Danielle Negroni
Licensed Realtor
Coastal Premier Properties

  • Explore
  • Buy
    • Featured Properties
  • Sell
    • Remodeling Services
  • Rent
  • About
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

SAN DIEGO’S MOST ANTICIPATED RESTAURANTS OF 2020

January 27, 2020 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

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!

Filed Under: San Diego Tagged With: Carlsbad, carlsbad new restaurants, Carte Blanche Bistro and Bar, Giaola Italian Kitchen, matsu encinitas, monarch ocean pub, new restaurants san diego, new restaurants san diego 2020, oceanside new restaurants, the best restaurants san diego, the bungalow la jolla, the huntress downtown san diego, the huntress gaslamp, the most anticipated restuarants san diego 2020, the plot new restaurant, the plot oceanside

San Diego’s Most Anticipated Restaurants of 2019

January 4, 2019 by Danielle Negroni Leave a Comment

Lots of new restaurants are ready to open their doors in San Diego in 2019! Here are all the new restaurants opening across the county this year:

Animae, Downtown

In the spring, the Puffer Malarkey Collective will open this upscale Asian-inspired restaurant on the ground floor of Bosa’s new luxury condominium tower Pacific Gate. The menu will be contemporary Asian-American featuring the cuisines of Japan, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, with options including raw seafood, coal-roasted Kobe beef and exotic proteins. 888 W. E St., San Diego. animaesd.com

 

Blade 1936, Oceanside

Local Italian restaurateurs Mario Cassineri (Bice San Diego) and John Carlo Ferraiuolo (Caffè Calabria) will open this modern Italian restaurant in the first quarter of 2019. The name comes from its historic 1936 building, built by architect Irving Gill for the former newspaper The Blade-Tribune. Chef de cuisine Chris Narvaez will oversee a menu of Neapolitan-style pizzas, fresh pastas, desserts and mix of Italian and local beers and wines. 401 Seagaze Drive, Oceanside. blade1936.com

 

The Bungalow, Westfield UTC

Two powerhouse restaurant companies, Bungalow Hospitality Group and Michael Mina’s the MINA Group, have teamed up to open The Bungalow La Jolla in late 2019/early 2020. The freestanding, indoor/outdoor 10,000-square-foot restaurant will serve a Mina-directed menu of small and large shared plates and specialty cocktails. It joins locations in Santa Monica and Huntington Beach. 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. thebungalow.com

 

Casero Taqueria, Carlsbad

Craig Applegate and Clayton Wheeler will open this scratch-made modern Mexican restaurant in the soon-to-open The Square at Bressi Ranch center in April or May. The menu will feature housemade corn and flour tortillas for wrapping its gourmet carne asada, line-caught fish and carnitas tacos. The shop will also offer a take-home market. 2674 Gateway Road, Suite 195, Carlsbad. caserotacos.com

 

Ciao Plaza Restaurant, Vista

The 20-year-old north Vista restaurant is building a massive 10,000-square-foot expansion at its current location, with plans for completion in mid-2019. The 300-seat location is in the midst of adding a bakery, deli, gelateria, enoteca and large banquet hall. 2015 E. Vista Way, Vista. (760) 630-7333. ciao2.com

 

Draft Republic Brewing Co., La Mesa

San Diego’s Cohn Restaurant Group is getting back into the beer-making business in fall 2019 with the opening of this 12,000-square-foot, 15-barrel brewery that will also feature an outdoor 13,000-square-foot, fast-casual “eatertainment” event space with food service, a beer garden, a high-end miniature golf course, shuffleboard and bocce courts and children’s play yard. 9160 Fletcher Parkway, La Mesa. cohnrestaurants.com

 

Eggies, Pacific Beach and East Village

Rise & Shine Restaurant Group will open two locations in 2019 of this new fast-casual/grab-and-go concept that will open next door to the company’s existing Breakfast Republic restaurants. The menu will include breakfast sandwiches, egg-centric entrees served in Mason jars, coffees and cajeta-stuffed churros. The first will open in the spring at the Pacific Beach location at 4465 Mission Blvd. Still to come: 707 G St., East Village. eggies.com

 

Feast & Fareway, Coronado

The longstanding restaurant at the Coronado Golf Course will be replaced in April by this new eatery created by Johan Engman of the Rise & Shine Restaurant Group, John Rudolph of Harry’s Coffee Shop and Tom Penn of Real Restaurant Solutions. It will serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and grab-and-go options as well as offer catering services. 2000 Visalia Row, Coronado. golfcoronado.com/feast-and-fareway

 

Fort Oak, Mission Hills

Trust Restaurant Group co-founders Steve Schwob and chef Brad Wise will open this new restaurant/bar in January. The restaurant, which will anchor the mixed-use The Fort complex, will specialize in seasonal small plates spotlighting the chef’s wood-fired cooking techniques. The restaurant will feature a 16-seat chef’s counter. 1011 Fort Stockton Drive, San Diego. fortoaksd.com

 

Gravity Heights, Sorrento Valley

Whisknladle Hospitality, Alesmith co-founder Skip Virgilio and brewer Ryan Trim are collaborating on this large project that will combine a 7,000-square-foot restaurant and tasting room and 5,000-square-foot beer garden. It is set to open in January. 9920 Pacific Heights Blvd., San Diego. gravityheights.com

 

Hold Fast Temaki Bar, Liberty Station

Carlsbad restaurateur and sushi chef Rob Ruiz will open this quick-service seafood stand inside the Liberty Public Market in February. It will only serve locally caught seafood to support San Diego’s commercial fishing fleet. The menu will feature bite-size, portable sushi handrolls as well as gourmet yakitori bites. There will also be several vegan options. landandwaterco.com

 

Herb & Sea, Encinitas

A summer opening is planned for the Puffer Malarkey Collective’s expansion of its successful Herb & Wood Little Italy concept to North County. The 6,500-square-foot restaurant will open inside a 1920s-era art deco building that is being restored with a New England lighthouse-inspired theme. The menu will be seafood-focused with a custom oyster and raw bar, as well as a mix of wood-fired proteins, pastas, pizzas and desserts. 131 D St., Encinitas. herbandsea.com

 

Himmelberg’s, East Village

The Patio Group is revamping its now-shuttered Harvest by the Patio restaurant in East Village. It will reopen in February as a rock ’n’ roll surf-style fast-casual restaurant/bar. It will serve a sustainably sourced menu and Himmel Brew beer. Both the restaurant and beer are dedicated to owner Gina Champion-Cain’s late friend Joey Himmelberg, who died in 2016. 369 Tenth Ave., San Diego. (619) 541-8301. americannationalinvestments.com/divisions/the-patio-group/

 

Huntress, Gaslamp Quarter

San Diego’s RMD Group aims to open this “sophisticated steakhouse and whisky society” venue in the former Grand Pacific Hotel building in the spring. The two-story restaurant will have an in-house dry-aging program for its beef and one of the largest selections of Japanese whisky in Southern California. Executive chef will be James Montejano. 376 Fifth Ave., downtown. rmdgroupsd.com/huntress/

 

International Smoke, Carmel Valley

One of the most high-profile projects slated for North County’s One Paseo project, this restaurant is the shared vision of Michelin-starred San Francisco chef Michael Mina and Food Network star Ayesha Curry. A modern steakhouse, International Smoke will explore global approaches to cooking with fire, grilling and smoke. The local restaurant, the third for the San Francisco-based company, will open in the spring. 3387 Del Mar Heights Road, Suite 0100, San Diego. internationalsmoke.com

 

Kairoa Brewing Co., University Heights

Kairoa Brewing Co. will open a two-story brewpub in January on a prime corner location in University Heights. An ownership team of New Zealand expats are creating a lineup of beers using imported New Zealand hops and dishes inspired by the cuisine of both New Zealand and the U.S. The venue will offer a second-story rooftop patio. 4601 Park Blvd., San Diego. kairoa.com

 

Louisiana Purchase, North Park

Grind & Prosper Hospitality will open this New Orleans-inspired courtyard restaurant and Southern cocktail bar in January. A recent graduate of the Culinary Institute of New Orleans, chef Quinnton Austin will introduce a menu featuring alligator cheesecake with crawfish cream sauce, Andouille-fried red beans and rice with chipotle mousse and Southern-style BBQ shrimp. 2305 University Ave., San Diego. louisianapurchasesd.com

 

Medina Moroccan Baja Kitchen, North Park

Chef/owner Alia Jaziri credits her North African and Chinese/Indonesian heritage and her passion for Baja cuisine for the eclectic Mediterranean/Mexican menu at this new fast-casual restaurant and wine bar opening in February. It will offer lunch and dinner service and brunch service will be added in the spring or summer. 2850 El Cajon Blvd., Suite 4, San Diego.

 

The Morning After, Gaslamp Quarter

Nightclub impresario Jamie Johnson will open this unique dual-use bistro/bar in January, serving breakfast, brunch and lunch by day and serving as a sports bar by night. Featured daytime dishes will include Fruity Pebbles pancakes and red velvet waffle with cream cheese icing and bar offerings will include chicken and waffles, sliders, buffalo wings and more. 531 F St., Downtown. themorningaftersd.com

 

Morning Glory, Little Italy

CH Projects, the company behind the ultra-fancy steakhouse Born & Raised, is taking breakfast upscale with this glamorous, cocktail-forward brunch spot opening near Little Italy’s Piazza della Famiglia in late January. The menu will include caviar, smoked fish dishes, daytime cocktails and a coffee and pastry bar. 550 Date St., San Diego. consortiumholdings.com

 

My Yard Live, San Marcos

In mid-2019, the city-owned restaurant that long ago housed a Home Town Buffet will become a sustainable, family- and dog-friendly community gathering spot and brewpub that will offer food, beer, leisure games, fundraising events and live entertainment. Partners on the project are longtime business partners Jamie Minotti and Mark McLarry, SweetWater Brewing co-founder Freddy Bensch and George McKerrow, co-founder of Longhorn Steakhouse and Ted’s Montana Grill. Pat Korn will lead the brewing program. The 17,500-square-foot indoor/outdoor project will break ground in mid-January. 288 Rancheros Road, San Marcos. myyardlive.com

 

Oculto 477, Old Town San Diego

A hidden speakeasy will open in late February inside the recently opened Tahona mezcal tasting bar in Old Town. The candlelit, 25-seat space is designed to honor the spirits of the 477 early San Diegans buried in the El Campo Santo Cemetery next door. Its Old Town-inspired cocktails, like the Whaley House Punch, will celebrate agave spirits. 2414 San Diego Ave., San Diego. tahonabar.com

 

The Outpost Urban Food Hall, Poway

In fall 2019, North County’s 3LB Restaurant Group will open a two-story 21,000-square-foot food hall in Poway’s mixed-use The Outpost development. The creator of Urge gastropubs, Mason Ale Works and other hospitality properties will oversee the leasing of 14 vendor stalls and will operate some of their own concepts at the 171-seat property. 13247 Poway Road, Poway. 3localbrothers.com

 

Pan y Sal, Barrio Logan

The historic Bread & Salt venue will soon become home to this food hall featuring vendors from South Bay and Northern Baja California. The centerpiece is a 120-seat-square-foot bakery and cooking school run by Via International’s Elisa Sabatini and Natal Hospitality. There are plans for pop-up demonstrations by regional chefs and more. 1955 Julian Ave., San Diego. breadandsaltsandiego.com

 

Park Commons, Sorrento Mesa

Whisknladle Hospitality is taking over the former San Diego Tech Center building to create a 10,000-square-foot food hall and event space. Chef Ryan Johnston will oversee the multi-concept food stations that will serve salads, Middle Eastern wraps, street tacos, poke, sandwiches and coffee, plus an evening bar. A summer opening is projected. The Park, 9645 Scranton Road, Sorrento Valley. whisknladle.com

 

The Plot, Oceanside

Oceanside husband-and-wife restaurateurs Davin and Jessica Waite (Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub/The Whet Noodle) are teaming with Carlsbad’s Christopher Logan of Creative Flavors Catering to open this entirely plant-based, zero-waste restaurant. The Plot, focused on locally sourced and seasonal produce, will offer quick-casual breakfast and lunch and full-service dinner. The first will open in summer 2019 with plans for more around the county if the concept is a success. theplotrestaurant.com

 

Sisters Pizza, Bankers Hill

Emily Green will open an East Coast-style pizzeria this spring in a former beauty salon space in Bankers Hill. It’s named for her late sister, Kate, who died in 2016. Chef Alex Carballo (former chef/owner of URBN Coal Fired Pizza) is helping Green develop the menu, which will include pastas, salads, sandwiches and more. 3603 Fourth Ave., Bankers Hill. (858) 228-6822, sisterspizzasd.com

 

Social Syndicate unnamed project, Del Mar

San Diego’s Social Syndicate hospitality group will open an as-yet unnamed “social dining” indoor/outdoor restaurant in Del Mar Plaza shopping center in late 2019. Social Syndicate’s other projects include Wonderland Ocean Pub, The Local and OB Surf Lodge. Mall owner Brixton Capital said the new restaurant, which will be located on the center’s top floor, will be hip and casual but but with an upscale aesthetic. socialsyndicate.com

 

Storyhouse Spirits, East Village

Co-founders Matt Kidd and Steve Kuftinec will open this two-story urban distillery and restaurant in January. The 7,600-square-foot project will house a distillery and production facility and a full-service bar, tasting room and lounge. Chef Nick Paulerio’s menu will feature seasonal plates, mostly cooked in a copper wood-fired oven. 1220 J St., San Diego. storyhousespirits.com

 

Travis Swikard restaurant project, location TBA

Daniel Boulud protégé Travis Swikard recently left his job as executive chef at Boulud Sud in New York City to return to his hometown of San Diego and open his own restaurant serving “Cal-Med” (California Mediterranean) cuisine. The restaurant, which is receiving some investment and mentoring assistance from David and Lesley Cohn and Deborah Scott, will open in an as-yet-undetermined location in fall 2019. travisswikard.com

 

Ways & Means Oyster House, La Jolla and Carmel Valley

Orange County’s award-winning seafood bar chain will open its first two San Diego County locations in the first quarter of 2019. With locations in Huntington Beach and Portland, Ways & Means is known for its fresh seafood sourcing program that includes its own house brand oysters. It’s known for a menu with prices starting at $4 and nightly seafood specials. The first is set to open in February in the former Alfonso’s space at 1251 Prospect St. in La Jolla. In March, the second location will open at the One Paseo project at 3720 Caminito Court, San Diego. wmoysters.com

 

Wild ‘N Out Sports Bar and Arcade & iLov305, Gaslamp Quarter

Two new entertainment venues will open in the spring inside the new Theatre Box movie and entertainment complex. Comedian/actor Nick Cannon will open Wild ‘N Out, which will feature a monthly DJ appearance by Cannon and other celebrity guests. Also at Theatre Box, rapper Pitbull will open his Miami-inspired rooftop lounge and bar serving tropical drinks and craft cocktails. 701 Fifth Ave., Downtown. theatrebox.com

 

Windmill Food Hall, Carlsbad

Due to construction delays, restaurant visionary James Markham has pushed back to January the opening of his 12,000-square-foot food hall inside Carlsbad’s iconic windmill building. Once finished, the hall will have a 52-seat indoor/outdoor bar and 11 vendor booths, including Bing Haus rolled ice cream; Bread and Cheese grilled sandwiches; Cross Street Chicken & Beer; Lobster West; Taco Lady; Thai-Style Chicken; a Korean hot pot spot; and a Belgian waffle and fries shop and more. 890 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad. facebook.com/windmillfoodhall/

 

Zinqué, Little Italy

This L.A.-based restaurant and wine bar, with locations in Venice, West Hollywood and Newport Beach, expands into San Diego County next year with a Little Italy location. Zinqué serves European-inspired menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including tartines, ratatouille, paninis and soups. 2155 Kettner Blvd., San Diego. lezinque.com

 

(Article originally appeared in the San Diego Union Tribune)

Filed Under: San Diego Tagged With: best new restaurants san diego, new restaurants north county san diego, new restaurants san diego, new restaurants san diego 2019, san diego restaurants, san diego's most anticipated new restaurants of 2019

San Diego’s Most Anticipated New Restaurants of 2018

January 14, 2018 by Danielle Negroni

Dozens of new restaurants are slated to open in San Diego in 2018! Here are 50 of the most anticipated restaurant openings across the county:

An’s Dry Cleaning, North Park
This spring, the historic dry cleaning store will be transformed into an artisan gelato shop, but it will retain its retro name. Seven flavors of fresh-made sweet and savory gelato will rotate daily, with ingredients like gorgonzola, cactus and wasabi flowers in the mix. 3017 Adams Ave., North Park. adcgelato.com

 

The Bell Marker Brewery & Kitchen, Downtown
The Artisanal Brewers Collective has named this 200-seat American brasserie and craft brewery after the famous Mission bells along El Camino Real. The menu features pizza and modern California cuisine. A winter opening is planned. 602 Broadway, downtown. thebellmarker.com

 

Bar Meets Grill, Pala
In the early morning hours of Jan. 2, Pala Casino Spa & Resort closed its upscale Mediterranean dinnerhouse CAVE Restaurant & Lounge and reopened it 10 hours later as Bar Meets Grill, a “California casual” restaurant serving lunch and dinner. The resort is in the midst of a $170 million expansion plan that has shuttered some of its daytime eateries and needed another lunch spot with a more accessible menu. Chef Anila Kurti ‘s wide-ranging lunch menu features appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas and salads. The dinner menu will include popular Mediterranean dishes from the former CAVE menu like Chicken Milanese and Lobster Oscar, as well as pastas made in-house. palacasino.com

 

Better Buzz Coffee, Hillcrest
San Diego-based Better Buzz, with seven retail outlets countywide and a roasting warehouse in Vista, expands this winter with a 7,500-square-foot retail/office center in Hillcrest. The ground floor will be a coffee bar and special events space and the upstairs will serve as Better Buzz’s new headquarters. 801 University Ave., Hillcrest. betterbuzzcoffee.com

 

Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill, Ocean Beach
Brothers Matt and Judd Braun will open the second location of their Mission Hills-born seafood eatery this spring in Ocean Beach. They plan to update the location with a new stage for live music. 5083 Santa Monica Ave., Suite B, Ocean Beach. bluewaterseafoodsandiego.com

 

Breakfast Republic, Carlsbad
In the spring, Rise & Shine Restaurant Group will open the eighth location of this brunch-centric restaurant chain at The Shoppes at Carlsbad shopping mall. Another location opened at the end of 2017 in Pacific Beach in the former Miller’s Field location.The Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad; 4465 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach (now open). breakfastrepublic.com

 

Buona Forchetta, Encinitas
Matteo Cattaneo and Alexa Kollmeier’s popular South Park-born Italian eatery will soon open its third location in Encinitas. The rustic restaurants are known for their authentic Italian pizzas, which are cooked in wood-fired ovens imported from Italy. The new location will take over the vacant space once occupied by the former Bird House restaurant. A Coronado location is also planned in 2019. 250 N. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas. buonaforchettasd.com

 

Chloe at Scout, Liberty Station
This winter, the owners of Café Chloe will open a European-style catering and special events venue serving French Provencal food, wines and garden-inspired cocktails. 2675 Rosecrans St., Liberty Station. cafechloe.com

 

Ciao Plaza Restaurant, Vista
The 20-year-old north Vista restaurant is building a massive 10,000-square-foot expansion at its current location, with plans for completion later this winter. The 300-seat location will add a bakery, deli, gelateria, enoteca and large banquet hall. 2015 E. Vista Way, Vista. (760) 630-7333, ciao2.com

 

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, Embarcadero
The Texas-based luxury steakhouse chain will open its first California location next fall in the two-story BRIC development planned in downtown’s North Embarcadero area. The two-story eatery will serve Del Frisco’s signature 45-day dry-aged steaks and other hand-cut meats. Broadway and Pacific Coast Highway, downtown. delfriscos.com

 

Din Tai Fung, Westfield UTC
The popular Taiwan-based mega-chain will open its first San Diego outlet this winter at the Westfield UTC mall. The shop will offer a variety of dumplings and noodle dishes. 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. dintaifungusa.com

 

Dog Haus, Vista
The Pasadena-based fast-casual hot dog chain will open its second San Diego County location in downtown Vista this winter. Dog Haus specializes in gourmet dogs (served on grilled King’s Hawaiian rolls), burgers and more. The location will also have a beer garden serving up to 20 brews on tap. 227 E. Broadway, Vista. doghaus.com

 

El Jardin, Liberty Station
“Top Chef” competitor Claudette Zepeda-Wilkins (formerly of Bracero Cucina) is developing the menu for this latest entry from Johan Engman’s Rise & Shine Restaurant Group. Zepeda-Wilkins, who grew up on both sides of the Mexican border, is planning a contemporary, refined take on regional Mexican cuisine in a colorfully decorated indoor/outdoor space. It’s scheduled for an early 2018 opening. 2885 Perry Road, Liberty Station. riseandshinerg.com

 

Empanada Kitchen, Downtown
This popular Argentinean empanada vendor at the North Park and La Jolla farmers markets will open its first fast-casual storefront this winter. 819 C St., downtown. (619) 988-7265, empanada-kitchen.com

 

Fourpenny House, La Mesa
Partners Peter Soutowood and Khalid Kyler plan to open this La Mesa brewpub this winter. The specialty will be house-made breads, local beer and spirits. Fourpenny House will feature a rotating seasonal menu and beer brewed in-house, as well as local and national beers and a collection of rare and craft whiskeys and bourbons. 8323 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa. (619) 606-2028, fourpennyhouse.com

 

Frost Me Café & Bakery, Little Italy
Frost Me Gourmet, the Seaport Village cupcake shop that came up a winner on Food Network’s ninth season of “Cupcake Wars,” will open its second shop this winter in Little Italy. Located on Little Italy’s new pedestrian Piazza della Famiglia, the outlet will serve desserts, sandwiches, salads, charcuterie boards, coffee drinks, beer and wine. 523 W. Date St., Little Italy. frostmegourmet.com

 

Gravity Heights, Sorrento Valley
Whisknladle Hospitality, Alesmith co-founder Skip Virgilio and brewer Ryan Trim are collaborating on this enormous project that will combine a 7,000-square-foot restaurant and tasting room and 5,000-square-foot beer garden. It aims for a late 2018 opening. 9920 Pacific Heights Blvd., San Diego. gravityheights.com

 

Great Maple, Westfield UTC
Offering modern American fare in a mid-century modern atmosphere, Great Maple has been packing in hipster crowds at its Hillcrest location since 2013. Brunch is as popular as the maple bacon doughnuts that are served at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The company’s fourth location at Westfield UTC will open this winter. 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. thegreatmaple.com

 

Grubby’s Poke & Fish Market, Carlsbad
This new concept from the owners of Señor Grubby’s will feature poke bowls, fresh fish entrees and locally caught sushi-grade fish sold by the pound. The Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad. grubbyspoke.com

 

Haru Mama, Little Italy
This winter, Jenny and James Pyo, who own Love Boat Sushi, Pokewan and several other local Asian eateries, will open this contemporary ramen bar, featuring steamed buns, bowls, noodle dishes and salads. 1901 Columbia St., Little Italy. (619) 564-8970.

 

Javier’s Cantina, Westfield UTC
Founded in Laguna Beach in 1995, Javier’s serves elevated Mexican cuisine and a vast selection of tequilas in luxurious surroundings. Traditional and contemporary Mexican dishes are prepared with prime Nebraskan Angus beef, Mexican prawns, Maine lobster, Dungeness crab and natural chicken. The location will open this winter. 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. javiers-cantina.com

 

The Kitchen, Rancho Bernardo
Bernardo Winery owner Ross Rizzo Jr. will open this Italian-American wine-themed restaurant on the winery property in the spring. Rizzo’s restaurant will use recipes that have been in his family since the 1920s. The Kitchen replaces Café Merlot, which was set to close on Dec. 31. 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, Rancho Bernardo. (858) 487-1866, bernardowinery.com

 

Lola 55, East Village
Owner Frank Vizcarra and Chef Drew Bent are planning an early spring opening for this fine/fast-casual restaurant serving a Mexican-inspired healthy menu of gourmet tacos with a full bar program. 1290 F St., East Village. lola55catering.com

 

Lucha Libre Taco Shop, Carlsbad
The family-run, Mission Hills-born taqueria celebrates its 10th anniversary this winter by opening its third location in the Shoppes at Carlsbad mall. The colorful eateries are as well known for their Mexican wrestling-inspired decor as their award-winning burritos. The Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real, Suite 218-C, Carlsbad. tacosmackdown.com

 

Maestoso, Hillcrest
Celebrated New York chef Marco Maestoso will partner with Dalila Ercolani and local Italian ex-pats Christopher Antinucci and Giulia Colmignoli (owners of the Napizza chain) to open a 90-seat modern Italian restaurant this winter in The Hub Hillcrest Market. Maestoso’s four-part menu will feature pinsa (an ancient form of pizza), build-your-own pasta dishes, traditional plated entrees and a chef’s whim option called passaggi. 1040 University Ave., Hillcrest. casamaestoso.it

 

Mavericks Beach Club, Pacific Beach
The former PB Bar & Grill is being remodeled and will reopen this winter as a 15,000-square-foot restaurant and bar. 860 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach. maverickssd.com

 

Menya Ultra Ramen, Mira Mesa
Japanese diners have been celebrating this house-made ramen chain for more than 20 years, but it was unknown to Americans until the company opened its first U.S. outlet in Clairemont Mesa last summer. A second is planned in Mira Mesa later this year. 8141 Mira Mesa Blvd., Mira Mesa. menya-ultra.com

 

Monzu Fresh Pasta, East Village
Italians Aldo de Dominicis Rotondi and Serena Romano are planning a restaurant/retail pasta shop in East Village later this winter. A wide range of house-made, fresh pastas will be made daily, along with a variety of sauces from different regions of Italy. 455 Tenth Ave., East Village. monzufreshpasta.com

 

North Park Breakfast Company, North Park
This new concept from Rise & Shine Restaurant Group will focus on lighter breakfast items to meet the needs of health-conscious brunchers. Items will include quinoa blueberry pancakes, guava-infused pancakes and stuffed potato breakfast bakes. A winter opening is planned. 3131 University Ave., North Park. breakfast-company.com

 

Parana Empanadas, Westfield UTC
This family-owned company, offering Argentinian empanadas developed from family recipes, will open its second storefront this winter at Westfield UTC. The family project started in farmers markets around San Diego then expanded to its location at Liberty Public Market. Westfield UTC, 4545 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla. paranaempanadas.com

 

Park Commons, Sorrento Valley
Whisknladle Hospitality is taking over the former San Diego Tech Center building to create a 10,000-square-foot food hall and event space. Chef Ryan Johnston will oversee the multi-concept food stations that will serve salads, Middle Eastern wraps, street tacos, poke, sandwiches and coffee, plus an evening bar. A summer opening is projected. The Park, 9645 Scranton Road, Sorrento Valley. whisknladle.com

 

Pisco Rotisserie & Cevicheria, Carlsbad
Sami Ladeki, founder of Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza chain, launched this Peruvian restaurant concept last summer. Pisco has a rotisserie and ceviche-centric menu developed by Emmanuel Piqueras, a chef and Peruvian cooking show producer. The first location opened at Liberty Station, with a second location scheduled to open in January at a former North County’ Sammy’s location. 5790 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad

 

Pizza Republic, North Park
Rise & Shine Restaurant Group does more than just breakfast. Restaurateur Johan Engman is branching out, reaching into the dinner hour with an Italian-style, artisan-wood-fired-pizza concept this winter. 2726 University Ave., North Park. pizzarepublicca.com

 

Point Loma Fish Shop, Point Loma
Billy Ramirez will open the fourth location of his 8-year-old Fish Shop casual seafood chain this winter in Point Loma. Like the other locations, the eatery will serve a variety of fresh-caught seafood in soups, sandwiches and grilled platters. 1110 Rosecrans St., Suite 100, Point Loma. facebook.com/plfishshop

 

Punch Bowl Social, East Village
One of America’s fastest-growing hospitality chains, Punch Bowl is poised to open nine new outlets in the U.S. in 2018, including a 24,000-square-foot venue in East Village. Billed by Inc. magazine as the “boozy utopia of fun,” Punch Bowl will combine a casual Southern-style restaurant with a bowling alley, bar, arcade and karaoke center. 15th and E streets, East Village. punchbowlsocial.com

 

Queenstown Bistro, Westfield UTC
This winter, the owners of Queenstown Public House in Little Italy will open Queenstown Bistro (formerly known as Arbor), serving wine and craft beer, shareable plates and organic sandwiches and burgers for lunch and dinner. Westfield UTC, 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. (619) 546-0444, queenstownbistro.com

 

Raised by Wolves, Westfield UTC
This winter, CH Projects will open this $2 million spirits-themed retail shop and speakeasy-style cocktail tasting room at Westfield UTC mall. The shop will offer a 1,500-square-foot shop selling books, barware and CH-branded products with a hidden cocktail bar for onsite tastings. Westfield UTC, 4545 La Jolla Village Dr., Suite 4301, La Jolla, consortiumholdings.com

 

Raising Cane’s, Vista
San Diego County’s first Raising Cane’s chicken fingers outlet will open this year in Vista Village. The drive-thru fast-food eatery will replace the shuttered Famous Dave’s barbecue restaurant. 303 Vista Village Drive, Vista. raisingcanes.com

 

Rio Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse, San Marcos
This Brazil-inspired restaurant specializes in charcoal-grilled meats as part of a 20-item buffet. It replaces the shuttered Elephant Bar restaurant in Grand Plaza later this winter. 105 S. Las Posas Road, San Marcos. (760) 539-7878.

 

Sisters Pizza, Bankers Hill
Emily Green will open an East Coast-style pizzeria this spring in a former beauty salon space in Bankers Hill. It’s named for her late sister, Kate, who died in 2016. Chef Alex Carballo (former chef/owner of URBN Coal Fired Pizza) is helping Green develop the menu, which will include pastas, salads, sandwiches and more. 3603 Fourth Ave., Bankers Hill. (858) 228-6822, sisterspizzasd.com

 

Swami’s Cafe, Vista
The healthy-foods café chain will open its 10th San Diego County location in Vista this winter. Expect a healthy, fresh menu of açai bowls, pastries, smoothies and sandwiches in the Vista Village spot formerly occupied by El Callejon Mexican restaurant. Vista Village Center, 1 Main St., Vista. swamiscafe.com

 

Sweetfin Poké, Westfield UTC
This Los Angeles-born, build-your-own-bowl poke chain, founded for “Top Chef” alumnus Dakota Weiss, specializes in selling only sustainable raw fish for its hearty quick-service bowls. The La Jolla location, opening in January, will be the chain’s eighth. 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego. sweetfinpoke.com

 

Table Food + Drink, Rancho Santa Fe
On Jan. 6, the former César RSF will reopen as Table Food + Drink, serving a more contemporary, American-style menu. Opened in summer 2016 by Bay area restaurateurs Richard and Terumi Mazzera, Cesar was a Southern California version of their popular Spanish tapas bar, which has operated in Berkeley for more than 20 years. Besides a newly remodeled dining room, the restaurant has a new chef, Jon Hearnsberger, whose menu includes buttermilk-fried chicken, grilled wedge salad and panko-crusted sole. 16089 San Dieguito Road, Rancho Santa Fe. (858) 771-1313 or tablefooddrink.com

 

Texas De Brazil, Carlsbad
This Brazilian-style churrascaria will open in late 2018 in The Shoppes at Carlsbad mall. The 20-year-old Texas-based chain’s restaurants serve all-you-can-eat grilled and roasted meats served tableside. The Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad. texasdebrazil.com

 

Volcano Rabbit, Gaslamp Quarter
Don Chido, a 3-year-old modern Mexican eatery shuttered in November for an overhaul and rebranding that will finish up later this winter. Owner RMD Group says the new restaurant/bar, renamed Volcano Rabbit, will be more nightlife-focused with an elevated lounge, music, dance floor and improved menu featuring craft tacos by Chef Andre Alto. 527 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp. (619) 232-8226, donchido.com

 

Ways & Means Oyster House, La Jolla
This spring, the Orange County restaurant company will open its first San Diego County location in the former Alfonso’s space in La Jolla. Ways & Means, with outlets in Huntington Beach and Tigard, Ore., is known for its vast menu of fresh raw oysters, including a brand of its own. 1251 Prospect St., La Jolla. wmoysters.com

 

West Pac Noodle Bar, Coronado
Blue Bridge Hospitality’s culinary tribute to San Diego’s naval history features the cuisine of eight Pacific Rim countries. It should open this month. 1166 Orange Ave., Coronado. westpacnoodle.com

 

When Pigs Fly, Vista
Dale and Tommy Ginos, who have run their award-winning barbecue restaurant for the past four years at a Chevron gas station in North Vista, are relocating their eatery this month to a newly renovated storefront in Vista Village. 230 Main St., Vista. (760) 945.7828, whenpigsflybbq.com

 

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, Westfield UTC
This Orange County-based wine-country-themed restaurant will open its third Southern California location this winter at Westfield UTC. Its opening chef is Yvon Goetz, the former executive chef at the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Beach. The 8,000-square-foot restaurant will have a quick-service 1,000-square-foot wine bar and a wine list with more than 650 labels. 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. thewinerytustin.com

 

Wokcano, Carlsbad
The L.A.-based chain will open its first San Diego location later this winter in The Shoppes at Carlsbad shopping mall. The Asian fusion restaurant offers a contemporary take on Japanese and Chinese cuisine, including sushi, sashimi, noodle dishes and Asian-inspired cocktails. The Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad. wokcanorestaurant.com

 

(Article originally appeared in the San Diego Union Tribune)

Filed Under: San Diego Tagged With: best new restaurants san diego, carmel valley san diego, del mar, del mar real estate, del mar real estate agent, del mar realtor, fine dining san diego, la jolla, la jolla real estate, la jolla real estate agent, la jolla realtor, new restaurants san diego, new restaurants san diego 2018, places to eat in san diego, san diego, san diego dining, san diego food, san diego real estate, san diego real estate agent, san diego realtor, san diego restaurants, solana beach, solana beach real estate, solana beach real estate agent, solana beach realtor, where to eat in san diego

Featured Properties

No properties found

My name is Danielle Negroni and I'm a licensed Realtor with over 10 years of experience buying and selling in the San Diego Coastal area.
Please let me know how I can serve you!

Call 858-735-5767 or contact me today !

DRE #01881800 | Coastal Premier Properties DRE #02109201

  • "Danielle really spent the time educating us about the different neighborhoods in San Diego County so we could make an informed decision about where to purchase a home based upon our family's needs and not just a quick sale. She really worked above and beyond.”

    - Julianne S.

  • “I asked Danielle to help my 73 year old mother find a place to live. She worked tirelessly to find my mom the best solution for her situation. I was so impressed and relieved knowing that Danielle was looking out for her best interest. She is a rare find.”

    - Monica D.

  • “Because we are re-locating to San Diego, it was so helpful to learn from Danielle how to enroll our kids in school, where our girls could take dance lessons and how to sign up for the local soccer program. I would hire Danielle again in a second!”

    - Amy A.

  • “Danielle helped us sell our home in a very difficult market. We would recommend Danielle to anyone looking for an agent who will understand their needs, anxieties, and budget. You could very well come away with a new great friend as well.”

    - Trish C.

sandicor This information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. You should rely on this information only to decide whether or not to further investigate a particular property. BEFORE MAKING ANY OTHER DECISION, YOU SHOULD PERSONALLY INVESTIGATE THE FACTS (e.g. square footage and lot size) with the assistance of an appropriate professional. You may use this information only to identify properties you may be interested in investigating further. All uses except for personal, non-commercial use in accordance with the foregoing purpose are prohibited. Redistribution or copying of this information, any photographs or video tours is strictly prohibited. This information is derived from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) service provided by Sandicor®. Displayed property listings may be held by a brokerage firm other than the broker and/or agent responsible for this display. The information and any photographs and video tours and the compilation from which they are derived is protected by copyright. Compilation © 2015 Sandicor®, Inc.

Website produced by the Impression Chefs