Casa de Bandini: A Colorful Celebration of Mexican Hospitality
Why This Story Matters Casa de Bandini brings together Mexican cuisine, festive hospitality, music, and a design inspired by early California history. Its Carlsbad dining room continues a restaurant story that began in San Diego’s Old Town decades ago. Meet the Founder Restaurateur and designer Diane Powers created the original Casa de Bandini in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park in 1980. Powers is also the creative force behind Bazaar del Mundo, a family of shops and restaurants known for colorful surroundings and a celebratory interpretation of Mexican and Latin American culture. The restaurant’s name honors Juan Bandini, an influential early Californian remembered for the gracious gatherings held at his historic family home. The Journey to Carlsbad After the restaurant’s Old Town lease ended in 2005, Powers spent several years searching for a new home. Casa de Bandini reopened…