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Exploring Carlsbad’s Culinary Delights: A Food Tour Adventure

cicciotti-s-trattoria

Today we are going to take a virtual journey to visit several local restaurants, cafes, and food hotspots in Carlsbad. Discover hidden gems in the city’s culinary scene.

Carlsbad’s restaurant scene, a continually growing landscape of dining and drinking venues from some of the country’s top talents.

I am Cheri owner of Carlsbad Food Tours and I have lived in the area for over 30 years and have seen it change and blossom into a true foodie destination.

I am going to review some of the most popular restaurants and owners in town:

Owner John Resnick:

Campfire 2016

  • Powerhouse Duo:
    • Founding Chef Andrew Bachelier
    • Owner John Resnick
    • Current Chef Eric Bost
  • A totally transformed 10,000-square-foot former garage.
  • Concept: Gathering around a fire to share good food and drinks with friends and family.
  • They cook their dishes over an open fire.

Specialites: Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Seabass, Octopus, Lobster and of course S’mores

Juene & Jolie (Young & Beautiful) named after daughters Chef & Owner

  • Launched in 2018
  • Same founding team:
    • Chef Andrew Bachelier
    • Owner John Resnick
    • Current Chef Eric Bost
  • Concept: Celebrating the moment
  • The vibe is a hip and modern French Bistro
  • 4 course French/So Cal Infused Cuisine
  • Top it off with a Michelin Star

Trend in Carlsbad is to start one restaurant and when it does well, start another one.

Owner & Chef Gaetano Cicciotti 

Village Kabob – Mediterranean – Carlsbad

Cicciotti’s Trattoria Italiana & Seafood Carlsbad

Cicciotti’s Italiana Cardiff by the Sea

Cocina Del Rancho Mexican – Rancho Santa Fe

  • What makes Cicciotti’s Trattoria a fabulous restaurant is its chef, Gaetano Cicciotti.  He is an accomplished chef, restaurateur & published author originally from Naples, Italy.
  • Fresh & simple cooking is the Cicciotti way.
  • He learned to cook from his grandmother and to cherish old world traditions – nostalgic recipes where aromas and tastes transport you back to simpler times.
  • From Naples
  • Fresh & simple ingredients
  • Specialities: Ossobuco, Gnocchi, Ravioli

Owner Roberto Vigilucci

Seafood Steakhouse on PCH

Cocina Italiana

Trattoria Italiana (less formal restaurant)

Italian

  • Chef Pierre Amezcua
  • From Milan
  • Cream sauces – vodka
  • 2 restaurants Seafood & Steakhouse on PCH

Mayur Pavagadhi

Paon

Polo

Witch Creek Winery

Paon 

  • Owner: Mayur Pavagadhi Carlsbad-restaurateur
  • Chef David Gallardo
  • California cuisine with French influences
  • Seasonal, locally grown Organic produce.
  • Prime meats, game and fish, escargot, oyster & duck
  • My Favorite: Pear Salad

Polo (Previously West) 

  • Mayur Pavagadhi & Exc Chef Ryan Gilbert
  • Polo blends modern steakhouse vibes, California cuisine
  • Polo’s menu focuses on the highest quality and cuts of beef and local seafood

Witch Creek Winery 

  • Urban winery specializing in unique red wines

Carlsbad has something everyone. With the abundance of local farms, waters teeming with seafood treasures, not to mention award-winning chefs, this seaside town is a foodie lover’s dream. These restaurants are only the tip of the iceberg as they say. We will be showcasing more delicious restaurants and more things to do in Carlsbad each month in our newsletter.  If you have not already signed up please do so today:Sign-up for our Newsletter

And if your still having trouble deciding on which restaurant to do to, then you may want to check out Carlsbad Food Tours.  We go to six unique eateries in 3 hours for food, wine and beer tastings. Schedule your tour today at www.carlsbadfoodtours.com

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