As we head into Fall, we explore the latest in North County dining including a cozy dumpling bar with all the savory steam in Encinitas to a new Southern European bistro & wine bar in Oceanside.
PHOTOS VIA KIMBERLY MOTOS / EATER
Located in a vibrant coastal setting, Merenda offers everything from handmade pastas to inventive small plates, perfect for a relaxed yet refined dining experience with a Mediterranean-inspired menu that celebrates seasonal ingredients.
PHOTOS VIA YELP
Quickly gaining popularity with its lineup of handmade dumplings, Dumpling Bar offers flavorful chicken wontons in chili sauce, juicy xiao long bao (XLB), vegan dumplings, crispy pan-fried beef stickers, and more. With a cozy, transparent kitchen setup where you can watch dumplings crafted fresh, Dumpling Bar combines top-notch flavor with a warm, inviting atmosphere—well worth the wait.
PHOTOS VIA CAVES WINE BAR & SHOP
Leucadia has a new wine bar (and shop!) Caves has officially opened its doors. Located on Coast Highway 101, this new Wine Bar & Shop offers a carefully curated selection of wines by the glass, along with a range of unique bottles to enjoy on-site or take home. Stop by to explore their ever-evolving wine list and discover a new favorite in this welcoming, community-centered spot.
PHOTOS VIA CRACKHEADS
Recently opening its newest location in Oceanside, Crackheads offers a quirky, casual atmosphere and no-frills comfort food. Known for its diverse menu, it serves everything from tacos, ramen, and burgers to meatball sandwiches and onion rings… as well as Thai food! The restaurant’s unique vibe extends to its friendly, fast-paced bar scene, making it a great spot to watch sports, enjoy cocktails, or even play a game of cornhole. PS: Their outdoor space is pet-friendly.
More than 170 artists, an open-air tasting garden, live music and plenty to eat take over Girard Avenue October 10–11.
Smash burgers, roadside classics, steakhouse sleepers and a few very good reasons to order the burger.
How two Michelin-trained chefs are reimagining neighborhood dining in Encinitas through fresh pasta, thoughtful hospitality, and a community-first approach.
From chef-driven restaurants and neighborhood cafés to an independent bookstore and a shave ice shop made for sunny afternoons, these are the newest North County openings to add to your summer list.
Tucked beside Domaine Artefact’s vineyards, the new café pairs thoughtfully crafted coffee and seasonal fare with a warm, community-first atmosphere that invites guests to slow down and stay awhile.
Founder Katie Jayne shares the inspiration behind her Carlsbad market, her favorite North County spots, and her vision for building community through food.
