Very North County

08/24/2026

There’s a new reason to wander over to Madison Street.

Tucked into a small, warm dining room in the heart of Carlsbad Village, Little Kiki katsu & more is the kind of place that feels considered from the moment you walk in: low lighting, Japanese-inspired woodwork, a handful of tables and an intimate bar overlooking the kitchen — complete with minimalist wooden dividers that somehow make even a solo seat feel like your own little corner.

The restaurant comes from the team behind Harumama and neighboring Blue Ocean, but Little KiKi is very much its own thing. Inspired by its namesake cat (yes, Kiki is real), the concept centers on curiosity, craftsmanship and a modern take on Japanese katsu.

And katsu is decidedly the main event.

The menu runs from dry-aged Berkshire Kurobuta pork and Jidori chicken to ribeye and A5 Wagyu gyu-katsu, lightly breaded in panko and fried until golden and crisp. There are also a few reasons to linger before the main course: Kumamoto oysters, yellowtail crudo, truffle sea salt edamame and a particularly good karaage with kimchi aioli.

The drinks deserve some attention, too. There’s a thoughtful sake list, a three-pour tasting flight, hot sake, fresh-pressed cucumber and apple soju, and a short list of sake cocktails. We went with the hot Ozeki, then finished with mango mochi ice cream — simple, sweet and exactly right.

What we liked most, though, might be the room itself. At only about 25–30 seats inside, Little KiKi manages to feel intimate without feeling hushed: warm service, a little energy from the open kitchen, and just enough going on around you to make it feel like you’ve found somewhere.

VNC tip: Make the reservation — and make it a few days ahead if you want your pick of times. There is a small patio, but we’d choose the dining room every time for the full experience.

Put this one on the list for a date night, dinner with a couple of friends, or a solo seat at the bar when you’re in the mood to eat very well and keep yourself company.

📍 Little KiKi Katsu & More
2958 Madison St., Carlsbad Village

08/08/2026

How two Michelin-trained chefs are reimagining neighborhood dining in Encinitas through fresh pasta, thoughtful hospitality, and a community-first approach.

Meet the founders of Encinitas' Pastaria Vivi as they share their Michelin-starred journey, tip-free philosophy, and vision for building community through fresh pasta.

07/16/2026

From chef-driven restaurants and neighborhood cafés to an independent bookstore and a shave ice shop made for sunny afternoons, these are the newest North County openings to add to your summer list.

Discover the best new restaurants, cafés, shops, and local openings across North County San Diego this summer—from chef-driven dining and cozy coffee spots to bookstores, sweet treats, and more.

07/15/2026

Tucked beside Domaine Artefact's vineyards in Escondido's Highland Valley, Café Rhône pairs thoughtfully crafted coffee and seasonal fare with a warm, community-first atmosphere that invites guests to slow down and stay awhile.

New in Escondido: Café Rhône at Domaine Artifact serves small-batch pastries, seasonal bites, and coffee in the heart of Highland Valley wine country.

07/13/2026

Founder Katie Jayne shares the inspiration behind her Carlsbad market, her favorite North County spots, and her vision for building community through food at Always Hungry Grocery & Goods.

Katie Jayne of Always Hungry Grocery & Goods shares her favorite North County spots, the inspiration behind her Carlsbad market, and why community is at the heart of everything she does.

07/11/2026

Tucked just off Highway 101 on a quiet stretch of 2nd Street, .co is the kind of place that’s easy to miss—but once you’ve found it, you’ll likely find yourself coming back. From the greenery framing the entrance to the soft, minimal interiors and slower pace inside, everything about the space invites you to settle in.

Inspired by Persian flavors and hospitality, Para offers a thoughtful menu of specialty coffees, house-made pastries, breakfast, and tea. Alongside espresso drinks and café classics are specialty lattes infused with orange blossom, pistachio, saffron, rose, and cinnamon—balanced, nuanced, and never overly sweet.

Tea is served in individual pots designed to linger over, while the pastry case is filled with flaky croissants, honey pistachio baklava, fresh scones, elegant cheesecakes, ganache tarts, and beautifully crafted individual cakes that are just as fitting for an afternoon treat as they are to bring home to someone else.

The avocado toast is equally thoughtful—beautifully plated with seasonal garnishes and served on thick-cut bread.

More than anything, though, it’s the rhythm of the café that stands out.

Friends catching up over coffee, neighbors stopping in after a walk, people settling in for a quiet morning of work—it has the kind of easy energy that makes you want to stay a little longer. Even on a busy summer Friday morning, the atmosphere is calm, welcoming, and unhurried.

📍 .co
949 2nd St, Encinitas
🕰 Tuesday–Sunday: 8 a.m.–3 p.m. | Closed Monday

06/29/2026

Some places are worth going out of your way for.

Tucked into the hills of Highland Valley, Café Rhône is the kind of place that reminds us why we still use the term hidden gem. Warm and beautifully curated, the café serves seasonal pastries, thoughtful bites, and excellent coffee alongside the vineyards of Domaine Artefact.

The drive alone feels transportive. And once you arrive, it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon here.

The menu is intentionally small, seasonal, and made entirely in-house, with each item available only until it sells out—from olive oil cake made with oil from Domaine Artefact’s own groves and topped with fresh basil whipped cream to seasonal sandwiches on sourdough from local microbakery Nessy's Doughlites and pastries that evolve with the harvest.

Even better? The people behind it all. Manager Kristin Puccini has created something that feels deeply personal, welcoming, and community-driven.

Whether you’re exploring Highland Valley’s wineries, looking for a quiet patio to read on, or simply craving a proper cappuccino and a slice of cake, this is a spot worth adding to your list.

Full feature now live on VeryNorthCounty.com 

📍 Café Rhône at Domaine Artefact
15406 Highland Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92025

🕰 Friday: 12–7 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

06/14/2026

Queenstown Bistro is now open in Del Mar Village — bringing New Zealand-inspired comfort food, ocean views, and greenhouse-style interiors to North County 🌿🍸🌊 �

From lamb smash burgers and flaky meat pies to seafood plates, seasonal cocktails, and golden hour drinks, the restaurant marks Queenstown Hospitality Group’s first North County opening. �

Inside feels like a hidden garden by the coast, complete with hanging greenery, retractable windows, and views of the Pacific.

The bar — across from the restaurant — is also perfect to pop in for happy hour, or to catch the game.

📍1435 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar�
⏰ Daily 11AM–9PM (Fri–Sat until 10PM)�
🥂 Weekend brunch begins at 9AM

05/12/2026

If your favorite nursery was also a disco 🪩

’s newest location in Del Mar — right across from Flower Hill Promenade — is now open 🌱☕️✨

05/05/2026

The spirit of Louisiana arrives at San Diego waterfront for four days of live music, dancing, and authentic Cajun and Creole food this weekend at Gator By The Bay!

Gator by the Bay returns to San Diego May 7–10 with four days of live music, crawfish, dancing, and Cajun and Creole culture on the waterfront at Spanish Landing Park.