5 Best Restaurants in North County and Around, California

Flower Child

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Fast-casual takes a healthy spin at this cheery spot—think Technicolor peace sign, floral wallpaper in the bathroom, and power-boosting juices. The menu evokes the same colorful vibe with bowls like the Mother Earth (ancient grains and sweet potato) or the glow bowl (sweet potato noodles, bok choy, shiitake mushroom, and coconut milk); soups; mix-and-match sides; wraps; and salads mixed with fresh ingredients like organic kale, ginger miso vinaigrette, and proteins that include sustainable salmon, grass-fed steak, and organic, non-GMO tofu.

Jeremy's on the Hill

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Julian's most upscale restaurant has gained a solid reputation thanks to the chef's commitment to quality cuisine reflected in the farm-to-table menu. Although the menu features grilled steak and locally grown pork and veggies, the stars are rack of lamb, bison meat loaf, and some of the best burgers around.

Monarch Ocean Pub

$$ | Del Mar
Over the past decade, this coveted ocean-view spot in Del Mar has seen restaurants come and go, but finally Monarch did it right by transforming an 8,000-square-foot facility into dining space, an entertainment venue, and a sundeck for patrons and their pups. Inside, the California coastal menu itself is as cool as the 1970s decor, with rattan furniture and a poster of Tom Selleck greeting you at the door; outside a bridge connects the restaurant to “Monarch Park” where grab-'n'-go goodies can be enjoyed with live music Thursday–Sunday. Good luck wrapping your mouth around the short rib pastrami sandwich, brined for five days and piled high on toasted marbled rye. There’s no skimping on the lobster and shrimp roll, and the boat fries are perfect for scooping homemade ranch or aioli dip. Burgers, salads, and wood-fired smoked wings are just the right portions to save room for the Hawaiian doughnuts with Tahitian vanilla gelato.

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Vineyard Rose

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Step into South Coast Winery's dimly lit restaurant, where prices are high but wine pours are generous. Wooden pillars divide L-shape booths, and stained-glass windows of red roses that pay tribute to the name are the backdrop to a menu that delivers favorites like the charcuterie platter, Jidori chicken, and roasted salmon with heirloom tomato marmalade; hearty eaters will appreciate the selection of pork chop, Scottish salmon, and grilled filet mignon. Outdoor tables overlooking the lawn illuminated with market lights are equally romantic. Guests at South Coast Winery, or neighboring Carter Estate Resort, can charge their bill to the room.

Vintana

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Don't let its location above the Lexus dealership dissuade you; this swanky restaurant is part of the Cohen Restaurant empire and it's designed as three restaurants in one: a formal glass-walled dining room; a lively patio with firepits and cabanas; and the lobby bar with leather couches and a wine shop. No matter where you dine, try the macadamia-crusted sea bass or the pork chop with maple bourbon sauce, followed with a cocktail using one of the more than 125 vodkas. For something different, come for “Tuesday Date Night,” which features two entrées and a bottle of wine ($70).