The New Year brings plenty of new restaurants to San Diego, so draw up your dining bucket list and get to these local eateries. This list, compiled by Yelp, gives you the motivation to resolve to check out these new spots.
Roosevelt Pizzeria (Carlsbad)
Beautiful pizza pies plus Italian cuisine “with a twist” makes this new joint in the Carlsbad Village a fast favorite. Cleverly named after it’s geography on Roosevelt Street, diners will find a carb-loaded, mouthwatering menu that includes classic calzones and bread pudding.
Moto Deli (Leucadia)
Located at the former home of Leucadia’s beloved Sub Palace, this new eatery is slated to open later this month as a haven of beer, beaches, motorcycles and stuffed-to-the-brim sammies. We’re dying for the porcetta option: a sandwich piled with kale, lemon, crispy capers, smashed white beans, grilled rapini, pickled chilies and smoked garlic aioli, served hot on a Kaiser roll. By the sound of the menu, the reviews for this place are expected to be stellar.
Baguette Bros (Kearny Mesa)
Three local San Diego brothers decided to open a shop focused on quality, made-to-order Banh Mi – savory Vietnamese sandwiches – and, as a result, the local dining scene in Kearny Mesa for 2016 is looking mighty fine. The sandwich menu here is extensive: try one Gangnam Style with housemade kimcho miso aioli and a side of fresh shrimp chips. This spot also offers something called Bulgogi Fries: Bulgogi rib eye and sautéed onions on a mountain of fries, topped with a fried egg. Can you say New Year #foodgoals?
Burger Bench (Escondido)
At just a few weeks old, this new haven for meat lovers is already highly-rated and loved by Main Street locals. It’s located in the 1924 old Escondido Times building and boasts a menu filled with tater tots, grilled cheese and of course, burgers. The Chorizo Diablo is on our must-try list, topped with grilled peppers, cream cheese, lettuce, tomato and a spicy chipotle aioli made in-house.
Kindred (South Park/Golden Hill)
Finally, something to put on our vegan Happy Hour bar list! Locals have already given Kindred a solid 5-star rating, with pictures and reviews pouring in. The beet risotto dish has rave reviews, and the cocktail list is also being toasted by patrons. Unique menu items include a Fried and Pickled Platter and a seared cauliflower steak. We’re intrigued! Plus, this spot it comes with street cred as several well-known chefs have been spotted here, eating rather than cooking for a change.
The Brew Project (Hillcrest)
Need a place to perch for the playoffs? This is the gastropub/sports bar/brew house concept for you. Watch the game while feasting on items like Carne Asada Fries, Chicken and Waffle Bites or the Winter Is Coming Salad. On the weekend the brunch menu is served until 2:30 p.m. To wash it all down, the bar boasts an impressive collection of local craft brews all under one roof and a bottle shop for take-away.
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.
