It’s a new year, and new restaurants are opening their doors! I’m looking forward to these highly anticipated eateries popping up all over San Diego County. Check out some of them below!

Carte Blanche Bistro and Bar, Oceanside

A French-inspired Mexican bistro overseen by executive chef Alex Carballo, this restaurant is opening on January 22. Some dishes include carne asada tartare, prickly pear ceviche, duck confit street tacos, chili verde moule frites, and quinoa negra with beet and ricotta hummus. 339 N. Cleveland St., Oceanside. eatcarteblanche.com

Giaola Italian Kitchen, Carlsbad

Opening early this year in The Square at Bressi Ranch shopping center, this full-service restaurant is sure to offer hearty Italian fare. From the same family behind Nick & G’s Italian restaurant in Rancho Santa Fe, this is sure to satisfy any Italian craving! 2668 Gateway Road, Suite 180, Carlsbad. giaolakitchen.com

Matsu, Leucadia/Encinitas

From a pop-up, to a brick-and-mortar location! This wildly popular Japanese-inspired tasting menu pop-up by Chef William Eick and restaurateur Cameron Braselton is considering potential locations in Leucadia and Encinitas for a mid-to-late 2020 opening. Location to be determined. eatatmatsu.com

Monarch Ocean Pub, Del Mar

Coming to the top floor of the Del Mar Plaza early this year is a 5,600-square-foot An indoor/outdoor social dining restaurant/beer garden concept. Run by San Diego’s Social Syndicate hospitality group, whose other projects include Grand Old BBQ, Blue Water Seafood, and others, this is sure to be a great hit! 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, socialsyndicate.com

The Plot, Oceanside

Sustainability is key for this plant-based and zero waste-ethos restaurant! With an entirely vegan-friendly menu, and minimal waste initiatives that include an on-site garden, this ambitious restaurant is sure to be a hit. 1733 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside. theplotrestaurant.com

Patisserie Mélanie, North Park

In the summer, Patisserie Melanie is moving and expanding! Moving to North Park from Hillcrest, this French bakery will offer hot and grilled dishes, sandwiches, and lunch specials, as well as a full case of fresh-baked regular and chilled pastries. Yum! 3750 30th St., San Diego. patisseriemelanie.com

Lumi by Akira Back, Gaslamp Quarter

From South Korean-born Michelin-starred chef Akira Back, San Diego’s Gaslamp quarter is getting a restaurant that’s sure to delight! Offering innovative Japanese fare with Nikkei and Korean influences, Lumi’s menu will include nigiri, sushi, and other Japanese fare as well as top-tier sake and beers from Japan. Be sure to check it out if you’re a fan of sparkling whiskey cocktails, as it will be the first San Diego restaurant to have a Toki highball machine. Opening in February with sister restaurant Huntress. 366 Fifth Ave., San Diego. lumirooftop.com

Huntress, Gaslamp Quarter

After being delayed for almost a year, Huntress is finally opening in the former Grand Pacific Hotel Building! This sophisticated steakhouse and whiskey venue will serve a variety of dry-aged steaks, as well as one of California’s largest selections of Japanese restaurant. Opening at the same time as sister restaurant Lumi by Akira Back in February. 376 Fifth Ave., San Diego. huntresssteak.com

The Gluten Free Baking Company, North Park

Featured on Netflix’ Sugar Rush series in November, the Gluten Free Baking Company is coming to North Park in February! Their first retail location will offer same-day-order cakes, cinnamon rolls, bagels, cookies, cupcakes, doughnuts, and custom wedding cakes. Additionally, there will be pour-over coffees and dairy-free and vegan items. Have a dietary restriction? Head over to The Gluten Free Baking Company! 4594 30th St., San Diego. TheGFBakingCo.com

Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar, Mission Valley

Opening in June in the Fashion Valley shopping center, the Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar is a combination of restaurant and retail outlet. Stop by to check out the company’s beachy swimwear, sportswear, accessories, and home décor. Enjoy some of the rum-based drinks, margaritas, and martinis at the cocktail bar. Then, enjoy the islands-inspired appetizers, burgers, tacos, entrée salads, and seafood-focused entrees. 7007 Friars Road, Suite 305, San Diego. tommybahama.com

What restaurants are you looking forward to? Let me know in a comment below!