seafood – Known for their great steaks, but a bit more on the expensive, night out side.
• Vigilucci’s Cucina Italiana – Located right across from the ocean in the heart of downtown Carlsbad. Great for watching the sunsets on the outdoor patio.

DEL MAR

• Jake’s Del Mar – They are located right on the beach and offer a variety of seafood and meats, using fresh, seasonal products.
• Cucina Enoteca – One of our readers added this to the list, saying it has a great vibe, great drinks, and great eats.
• Pacifica Del Mar – Coastal cuisine features fresh seafood, steak, and pasta. Great place to sit outside and watch the sunset.

A view of the ocean from Pacific Del Mar.

• Market Restaurant and Bar – An interesting menu with an Asian twist. Great cocktail menu and wine list.
• Sbicca Bistro – Enjoy fresh California cuisine from farm fresh, local ingredients, and a great wine list. Right on the ocean for great views.

DID WE MISS ANY OF YOUR FAVORITES? LET US KNOW.

Sherry Wernicke

Sherry is one of the TriWivesClub and LifeDoneWell co-founders and contributes to multiple blogs. She is a former co-owner of the California Apparel News and had a career in the healthcare industry. Her passions include traveling, real food, the environment, and animal rescue/welfare. She lives a healthy lifestyle and has been a vegetarian since 1987. She and her husband are parents to two rescue pups and reside in Connecticut.