SoCal Mags

[concretejungle]

I need to buy a gift certificate for my father and his wife for Christmas. I was thinking that a nice restaurant in the Encinitas, Del Mar, North County area would fit the bill. Any suggestions for a nice restaurant, good views, food, etc. that is nice but not too expensive would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Viva]

I can't think of any place in North County (at least north of Del Mar) that has any kind of appreciable view.

Anywho...

My favorite hangout is Tastes, on the coast Hwy between E and F streets. Very nice wine selection and usually has table available since everyone wants to stay at the bar. If anyone wants to run into me, Tastes is a good bet.

Two rather nice places on el Camino Real are Savory and Firefly. Savory is slightly more upscale and has slightly better food. Both have a nice wine selection.

http://www.savorycasualfare.com/
http://www.fireflygrillandwinebar.com/

Firenze, on the boarder of Encinitas and Rancho Santa Fe is nice. On Monday nights most of their wine by the bottle is 1/2 off. The food is good. Typically an older and uber rich crowd.
http://firenzetrattoria.com/DIRECTIONS.html

Blanca in Solana Beach has wonderful food and has been written up recently in Zagat, I think.

Stay the fuck away from Trattoria I Truilli in Encinitas. I dated one of the owners last summer and the bitch dumped me.

Market Restaurant in Del Mar has excellent food...really excellent food.

Fidels, in Del Mar for a nice Mexican Dinner

Trattoria Positano in Cardiff is your best bet for a nice restaurant with a view. It's on San Elijo, across the tracks from...whatever beach that is there. Very nice Italian and a lovely rustic setting.

There's a Vigiluccis on the corner of coast Hwy and E St. in Encinitas. Never been, but always a crowd.
http://www.vigiluccis.com/reviews.html

I'll post more when I think of something else.