Tapas, cocktails, and community come together at North County’s newest culinary gem.
If you’ve been craving something fresh and exciting in the North County dining scene, consider this your official heads-up: CTZN (pronounced “citizen”) has landed in Solana Beach — and it’s already making waves.
PHOTOS VIA VERY NORTH COUNTY
Inspired by a visit to a tapas bar in Boston, siblings Willy and Karine drew on their French heritage and travels through the Basque region to create a concept that celebrates its bold flavors, rich traditions, and culture of food as celebration. The result is a menu that tells the stories of the Basque Country — spanning northern Spain and southwest France — through inventive dishes and drinks designed to transport guests on an immersive sensory journey.
CTZN goes beyond the expected with pintxos (“small snacks”), quesos, and other perfectly executed Spanish classics. Must-try dishes include the croquetas de pollo, pan con tomate, and patatas bravas.
CTZN also offers a selection of quesos, plated with jamón ibérico (which you can see in all of its glory peering out from the kitchen), spicy chorizo, and buttery lomo — all perfectly paired with good bread. Bonus tip: pair these with a glass of wine.
For something heartier, order one of the rotating paellas — braised short rib, firewood roasted seafood, or asparagus — all slow-cooked and deeply flavorful. (If a paella catches your eye, order early in the meal as they take longer to prepare).
The Raciones menu is made for sharing, with bold plates that mix coastal freshness, local produce, and Basque-inspired flavors. Think charred Temecula avocado with crisp talo, bluefin tuna tartar with smoky shoyu vinaigrette, and wood-fired squid with cilantro emulsion. Hearty standouts like grilled prawns in espelette butter, pulpo with chorizo romesco, and crispy patatas bravas keep the table lively, while seasonal veggies — beets with peach vinaigrette, charred carrots with smoked honey, and wild mushrooms over yam purée — bring balance and depth. It’s the kind of spread designed for grazing, passing, and going back for more.
For dessert, don’t miss the fan favorite wong mango and Basque cheesecake: soft, slightly tangy, and 100% worth saving room for.
Leading the kitchen is Chef Matthew Crawford, an ingredient-driven chef with over 15 years of experience. With roots in California Modern cuisine and touches of New England influence, he brings a deep respect for local, seasonal ingredients and open-fire cooking techniques. His background includes roles with Hilton as well as time spent on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, where foraging and coastal flavors became integral to his style. At CTZN, Crawford channels his passion for thoughtful, flavor-driven cooking into every plate.
The cocktail list is a work of art in its own right. Favorites include the Sirimiri, Say Cheese, and several off-menu custom drinks crafted based on your flavor preferences. Whether you like your cocktails spirit-forward, citrusy, or totally unexpected, the bartenders are ready to create something memorable. Mocktails and zero-proof options are also available — and beautifully presented.
PHOTOS VIA VERY NORTH COUNTY
The service is what takes CTZN from a great meal to a memorable experience. Staff are knowledgeable, warm, and genuinely excited to walk you through the menu — even customizing recommendations based on what you’ve already ordered. The passion from both the team and the owners is palpable.
The interiors are stylish without trying too hard — warm tones, thoughtful details, and a welcoming hum of conversation. You’ll find indoor seating, a lively bar, and a cozy patio that’s perfect for quieter nights. Bonus points for free covered parking and an easy location just off the 101. Chic but unpretentious, buzzy but not overwhelming — think San Sebastián meets Cedros.
The Sirimiri cocktail, rabo de toro (short rib) paella, croquetas de pollo, wong mango & basque cheesecake.
Date nights, group hangs, bar-side tapas sessions, or a stylish night out in Solana Beach.
143 S. Cedros Ave, Solana Beach
Tues-Sat 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Pintxo Hour Tues-Fri 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Stay Connected @ctznsd // ctzn-sd.com
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