From La Jolla to Oceanside, new dining experiences are popping up all over America’s Finest City.
1. Ciao Ciao Piadina
Taste the flavors of Italy at La Jolla’s Ciao Ciao Piadina, where the art of the aperitivo is alive and well. The newly debuted concept comes courtesy of the owners behind Ambrogio15 pizzeria and new pasta spot Semola (more on that to come). Order a Barolo and settle into the gorgeous space, where classic Italian sandwiches stacked with cured meats and cheeses are sure to satisfy. 868.263.4344, ciaociaopiadinasd.com
2. Greenfinch Restaurant & Bar
Revamped in 2020, Greenfinch Restaurant & Bar at Estancia La Jolla continues to entice with a brand-new bar space, highlighted by tipples tinged with housemade bitters, local beers and an eclectic wine list. Adventurous imbibers should opt for the Dealer’s Choice to receive a personalized cocktail. 858.964.6500, meritagecollection.com
3. Pacific Catch
Pacific Catch is on its way to Westfield UTC
With 11 locations in the Bay Area, Pacific Catch is now making a splash in SoCal with its debut at Westfield UTC. Boasting “wave-to-table” cuisine, its wild-caught and sustainably raised seafood ranges from poke tostadas and pupu platters to sushi and fresh-catch entrees. Go ahead, dive in. pacificcatch.com
4. Piper
Designed by L.A.’s Bells + Whistles, Piper is the stunning new full-service restaurant at The Seabird Resort in Oceanside. Its forthcoming made-to-order pasta bar is sure to be a fan favorite, but in the meantime, indulge in its exquisite breakfast offerings from chef Kurtis Habecker. The avocado toast gets a unique kick with chili-ginger cream cheese, while the caramelized French toast is heavenly with brioche bread, citrus custard and date syrup. 760.512.3816, theseabirdresort.com
5. The Rooftop Bar
Next door to The Seabird—and six floors up—lies The Rooftop Bar at the new Mission Pacific Hotel. A concept from award-winning chef Roberto Alcocer, the space is Oceanside’s first sky-high bar, bringing with it tacos, ceviche, craft cocktails and stunning views of the Oceanside Pier. Look for Alcocer’s Valle Restaurant to open on the ground floor soon. 760.512.3331, missionpacifichotel.com
6. Semola
Semola’s signature salad
New to La Jolla, Semola is an Ambrogio15 gastronomy project helmed by chef Daniela Martinez. Classics like risotto and carpaccio receive an elevated upgrade—think saffron risotto dusted with 24K gold and carpaccio featuring wagyu and lemon pepper caviar. 858.412.3432, semolapasta.com
7. Trattoria Don Pietro
Escape to Sicily at Old Town’s new Trattoria Don Pietro, where the largest glass of rosé sangria in San Diego awaits, clocking in at a whopping 128 ounces. Inspired by their father, Salvatore Busalacchi, brothers Pietro and Joe are marrying classic flavors with a modern approach. Come hungry as plenty of pastas, pizzas and meat and seafood dishes are ready to satiate. 619.255.7205, trattoriadonpietro.com
8. Westerly Public House
Enjoy craft cocktails during Westerly Public House’s happy hour Sundays through Fridays from 3 to 6PM.
Located at The Monsaraz hotel in Point Loma, the new Westerly Public House draws upon the flavor profiles of California and Australia thanks to executive chef Jesse Paul. Unwind at the bar top—crafted from old surfboards, naturally—and sip local San Diego brews or vino imported from the Aussies. Menu items like the mushroom toastie are rooted in Australian traditions while dishes like the piri piri half chicken stay true to Portuguese influences present in the city. 619.790.5700, westerlysd.com
Photography by: Pork Belly Studio; @urbancell_gastronomy; Courtesy of The Monsaraz San Diego, Tapestry Collection By Hilton
