Local Favorites in Carlsbad “Eat Like a Local”
Carlsbad is known as “The Village by the Sea,” it offers the charm of a European town with the conveniences of a large city including Award-winning restaurants. It is a small coastal city in northern San Diego County that happens to have some of the best food in San Diego.
The Village is where you will find Carlsbad’s best local cuisine. This list is in no particular order just some local favorites:
Jeune et Jolie
As a 2021 MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Jeune et Jolie reimagines French cuisine through the vibrant lens of our Southern California landscape. Enjoy a tasty culinary experience made for celebrating. Focus on the taste and texture of each bite, to truly savor the flavor of the dish.
Local favorite:
Four course meal with wine. Un, Deux, Tros, Quatre
Cicciotti’s Trattoria Italiana and Seafood
Chef Gaetano Cicciotti serves delicious wood-fired pizza, fresh seafood dishes, and other traditional dishes from his family original recipes. Chef Cicciotti has also created his own cookbook with all of his recipes, so you can make them at home too.
Local favorites:
Pennette Alla Vodka
short tube pasta in a creamy tomato vodka sauce (add chicken, sausage, or shrimp
Tagliatelle Bolognese
flat noodles in a fresh meat sauce (ground veal, pork and beef meats)
Gnocchi Al Gorgonzola
potato dumplings served with a creamy gorgonzola cheese sauce and walnuts
Tiramisu
Homemade Limoncello
The Strawberry Shack
The Strawberry Shack specializes in products that are made with fresh California Strawberries. Strawberry Shakes & Shortcakes to Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, Homemade Chocolate Covered Strawberry Marshmallows, Homemade Strawberry Pudding, Strawberry Cannoli’s, Strawberry Pina Colada Dole Whip along with other Strawberry delights.
Local favorites:
Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry Pina Colada
Gelato Love
Italian homemade gelato ice cream that comes in many delicious flavors.
Local Favorites:
Stracciatella – Chocolate Chip
vanilla ice cream ball with chocolate sauce and crumbs isolated on white background, top view
Double Chocolate Gelato (GF) –
chocolate ice cream ball with sauce and crumbs isolated on white background, top view
Bacio – chocolate hazelnut (GF)
Sea Salted Caramel (GF) – 1 Pint
caramel ice cream with caramel sauce isolated on white background
Froglanders
Froglanders is a family-owned creperie serving authentic sweet and savory crepes, frozen yogurt, fresh smoothies and baba
Local Favorites:
Amazing
Nutella, Banana, Fresh Strawberries
Supreme
Brie, Bacon, mozzarella, Spinach, Tomato (Buckwheat GF batter)
Loco
Chicken, Jalapeno, Gouda, Mozzarella, Arugula (Buckwheat GF batter)
Ratatouille
Be The Chef! Select as many topping as you like.
Senor Grubby’s
Señor Grubby’s serves Southern California street style award winning Mexican food.
Local Favorites:
Al Pastor Burrito with cilantro, onions, guacamole and fresh piña
Grubby’s Famous Street Tacos
Lola’s Mexican Deli
Family owned business since 1943, Lola’s serves fresh and delicious traditional Mexican food.
Local Favorites:
Bean & Cheese Burrito
Chile Relleno Plate
Enchiladas
The Goods
Artisan Doughnuts crafted with the finest Locally sourced ingredients.
Local Favorites:
Vermont Maple
Chocolate Ganache
Boston Cream
Brown Butter
Nutella Buttercream
Park 101
Park 101 has something for everyone. The Garden Pub is a large downstairs area for families and kids while being dog friendly. Originally Park 101 started by being meat centric.
Local Favorites:
Smoked meats:
Pulled Pork
Queso Rib Tacos
smoked ribs, taco sauce, melted mozzarella cheese
Vibe Bowl
dirty rice, house black beans, avocado, chimichurri, pickled red onion, cherry tomatoes, queso fresco, and corn tortillas
Brussel Sprouts
Mac & Cheese
Watermelon Mimosa
Carlsbad Food Tours
Another option if you are looking to try some of Carlsbad’s great restaurants is Carlsbad Food Tours. It is a 3-hour guided walking tour with food and wine tastings from 6 unique eateries. You would also learn about Carlsbad’s history, culture, and architecture, while eating your way through the town. Schedule your tour today at Carlsbad Food Tours
Cherimarie Poulos
Owner & Founder of Carlsbad Food Tours
Cheri has a strong connection to Carlsbad. One of her daughter’s was Miss Carlsbad 2005. So, she voted herself to be Mrs. Carlsbad. Now the Chief Foodie & Founder of Carlsbad Food Tours! She loves Carlsbad & is happy to share her knowledge of local history and great eateries. When she is not horseback riding, she is hanging out in Carlsbad doing food tours.
We offer a 3 hour guided walking tour of the village featuring tastings from local eateries, and insights into Carlsbad’s art, history and architecture.
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