Restaurants in San Marcos
Best Restaurants
“Their food is decadent and amazing. Their staff, a wonderful group. Never need to ask for anything. Their wine ? spectacular. This is a very small place. Reservations recommended. Don't miss out on the best Italian Cuisine in North County. Price $$$”
“Came here for lunch with my family and the service, food, and views were spectacular. I loved my eggplant parmigiana and my niece loved her pizza. I know their pizza is famous! I highly recommend coming here.Vegetarian options: The eggplant parmigiana and the margarita pizza were spectacular vegetarians options. My dad loved his mushroom risotto (I can’t remember the exact name.) Everything there is honestly delicious”
“We like this place and the food is good but kinda pricey but everywhere it seems that way. A fair warning... we went for Thursday Karaoke night and reserved a table an hour before it started and planned on eating dinner and having drinks. Upon being seated, we were told we needed to order using our phones. We're seniors, so it's not easy for us, but we managed. We were also told that if all tables fill up, if we've been there longer than others, we would need to give up our table to others on the wait list. This meant standing which, with my mobility issues, is a problem. We mentioned this and the host said they would try to accommodate. As it turned out, we didn't end up needing to move but worried about this the entire evening. She said it's rare that they have to have you give up your table but still is crazy to do that to a group that is eating and drinking. We finished our food but we still ordered beer. The place never got busy enough for overflow and the weather probably helped that. The table behind us got seated are us and was not told about the table seating situation. So be warned if you go on a busy night, this could happen. Overall the place is cool, with arcade games for adults and kids and outdoor area is nice. Staff is very nice. Food and drink comes out fast which is good.”
“Best Japanese restaurant in the area! High quality, best tasting, beautiful presentation. Awesome wall sized display with video of locations in Japan make for a lovely ambience.Parking: Use the parking structure just west of the restaurant.”
“Great vibe! Staff was super friendly. Food was great too! Awesome selection of local craft beer! Only complaint was that some of the games weren’t working. Not a big deal! Will be back next time we are in the area!”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“This marina bar, was a pleasant surprise. Atmosphere was relaxing. It took them a bit to seat us, since we were a big group. We had 2 separate tables, which was fine. Our server forgot to take our order, and it took him 30 minutes to realize this. By the time we were served our food, the first table was finished eating. I would not go back there again, if I was in a large group setting. This place is more for smaller groups. The food made up for the inconvenient service. They use fresh ingredients, cooked and seasoned to perfection. I will return.”
“Best spot in North County. A+ chicken wings, knowledgeable and sexy bartenders, all the beers and shots, diet cokes, healthy back talk, and parking is a fun adventure. 10/10”
“Went here on a whim with my wife and was pleasantly surprise. I had the greek salad with chicken and i must say, that was the best greek chicken i have ever eaten. Mixed with the salad it was a perfect lunch. My wife had the chicken and beed kabobs. More than enough delicious food.Parking is in a lot to the east of the resultant. Had lunch on a Tuesday around 12 and it was not super busy since service was quick. Lunch is the same as dinner but cheaper withe the lunch specials.If you like Mediterranean food i would highly recommend.”
Restaurants with Delivery
“Found this place randomly and it is definitely a hidden gem! Service/staff were great and attentive. Inside was neat with a cute/unique style. I would say it's perfect for study sessions and/or coffee dates. Drink: I have never tried honey lavender with my matcha but the staff recommended and it did not disappoint. Price is pretty average for a matcha latte (especially if you get dairy free milk). I will be back to try the food menu!”
“Always a pleasure to visit and shop in Prego. Miguel, Joao and Elisa are lovely people and proud of the Brazilian and Portuguese products they sell there. Long live coxinha.”
“Great food and service. The atmosphere is average hence the 3 star. The outside seating area and the heaters were GRRREAT. The Sapporo Ramen was delicious, perfectly spicy without being over the top. Kids fried chicken and rice and sweet potato fries were decent and tonkatsu was SOLID. And prices were very reasonable too.”
“Maya's Cookies in San Marcos is a nice find in the vibrant new area. As someone who enjoys exploring new shops and restaurants, stumbling upon Maya's Cookies was a nice surprise. My first visit left me impressed with the overall experience.Customer service played a significant role in enhancing my visit. The server was not only friendly but also highly knowledgeable about the cookies and the shop itself. She patiently answered all my questions, providing an abundance of insightful information that added to the enjoyment of the experience.Now, let's talk about the star of the show – the cookies. As someone who was initially unsure about what to expect from vegan cookies, Maya's Cookies exceeded my expectations. I sampled the S'mores and Wheat-free Coconut Chocolate Chip, and both were a treat for the taste buds.The S'mores cookie was soft and indulgent, with a generous dollop of marshmallow nestled in the center. While it boasted plenty of chocolate chips, I couldn't help but notice a slight absence of the distinct graham cracker flavor that typically accompanies S'mores. Nevertheless, it was a delightful treat.The Wheat-free Coconut Chocolate Chip cookie, on the other hand, was an absolute delight. It was impressively large and offered a perfect balance of sweetness, coconut flakes, and rich chocolate chips. The fact that it was wheat-free added to its appeal, making it an inclusive option for those with dietary restrictions.One aspect that particularly caught my attention was the Happy Hour offer on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4-5 pm. This intriguing promotion piqued my curiosity, and I couldn't resist the temptation to return and experience it firsthand. I'm eager to discover how many customers flock to Maya's Cookies during that single hour of discounted bliss.In conclusion, Maya's Cookies is a must-visit destination for cookie enthusiasts in San Marcos. With exceptional customer service, delicious vegan treats, and enticing promotions like Happy Hour, it's a place that warrants repeat visits. I, for one, am eagerly looking forward to indulging in more of Maya's delightful creations.”
“Excellent food, excellent service, spokesperson was enthusiastic about being included in their marketing initiative and hopes to make it into one of their menu pictures”
“Sorrentos not only is the food high qaulity the sisters that run the place are high qaulity also place is hands down best hole in the wall Family owned operated Italian cuisine in North County San Diego and West coast period”
“If you are a cookie person, this is the place for you. if you're not a cookie person, you should probably see someone about that, hopefully it's a treatable condition.”
“Moved to San Marcos in September and hadn’t been able to find a pizza that meets east coast standards until I ordered from pizza union.This is what pizza is supposed to be. Great crust, perfect sauce to cheese ratio and tastes like the full flavor of a real old school NY style pie.Now the weekly pizza night spot for us.”
“Reliably good quality service and food. Pricing is on average. Being able to call the order in and have the food ready is a plus. They are generous with giving extras like peppers and pickles. Pricing for accoutrements is expensive, chips and drinks. Are use them often and would recommend them to others”
“Nice spot listening to a live jazz band. Service would be five star but you have to wait in the food Lion just to get a drink it can take a little while for people to order so it was slow.Very nice venue, very friendly people, food was excellent, drinks were cold, and music was live.”
“I am Vietnamese! The first time I came here I found the pho very delicious, everything was great, the service was friendly, this is a place everyone should visit and enjoy the food! :))”
“A constant place of gathering for my coworkers and I who worked in the San Elijo Area. This time we met on a weekend for brunch. I ordered a Pannikin coffee and Cinnamon Toast French Toast. Really thick slices of French Toast, I’m kinda weird and prefer thin slices but this was still good. Others got an omelette or a wrap. Everyone like their food, service was nice, bit pricey but in line with the local restaurants.”
“Came here for lunch with my family and the service, food, and views were spectacular. I loved my eggplant parmigiana and my niece loved her pizza. I know their pizza is famous! I highly recommend coming here.Vegetarian options: The eggplant parmigiana and the margarita pizza were spectacular vegetarians options. My dad loved his mushroom risotto (I can’t remember the exact name.) Everything there is honestly delicious”
“My lunchtime experience at Que Tortas! left me thoroughly impressed with their delicious tortas and excellent service. Here's a detailed review of my visit:Arriving at Que Tortas!, I found parking to be a breeze, making the start of my dining experience hassle-free. The small, clean shop has a very welcoming atmosphere, although the loud blender added a touch of humor to the ambiance.The customer service was exceptional, with the staff displaying friendliness and efficiency from the moment I walked in. My order was taken promptly and accurately, and I was delighted to find that my torta was ready in less than 10 minutes. The staff delivered our order to our table with a smile, enhancing the overall dining experience.Now, onto the star of the show – the "QUE TORTA!" torta. Despite initial concerns about the bread size in the pictures, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the torta was generously filled, with just the right amount of bread to complement the fillings. The torta bread itself was a highlight, striking the perfect balance between softness and crunch, thanks to its slightly toasted exterior. The combination of ham, veggies, and sauce mixed together perfectly. I devoured the torta without pausing for anything else, thoroughly enjoying every moment.In conclusion, Que Tortas! offers a delightful dining experience with their delicious tortas and friendly service. The deceptive pictures may suggest otherwise, but rest assured, the tortas are generously filled and bursting with flavor. I, for one, am already planning my return visit to indulge in more of these irresistible tortas.”
“AMAZING! We hoped in after running some nearby errands and were so happily surprised by the amazing vibe and even better food! Everything is super fresh, there’s lots of options, and super clean both the food and the location. Very calm vibe and super friendly attentive staff which I feel like is really rare for buffets. Would totally bring friends or family for a chill lunch or dinner and they have plenty of vegan options too! Included this beautiful mango drink, chai, coffee, soda, naan on top of everything :) our new favorite restaurant for sure”
10
Pizza Bar
“Love, love, pizza bar! Best wings I have ever had (agreed upon by 2 kids). So happy they customize a pizza for me and my family! 1/2 margarita, 1/2 mushroom pesto, you won't be sorry!”
“A complete gem! North County is an outstanding source for all things wine, but even better is their boutique wine bar to have a glass with friends or the owner. Like a small Napa winery without the vineyard. Jim is beyond friendly, knows everything there is to know about wine without being snooty. The perfect fit for the neighborhood and for San Diego. Best alternative to the big box wine store. I love the little outdoor patio, and especially like sitting up at the quaint bar with my girlfriend. She likes the huge selection of wines. A must during Christmas and the holidays, but even better throughout the year because you can pop in for a minute or just relax for hours.”
“Cool vibes! Went there on a sunny Saturday because I had heard such great things about this meadery and all good things were TRUE! I loved walking into Karaoke night and sitting back listening and sipping these delicious meads! Watch out for the espresso, it has a kick!Will definitely be back?”
Outdoor Dining
“Their food is decadent and amazing. Their staff, a wonderful group. Never need to ask for anything. Their wine ? spectacular. This is a very small place. Reservations recommended. Don't miss out on the best Italian Cuisine in North County. Price $$$”
“So good!!! Came up in suggested places a few times but passed it up until this weekend. Now bummed I didn't try it sooner. We got takeout but definitely seems like a good place to dine in some other time.”
“We like this place and the food is good but kinda pricey but everywhere it seems that way. A fair warning... we went for Thursday Karaoke night and reserved a table an hour before it started and planned on eating dinner and having drinks. Upon being seated, we were told we needed to order using our phones. We're seniors, so it's not easy for us, but we managed. We were also told that if all tables fill up, if we've been there longer than others, we would need to give up our table to others on the wait list. This meant standing which, with my mobility issues, is a problem. We mentioned this and the host said they would try to accommodate. As it turned out, we didn't end up needing to move but worried about this the entire evening. She said it's rare that they have to have you give up your table but still is crazy to do that to a group that is eating and drinking. We finished our food but we still ordered beer. The place never got busy enough for overflow and the weather probably helped that. The table behind us got seated are us and was not told about the table seating situation. So be warned if you go on a busy night, this could happen. Overall the place is cool, with arcade games for adults and kids and outdoor area is nice. Staff is very nice. Food and drink comes out fast which is good.”
“Ive had birria at ed Fernandez and this place is just as good if not better than it. Tried the quesobirria and birria taco which were delicious. The birria nachos were the thing that blew me away though. The chips tasted fresh delicious and homemade. It was sooo unexpectedly delicious. I would drive up 20 mins to get the birria nachos or anytime i need a birria fix. Its a food truck but there are some tables set up outside.”
“Best Japanese restaurant in the area! High quality, best tasting, beautiful presentation. Awesome wall sized display with video of locations in Japan make for a lovely ambience.Parking: Use the parking structure just west of the restaurant.”
“Great vibe! Staff was super friendly. Food was great too! Awesome selection of local craft beer! Only complaint was that some of the games weren’t working. Not a big deal! Will be back next time we are in the area!”
“Very pretty shop. Ordered and then half the order was out of stock after we had paid. Ordered a blended iced taro drink. I didn't know it had boba. I didn't want boba. The boba was hot, so the drink melted quickly. The taste was good but overall the drink was not very satisfying. The staff was friendly but lacked knowledge of the availability of product, and also didn't know what creamer was for coffee.”
“Love the Money Pit! There is something for everyone there. Great comfort food, grilled options, salads, shakes, zucchini fries, chili cheese fries, fish and chips, breakfast all day. All of it is tasty, and the prices are reasonable. Fun decor to check out. ”
“Absolutely love this little vineyard! A hidden secret in San Marcos that transports you to a European style winery. Tons of seating so it never feels too crowded although during the week is best to have little to no wait. Watching the sunset is always stunning as it overlooks the mountains.The wine is excellent and the staff is friendly! We tried the cheese pizza it was okay, but we were there for the wine. :)”
“My papa loca, relleña con adobado plus avocado was delish. You choose your protein. It was hot when I received it. Had a good fight with the melted cheese. I won. It looked so good, I forgot to take the picture before diving into it. Lol.Vegetarian options: As long as no meat is added, it's vegetarian.”
“While on vacation, my son took me here.Loved everything about it. Family owned and run. Chances of a family member serving you is great. Coffee was perfect, and the old-fashioned shredded hash browns were yummy.If you want to get in right away, go by 9 am. Otherwise, you may have an hour or more wait time. That says a lot about Mama Kat's!Miss you as I am back on the East Coast, but I will be back!Parking: Lot was full when I went but was able to find street parking before 9 amOtherwise, it may be challenging.”
“Shrimp chowmein garlicky and just right. I was impressed on the quality. My table had a soy sauce bottle that needed refilling but other than that it was a nice atmosphere and service was friendly and quick.”
“I am lost for words, the food always amazing the customer service is WOW!!! down side I don't know who to give credit to, since both times I been there they don't have name tags or they don't introduce themselves. If you wanna feel welcome then this is the place for you.”
“This marina bar, was a pleasant surprise. Atmosphere was relaxing. It took them a bit to seat us, since we were a big group. We had 2 separate tables, which was fine. Our server forgot to take our order, and it took him 30 minutes to realize this. By the time we were served our food, the first table was finished eating. I would not go back there again, if I was in a large group setting. This place is more for smaller groups. The food made up for the inconvenient service. They use fresh ingredients, cooked and seasoned to perfection. I will return.”
“Best spot in North County. A+ chicken wings, knowledgeable and sexy bartenders, all the beers and shots, diet cokes, healthy back talk, and parking is a fun adventure. 10/10”
“Sarah was an amazing server! Her service was exceptional. She was personable and brought our food out at the perfect time. The food was so good and my margarita was perfectly made. Love this spot!”
14
Sushi Huku
“Me and my Dad frequent this spot, he does business at Palomar College. We've tried all the local Sushi restaurants and this is EASILY THE BEST.Today we had a Sashimi combo each, and I had 3 hand salmon rolls.We usually get a large Kirin each and a large sake to share.HUKU's fish is high QUALITY and the rolls are wrapped expertly. Get something with rice if you wanna get full, but if you are a fan of fish the SASHIMI and hand rolls are AMAZING.The COMPETING RESTAURANTS more EXPENSIVE despite the smaller portions and LOWER QUALITY fish. One local competitor has really cheap sake but it's exactly that, CHEAP and harsh.We think this is the "BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK" sushi in the area!”
15
Hyuga Sushi
“Stopped for lunch when we saw a sign for Sushi. What a nice find.. Lunch was great, service great. we both had a Hyuga special....delicious. We'll be back!”
Online Reservation Available
“Typical looking Mexican Food dine-in/take-out restaurant, but their food is far from typical. I've lived in SoCal the majority of my life and this place, hands down, has THE best burritos in all of SoCal. Their Pac Man fries are bomb as well as their quesadillas.Normally I get a Pollo asada or a CA burrito. The flavors and size are . I've shared the bacon wrapped burrito and that was amazing as well. Also, their carne asada is edible and good. So many places have chewy meat that I don't normally order anything with carne adasa, but Sayulitas changed the game for me.The prices are a little high, but what prices aren't these days? With Sayulitas, it's still a good deal since you could probably get 2 to 3 meals out of one burrito if you have self-control.The restaurant is owned by a couple that is Filipino and the other is Mexican so there is a fusion with the food. There are burritos with lumpia, tocino in their Pac Man fries, and longonisa in some other dish.Try this place out if you want excellent food! Highly recommend ?”
“I was craving a crepe on Monday and I found this place!!! Walked in with my friend and we loved the aesthetic and very happy with the taste. Also, the owner was super cool letting us stay to eat before closing time .”
“My coworkers would take me to this food truck pretty often, they said this was one of their favorites Mariscos places. Soon it became a ritual to go on Thursday or Friday almost every week. I've tried a lot of things here but my go to is the Fish Tacos (comes with pico de gallo, cabbage and mayo). Arrachera Tacos were my 2nd go to as well (carne asada, veggies and cheese). My coworkers would usually get tostadas or cocktails which were really good and fresh. But the consome is the star of the show! Amazing food truck and their mayo chipotle sauce is best I've ever had.”
“The food was delicious with one exception, I had the chicken Marsala special and the chicken was very dry and had no flavor whatsoever resembling Marsala..probably one of the if not the worst chicken Marsala I have ever had. Everything else was excellent and the service was top notch . We will definitely go back again to try some different options.”
“We always love Dish House Vera Cruz...the fish is fresh and delicious...and they have the BEST clam chowder around!!! It isn't cheap, but worth it for a fantastic fresh fish meal!”
“Great Chinese food and service , the only thing to at I have to complain is these two couple who are picky on food, and boss the waitress around and staring at other people but overall the restaurant is good for food depending what you make out of it.”
“We love the food and the service is excellent. It has great ambiance. All of the service is great especially Sky was so sweet and delightful, making sure we were completely cared for so we never had to ask for anything. Definitely recommend this restaurant to everyone. Thank you Wendy Barry”
“Portions size and experience was better than Olive Garden. You also get a free glass or two when ordering the Italian soda. Great cocktails. Very fun date night.Parking: The restaurant sits in a plaza so if there was no close parking, a short walk will find parking in the adjacent side of the strip.Kid-friendliness: We didn’t bring our boy, but they had a kid’s menu and a lot of happy, playful kids running around the restaurant- not to say that was okay for them to do, but it was very cute.??”
“This was genuinely some of the best and juiciest chicken I have ever had in my entire life. Staff was kind and very patient as we have never been here before and wanted to read through the menu for a bit. It's hard to find good Korean Fried Chicken in SoCal outside of LA but this absolutely hit the spot and I'll be back here next time I'm in the area!!!!!!”
“First time trying out this place for our annual Xmas chinese food dinner. Have to say we loved it. We ordered the chow mein, orange chicken, shrimp, and rice. Everything was cooked wonderfully and the flavor was amazing. They ran out of a side of veggies and whipped one right up for us within a few minutes too.Will definitely be back.”
“The Grill was able to seat our large party of 11 adults and two toddlers. Service was excellent -- all staff was friendly and professional throughout our meal. Very pleasant guitar/singer. Great views of folks on the driving range & beyond. We ordered a variety of meals, drinks, and desserts and everything was very, very good.”
“They have a really cool ice plate that goes all the way around the bar. I ordered the Cobb salad and it said it came with mixed greens. It was not what I was expecting, but mostly Romain. I wish there would’ve been more baby greens or other types of greens and some avocado in it ? apparently they don’t even carry avocado, but I guess I’m just a spoiled Californian.The coconut shrimp was good and my husband liked his shrimp linguine dish. However, he did wish that they had some capers. The atmosphere is cool, it gets pretty busy on the weekends it seems. The prices are OK and the service is decent. I mean it’s outback.”
16
Manna BBQ
“It was our first time here, and our waiter was very helpful in getting our order. we had so much fun trying all the delicious food, definitely coming back in the ”
“The food was delicious with one exception, I had the chicken Marsala special and the chicken was very dry and had no flavor whatsoever resembling Marsala..probably one of the if not the worst chicken Marsala I have ever had. Everything else was excellent and the service was top notch . We will definitely go back again to try some different options.”
“We always love Dish House Vera Cruz...the fish is fresh and delicious...and they have the BEST clam chowder around!!! It isn't cheap, but worth it for a fantastic fresh fish meal!”
24 Hour Restaurants
“I didn't start shopping here until all the inflation hit us, and it has been a miracle place for me. I wish I had shopped here before then. Prices are good and their bulk section is awesome. Hopefully some day they'll get curbside pickup”
“This location never fails. Any time of day the quality of the food never changes even late in the night. The Carne Asada Fries are amazing, you can taste the flavor of the meat opposed to Mexican places where the meat feels "watery/chewy". I've only gone through the drive thru but it goes fast and they always pack salsa,napkins, and utensils. I genuinely love this place and the workers are always kind.”
“Decent quality food all around for a reasonable price. They are always really quick with their orders as well.I work for Door Dash and am always surprised by how fast they get the orders done compared to most places.”
“I’ve seen negative reviews about the food being cold. I ordered a California burrito, and while the cheese was not fully melted, the tortilla and meat were perfectly cooked. I actually prefer this style of making burritos, and I enjoyed all of their salsas. I will definitely be ”
“It's a small mexican fast food style restaurant. The prices seem a bit high at first, but the portion size is way bigger than most places. The place is a bit small but has a decent amount of sitting options. They offer aguas and fountain drinks on their menu. The food is freshly prepared as soon as you order. The portions are big and everything was delicious. The place gets busy quickly, mainly the drive-thru.”
“I love this place there are so many regulars and I have made many friends that are so very pleasant. We usually sit in the bar area since the new place has so much more space. Every thing on the menu I get has been tasteful no complains there. The waitresses and bartenders are very friendly. Can't ask enough. Ran into Nick the owner many times and always gives me the time of day. Our to go place for sure.”
“Soo glad we tried this place! Everything was delicious! Agua chile had plenty of camarón and not too spicy. Empanada was flaky and the taco Cora with its special sauce!! Definitely a must try”
“We love the food and the service is excellent. It has great ambiance. All of the service is great especially Sky was so sweet and delightful, making sure we were completely cared for so we never had to ask for anything. Definitely recommend this restaurant to everyone. Thank you Wendy Barry”
Takeout Restaurants
“was in San Marcos for a high school wrestling event and since I skipped breakfast was seriously famished by late afternoon. checked Yelp for a sandwich-place recommendation and happily wound up at Sub-Marine. ordered #33 the BIG KAHUNA (ham, salami, roast beef, turkey, pastrami, provolone, avocado, cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, Italian dressing). very solid sandwich. not shareable (or monstrously huge at the price point) but still managed to waddle out fat and sassy. family owned and operated with exceptionally friendly and efficient service and a warm, inviting vibe.”
“The food is so tasty and awesome! Service and staff is great and friendly. The Si Sig is A+ yummy. My new favorite dish. Definitely coming back again! Thank you! ?”
“I love banh mi with the flatter crispy bread rather than the rounder ones I’m so happy I found this place. I tried their flan which was pretty good too. It’s not thick like traditional flan it has a yogurt consistency.”
“They toss the dough in front of you with pride! Pizza was delicious with all the toppings! Huge portions. Everything clean, pleasant, and dimly lit. They play soccer on the TV.”
“Home style delicious cookingwith a warm, friendly environment. Portions are large!Plastic dividers added - friendly with large portions - hasn't changed!Nice to see the same staff - says a lot.Somethings never change.Thank you, Pegasus, for an amazing 2023 service, and we look forward to dining with you all next year!Parking: Easy access and plentiful”
“Randomly searched “ice cream near me”. What a treat! The flavors are inventive and delicious. Taylor, the woman at the counter was amazing. She let us, me, my partner and our 2 kids sample any flavor available. We loved it! Definitely be back next time we visit the area.”
“Went here on a whim with my wife and was pleasantly surprise. I had the greek salad with chicken and i must say, that was the best greek chicken i have ever eaten. Mixed with the salad it was a perfect lunch. My wife had the chicken and beed kabobs. More than enough delicious food.Parking is in a lot to the east of the resultant. Had lunch on a Tuesday around 12 and it was not super busy since service was quick. Lunch is the same as dinner but cheaper withe the lunch specials.If you like Mediterranean food i would highly recommend.”
“Kid-friendliness: They offer an Amazing kids reading program challenge and really celebrate the kiddos accomplishments. It was heartwarming and sweet...not just the bundt cake.”
“Second time here for Sunday brunch, and it's probably my new go-to since 55 Yardline closed. The Tri Tip Benedict is phenomenal, and the vibe is chill. Trying their Taco Tuesday next!”
“Food is good here and the people are awesome! I frequently order breakfast burritos for my co-workers, and they're already ready to go by 7:15 a.m., and this place opens at 7:00. Always impressed with them check them out!”
“Love, love, pizza bar! Best wings I have ever had (agreed upon by 2 kids). So happy they customize a pizza for me and my family! 1/2 margarita, 1/2 mushroom pesto, you won't be sorry!”
“Had breakfast at Mariah's with my girlfriend this morning. She's gluten free and was especially impressed with the gf options on the menu. Don't be afraid to sub gluten free pancakes on the pigs in a blanket. The house was very gracious in doing so and she was talking about how good they were the rest of the dayDietary restrictions: Plenty of high quality gluten free breakfast options”
“We happened to stumble upon this cute restaurant. The place is nicely decorated with beautiful hanging lanterns.Their menu offers variety of options so you can definitely find a dish that suits your cravings. They offer delicious Poke Bowl, Ramen, Teriyaki Option, Boba, Cake and even Crepes too! Very well thought out menu that includes a lot of trendy food options! Very reasonable pricing considering their huge portion.Poke Bowl and Ramen are definitely our FAV!!! Black Ramen is flavorful and very delicious!! We will definitely come back to try more items on the menu”
“A complete gem! North County is an outstanding source for all things wine, but even better is their boutique wine bar to have a glass with friends or the owner. Like a small Napa winery without the vineyard. Jim is beyond friendly, knows everything there is to know about wine without being snooty. The perfect fit for the neighborhood and for San Diego. Best alternative to the big box wine store. I love the little outdoor patio, and especially like sitting up at the quaint bar with my girlfriend. She likes the huge selection of wines. A must during Christmas and the holidays, but even better throughout the year because you can pop in for a minute or just relax for hours.”
“Hidden gem in San Marcos. Flavors are authentic with authentic ingredients. A new local favorite for sure. I highly recommend trying the works with some cheese fries. Try to water ice too”
22
Umai Sushi
“My Husband's favorite place to get sushi. We usually get it to go, they're very quick and their prices are alot better than some of the other places around town.”
“Great place for cider, awesome service, and a really fun atmosphere. Would recommend anyone come down and try the place out. You'd be surprised at how versatile cider can be!”
“Fresh and high quality fish so for that, 5 stars. We specifically enjoy the salmon here. Wish the rice had more sushi rice flavor and nori around hand rolls were toasted / less soggy—but can overlook because the fish is great. Happy hour salmon asparagus hand roll on the menu says $4, but we were charged $5. Kind of a bummer.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“If you got a sweet tooth....this is definitely the place to take care of that. hope to try one of their frozen custard pies soon!Parking: parking is NOT a problem at this location. lots of other businesses nearby, so there is plenty of parking. personally....i think, no matter the size of vehicle, you will have options for your parking preference.”
“It's all good, but I did notice the party is a little thinner, and the tomato is sliced pretty thin, too! Cheeseburger meal and a an additional small soda $11.83.”
“Ok, so my car Broke down by the Descanso Ave San Marcos location. But before I started the search for a cheap tow service, I walked over to Starbucks to get a coffee. I was super hungry and upset about my car -I mentioned what happened to the cashier/ Barista- and do you know what he said? He said my coffee was on him! And then he bought me a sandwich too! He probably wasn't even aware of how this simple kindness that he'd shown me affected me... All I could say was, thank you so much- then he said- bad stuff is gonna happen, so you're gonna need some good stuff to happen as well.. (I may have reworded it a little bit, but it's pretty much what he said). I agreed but had to turn away a bit so he wouldn't see me cry he really changed my whole mood. I know this was long, but I had to tell ppl what an amazing soul this angel named CHRIS has that works at the Starbucks on Descando Ave, by the 78 highway in San Marcos.They are way too few humans that show they care for other humans these days- so it just fills my heart with hope, faith, and a lil bit of joy to receive such kindness and compassion. God bless you and thank you Chris. Keep spreading love kindness, and light- because there's so much more hate out there now. The world Needs so many more souls out there like you. ✨? ?Parking: Plenty of places to park- it's mostly a drive-through they don't have a dining room or whatever.Kid-friendliness: It's just a friendly neighborhood Starbucks, nothing unseemly about it☺️Wheelchair accessibility: It's very accessible”
“Today was the 1st day we were "greeted" with "are you ready to order" twice, from a shift leader. To close our order, we did NOT get "my pleasure", even when the food was delivered to our table by the same shift leader.That did not take away from the setting(fresh flowers at every table), the speed, or quality of the food. Chik fil a sets a high standard and this was the 1 st and hopefully, only failure.”
“I’ve only had positive experiences at this location! Staff is super friendly and accommodating. I am always greeted with a smile and professional pleasantries. Ryan is one of the super star employees! Love this location! Remember kindness begets kindness :)”
“I like the food, it's real good... just dang expensive! 2 three piece meals "the caniac combo" was over 44 bucks! Get an extra sauce with your meal..”
“You just have to come here for good coffee, more recently there is Christmas coffee, especially the Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Caramel Brulée Chréme and Chestnut Praline Chréme which I like very much at the moment.”
“I admire this restaurant! They serve delicious dishes, they have a nice menu, The chief cook in that spot is a specialist, I like a lot trying all their dishes. The dishes are consistently of high qualtity, the attitude towards the clients is efficient. I often go to this place and I not even once was discontended. I recommend it with no hesitation.”
“Hadn't been to Tom's since 2023. Decided to do breakfast after pickleball. They had a breakfast special , two eggs, bacon, hash browns, toast and coffee. 8.95. Really good solid breakfast and good coffee. Highly recommend”
“This has some of the best burgers and onion rings in San Marcos. They also have a delicious gyro sandwich or salad if carb intake is a consideration. We never eat inside, it's always drive through pick-up. I was really surprised at the price increase,however, that is par for the course; that being said the portions are large so you won't be left hungry.”
“The food was really good but there wasn’t anyone in the front and had to wait for a bit for someone to come. It was pretty empty in the dining room but there was a really annoying noise coming from the kitchen. Overall good food.”
“This Arby's is very clean, the food is hearty, and the service is quick and friendly. Verizon wireless signal is terrible, unfortunately. So don't try to order online from the parking lot if you have Verizon.”
“Jessica was incredibly helpful. I had placed an order and a couple items were missing bacon. It was late at night so I didn’t come back until the following day. She was more than happy to replace the order with a smile on her face. Great customer service. Mistakes happen but it’s how we respond. Jessica responded with a smile. Thank you”
“On Saturday went to the drive through and a kid named Brian was very nice and had a positive attitude and recommended me some new things to try. Overall great experience here would highly ”
“I used to like El Pollo Loco a lot for their fresh salsas and of course the chicken. But these days I find myself eating there less and less because everything is prepackaged (except chicken) and the vibe is just not as good. I got the 4 piece chicken as the pieces are not big with extra tortillas and only 1 choice of salsa. The chicken was a little dry, but I still liked it. The store was pretty cold inside (it was December) and the restrooms were clean. The counter service was ok but not great. I miss the old days a lot.”
“Portions size and experience was better than Olive Garden. You also get a free glass or two when ordering the Italian soda. Great cocktails. Very fun date night.Parking: The restaurant sits in a plaza so if there was no close parking, a short walk will find parking in the adjacent side of the strip.Kid-friendliness: We didn’t bring our boy, but they had a kid’s menu and a lot of happy, playful kids running around the restaurant- not to say that was okay for them to do, but it was very cute.??”
“This is a quality spot. My wife and I tried the smoothies, kombucha on tap, and avocado toast. All were excellent. You can buy a growler or purchase your own for kombucha and bring it back for a refill.”
“Great selections. Only place in town where there is an abundant amount of foods in this buffet. Clean up crew is fast but too many younger patrons drop food and make mess.”
Cheap Eats
“My coworkers and I would frequent this restaurant often. I would normally get one of the Large Pho bowls but other times I would venture out to Rice Vermicelli Noodles. These noodles were served with lettuce, cucumbers, bean sprouts, mints, pickled carrots and daikon, roasted peanuts and fish sauce. This instance I got it with grilled chicken and egg rolls. Great food all the time!”
“The food here is good and consistent. The service varies a bit but generally friendly wait staff along with plenty of traditional ambiance. I'd say it's good and the portions are certainly worthy of the prices. We go here one to two times per month.”
“Carissa made me such a lovely custom south o’ the border! She was so friendly and I really appreciate the effort despite being short staffed (the economy!)But there’s plenty of seating outside and outlets inside!Such a cozy place to work!”
“Literally the best tacos in all of north county!! Al Pastor and shrimp are a family favorite. The tacos here are succulent, juicy and packed with flavor! I've told all my friends, co workers and family about this place and they all love it also.”
“We eat Thai cuisine quite a bit and this place ranks among the best! The menu offers a large variety of traditional Thai dishes - our favorite is Kao Soi but there are so many other wonderful options. Service is excellent and the food is memorable. Will return again and again.”
“Our go to sushi restaurant in San Marcos!! Their staff treats us well. Always welcoming and happy. We love coming here bc they have the best rolls and our family truly enjoys this place for our sushi family dinner nights!! Our favorite rolls are the Ichiban roll, Twin oaks roll, Ahi Special roll, Chicken of the Sea roll. Oh and the house fried rice we always get as well!! All must try items. Thank you again to the staff who are wonderful people!”
“They really know what they're talking about and what they're doing. Loved the mulled cider. Lee was exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly. Great conversation, tasty cider and a fun place.”
“Fantastic little place! Hot pastrami sandwiches and fresh baked cookies! I almost don’t want to share to keep it a secret for myself, however, they deserve it! Guy behind the counter was super friendly, food came out hot and fast, and was delicious!”
“Nice selection of beer styles for a small brewery. Good venue to hang out and enjoy a refreshing brew. Enjoyed the Triple Witches Tripel and the Portal Porter - make sure to try them and the Whodunit Double IPA.”
“Wow. Was heading home one day and thought I’d swing in for a quick beer. Absolutely loved everything about this place. Amazing beers, great people. Will be coming back often. Highly recommend”
“Really good ice cream. The diversity of flavors impressed me and I liked the portioning. Open late on a Saturday and staff was friendly and helpful when I ordered. First time I came here but won't be the last!”
“I just got my 90 day of 0lsobriety so after our 7 am meeting my sister took me out for breakfast ? .... it wa0p14s a good meal. The Lil young man liked my pink shirt. And that made my day.”
“Great boba place in North County! Prices are reasonable. The first full customization boba place I have been to! Loved that I could pick the milk type and there was even a decaf option!Drinks are made with care/thoroughness and were spot on. Try out the Hokkaido milk tea or the Okinawa milk tea.”
“Step into Chile Tacos and Beer for a tantalizing journey through authentic Mexican cuisine. I recently indulged in their California burrito, priced at $14, and was thoroughly impressed. Despite the calm ambiance, the flavors spoke volumes.Nestled within the warm embrace of the tortilla, each bite of the California burrito was a harmonious blend of savory ingredients. The tender meat, perfectly seasoned, danced with the creamy richness of the avocado and melted cheese. Every mouthful was a celebration of Mexican culinary prowess.Moreover, the relaxed atmosphere of Chile Tacos and Beer provided the perfect backdrop for savoring every morsel. With attentive service and ample space, diners can enjoy their meals without feeling rushed.In conclusion, Chile Tacos and Beer offers a delightful culinary experience that beckons aficionados of Mexican cuisine. For $14, the California burrito delivers on taste and quality, making it a must-try for anyone craving authentic flavors. Whether you’re a connoisseur or new to Mexican fare, this establishment promises a memorable dining adventure.( written by chat gpt )”
“90% of the time the food is great. Oftentimes, the breakfast burrito potatoes are undercooked. And they always burn the eggs. But the hot sauce definitely makes up for it. I think they have the best hot sauce in town. The prices have gone up considerably recently but I still go here once a week.”
28
Pizza Nova
“Food was yummy here! The pizza or pasta lunch special with salad is $15 and the pizza is really good. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating and the service was good.”
“The food is authentic, service is wonderful! The inside could use a little revamping but whatever. Only giving them 4 stars because they stopped making their AMAZING crema chipotle chicken ???. Second best option is the mole chicken!Parking: Parking can be a little tricky, may have to park on the hotel side.”
“Came here at 1230 on 2/23 Friday for 2 pick up drinks, and the lady working there was just the best boba barista ever!! The drinks she made for me today was the best of drinks I’ve ever had here, and I’m so impressed by her customer service! She’s so professional an friendly and I highly recommend :)”
Latest Reviews
“The overall experience was pleasurable. The inside of the restaurant is nicer than the outside. The hidden gem of this place is in their "Indian Flatbread Pizzas". It is like gourmet pizza on roids with very unique flavor combinations. I've had better Indian/Korean food at other places but this place is definitely putting alot of great effort into their Indian style pizzas. The tindaloo Pizza was off the charts. Will definitely come back for the pizza.Dietary restrictions: Vegan and Vegetarian options”
“Local Mexican food spot that is my go-to spot for lunch on the run. Great California burritos and large menu. Prices are very fair. Hot Cheetos burrito is my favorite. There is an indoor dining area if you want to stay and eat.”
“Very pretty shop. Ordered and then half the order was out of stock after we had paid. Ordered a blended iced taro drink. I didn't know it had boba. I didn't want boba. The boba was hot, so the drink melted quickly. The taste was good but overall the drink was not very satisfying. The staff was friendly but lacked knowledge of the availability of product, and also didn't know what creamer was for coffee.”
“Their food is decadent and amazing. Their staff, a wonderful group. Never need to ask for anything. Their wine ? spectacular. This is a very small place. Reservations recommended. Don't miss out on the best Italian Cuisine in North County. Price $$$”
“This marina bar, was a pleasant surprise. Atmosphere was relaxing. It took them a bit to seat us, since we were a big group. We had 2 separate tables, which was fine. Our server forgot to take our order, and it took him 30 minutes to realize this. By the time we were served our food, the first table was finished eating. I would not go back there again, if I was in a large group setting. This place is more for smaller groups. The food made up for the inconvenient service. They use fresh ingredients, cooked and seasoned to perfection. I will return.”
“AMAZING! We hoped in after running some nearby errands and were so happily surprised by the amazing vibe and even better food! Everything is super fresh, there’s lots of options, and super clean both the food and the location. Very calm vibe and super friendly attentive staff which I feel like is really rare for buffets. Would totally bring friends or family for a chill lunch or dinner and they have plenty of vegan options too! Included this beautiful mango drink, chai, coffee, soda, naan on top of everything :) our new favorite restaurant for sure”
“Moved to San Marcos in September and hadn’t been able to find a pizza that meets east coast standards until I ordered from pizza union.This is what pizza is supposed to be. Great crust, perfect sauce to cheese ratio and tastes like the full flavor of a real old school NY style pie.Now the weekly pizza night spot for us.”
Most Popular Restaurants
“Excellent food, excellent service, spokesperson was enthusiastic about being included in their marketing initiative and hopes to make it into one of their menu pictures”
“AMAZING! We hoped in after running some nearby errands and were so happily surprised by the amazing vibe and even better food! Everything is super fresh, there’s lots of options, and super clean both the food and the location. Very calm vibe and super friendly attentive staff which I feel like is really rare for buffets. Would totally bring friends or family for a chill lunch or dinner and they have plenty of vegan options too! Included this beautiful mango drink, chai, coffee, soda, naan on top of everything :) our new favorite restaurant for sure”
“The food here is good and consistent. The service varies a bit but generally friendly wait staff along with plenty of traditional ambiance. I'd say it's good and the portions are certainly worthy of the prices. We go here one to two times per month.”
“They have a really cool ice plate that goes all the way around the bar. I ordered the Cobb salad and it said it came with mixed greens. It was not what I was expecting, but mostly Romain. I wish there would’ve been more baby greens or other types of greens and some avocado in it ? apparently they don’t even carry avocado, but I guess I’m just a spoiled Californian.The coconut shrimp was good and my husband liked his shrimp linguine dish. However, he did wish that they had some capers. The atmosphere is cool, it gets pretty busy on the weekends it seems. The prices are OK and the service is decent. I mean it’s outback.”
“This place is busy and has long queue even on a weekday night. Went without a reservation ( they dun take reservation call but you can Q in advance using the Yelp app) and was made to wait for 30 minutes.The food was served in a bag with the spices and sauce all in one. The sausages and potatoes are all thrown inside. The sauce is kind of high in sodium ( be prepared to drink tons of water later) but addictive. However, because everything has the same sauce, you probably will hit diminishing returns in no time.Therefore, I will rec a mix of other stuff that are not served in the bag, such as lemon chicken wings, fries etc drinks come free flow and you probably will need it to wash down the food.Service is good ? and the staff are very friendly.A nice experience eating without the worry of leaving a mess in the end!”
“February 2024This BWW got new seating furniture, it appears that with the new set up larger groups will be accommodated faster.They also have a QR code to order and pay.Kid-friendliness: There was a changing station in the girls bathroom. The waitress offered a sling for the baby car seat. They also had high chairs and booster seats available.”
“Food is always good. The service was amazing considering Halie was working by herself. She did a fantastic job communicating to customers that she was working by herself. Regardless she still got our food out to us quickly. Nice job Halie!!! She's a keeper!”
“Love the Money Pit! There is something for everyone there. Great comfort food, grilled options, salads, shakes, zucchini fries, chili cheese fries, fish and chips, breakfast all day. All of it is tasty, and the prices are reasonable. Fun decor to check out. ”
“90% of the time the food is great. Oftentimes, the breakfast burrito potatoes are undercooked. And they always burn the eggs. But the hot sauce definitely makes up for it. I think they have the best hot sauce in town. The prices have gone up considerably recently but I still go here once a week.”
“So good!!! Came up in suggested places a few times but passed it up until this weekend. Now bummed I didn't try it sooner. We got takeout but definitely seems like a good place to dine in some other time.”
“It's all good, but I did notice the party is a little thinner, and the tomato is sliced pretty thin, too! Cheeseburger meal and a an additional small soda $11.83.”
“If you are a cookie person, this is the place for you. if you're not a cookie person, you should probably see someone about that, hopefully it's a treatable condition.”
“Found this place randomly and it is definitely a hidden gem! Service/staff were great and attentive. Inside was neat with a cute/unique style. I would say it's perfect for study sessions and/or coffee dates. Drink: I have never tried honey lavender with my matcha but the staff recommended and it did not disappoint. Price is pretty average for a matcha latte (especially if you get dairy free milk). I will be back to try the food menu!”
“We eat Thai cuisine quite a bit and this place ranks among the best! The menu offers a large variety of traditional Thai dishes - our favorite is Kao Soi but there are so many other wonderful options. Service is excellent and the food is memorable. Will return again and again.”
“The Grill was able to seat our large party of 11 adults and two toddlers. Service was excellent -- all staff was friendly and professional throughout our meal. Very pleasant guitar/singer. Great views of folks on the driving range & beyond. We ordered a variety of meals, drinks, and desserts and everything was very, very good.”
“Always a pleasure to visit and shop in Prego. Miguel, Joao and Elisa are lovely people and proud of the Brazilian and Portuguese products they sell there. Long live coxinha.”