When you picture that perfect laid-back California beach town you see in the movies and TV shows, you’re imagining Oceanside. With the pristine beaches and easy-going attitude, it has become a go-to for anyone looking to get away from the big-city lifestyles of Los Angeles and San Diego.
Of course, what quintessential beach town is complete without a few world-class restaurants? Whether you want a relaxing snack on the beach or an eclectic California dining experience, here are our picks for the best restaurants in Oceanside, CA.
Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub
Wrenches? Rodents? Made up words? Put them all together and you have one of the most iconic restaurants in Oceanside, California: The Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub. And with a name like that, you know it has to be good!
Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub offers some of the most creative and eclectic seafood dishes in all of California. They focus on creating the ultimate sustainable fish dishes. And even better, you never know what you’re going to get! Head chef Davin Waite decides what the special dish will be every day before opening. You might not know what it’ll be, but you can be sure it’ll be creative, fresh, and incredibly delicious!
You can find the Wrench and the Rodent Seabasstropub on the main drag in Oceanside, the Coast Highway. It’s hard to miss with the olive-colored exterior and amazing window decorations.
Petite Madeline Bakery & Bistro
If you’re exploring the city around breakfast or lunchtime, there’s no better place to grab a bite to eat than Petite Madeline Bakery & Bistro. You might not think a bakery would make a list of top restaurants, but one taste of their delicious made-from-scratch baked goods and you’ll quickly see why Petite Madeline makes the cut.
You can grab breakfast at Petite Madeline Bakery & Bistro up until 3pm every day, which is perfect for those late risers out there! Every single thing made in the restaurant is completely made from scratch. You can choose from healthy options like soft boasted eggs and bacon topped on fresh baguettes, or you can build your own crepe or omelet creation.
For lunch, you can find all sorts of sandwiches and salads on the menu. But while the breakfast and lunch food is definitely a must-try, the real superstar is the dessert.
It’ll be hard to get through your main course without taking a peek behind the counter at the wide assortment of cakes, pies, eclairs, and cookies. Of course, everything is made from scratch with the freshest ingredients. It’s hard to find a better sweet snack in all of Oceanside — or perhaps California!
Masters Kitchen and Cocktail
For those who like history, cars, and high-quality food (or even just one of the three), Masters Kitchen and Cocktail is a must-visit while you’re in Oceanside. It’s a world-class restaurant set in a historic building that used to be a former drag racing car shop called Masters Automotive and Machine Shop (hence the name)!
Locals describe the restaurant as “Casual California, Elevated.” The menu is filled with creative appetizers, incredible entrees, and tons of specialty cocktails based on throwback recipes. And whatever you do, you don’t want to miss the Master’s Burger, which comes with aged white cheddar, bacon aioli, red onion, and a side of killer white truffle fries.
The Miller's Table
The Miller’s Table is another essential Oceanside eatery that focuses on classic flavors, a cozy atmosphere, and community.
Sit at one of the community tables and enjoy artful signature sandwiches, amazing salads, and seasonal vegetables made with local ingredients. Enjoy your meal with warming candlelight and a relaxing atmosphere to really take your time, enjoy the food, and maybe even make a few new friends.
In addition to the incredible food, The Miller’s Table also features great wine and beer, and they even offer pairing menus to give you the most out of your culinary experience.
However, they don’t call it The Miller’s “Table” for nothing. This hot Oceanside spot is known for its creative and amazing charcuterie boards where you can choose from a wide variety of cheeses and meats with plenty of fruit, nuts, spreads, jams, and breads to mix and match your perfect snack.
Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen
Who says you can’t find good barbeque outside of the southeast!? The Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen has proven itself to be one of the best BBQ restaurants this side of the Mississippi — with a California twist.
The Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen focuses on using organic, sustainable, and locally grown products, but definitely doesn’t skimp on the flavor. You can still find classic southern BBQ dishes like bacon mac and cheese that uses mornay cheese and Duroc bacon!
And when you’ve stuffed yourself silly on home-cooked goodies, be sure to check out the rotating beer tap and wine list before you hit the beach — which is only a few steps away!
Southern California is more than the ocean, beach, sun, and laid-back vibes — although there’s plenty of that here, too! Oceanside, California has proven itself as one of the best spots for foodies in the entire state. With an eclectic mix of dishes, creative concoctions, and plenty of sustainable and local ingredients, you definitely won’t want to miss a culinary experience (or two) next time you visit Oceanside.
If you want to make your visit to the San Diego area a bit more permanent — so you can enjoy the amazing food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner — reach out to the real estate experts at the Caspersen Group. We’re always happy to help you find the perfect SoCal property to fit your lifestyle and budget. When you’re ready to land your little slice of California paradise, contact us to get started.
Your Local San Diego, CA Real Estate Experts
For the past decade working side by side, Mark & Pete Caspersen have perfected their team approach to selling real estate in San Diego and North County. Specializing in residential, luxury, oceanfront, and investment properties, the Caspersen Group is renowned for their attentive service, leading-edge strategy and marketing, and no-nonsense style. Whether you’re making a move or hunting for your dream home, Mark & Pete are dedicated to making your process easygoing, stress-free and successful.
