The 26,700-square-foot Sky Deck at Del Mar Highlands Town Center has arrived and with it comes nine new restaurants, a focal-point bar and three fresh tap stations. Here’s a look at some of its greatest hits. delmarhighlandstowncenter.com/skydeck
Developer Pat Donahue was inspired by the upscale El Nacional dining hub in Barcelona for the concept of Sky Deck and its design SKY DECK PHOTO BY ERIC SCIRE
A selection of Ambrogio15’s decadent pizzas. BY KIMBERLY MOTO
AMBROGIO15 From co-founders Giacomo Pizzigoni, Luca Salvi and Andrea Burrone comes the third location of pizza haven Ambrogio15. Chef Silvio Salmoiraghi, an alum of Italy’s Michelin-starred Ristorante Acquerello, is manning the kitchen and offering diners exciting new options at Sky Deck—don’t miss the Milano City of Gold pie topped with burrata, saffron bechamel, veal Milanese, bone marrow, beef tartare and 24K gold leaf. For a full taste of its Italian offerings, opt for the five-course chef’s tasting set in an exclusive dining area that pays homage to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. 858.925.7036, ambrogiodelmar.com
Chula Vista’s Boochcraft Organic Hard Kombucha is one of three local brands to man the Brewers Deck PHOTO: COURTESY OF BOOCHCRAFT HARD KOMBUCHA
Flights of fresh beer await at Northern Pine Brewing at the Brewers Deck COURTESY OF BRANDS
BREWERS DECK Located atop Sky Deck’s second story, the Brewers Deck is an oasis of imbibing with sips served by Oceanside’s Northern Pine Brewing, Miramar’s Rough Draft Brewing Company and Chula Vista’s Boochcraft Organic Hard Kombucha. Gather friends around the space’s communal tables to sample tastes from its 18-tap bars and order dishes for delivery from select Sky Deck restaurants. northernpinebrewing.com; roughdraftbrew.com; boochcraft.com
Chef Caesar Huerta shows off myriad dishes at Craft House. COURTESY OF BRANDS
CRAFT HOUSE What began in 2016 as a food truck concept dubbed Monster Crafts—thanks to its signature “monster” burgers—is now a burgeoning brand. Its Sky Deck location marks its second San Diego address (the other is in North Park) and its menu offers American fare with a Mexican twist. By day, dig into its storied monster burgers—we’re partial to the Shrooms & Truffle stacked with herb-roasted shiitake mushrooms, black truffle, smoked Gouda, wild baby arugula, garlic aioli and onion jam (opt for the pork belly add-on to up the flavor profile even further). And by night, return for elevated dishes including a 38-ounce herb butter tomahawk, whole grilled branzino and Oaxacan-braised short rib. 858.925.7067, crafthouseskydeck.com
FAR EAST FLAVORS Fans of fare from Thailand and Japan will delight in dining at Kiin Extraordinary Thai and Marufuku Ramen, respectively. Kiin’s founder, Patty Thongchua, creates elevated Thai flavors by utilizing farm-fresh local ingredients in her signature dishes ranging from crispy tangerine chicken to braised beef panang curry. Meanwhile, Marufuku offers its patrons authentic Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen featuring a creamy umami broth, ultrathin noodles and chashu crafted from the most selective pork. Up next: the debut of Glass Box, a sushi concept where an upscale omakase experience will be available—all within the glass walls of its uberchic dining space. 858.925.7318, kiinthaidelmar.com; 619.866.6117, marufukuramen.com; glassboxsd.com
J The debut concept of 20-year-old executive chef James Augustine, J is an upscale adventure through refined American flavors. Start with the lamb meatballs or Spanish octopus before enjoying baked bucatini or sous vide lamb chops. While butter cake and baklava ice cream cake tempt, we also encourage you to swing by Le Parfait Paris to pick up sweet treats (think made-from-scratch macarons and pastries) for a late-night indulgence or to brighten up breakfast. 858.925.7598, jskydeck.com; 619.245.4457, leparfaitparis.com
UNDERSTORY Belly up to the bar at Understory, Sky Deck’s 85-seat watering hole that’s located in the center of the culinary hub. It’s there imbibers will find exquisite craft cocktails from Amer Jabbar. Highlights include the mai tai-inspired Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco, served in a photoworthy elephant vessel, and the mezcal-tinged Spring Pepper. Named for the space between the canopy and floor of a forest, the whimsical concept requires a reservation and enchants with acoustic live music to accompany its exquisite sipping experience. 858.925.7022, understorybar.com
Photography by:
