If you ever visit San Marcos, CA, you’ll be visiting a small, warm town located in the North County San Diego. While it’s not known for having the most famous restaurants in the world like most cities, you can still find a nice variety of cuisine in this area.
These 15 Best Restaurants in San Marcos are bound to make your mouth water and appeal to many different people.
1. Amalfi Cucina Italiana
$$ | (760) 653-3230| WEBSITE
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This two-level restaurant located right off the beautiful Lake San Marcos offers authentic Italian cuisine for the whole family. Amalfi Cucina Italiana gives you an elegant atmosphere serving some of the best artisan pizzas, distinct seafood dishes, and fine wines.
The second level is where the fine dining experience happens and downstairs is their Marina Bar, where you could treat yourself and your family to some casual American eats. Amalfi Cucina Italiana is great for a romantic dinner date or a family outing.
2. Aria Restaurant
$$ | (760) 539-7890| WEBSITE
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If you’re in the mood for some fine Persian Mediterranean food, give Aria Restaurant a try. The photos of this restaurant from its website show a beautifully-designed, elegant space with clean hardwood floors and artwork on the walls.
Bring your date to Aria where you will dine on beef-koobideh with cherry-dotted Persian rice or their homemade Kabobs. One customer raved about this restaurant as being the “best Iranian food in San Diego.” End your meal with some of their beautifully-scented Persian tea with their homemade baklavas. Enjoy a delicious Persian meal at Aria.
3. Fish House Vera Cruz
$$ | (760) 744-8000| WEBSITE
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Known as the best seafood in San Diego County, Fish House Vera Cruz has been open for over 30 years. All of their seafood is mesquite grilled and served with two sides of either Cole slaw, rice pilaf, tomatoes, garden salad, or steamed veggies.
Their entree selections change during the year because the availability is subject to weather and how fortunate the fishermen are in catching the fish. Expect the atmosphere at Fish House Vera Cruz to be rustic and sea-inspired just like the menu.
4. Two Hands Corn Dogs- San Marcos
$ | (760) 290-3068| WEBSITE
If you have a taste for something more simple like a corndog, Two Hands is just the place for you. But they don’t serve just any corndog- they serve Korean-style corndogs. The well-reviewed San Marcos eatery is a unique addition to the area, as Korean-style corndogs are becoming more popular.
Share a Mega-star set combo with your best friend or family member. This combo set consists of 5 of their most popular corndogs- Potato Dog, Classic Dog, Crispy Rice Dog, Spicy Dog & Two Hands Dog. Get a taste of Korean-style corn dogs at Two Hands Corn Dogs today.
5. Sorrento’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant
$$ | (760) 727-4091| WEBSITE
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Known as San Marcos favorite Italian restaurant, Sorrento’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant has been around since 1976 serving Italian cuisine with the freshest ingredients.
From their doughy, delicious pizza to their sweet and saucy Sicilian specialties, Sorrento’s gives you well-crafted Italian that will have your mouth water. Their customers rave about their pizza and other Italian dishes as being delicious. The next time you’re in San Marcos, CA, you may want to visit Sorrento’s.
6. Love Boat Sushi
$$ | (760) 471-7722| WEBSITE
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If you have a taste for some sushi, why not check out Love Boat Sushi? Love Boat Sushi serves the freshest sushi in the San Marcos area. Also located in the Oceanside area, Love Boat is a bustling area where you can pick from a variety of 2 piece sushi rolls such as King Salmon and Fatty Tuna.
You can even order from one of their Roll & Sushi, Sashimi & Sushi combos. They also have a delectable lunch special around 2 pm where you could order their spicy tuna roll and sashimi. Find some fresh Japanese cuisine at the Love Boat Sushi.
7. Flavor of Himalaya
$$ | (760) 539-7184| WEBSITE
This Nepalese restaurant is located in the San Marcos Pavilion where people have had private events such as weddings and cocktail receptions. Flavor of Himalaya has a professional chef with 20 years of experience cooking in the finest restaurants.
Their staff is committed to providing the best service possible. They source all of their fresh ingredients from local farmers’ markets. Try their Veggie Korma & Chicken Tikka Masala.
8. Mariah’s Westwind Restaurant
$$ | (760) 736-8108| WEBSITE
This comfort food American restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dine-in services. Mariah’s Westwind Restaurant is a family-owned restaurant where you will find some interesting breakfast combinations.
One of those is one of their house specialties Florentine Benedict, where you get poached eggs with fresh sauteed spinach on an English muffin. It is, of course, topped with hollandaise sauce. Many of the customers rave about Mariah’s quick, efficient service.
You and your family could also eat on their large outdoor patio. If you have a taste for some freshly-made comforting breakfast and lunch, Mariah’s Westwind Restaurant is a good place to go.
9. Buona Forchetta- San Marcos
$$ | (442) 515-3147| WEBSITE
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When people come to this Italian restaurant, they rave about the ambiance, food, and service. Buona Forchetta has five locations, including the San Marcos North City area. This restaurant blends Neopolitan-style pizzas and Northern Italian cuisine in a family-friendly environment.
The restaurant is also very attractive indoors with beautiful, comfortable seating and a large, shaded patio. You and your family and friends will feel very welcome in this chic-looking Italian eatery.
10. Landon’s East Meets West
$$ | (760) 304-4560| WEBSITE
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Here’s a casual dining, family-friendly restaurant that lets mom and dad enjoy a romantic meal while their child plays at their on-site play area. Landon’s East Meets West is a fusion eatery combining the best of western and eastern food under one roof.
It’s the one restaurant where parents can make arrangements to use their on-site secure child care services, which vary in price depending on the number of children you’re bringing.
Try their Indo-Chinese dish where you could choose and customize from a variety of sides and proteins. You’ll see some interesting twists on popular American foods and take your kid to a safe, fun playroom at Landon’s East Meets West.
11. Pita Guys
$$ | (760) 566-3040| WEBSITE
Make some plans with your family and friends to visit this Mediterranean restaurant serving fresh sandwiches, salads, rice bowls, rice plates, and appetizers. Pita Guys is a family-owned and operated restaurant that cooks its food with locally-sourced ingredients.
They have some vegetarian and gluten-free friendly dishes on the menu as well. Opened in 2016, Pita Guys truly care about serving authentic Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food to their customers. The restaurant also has a bakery where you could find some fresh baked goods online.
12. Eugenio Italian Ristorante
$$ | (760) 304-6939| WEBSITE
Chef Eugenio Martignago created this restaurant with a “farm to table” mentality. Eugenio Italian Ristorante has been open since 2019 and serves appetizers, pastas, soups, pizzas, and salads, just to name a few.
The small, casual restaurant has been getting some rave reviews from customers about its food and service. Try their Mushroom Fettucine and Lobster Ravioli. Come and enjoy some real authentic Italian cuisine at Eugenio Italian Ristorante.
13. Manna Korean BBQ
$$ | (760) 743-3300| WEBSITE
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This Korean barbecue spot has five locations, including the San Marcos location. Manna Korean BBQ has a wide selection of delicious meats at affordable prices. The casual eatery was founded in February 2010 and gives you two all-you-can-eat options.
You can either order from the A1, which is a premium menu consisting of impressive cuts of meat and seafood, or the A2 menu, which consists of meats Beef Belly, Hawaiian Pork Belly, and Bulgogi, among others.
When you come to Manna, you’ll leave full and happy. The restaurant is planning on expanding in the future, opening another location in National City inside Plaza Bonita.
14. Thai Thai San Marcos Restaurant
$$ | (442) 515-3240| WEBSITE
This Thai restaurant combines culinary traditions with a modern twist. Thai Thai San Marcos Restaurant gives you a casual, intimate ambiance with authentic Thai dishes. Their chef recently added some Northern-style dishes to give the customers some variety.
Customers have been raving about the restaurant for their food and the friendly service. Try their Panang Curry with Chicken or their Honey Roasted Duck.
15. Las Brisas Mexican Cuisine
$$ | (760) 798-9906| WEBSITE
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When you visit Las Brisas Mexican Cuisine, you’ll be visiting a restaurant that takes great care in pleasing its customers. The shopping center stop gives you fresh and authentic dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients.
It’s also a vegetarian-friendly eatery. The friendly, casual atmosphere has talented cooks and servers who go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Las Brisas also serves breakfast, lunch, and a handcrafted menu of cocktails, wines, tequilas, beers, and margaritas. Enjoy with your family and friends.
These restaurants are bound to keep you full in northern county San Diego. Visit these 15 Best Restaurants in San Marcos and you will not be disapointed.
Hayden has been a digital director for years. He has five years of experience editing and writing about food, restaurant, and recipe review content. At Birch Restaurant, he’s in charge of scouting, showing up unannounced in different restaurants, and writing a thorough food guide!
