Brigantine - Portside Pier

Brigantine - Portside Pier

★★★★☆ 3.9 (1759)

Dii T. "What a beautiful place! I shared a photo of where we were seated and I felt like it was the best seat in the house! There's really no bad seat in this restaurant, the whole place is well thought out. I absolutely loved being able to have good food while sitting waterfront.The food was good! The Lobster tacos were tender and well cooked, tasted fresh. Truffle fries? Yes, please. I felt there was too much oil on the green beans and carrots for my liking HOWEVER the vegetables had a nice crunch.The staff was friendly and attentive. I would love to come back!"

Cafe Sevilla

Cafe Sevilla

★★★★☆ 4 (4443) • $$

Scott H. "Fried calamari, enormous portion and tasted great. Shrimp tacos, chicken tacos, both outstanding. Shrimp and halibut ceviche top notch. The only thing I wasn't very fond of, the bacon wrapped dates. Somehow I missed the fact that it's bacon wrapped to start with. Just not very flavorful. Inadvertently came in during happy hour so prices were quite reasona"

Wet Stone Wine Bar

Wet Stone Wine Bar

★★★★★ 4.5 (624) • $$

Marcia R. "Great small wine bar excellent service We had over 1 huge charcuterie board for over 20+ family and friends a selection also Small intimate wine bar made this all by The Best friend to surprise The lovely engagement with music so perfect and amazing in Bunker Hill. Tapas were being passed out beacon wrapped dates with Gorgonzola lots more food to Hummus with Pomegranate so much food and White wines and Reds too your liking here it was all so goodServers were so so sweet here!! They passed lots of Hors d oeuvres around for our Daughter and soon to be Our in Family It's was a Surprise engagement party!! A great wine list with a champagne toast..What a great happy time for soon to be Mr. & Mrs. It such a great time for our families to share"

Tapas & Beers

Tapas & Beers

★★★★★ 4.6 (446) • $$

Cindy W. "I've been to Tapas & Beer 4 or 5 more times since my first visit last Fall. Anyone who I have brought here has loved it! Reservations aren't necessarily needed, but can be made on Open Table. This is a super convenient spot to have dinner if you're going to the Civic Theater. I absolutely love this downtown restaurant. The service is always outstanding and the food consistently delicious. I still love:- Mushroom and Brie toast-Garlic shrimp (ask for side of bread)-prosciutto flat bread -sausage flat bread -white sangria Happy Hour saves you a couple of dollars. A few things to note: -it's downtown, so if you sit on the patio. You may have homeless people loitering nearby -double check your bill when you scan your bill. Sometimes the app total isn't accurate. There's a great selection of beer and wine."

Tanuki

Tanuki

★★★★☆ 4.4 (441) • $$

Mia L. "I may have to come here again, the place was packed so we had to sit outside which didn't bother us at all. The service was very tentative and the food came out in a prompt manner. We didn't really know what to get so we did order it a little at a time. Each little dish that came out didn't really quite impress me but it wasn't bad either. The sashimi cuts were really bad, I think I came on a off day when someone in there didn't know how to slice fish.I wasn't really full at the end of the meal it made me felt like I wanted something more. But however they still get a four stars because nothing was bad and well I did dine with others and they thought it was good. So that's good enough for me to give them a four stars.I'll definitely have to revisit this place. I might be missing something?"

MAKE Projects

MAKE Projects

★★★★★ 4.9 (93)

Mikey H. "They have moved to a new location on University avenue and it's great! I love what they did with the space! The front patio is dog friendly which Cako appreciates! What I also love is that some of my students work here so I can be obnoxious and they have to be nice to me! LOL!I love how the menu changes depending on what's available. We tried the smashburger, seasonal vegetables, and some really delicious roasted dates! The chef sent us out some burrata cheese and bread...sooooo good! We also had the chicken skewers which were delicious! We passed on dessert because we were full!This is an amazing place to come to which gives young people and immigrants food service skills that they can take anywhere. Definitely worth going to for dinner or brunch!!!Cako Approves!"

Cellar Hand

Cellar Hand

★★★★★ 4.7 (37)

Emmett T. "It took longer than anticipated, but the owners of Pali Wine have now opened Cellar Hand in the Pride Plaza of Hillcrest. About half of the seating was on the adjacent outdoor patio along the east side of the structure that had several fire pits included. The open air interior could seat another 60 customers. Currently, only dinner is served from Wednesday to Sunday, but the plan is to add a weekend brunch.Hyper-local was the focus of the menu as the kitchen tried to execute the farm-to-table concept by using numerous local suppliers. The categories were Raw, Conserva (preserved food in tins/jars), For Dipping, and Dinner. A note on the bottom stated that "We politely decline modifications." I wonder how diners with allergies or certain health conditions can comply with this request?I started my meal with the Bluefin Nduja Toast from the Raw section. Meyer lemon and dill were the seasonings to the diced bluefin tuna that was spread on top of a piece of toast. I appreciated the freshness of the tuna. To stick with the seafood theme, I then ordered the Grilled Whole Rockfish from the twelve Dinner choices. The locally caught fish was so large that a bigger plate was needed to hold the serving. Meyer labne, cucumber, dill, ruby reds, and radish were the garnishments.Since some bones were still present, a separate small dish to hold the picked bones was needed. Either that or if the chef could have completely deboned the Rockfish, then that would have made eating this entree more simple. The tartness from the dill and the acid from the ruby reds provided a sharp contrast to the strong fishy odor. The cost of this item was very reasonable as many restaurants would charge over $40.For a soft opening, I thought the operations flowed pretty well while the place was about 3/4 full during my visit. The waitress checked on me frequently and was pleasant. I gave a four star rating for my dinner at Cellar Hand."

Zest Wine Bistro

Zest Wine Bistro

★★★★★ 4.9 (55) • $$

Angie C. "Zest is Lemon Grove's hidden gem-- they've been my local go-to wine bar for the past 3 years and let me tell you the reasons why:First off, the vibes here are everything . The outside just feels so homey and inviting . There is a shared parking lot in the back that also makes it very convenient to stop by . The interior is pretty cozy, has a very nice bar, and is decorated so cute . I also really enjoy the outdoor patio area if you have a larger group of people with you . The owners are super sweet and are easy to talk to . The customers/locals there are also very friendly !Second off, the WINE-- I yet have ordered a wine I disliked . They have a variety of different wines that they do a very good job of rotating . They also offer a wine cub that I might just join the next time since I love it here so much lol . Did I mention they have happy hour like everyday ?! See you 4pm (:Thirdly, the bites are tasty sooo fun to share ! They have a sister Italian restaurant next door (Giardino-- SOO GOOD) that they share a kitchen with ! I personally love ordering the charcuterie board to pick on while I sip on wine . A few other honorable mentions would be the calamari, bruschetta, and stuffed mushrooms ! Overall, Zest is one of my favorite places to chill out and grab a sip of wine . If you're in the area, I would highly suggest checking it out !"

Monkey Bar

Monkey Bar

★★★★☆ 4.2 (63) • $$

Jane A. "RESORT BAR(3 stars)Monkey see... should Monkey do? - FOOD/DRINKS: ok- SERVICE: meh- PRICE: Resort prices- VIBES: people vacationing If you aren't staying in the area then expect to park in the parking garage and pay ~$5+ for ~1hr+. Open concept with live music, star gazing... and old drunk business men. Annoying old business men who are a bit off. This bar is tucked inside but outside of Town and Country Resort neighboring Arlo. Outdoor space was nice - first come first served, open seating for visitors. It's a bit loud with echoing conversation and music (I'd hate to live in the surrounding condos and apartments):: SERVICE ::You have to wave them down. They aren't good at tracking people and tables. Kind of weird, even on less busy days.:: SIPPIES & BITES ::DRUNKEN MONKEY ($18) - Kettle One Orange Vodka, Orange Liquor, Coconut Run, Grenadine, Pineapple Juice, Lemon Juice, Edible Flower. Drink was nice and tropical! I was hoping to see something with banana flavor on the menu (hence it is the Monkey Bar) but saw several drinks with orange liquor, orange bitters, and in general the word "orange" kept standing out. Went with this drink because it was safe and looked like their signatures/main drink from their short cocktail list. Due to the lack of service I started to get hungry and ate my pineapple garnish. RECOMMEND SIDE OF FRIES (~$6) - wasn't there to eat but needed something to munch on while drinking. I liked the fries! They were seasoned, crispy, and perfect for something light. RECOMMEND Probs won't be back. Rather go to the other two restaurants what share the same outdoor space if I want to enjoy this space again. Monkey see... Monkey don't!Until the next review..."

Feast & Fareway

Feast & Fareway

★★★★☆ 4.3 (334) • $$

Hoa L. "Such a fun, relaxing restaurant with great views of the bridge and golf course. We sat outside and enjoyed the shade and view in the beautiful December afternoon. It was quiet on a weekday lunch and we had basically the entire outdoor area to ourselves. It was very casual and you can come in any regular clothes to have lunch. The food tasted great and the drinks were refreshing and well-priced. This place is really quite a hidden gem. The salmon salad was delicious and the appetizer of Quesadilla with salmon and guacamole was also good. It is such a lovely area and bright and happy. Would love to go back. There's also a golf store there with some logo-items and also great facilities."

Underbelly

Underbelly

★★★★☆ 3.9 (2012) • $$

Mayra M. "Service is top notch here! From the moment I walked in to the food being delivered and the removal of my cleaned plates, they're quick and great! I especially love the self service water station that has ice cold sparkling or still water options. The shaded outdoor patio is perfect for lunch or a quick bite and drinks. They have great music playing and it's a nice chill vibe here. Special shoutout to Peter who was so quick and attentive when I shared that the restroom was out of soap, other establishments say thanks and don't get to fixing that kind of thing right away but not here, Peter jetted off to remedy it and everything was good. I think more places in town need people like Peter who is on his A-game!"

La Sabrosita Botanero

La Sabrosita Botanero

★★★★☆ 3.8 (266) • $$

Andrea V. "Love this place!! I have been here many times for breakfast/brunch and have never had a bad experience. They serve you complimentary Mexican sweet bread which is a nice touch. There is a full bar and a good variety of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages. There is a wide variety of food items ranging from waffles, eggs, chilaquiles, and traditional meals. The food is flavorful, delicious, and filling. Service is exceptional, the servers are attentive, and you don't feel forgotten. The ambience is nice, relaxing, and the music is always on point. There is indoor and outdoor seating, plenty of free parking, and the prices are average. I enjoy breakfast and this place doesn't disappoint. I usually order their chilaquiles divorciados (choice of 2 sauces). The chipotle sauce is my favorite and has a nice kick. Not too hot, but has a good balance of spice and flavor. The mole is a close second, it tastes real good and compliments the chipotle. The tortilla pieces used are perfect. Not too crispy, but not soggy soft either. The cafe de olla is good and pairs well with the sweet bread. It's a nice touch while you wait for your meal. The food came out fast, was fresh, and the portions are decent. I enjoyed the music playing, wasn't too loud but allowed us to hear some good jams. The server waited on us quickly and kept checking on us. Overall, great experience and delicious foods."

Mabel's Gone Fishing

Mabel's Gone Fishing

★★★★☆ 4.3 (344) • $$$

Austin W. "Dining at Mabel's Gone Fishing requires advanced planning because if you're trying to stop by with a large group without a reservation, you will likely have to wait a long time because of how popular the place is.My friends and I stopped by for dinner on our first evening in San Diego and we thoroughly enjoyed our experience here. The waitress who served our table was very knowledgeable with the menu and had good recommendations in terms of dishes and how much we should be ordering.They have a Happy Hour from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. that we caught the tail-end of which gave us a $1 discount off of our first cocktail. Drinks here are creative and tasty, so it's definitely worth trying out a few that catch your eye.My favorite dish was the mussel escabeche followed by their toast topped with shredded fish. For a large group, it can get pricey quickly because of how small the dishes are and due to the included 20%+ service charge. Not a place you'll leave feeling full, but you'll enjoy your experience nonetheless."

Himitsu

Himitsu

★★★★★ 4.5 (577) • $$$

Michael B. "One of my new favorite places to grab sushi! From the quality of fish to the service, everything was perfect.Sat at the bar and had the omakase dining option ($150 per person).A lot of what's served is flown in from Japan and presented in the most delicious way possible.Thanks again for an amazing dining experience"

The Clubhouse Grill

The Clubhouse Grill

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (48) • $$

Faye L. "I'm not into hotel restaurants as they're usually fancy and expensive. Grand Del Mar has been known for it's grandeur. I've had friends visit their fancy restaurant for special occasions and tell me how expensive things were. That was beyond my budget. A blogger friend told me the hotel has a coffee shop that's affordable and has free wifi. There's free self parking too so I didn't have to fret about paying for valet. Then I heard of The Clubhouse Grill which is their casual restaurant overlooking their famous golf course. Friend and I decided to pay a visit as we both thought it would be a fun lunch.The Clubhouse Grill is not located in the main hotel. You have to drive past the resort and up a hill. There's self parking in this section as well. We had a hard time finding The Clubhouse Grill so the valet had to help direct us.We were disappointed by what we initially saw. The interior was stuffy and empty. This wasn't what we had imagined at all. It felt dated and country club-ish. Luckily, the outdoor patio was open and pretty.We ordered:HOUSEMADE GUACAMOLE & SALSA:- This was a nice presentation served on a wooden board. The guacamole was freshly made and thick. We enjoyed the guacamole on the freshly fried tortilla chips. The chips were perfectly salted.SEAFOOD CEVICHE:- The ceviche comes out with half discs of fried corn tortillas. The ceviche wasn't very large. It consisted of bay scallops, halibut (?), avocado, cucumbers, onions. I think it was topped with cilantro microgreens. The first bite wasn't pleasant as something tasted awfully fishy. Friend couldn't take more than a bite. Perhaps it was just a piece or two as the ceviche tasted better towards later bites. I'm not a fan of bay scallops and would have preferred larger (and fresher) scallops. The large half discs of fried corn tortilla chips were delicious.CLUBHOUSE BURGER : - Now THIS was a proper burger. I mean, just LOOK at that glistening patty covered with melted cheddar cheese. The burger was prepared medium and was decently juicy. What we enjoyed the most was the sweet brioche bun that they make in house. It was so soft, mildly sweet, and just wonderful.CLASSIC CAESAR :- I don't know why I chuckled when I saw the caesar salad placed in front of me. The three pungent pieces of anchovy were eye catching. I truly enjoy anchovies in my caesar salad dressing but I don't particularly enjoy anchovies, naked, on top of my salad. Just me. And also friend. The salad wasn't memorable as the romaine lettuce was soggy and the dressing tasted too light.COMPLIMENTARY BREAD:- We liked the brioche bun so much that we asked our server if The Clubhouse Grill offered complimentary bread. He said yes but it will take a bit to bake. He said it was made in house but not as good as the brioche. The french loaf was brought out with a side of butter and oil/vinegar. The bread wasn't very good at all. It tasted like store bought frozen dough that was later baked in your own oven.SKILLET BROWNIE:- Friend and I thought the brownie was meh. The batter wasn't the sticky yummy goodness you like from a good brownie batter. It was dry. The cinnamon ice cream was nice though. I had to showcase how tiny this brownie skillet was. I adore tiny items so thought the cork was a good way to showcase the size of this skillet.My blog has more detailed pics and reviewService was nice. He was a younger gentleman with a welcoming smile. We also appreciated his honesty about certain dishes. Would we return any time soon to The Clubhouse Grill ? Probably not. The food wasn't spectacular and the ambiance is stuffier than what I'm personally comfortable with. The Veranda at Rancho Bernardo Inn is still my go to place for hotel/golf club eats."

Botanica

Botanica

★★★★★ 4.6 (214) • $$

Cathy P. "What a cool lil spot to grab a drink! Decided to meet up with an old friend here one night and this was such a great pick. We came by at like 9:30 on a Friday but the wait wasn't too bad at all, I want to say maybe like 10 minutes or so? The vibes here are pretty upbeat but still classy and quiet enough to have a conversation. And the cocktails, as expected, are so unique and outstanding, even if they are on the pricier side. I tried The Dream, Heads Will Role, and the Sycorax, and all of these were SO good!! I think the Sycorax was my favorite -- this one was citrusy and bright. All of them were so beautifully presented.Service here was also fantastic throughout. We ended up staying until they closed because we liked it so much!!"

Loft 94

Loft 94

★★★★★ 4.7 (264) • $$

Marci T. "I recently dined at Loft 94 in Jamul and had a delightful experience. The service and atmosphere were top-notch. We were seated outdoors, where we enjoyed a beautiful view, adding to the overall ambiance.We started with the seaweed salad and sweet chili edamame, both of which were fantastic. My cousin had some specific requests for her sushi, wanting it cucumber-wrapped with no rice, and the staff were able to accommodate her perfectly.I ordered two sushi rolls. While they were tasty, I felt the presentation could have been better, and the rolls could have used a bit more flavor or toppings to enhance them. Despite this, I am keen to return to try more of their menu offerings, especially the teppanyaki and ramen.Overall, Loft 94 is a great spot with excellent service and a wonderful atmosphere. I look forward to exploring more of their diverse menu in the future."

Juniper and Ivy

Juniper and Ivy

★★★★☆ 4.1 (3387) • $$$$

Maylinh S. "A nice place to dine and just simply enjoy. The front of the house staff was very accommodating and super attentive! I love how their menu changes and how there is always something new to try which makes me want to go back already! The Japanese sweet potatoes were one of my favorite dishes, it's definitely a must try! We ordered lots to try as their portions are not as big. For starters we had:Puttin on the Ritz: I was not sure what to expect but once I saw the Ritz cracker, the name made perfect sense. It was okay, a nice bite however the ritz was a little stale.Spicy Tuna Handroll: Wrapped in shiso leaf, an interesting concept!Carne Cruda Toast: Super yummy and big enough to share! Loved the egg yolk.Oysters: Simple but yummy and fresh!For entrees we ordered:Japanese Sweet Potatoes: My fave dish!! It was sweet, salty and the cashew cream paired so perfectly. Risotto: A unique presentation, it was good however lacked some flavor. Kampachi Sashimi: Refreshing and light, definitely more of a smaller portionFor dessert we had the yodel and it was amazing!! It was mint chocolate chip with actual pieces of mint such a unique concept! Definitely enjoyed every bite!Overall, I can't wait to come back and try out new menu items!"

The Joint

The Joint

★★★★☆ 4.1 (929) • $$

Mark Y. "This place definitely surprised me!!! I was skeptical seeing a non-Asian at the sushi bar but the chirashi bowl I tried was good quality at the right price point. I was craving sushi but decided to go with the chirashi bowl to play it safe. All the fish were cut delicately and tasted fresh. We also tried the pork belly, which was really good! I highly recommend that appetizer. I also enjoyed their ribeye! All in all, everything was good and I'd definitely come back! This place is good for dates, something casual and fun occasions. Service was really good too! Very friendly staffs checked in regularly to make sure we were taken care of.Thanks guys! We will be back!!!"

Village Vino

Village Vino

★★★★☆ 4.4 (222) • $$

Georgie M. "Finding a great Wine Bar, where the wines are the focus and star of the show, can be somewhat exhausting. And after you find one, you sort of want to keep it to yourself, as your little secret. That is a nice summary of my feelings of Village Vino. Five Stars, but Shhhh! Don't come here, you won't like it. LOLThe four of us stopped here one evening for something lite, and to taste some great wines. The beauty of Village Vino is their "Half Glass" pours. It's sort of like a mini-tasting. Nice. We were drinking whites and I have attached their two-sided Menu (photo). The service was relaxed, but not indifferent. Our server Lillian was on top of things and never lost track of us. We shared a Formage & Charcuterie board, Brie Flatbread, along with delicious sourdough breads, a bowl of assorted Olives and some Country Pâte. Everything was tasty and we had no leftovers. I particularly enjoyed a half bottle of Muscat de Beaumes de Venise, an old favorite from the Rhône Valley, which is nothing like the Napa stuff btw. They have a ton of wine along the walls to choose from see photos. It makes for a great relaxing atmosphere, almost clubby and certainly fun. Our tab came to $144.50 before taxes and gratuities. We will absolutely be back on our next SD visit. But like I said, don't tell too many of your friends. Shhh! Village Vino is located on the Kensington side of Adams."

Finca Tapas & Bottle Shop

Finca Tapas & Bottle Shop

★★★★☆ 3.9 (72)

Charles C. "Finca Restaurant is located on a quiet corner of North Park Way and Grimm Avenue. Large windows face the street. There are shades that help with the afternoon sun pouring into the building. At sundown, the shades automatically retract to reveal the streetscape. The dining room is divided into three sections---the bar, the main dining room, and a less atmospheric back room, which I think they call the "Catalonia Room". The welcome at the door by Victor was exemplary. Victor stopped by to check on me during dinner and even retrieved a book I had inadvertently left on the banquette. Service by Cassidy-Noel was friendly and professional. She decanted the Tempranillo and made sure my glass never went dry. As to the meal selections, I enjoyed the grilled sourdough bread with herbed butter with charred onion, served with a side of pickled radish. For the appetizer, I selected the Yellow Tail Crudo, charmingly-served in a gold-rimmed vintage serving dish. The main course was a New York Strip Tataki in a Ponzu Sauce. For dessert, there was a sticky toffee pudding topped with sliced figs and dates. A special drink was offered with the dessert. No espresso is available."

Isshido Ramen

Isshido Ramen

★★★★☆ 3.8 (504) • $$

Eric B. "I recently decided I wanted to start trying some of the "other" ramen places in San Diego. I've tried all the usual suspects (Menya, Taijima, Nishiki, Rakiraki, etc). I went to Isshido because it was close.Had the Black Garlic Tonkotsu and an order of their chicken wings. I asked for the upgrade to the house "thick noodle" for $1.The soup was very good. Flavorful, good texture, and their garlic oil went well with it. Chashu was fine, although VERY thinly sliced. If you're a fan of protein you might want to order more as an add-in. The egg was well cooked although a little bland. The only disappointing part was the noodles. Even though I had ordered the "thick" ones, they were still very thin and felt like standard store-bought egg noodles. Very similar (if not the same) as the ones they use at Santouka. The surprise of the meal was the chicken wings however. The are cooked to order (they will warn you it takes 15-20 mins) and come out super fresh and hot. The flavoring is like the popcorn chicken you might get at a Boba place (heavy on the salt and white pepper, which I love). Super delicious. I'd come back just for the wings.Service was polite, restaurant was clean. Overall beat my expectations based on what I had read, especially the wings. I'd come here over Taijima or Rakiraki any day."

The Roxy Encinitas

The Roxy Encinitas

★★★★☆ 3.9 (679) • $$

Vicki C. "Roxy got a big spike in business after Covid. This restaurant was once a very funky restaurant with delicious food has manifested as a club with loud music.I liked it a lot better before.Last Friday my girlfriend had her birthday there and I arrived with my guest. Our group did not have a reservation so I headed to the bar to get a drink. An overzealous waiter was determined to take my order instead of letting me order from the bartender, even before I decided where I would be standing. I asked him for 2 drinks and the check, but he somehow forgot the check. I did not like this waiter one bit. Maybe it was his ridiculous looking outfit with suspenders and a bow tie, but more likely it was because he was unfriendly and greedy. I finally got him to give me a check and noticed the 4% surcharge and that he added his own tip to my bill. He gave me a paper receipt with the tip area blank so that I would double tip him.Apparently at the end of the evening the waiter presented the group with a ridiculous bill with random items that nobody claimed and the host got stuck with hundreds of dollars in bogus charges.Some people liked the loud music but it gave me a headache.I would never pick this restaurant, but I probably would go to another birthday party there and I would be prepared to ignore the server with the same determination that he had when he stalked me for my drink order."

Crushed

Crushed

★★★★☆ 4.2 (2960) • $$

Karen N. "So I've eaten here several times over the years, and I've been happy with my meals. It is a little pricey, but that goes along with its vibe I would say. Mostly popular for brunch, but I'm usually having lunch with a friend or coworker because it's not far from one of my work locations.This recent trip my friend and I met for lunch. I hadn't really had much for breakfast, so I went for breakfast and he did as well. My breakfast tacos were literally that: breakfast served like a taco. Not the Texas version, it was scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausage served as a taco in a small pancake shell. It was delicious, with syrup to pour on it as you ate it. My friend seemed to like his omelet and fries.We ate inside, and the drawback was that the music was so loud that it was hard to carry on a conversation! I don't remember it being an issue before, so maybe it depends on who's working. Another time we sat outside in the added-on seating near the road that I'm not a fan of. So if you're looking for brunch or lunch in PB with some unusual menu choices, and mimosas, this is probably for you. Just be ready to maybe pretend to be in the club, lol."

Meraki

Meraki

★★★★★ 4.9 (15)

Emmett T. "Meraki is a restaurant and lounge in South Park that is the newest entity of the Buona Forchetta Restaurant Group. The structure used to be a Moose Lodge and has now been transformed into a multi-purpose space for events and entertainment in addition to the on-site dining capabilities. The parking was all curbside, but it wasn't an issue because this end of the neighborhood was away from the core business district. The inside could hold up to 200+ people while an outdoor patio had a capacity for another 30 patrons. At the time of my visit, several tables were set up to seat around 40 diners.A one-page menu featured small plates in the form of eight shareables, three flatbreads (pinsa romana), and three desserts. By design, it's not loaded with heavier entrees so if you are seeking that type of food, then Meraki may not be the best choice. For alcoholic drinks, there were ten cocktails, six beers, and a separate page of wines by the glass. I opted for two items, the Beef Cheek Empanadas and the Mussels in Salsa Brava.Three baked turnovers with a filling of beef cheeks slow cooked with plantain leaves were served with a dip of warm broth along with a cup of salsa macha. The hot sauce had morita and guajillo peppers as a base which packed too much heat for my taste buds. The broth was like dipping into an au jus that was just right for me. A baker's dozen of mussels was served with an orange sauce, salsa brava. The ingredients were extra virgin olive oil, smoked paprika, and tomato paste. The mussels were cooked perfectly while several pieces of grilled bread came on the side to help soak up the sauce.The service from the waitstaff was fine. The menu prices were in the normal range for a mid to upscale establishment. If Meraki can maximize its tremendous space, then the BF owners will have another hit on their roster of businesses."

Nozaru Ramen Bar

Nozaru Ramen Bar

★★★★☆ 4.2 (527) • $$

Toni L. "We live around the corner and come often for takeout and occasionally dine in. The restaurant interior is bold and beautiful - i love the design, art, and style in there. There's also a little outdoor seating on the curb, so technically pups can join you for dinner / join in on the fun!Conveniently Nozaru offers both ramen and sushi. We've tried their apps too, not bad. Owner is from Japan. I highly recommend dining in over taking to-go because i think the ramen is much better when freshly enjoyed hot straight outta the kitchen.m. I like the Tokyo Chicken bc it's a solid predictably clean-tasting, savory ramen, without being too heavy. That soy egg is like simply wow so i like to add an extra one to my order.Service is always friendly and ambiance is intimately quaint and warm. If you're looking for a comforting bowl of ramen or jidori wings paired with a cold glass of beer, they also have happy hours i believe on...Wednesdays i may be wrong so don't quote me"