All eyes are on Oceanside! Over the last several years, Oceanside has quickly gained a reputation as being one of the leading foodie destinations in San Diego County. Local chefs are making headlines by pushing the limits, creating new and unique menu items and experimenting with classics to bring exquisite and mouth-watering flavors to every plate.

Local residents are loving this boom in hand-crafted cuisine and are in fact regular customers at all of the establishments contributing to the authentic, relaxed, and welcoming atmosphere that is felt as soon as you walk in the door.

Locally coined “flip-flop fine dining,” Oceanside prides itself on providing a high-quality dining experience in a casual atmosphere. Oceanside’s burgeoning dining scene is all about fresh, locally sourced ingredients, independent style and a collaborative community spirit.

Steps from the beach and historic pier, Downtown Oceanside has been a hotspot for restaurant openings in recent years thanks to redevelopment projects and restoration of historic buildings. Today, visitors can experience Italy at Blade 1936, which recently became one of just two restaurants in San Diego to receive a prestigious AVPN certification for authentic Pizza Napoletana. Hopping over to the newest additions to downtown, Mission Pacific & The Seabird Resort, offers Valle de Guadelupe-inspired fine-dining at Valle, fresh seafood and pasta at Piper plus oceanfront views at High/Low. Those craving tacos can stop in at Hello Betty Fish House, which features a rooftop lounge complete with a vintage VW “Mas Taco” bus, newcomer Craft Coast Tacos & Beer or the ever-popular Señor Grubby’s and Sancho’s Tacos. For a sweet treat, don’t miss Parlor Doughnuts specializing in small-batch, handmade treats made fresh throughout the day, or Petite Madeline Bakery & Bistro featuring made-from-scratch bakery treats and savory entrees. On Thursdays, downtown Oceanside hosts the popular market day featuring a large selection of food vendors showcasing outstanding international cuisine that draws thousands of visitors each year.

Located on the western end of San Diego’s “Hops Highway,” Oceanside is home to numerous craft beer labels and an eclectic collection of craft beer, wine, cocktail and coffee establishments ranging from breweries and taprooms to tasting gardens and more. O’side Sips is a handy link to the Visit Oceanside Sips map of breweries, tasting rooms, wineries and coffee houses and includes links to all the local places as well as maps that note the locations.

Seven Must-Try Beers Brewed in Oceanside:

Bagby Beer Company: Sweet Ride Bohemian-style Pilsner, Gold 2016 Great American Beer Festival

Belching Beaver Brewery: Peanut Butter Milk Stout

Black Plague Brewing: 1347 IPA

Breakwater Brewing Co.: Rye Dawn Brown Ale, Gold 2018 Great American Beer Festival

Legacy Brewing Company: That Guava Beer

Northern Pine Brewing: Golden Horizons

Oceanside Brewing Company: Summer Picnic Blonde Ale