4 Best Restaurants in Carlsbad, North County and Around

Restaurateur Roberto Vigilucci's fell in love with San Diego in the '80s and decided to bring Milan to North County with three eateries that are fine-dining experiences without the stuffiness. While each has its own character, Vigilucci's on historic State Street has an authenticity that’s hard to beat, right down to its street-side patio, bustling servers with thick Italian accents, and wine list that will leave you appreciating la bella vita. Roasted artichokes are blanketed in melted mozzarella, and paper-thin carpaccio is topped with a mound of peppery arugula. Edible orchids adorn entrées like the pan-seared scallops in truffle and brandy cream sauce, and fresh ravioli pocketed with homemade ricotta and spinach. Pace yourself for the crème brûlée with vanilla custard and a burnt sugar crust.

Restauranteurs John Resnick and Eric Bost—of Jeune et Jolie and Campfire—are keeping Carlsbad on the culinary radar with their latest creation housed in an 8,000-square-foot former boogie board factory. This is where people come to grab-and-go or spend the entire day with a laptop open ordering brioche French toast and fresh pastries for breakfast, grain bowls and wood-fired sandwiches for lunch, and pizzas and rotisserie chicken for dinner. Despite the casual vibe, there’s an elevated approach to the menu with homemade bread, pasta, and pastries. The street-facing patio and full bar make it easy to lose track of time.

When you combine 12 food vendors with a full bar, game arcade, and live entertainment, you get one happy family. Located within Carlsbad’s iconic Windmill building, this upscale food court appeases finicky eaters with a variety of cuisines ranging from Mexican and Italian to Vietnamese and American. Although you can’t go wrong with any choice, top spots include Lobster Lab, Craft Pizza, and Thai Style. Grab a table inside for live music, or head to the patio for outdoor entertainment, including an antique car show held on the third Sunday of every month. Even weekdays draw a crowd with Trivia Mondays, Karaoke Tuesdays, Wine Wednesdays (bottles $15), and Drag Queen Bingo every second Wednesday of the month. Food stalls open daily from 10 to 9 other than the coffee and donut shop that are ready for early risers by 7 am.

Order any one of just seven menu items and then dig into mouth-stretching sandwiches on the small patio with communal picnic tables. The turkey with Swiss comes on perfectly toasted sourdough, while the Philly cheesesteak is heaping with shaved New York strip and pickled peppers; just about everything pairs well with their selection of beers on tap, and of course the beef-fat fries. As many customers who roll in for the food, there are just as many coming to grab cuts off the block from the butcher.