6 Best Restaurants in North County and Around, California

Directly across from Oceanside Pier, one of Oceanside’s few upscale restaurants specializes in seafood dishes and elevated comfort food in an elegant, art deco setting; it’s worth visiting for the ocean views and appetizers and sides like charred Brussels sprouts and lamb lollipops. If you're thirsty, start with a drink from the menu of more than 120 vodkas that make up exotic cocktails like the Spicy Pineapple, Key Lime Pie, and Pretty in Pink. Sweet tooths should save room for the passionfruit cheesecake with bourbon cherry glaze.

The line out the door—especially during happy hour—is a clear sign you’re at the best place in North County to find locally sourced, sustainably caught fish at a great price. Owned by surfers-divers-fishermen, John Park and Ray Lowe, the vibe is SoCal at its best, with a chill staff serving fresh-shucked oysters, thick clam chowder, and fish sandwiches grilled to perfection; a chalkboard menu displays the day’s catch and what’s been shucked on ice. Fish plates like mahi-mahi with flash-fried Brussels sprouts and Baja fish tacos with killer salsas are great options. They've got their own micro brew and a second location in Cardiff. Don’t be surprised to see pro surfers and skateboarders enjoying a cold one: Fish 101 sponsors some of the biggest names in action sports.

In 1976, a fisherman and captain teamed up to deliver fresh, quality seafood at a decent price. Today, they run two restaurants including this North County branch that lacks an ocean view but makes up for it with perfectly cooked fish and simple preparations from a menu that changes daily. You can't go wrong with their famous crab cioppino or their garlic prawn linguine. The baked oysters and clam chowder are perfect on those rare June gloom days. The scene is lively, crowded, and noisy—it's a great place to bring the kids.

Pick up a basket of fresh-cooked fish-and-chips at this dive and you're in for a treat. The shop has been serving clam chowder, jumbo fried shrimp, and fish sandwiches since 1969. Trophies and photos of big catch are on display. Outdoor tables offer terrific views of the Oceanside Marina. Early risers and late-night diners should look elsewhere since this spot opens at 11 am and closes at 7 pm.

This casual beachy-style eatery offers sweeping ocean views and seasonal Pacific Coast fare that reflects California's Mexican and Asian influences with dishes like sea bass tacos and ahi poke bowl. Evenings are a scene, as attractive beachy types sip microbrews and well-priced wines along with morsels from the sushi bar; dinner in the spacious dining room or on the sunny patio brings porcini-crusted scallops with corn-truffle puree, or plum-ginger–braised short ribs washed down with a margarita that sings with fresh lime and lemon juice.

The view of the shimmering Pacific from this lovely restaurant perched atop Del Mar Plaza is one of the best along the coast, and complements the simply prepared, beautifully presented seafood. The highly innovative menu is frequently rewritten to show off such creations as barbecue sugar-spice salmon with mustard sauce and soy-glazed halibut. The crowd ranges from young hipsters at the bar to well-dressed businesspeople on the outdoor terrace overlooking the surf, where glass screens block any hint of a chilly breeze. For something more casual, head to Pacifica's Breeze Café on the ground floor for breakfast and lunch.