This San Diego “winter,” get warm (OK, warmer) sipping savory soups about town. It may be the perfect temperature out, but you’ll feel even more cozy with these seasonal and local restaurant offerings.
Tin Leaf Fresh Kitchen, Carlsbad
Homemade soup options, like creamy celery, lentil or tomato bisque are found by the bowlful at this delicious café tucked in a shopping center off El Camino Real. Slurp a generous portion all by itself or add it to the side of your salad or sandwich. It’s the perfect seasonal meal from a business committed to green practices and sourcing local ingredients.
Lordes, Escondido
The chicken soup here is more than good for your soul. San Diegans claim that the concoction walks on water and can cure the common cold. Beyond remedies, it’s also delicious! The combination of flavors is simple; you’ll find Spanish rice, chicken, cilantro, onion, avocado, some citrus but there is a bit of magic there: Try it and see if you agree.
Spike Africa, Downtown
It’s all about the Clam Chowder. Creamy and traditional, it’s chock full of sea clams and russets and served up in positively cozy manner. We suggest it as a starter for dinner or make it your lunch hour. It’s available gluten free and to top off a warm, comfort food evening, order the sea salt caramel and rum butterscotch pudding afterward for dessert.
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Lotus Café & Juice Bar, Encinitas
The all-natural soups are fresh, homemade and change daily. There is always one Vegan option, usually also Gluten free, on the menu. It always comes with a side of yummy bread (again, GF options are available), and if the flavors available are not to your liking, the eatery also has a fantastic hearty chili that’s a local favorite.
San Diego Soup Shoppe, El Cajon Boulevard
Options abound and overflow at this joint. Choose from a flavorful New England clam chowder, Italian wedding soup, mushroom and Brie or a roasted red pepper and Gouda concoction. That’s not all! There’s marvelous lobster bisque with sherry and you can get any of them in a bread bowl for just $2 more.
Bread & Cie, Hillcrest
There is a daily special soup made from scratch, so ask about it when you arrive. Still, no matter what day of the week, you’ll find their famous creamy tomato, seasoned with onions, carrots, garlic and basil. You can add a cup to selected items for $2.95. We suggest combining it with the decadent Fontina grilled cheese sandwich on a Parmesan-crusted sourdough.
Trish Sanderson is the community manager and marketing director for Yelp North County San Diego. She leads the local community of Yelp reviewers both online and off.
