Looking for the absolute best restaurants in Oceanside, CA to check out on your trip? I promise not to steer you wrong with these 12 epic eateries.
Oceanside continues to be one of my favorite places to visit in North County San Diego, and the food scene is a big part of that.
For such a small, laidback surf town, Oceanside is bursting at the seams with excellent restaurants. From eateries with Michelin Guide nods to more casual fare that’s perfect for capping off a day at the beach, you’ll find a wide variety of food options in this coastal Southern California city.
Here’s a shortlist of the places you can’t miss and don’t miss my travel guide to Oceanside for even more fun things to do in California during your trip.
But first…are you planning a trip to Oceanside? Here are my top picks for places to stay and things to do
Best Hotels in Oceanside
- Mission Pacific Beach Resort for the best overall beachfront hotel with an epic rooftop bar.
- The Seabird, which is also beachfront and a more family-friendly option.
- The Brick Hotel, for a small boutique vibe with a lot going on right on site.
Top Rated Tours in Oceanside
- Learn to surf with this top-rated two hour surf lesson in Oceanside
- Book a whale watching tour that departs from Oceanside Pier
- Capture your family memories with a local photography session on the beach
Best Restaurants in Oceanside CA
Dija Mara
Don’t miss booking a reservation at Dija Mara ahead of your trip. This Michelin guide recognized Balinese-inspired restaurant serves the most mouth-watering fare—literally everything we tried was “omg” worthy.
If you’ve traveled to Bali, then you’ll recognize classic dishes on the menu like the Nasi Goreng. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here, but the Pork Belly Skewers and Charred Eggplant are also a 10/10.
Just note that Dija Mara can book up at popular times quite far in advance, so it’s best to book ahead. We were able to find a last minute 5 pm dinner slot, so if you don’t mind eating early that might be a last minute option too!
Privateer Coal Fire Pizza
Upscale brewery meets friendly pizzeria vibes at this family-owned spot that’s been serving locals and visitors alike for almost a decade.
Privateer Coal Fire Pizza is a local O’side gem, serving pizzas, salads, soups and specialty dishes all made from scratch and utilizing fresh and organic ingredients from local farms.
Privateer has also been recognized for their wine selection by Wine Spectator magazine, so make sure to take a peek at their wine list featuring around 150 wines by the bottle and 40 offered by the glass, mostly focused on California.
The Plot
Although The Plot has received numerous accolades, I was still amazed by the quality of the food and flavors, especially considering it’s a fully plant-based restaurant.
The creativity with which they use plant-based ingredients and practice sustainability and zero-waste, is truly nothing like I’ve seen before in a restaurant.
The Plot is owned and operated by local couple Davin and Jessica Waite, and this family-run business reflects the passion they’ve poured into The Plot.
As active members of the Oceanside community, they are at the forefront of promoting a sustainable future for the area and that dedication shines through in the food.
The interior here is also lovely with a spacious and industrial feel inside and a more dining-in-the-garden feel on their back patio.
Valle
During my first visit to Oceanside, I had the chance to experience Valle, the city’s only Michelin-starred restaurant.
What makes it even more remarkable is that it’s a Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant, a rare achievement in and of itself. As of 2023, there were only seven Mexican restaurants in the entire U.S. awarded with Michelin stars, so it’s a pretty big deal.
Situated right on the strand with views of the iconic Oceanside Pier, Valle offers stunning gastronomic creations via their tasting menu, highlighting contemporary Mexican cuisine at its finest.
The entire experience from top to bottom was wonderful, so don’t miss this one if you’re looking to splurge a little bit on a one-of-a-kind fine dining experience in Oceanside.
Wrench and Rodent
Owned by the same Oceanside locals who brought us The Plot, Wrench and Rodent takes pride in serving responsibly sourced seafood and produce while showcasing a unique and inventive culinary approach.
The restaurant offers both a set sushi menu and an omakase experience, along with daily specials that creatively use every part of the fish to minimize waste and maximize flavor.
Swami’s Cafe Oceanside
If you’re not sure where to eat in Oceanside last minute, then Swami’s Cafe is a good, casual go-to spot.
This local, family-owned chain of restaurants has taken over San Diego county and for good reason.
Their no-frills style cafe serves fresh options for breakfast and lunch, and offers generous portions of tried and true classics like breakfast omelettes, burritos, eggs benedict and breakfast sandwiches.
Swami’s is located right off North Coast highway and is a local favorite you can’t miss while in O’side.
LTH (Local Tap House)
Considered one of the go-to locals spots in town, LTH (Local Tap House) is a relaxed sports bar and restaurant with a buzzy atmosphere.
One thing I really like about this spot is that they have a unique indoor/outdoor setup with window seating, where half your party can be seated inside and half outside.
As far as the menu goes, the portions here are generous, so definitely come hungry. They’re open for brunch, lunch and dinner, and serve classic comfort food with a twist like burgers, fries and tacos, with some unexpected menu additions like Coconut Curry Udon Noodles.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter and healthier, try the flavorful Black & Blue Brussels Sprouts or the Sweet Potato Street Corn Salad. Both are packed with flavor and will still fill you up, guaranteed.
Matsu
Named “Best Japanese Restaurant” by San Diego Magazine two years in a row, Matsu is a must for all Japanese cuisine lovers. But don’t expect your typical sushi experience here.
Chef William Eick offers an impressive omakase tasting menu, featuring ten courses that highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients. The dishes span a variety of flavors, featuring items like tuna and wagyu, with a vegan tasting menu option as well.
If you’re not ready for the full 10-course experience, don’t fret. Matsu also offers a la carte options and takes walk-ins for bar seating.
The Rooftop Bar at Mission Pacific
Mission Pacific’s Rooftop Bar is located directly on the strand overlooking the Oceanside Pier, so I recommend booking a table at golden hour so you can watch a classic California sunset from one of the best seats in the house.
The main reason to come here is really for the views, but the ambiance (complete with vibey music), yummy cocktails and bites, all make the Mission Pacific’s Rooftop Bar a fun nighttime spot with friends.
Here you’ll find mostly small plates and sharing items like Tuna Tartar, a Cheese Monger plate, Pork Wild Wings and Oysters.
To really splurge, guests can opt for the Seafood Tower or Mezze Platter featuring Wagyu Hangar steak and prawns.
Blade 1936
Situated in the historic space that was once home to the Blade Tribune newspaper, Blade 1936 is a modern Italian eatery that should definitely be on your radar of where to eat in Oceanside.
Here you can expect classic Italian appetizers and Neopolitan style wood-fired pizzas with dessert staples like Tiramisu and Cannoli Siciliani to cap off your meal.
Pro tip: If you’re visiting with your partner, try to plan your reservation for Wednesday night when they offer a special date night menu that offers a steal of one app, two mains, a dessert and a bottle of house wine for only $85 per couple.
Little Fox Cup and Cones
What began as a pandemic passion project for local Oceansider Meghan Koll quickly turned into something more, leading her to open the doors of her very own shop, Little Fox Cups and Cones.
This isn’t your average ice cream shop either. With a super chic, design-forward vibe and a menu of surprising flavor concoctions, Little Fox Cup and Cones is an experience.
We had the chance to chat with her during our visit, and she shared how she wanted to create an ice cream shop that appealed not only to kids but to adults as well; she’s definitely accomplished just that.
Some of the unique menu items include: Lavender Haze is a coconut milk base infused with Thai basil and lemongrass, topped with sweet and spicy shredded coconut, and their most intriguing creation is Sesame Street, featuring a tahini cream base, date reduction, and a rich chocolate cookie crumble.
Homestate
One of the newer restaurants on the North County food scene is Homestate, a Texas style kitchen that has expanded all over Los Angeles and is now beginning their San Diego takeover in Oceanside.
This spot is perfect for breakfast or lunch (or a boozy brunch) when you need your fill of breakfast tacos, as they have quite an extensive selection.
You’ll find other Tex-mex comfort food options here like Loaded Queso, Crispy Potatoes, and Pickled Jalapenos, plus a fun drink menu which even includes a Cookie Milk Iced Coffee (chocolate chip cookies “steeped” in oat milk and served with a chilly cup of caffeine).
I mean, how good does THAT sound?!
I hope this list of the best restaurants in Oceanside CA inspired you to expand your food horizons and try a few new spots. Let me know in the comments where you try!
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