Terri and Paul's Pick of Restaurants


These are some of our favorites - all of these have been visited often by us and they are great. The categories are in random order and we will try to limit each category to our three favorites... if there are four... it is on purpose.   The restaurants are in random order within the categories as well.  We like out of the way places, great food, excellent service, value... and most of all .. having fun :-)

Fine Dining - Special Event

Rainwater's   "San Diego's best kept secret for Beef"  They have excellent Seafood I'm sure... but I've never been able to turn down San Diego's Finest Steaks.  Simple little walk up door on Kettner, no view, elegant old world charm and service. Get lost in a huge, private, leather booth and treat yourself to a dining experience you will look forward to repeating. Downtown San Diego at 1202 Kettner Blvd. (619) 233-5757.  (Must have reservations)
 The Marine Room   Wedding Anniversary.. Birthday.. want to really spoil yourself.. This is the place.  This is sophisticated elegance.. with San Diego's best dining view.. on the beach at the "La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club" this has been a family favorite for years.. and as spectacular as the setting is.. the food is the best part!  Ask about "High Tide Events".. and Sunday Brunch is a hoot.  2000 Spindrift Dr., La Jolla CA (858) 459-7222.  (Must have reservations)

 Lawry's The Prime Rib  Dedicated to Excellence.. our favorite is in Beverly Hills.  Could a restaurant make it on their "Cream Corn".. this one could.  Do yourself a favor.. book a show at  The Pantages Theatre .. make a reservation at Lawry's... and have the weekend of your life.  Arguably the best Prime Rib in the world... certainly one of the finest dining experiences.  (Must have reservations) .. unless you're at the door at opening :-)  100 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA (310) 652-2827.

Vigilucci's Seafood and Steakhouse... I gave them a terrible review for the attitude of one employee... on multiple visits... but guess why we kept going back?  The food is wonderful.  Went back recently... and honestly had one of the best meals we've ever had.  And... maybe they've replaced the Maitre D that ruined a prior visit.  Service and Food was excellent... pricey... and worth it.  3878 Carlsbad Blvd., (Old Highway 101)  Carlsbad, CA 92008.  (760) 434-2580.
 
 

Fine Dining - Anytime (Means you don't need a house re-fi) :-)

Le Bistro - Out of the way.. tucked into a courtyard.. and upstairs.. at 119 N. Main Avenue, in Fallbrook.. this is really great French Food.. where you might least expect to find it.  Robert Penkava's... owner/chef ....  dry sense of humor is surpassed only by his ability in the Kitchen. Always good.. always busy.. call them at (760) 723-3559.

Humphrey's La Jolla  at the Sheraton Hotel (Used to be the Radisson)... is always good.  Usually a restaurant attached to hotel is overpriced and mediocre... but not here.  Try their "All inclusive Meal for Two"... Outstanding values... and the Macadamia encrusted Halibut is to die for! 3299 Holiday Ct, La Jolla, CA 92037.  (866) 544-0139
 
 

BBQ

T&H  BBQ   or  T&H Prime Meats and Sausage.  Boy is this place a treasure.  We met Jacob (Sausage Meister) and Heidi (Business Manager) at a memory improvement seminar back in the Summer of 2001... have been buying Turkeys, Capons, Squab, Quail.. you name it.. from them since.  Wonderful custom butcher shop... pre-prepared marinated cuts of meat in every description.. and best of all... the BBQ is wonderful.  Smoked Chicken.. Skirt Steak.. Tri-tip.. Ribs.. Turkey Drum Sticks.. my favorite side dish is their "Goulash".. but everything is good.   You can order on line but you'll miss the aroma.. and half the fun.  Great place to order the special cuts for fun dinners.. get your wild game processed.. or simply stop in for a lunch that will spoil you dinner.  Truly excellent quality.  735 E. Mission Road, San Marcos, CA 92069 (Across from the New High School)
Big Jim's BBQ   "Fantastic Southern BBQ"... pretty good cold beer too!  All kinds of stuff going on in Leucadia...  recently know as Encinitas.. but the only thing that counts here is great BBQ.  Now this is "Alabama".. so don't get bent out of shape if you're from Texas.. it's still good.. but different :-)  Same goes for you "North Carolina" BBQ fans.. it's just different...  and if you're from Minneapolis.. it's not "Famous Dave's" or "Rudolph's.  And it's sure not as hell... "Arthur Bryant's"... but that's BBQ history... !  What it is ...  is San Diego North County's Best BBQ!  Save a trip.. enjoy.  190 South Coast Highway (I prefer 101), Encinitas (I prefer Leucadia)... CA  (760) 635-1166.  (Some great sports coverage too)
 

Mexican (Without Beer) ?

Juanita's   This is a taco stand.. not a restaurant.. but it is one of the best :-)  "This is great mexican food - Why doesn't it cost more?" Because it doesn't have to. Get in line - if you spend over $5.00 you better be very hungry. "I think there is a tourist in line -- right there behind the banker - in front of the surfer"  Everybody likes this place. :-)  Corner of Marcheta and Old Hwy 101, Leucadia .. 290 N. Coast Highway, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 753-9625.
Cortez Mexican Food  Next to "Ringer's" in Bonsall... and a really great family operation with Good Mexican Food... and very good prices.  Our Gardener thinks their Carne Asada Burrito is the best.  I like their "Flying Saucer" but order it 1/2 Beef and 1/2 Chicken... it's great!  Just across the Street from Estrella's... but you don't always want that much food... you can't always have a beer... and... this is very good... for less money.   5517 Mission Road, Bonsall, CA 92003  (760) 631-3909

Mexican (With Beer) :-)

Pollos Maria, "Off the beaten Path in Olde Carlsbad" A family restaurant known for great food and friendly service. They are active in the community and deserve all the praise they get. If you like Mexican Broiled Chicken, don't miss this one. 3055 Harding Street, Carlsbad (760) 729-4858.

Garcia's Mexican Restaurant  "Not of Scottsdale"  This is a Carlsbad original, not a chain and it is great. Wonderful food and atmosphere in the heart of Olde Carlsbad Village. Close your eyes, point at the menu, and enjoy. 2968 State Street, Carlsbad (760) 729-8565.

Estrella's Family Restaurant  Right on the "Bonsall Corner" next to the tattoo parlor.. can't miss it.. and don't.  This is really authentic... home style Mexican food.  Dining on the Patio is fun.... but our favorite... sitting in the bar.  :-)  Truly great food.. try "Ramiro's Carnitas" or Imelda's "Mama's Tamales"... you're in for a treat.  Wonderful service.. good bar.. truly great food.. so of course it's busy!  They should add... the occasional "Chili Colorado" to the regular menu... if it is available.... honestly... to die for! :-)  5584 Mission Road, Bonsall, CA (760) 758-0310.
 

Fun and Cheap

The Downs Sports Bar and Grill. This is a fun Sports Bar and Grill that always has good food. The waitress and Bartenders always have a smile on their face... and we always have a good time.  Excellent for a nice lunch... and easy fun for an unplanned evening out.  Karaoke on Saturday nights :-).  You can't beat it in the Bonsall area for value.  31474 Golf Club Drive, Bonsall, CA 92003 (760) 758-9699
 

Italian

Marco's Italian Restaurant - Concrete block building with no windows... dark... right out of a Midwest Small Town road trip (built for a hard Winter no doubt) and decorated... well you'll think you are in Northern Italy.  But this is about food... and this food is always great.  Inexpensive... nice wines... and home made dishes that are always good... and always fun.  Just ask the waitress what you should have... she'll always be right. 1825 East Vista Way, Vista CA 92084 (760) 758-1870
Joe's Italian Dinner - This truly is a favorite.  Same location for 25+ years.. and wonderful food.  You will think you are in a little "Midwest" Italian Restaurant.  Chianti bottles hanging from the ceiling.. cozy.. not noisy... wonderful service...  & home made... incredibly well prepared excellent food.  I've tried eating my way through the menu.. not disappointed yet :-)  Excellent Wine prices!  See you at 403 West Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025.  (760)489-6835.  It is easy to miss.. small storefront on South Side of Grand Ave. in the first block East of Center City Parkway.
 
 

Seafood

Pelly's Fish market and Cafe "Buy the freshest Seafood in North County and cook it yourself - or just relax and enjoy" The best fish taco's in San Diego County in Paul's opinion. Shrimp tacos, crab cakes, shrimp sandwiches, oh well - you decide. Owners Mike and Mike always anxious to help. Ralph's shopping center Poinsettia and Hwy 5. Bicycle distance to South Carlsbad State Beach if you are camping. 7110 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760)431-8454
 The Fisherman's Restaurant and Bar As strange as it may seem... anytime we are asked about a restaurant with a view... this is the one.. even though it's North of us in San Clemente.  But... it is worth the drive... they do not take reservations.. don't go on Valentines.. the wait was three hours.  Any other time.. great place :-)  Food is good...experience is great... try the family meals.. and it is right on the Pier.  We don't know of a restaurant that says "Southern California" better than this one.  Still makes the list due to food though!  San Clemente Pier, 611 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, CA 92672. (949) 498-6390.
 
 

Breakfast

Don's Country Kitchen "The Best Breakfast we've found in San Diego County". They are only open for breakfast and lunch and both are great. Plan on waiting on weekends. Inside or Outside on the sidewalk tables, the food is spectacular. Home Made and huge portions. In the heart of the Village of Carlsbad. 2885 Roosevelt, Carlsbad (760) 729-2274.
The Potato Shack Cafe "If you like potato cakes you are going to love this" Any way you can fix potatoes for breakfast or lunch, they have mastered it. Great sidewalk cafe and wonderful food. Downtown old Encinitas, but off the noisy main street. 120 West I Street, Encinitas (760) 436-1282.

Hob Nob Hill - One of San Diego's best choices for Breakfast or Lunch since 1944. This deserves the category of fine dining for quality of food, service, and overall experience... You will swear you are in a East Coast Diner. Just above downtown at 2271 First Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 239-8176.

Lunch

Wayside Cafe  Paul Seehaver the owner is an artist at the grill.  The food is great the show is even better.  Sit at the counter by the grill and watch true talent and artistry.  Everything that comes off is beautiful..hot...and delicious.  Not open on Monday.. Tuesday through Sunday for breakfast and lunch only.  They close at 2:00pm.  It is larger than it looks from the street.. but always crowded for good cause.  Their  Biscuits and Gravy were good enough to make the "Biscuits and Gravy Quarterly"... but that web site is gone... somebody's gravy must have taken them out?   507 S.  Main Avenue, Fallbrook, CA 92028.   (760) 723-9633.

The Firehouse Broiler  Fallbrook is probably the last place in the world you'd actually drive to... for "Blackened Tuna Salad"... but try it.  The house vinaigrette with feta cheese is to die for.  Their beer batter onion rings (no longer on our diet) are the best.  Across the street from Mac Donald's in downtown Fallbrook on Main.  The kids will love the "Saddle Stools"... and  The Building built in 1947 is a Fallbrook landmark.  1019 S. Main Avenue, (760) 728-8008.

 The Red Sails Inn This was one of my Mom's favorites... and it has been great food... and fun...  for years.  Great outside dining .. overlooking the marina.. The last time we were there.. we sat next to a couple that have breakfast there every time they come to San Diego.. and have been for over 30 years.  Try the SOS... if you don't know what that is :-)  ask them about their home made chip beef.... still fun... still good food... but don't order the SOS... after all this time... they changed the recipe... yuk.   2614 Shelter Island Dr., San Diego, Ca (Point Loma)  (619) 223-3030.
 
 

Hamburgers

Nessie'sThis is the best hamburger you will find in Southern California.  Quite a claim.. let me know if you disagree.  The proof is they are always lined up.. and the place is a portable kitchen in a gas station parking lot at the intersection of Highway 76 and Interstate 15.  Named after the Loch Nes Monster... the owners are Scottish.. it is the least likely success in the food business you can imagine.  The only reason they make it.. is the food is incredible.  No pre shaped patties here.. this is an "old time hamburger" right out of the 1950's.  Be prepared to wait.. there are almost always a half dozen 18 wheeler's stopped across the street in the dirt parking area... this place is a hoot.  If breakfast time try the "Hamburger and egg Sandwich"... it is to die for.  They don't have a phone :-)  For you GPS... use 4760 Pala Road, Fallbrook CA 92028
 

Coffee Shops

La Costa Coffee Roasting Company "Wonderful Coffee shop with live music in the Summer evenings" Quiet location in Plaza Camino Real (New Vons Center at Alga Rd) they have public art, outside sidewalk cafe table and wonderful pastries - what more could you ask. 6965 El Camino Real, La Costa (760) 438-8160.
Pannikin "The old train depot building in Leucadia" Great food, try the steamed eggs, in fact, should have listed this under breakfast maybe? Anyway the coffee is great, they have a cafe and coffee store as well. Have a leisurely breakfast while the birds walk around your table begging for scraps. Locations in La Jolla and Del Mar as well... but according to  The City Beat This is the best!  510 North Highway 101, Leucadia (760) 436-0033.
 

Thai Dining

Spices Thai "Good enough to cause the creation of this category" If you haven't tried Thai food that made you a convert - try this. Might be the best Thai food in San Diego.  But... since discovering several years ago... have found some others that are spectacular as well. . Just East of Old Del Mar in Carmel Valley, give it a try. Gracious service.. great food! 3810 Valley Centre Drive, San Diego (619) 259-0891 or 16441 Bernardo Center Dr., Rancho Bernardo, CA  (858) 674-4665.
 Ocean Thai Cuisine  Clients and Friends found this one for us.. told us it was great.. and it is!  Spotless Cheerful atmosphere... and delicious food priced very well.  Can't beat that :-)  Their soups are wonderful.  Bright... yet warm setting with nice background music.. can't believe we had not found it sooner.. but obviously.. there are many great restaurants to choose from :-)  Shopping Center on NE corner of El Camino Real and Mission Ave.  3846 Mission Ave., Suite A-3, Oceanside CA (760) 967-9901. (this has become one of our all time favorites)

Cafe de Thai You just have to get by the name... it's the French History of the Thai Region I guess... we drove by it for years... even after we started really getting into Thai Food.  This is really a winner.  Son of a lifetime friend told us about it... then his Dad confirmed... and we went with Friends.  Very very good.  Very gracious service... excellent food... and they serve Sushi as well... unusual combination... but it is great.  4196 Oceanside Blvd., Oceanside CA 92056.  (760) 945-5533 (Beware... closed between 3:00 and 5:00pm)

Japanese

Island Brother's  (Used to be Tokyo's Teriyaki)  is the best deal on good food in North County. (not counting a Costco Hot-dog and Coke)  Only three items on the menu, Chicken - Sirloin Steak - or Combination, teriyaki grilled - delicious, served with rice and salad. $5.75 - $6.25. Great meal for almost less than you can buy the ingredients. Camino Village Plaza at 274 N. El Camino Real in Encinitas (Corner of Via Montoro). (760) 633-1717.
Ogata Japanese Cuisine on old Highway 101 in Encinitas is excellent food, excellent prices, and the most gracious service we have enjoyed anywhere. Their lunch specials are a tremendous value. Enjoy them at 615 S. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas CA 92024 (760) 753-6451.

Chinese

Peking Wok After living in San Francisco... we took years to find a Chinese Restaurant we really liked.  Found it in Vista... then it burned.  Took a couple of years for them to re-open in Bonsall... we really got lucky on that one :-)  Some bumps on the reopening... but it's fine tuned now... and excellent.  Live Piano Music is a nice touch... but go for the food.  5256 South Mission Road in the back of River Village Center, Bonsall, CA 92003  (760) 724-8078

Click here for a Map and Driving Instructions to all of these Favorites
Tell them you saw them on the Internet.. In fact.. please tell them you saw them here... at Terri and Paul Guess' Restaurant Picks :-)
We've Recently Joined Menuism.com and started doing Reviews... it is a fun site... and an easy way to reward Excellence... and warn us and others of restaurants to avoid.

If you are one this page... you probably like to eat... in that case... be sure to visit Chowhound... join up and make a contribution.  Please feel free to contact us with suggestions as well.  Thanks in advance.. Have Fun... we do!

Another fun one that has a San Diego Chapter is Foodieview.  Check them out as well ... as many people only review on one site.



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More to come as I am building our home page - Please call any time, (760) NEW-HOME (639-4663) or E-Mail for specific types of picks and/or suggestions for additions. Hope you're having fun!  By the way... the list of restaurants we won't go back to.. is a much bigger list... and some of them highly recommended by others :-)