Location: Escondido
Top Restaurants in Escondido
Top Things to do in Escondido
Where to Eat in Escondido: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Escondido (/ˌɛskənˈdiːdoʊ/ ES-kən-DEE-doh) is a city located in San Diego County's North County region, 30 miles (48 km) northeast of Downtown San Diego, California. The city occupies a shallow valley ringed by rocky hills. Incorporated in 1888, it is one of the oldest cities in San Diego County. The city had a population of 143,911 in the 2010 census.
Things to do in Escondido
1. Cenote Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 252 reviews
Reviewed By jody_t - Virginia
Thank you Trip Advisor reviewers! Our family loved our dinner at Cenote Grill! They do not take reservations, so we had a 25 minutes wait for a table. Food was well above average Mexican fare and portions were so large that we all brought half of our meals home!
The restaurant sign isn’t well lit at night, so use a GPS!
2. Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4 based on 797 reviews
At Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, we endeavor to use as much in-season, locally and organically grown produce as possible. It's about much more than freshness and sustainability. Local, organic food--fresh from local growers AND our own farm to your table--simply tastes better and is better for you. Combine those benefits with our expansive gardens, our indoor and outdoor 32-tap beer systems and select wines and you've got a dining experience to satiate your--body, mind and soul.
Reviewed By jody_t - Virginia
Trip Advisor reviews are spot on! This restaurant had beautiful patio and modern, attractive dining room. Our group can recommend the duck tacos, brats and ‘quick kraut’, Asada steak, and pasta with the pork. We all shared the pretzels with mustard as an appetizer...light and not chewy...terrific!
The only negative is the outside signage...there isn’t one!!! Stone brewing was very difficult to find...use your GPS! Even as we left, a car pulled up and asked us if this was the brewery bistro ;-).
3. Vintana Wine + Dine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 515 reviews
Located on the Penthouse Level of the Lexus Centre of Escondido, Vintana offers a modern take on California Cuisine and picturesque views of the Escondido town and countryside.
Reviewed By KFM214 - San Diego, California
It's not often you have to walk by a James Bond looking car to get to your table (can't remember the make or style) but wayyyyy hip...The restaurant is a strange mix of down-home wooden crates and sophisticated plates. and BIG! yes, it is located a top the Lexus dealership, and why not use so much wasted space to open a restaurant. Our lunch was very good without being outstanding: good ahi stack, good lobster and cheese sandwich, good onion rings. The surroundings felt a bit too industrial for a cozy meal, but the saving grace is that you can hold a normal conversation with the person in front of you, something lacking in most trendy establishments. The outdoor terrace is the place to be on a warm evening.
Be aware that parking for the restaurant is on the top floor of the parking garage... that took us a few mns to figure out.
4. A Delight of France Bakery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
FranceReviewed By Joel K - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
The baguette was ok not particularly crusty. The omelet I had was good with spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes and feta cheese. My wife’s half sandwich and soup was ok. The service was helpful, friendly, and attentive. Coffee was available with multiple refills and robust.
5. Pho Truc Xanh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By Edge W - Columbia, Missouri
Looking for something different, I chose this restaurant I'd passed up before. It was excellent! I chose a meat dish. The presentation was beautiful, the flavors a good mix. Service was prompt and caring. I enjoyed watching the interactions of waitstaff and regulars and their friendliness toward a newcomer. I'll be back--there are a lot of dishes to try.
6. Bellamy's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By Sheryl B - Bethesda, Maryland
Everything was just fabulous. The French Onion soup had wonderful flavor. The ham and cheese crepe was outstanding- it was light but the filling had incredible flavor. The steak sandwich was also very flavorful and tender. Nice wine selection. Street parking available outside restaurant. Would absolutely return. Nice stop if travelling from San Diego to Palm Springs.
7. Burger Bench
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Burgers, Grilled Cheese, Beer, Fries, Tots, and soon to come, ice cream shakes. We select as many fresh and local ingredients as possible to create high-quality food for Escondido. Now open for breakfast on weekends.
Reviewed By EuroTravelLover - San Diego, CA
We live in Escondido, and have been to Burger Bench many times. Friday night we went around 7:30pm. Sadly, the patty melt was a great disappointment. It is served on very thick sourdough (not the usual rye bread of patty melts). The result was a dry sandwich with very little cheese and grilled onions. We also got a slider combo and the fried chicken sliders were also quite dry, with very little sauce. We usually really enjoy the Bench, but things were a bit dry and flat. The tater tots were good, but in the past the truffle tots had more truffle flavor and Parmesan. Maybe it was an off night, but we likely won’t go back for a while.
8. In-N-Out Burger
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
At In-N-Out Burger, quality is everything. Stop by to enjoy our menu of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, french fries and shakes. In-N-Out makes fast food the old fashioned way.
Reviewed By Lepha - Murrieta, California
Jason was very nice and helpful. He was in the dining area wiping down tables, asked guests if they'd like refills, and asked if he could clear trays. His uniform was crisp and clean.
The mirrors in the women's restroom were extremely water spotted - surprising since it was noon.
9. Vincent's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By corgipower - San Diego, California
Amazing French cuisine influenced by local and seasonal California produce. It's on the smaller more intimate side, has a full bar, and made-from-scratch menu. Sadly, Vincent has passed away, but his food legacy lives on. A small dedicated kitchen staff turns out consistently delicious meals. Midweek specials should be taken advantage of so you can enjoy a variety of items without hurting your wallet.
10. Filippi's Pizza Grotto
Overall Ratings
4 based on 170 reviews
Reviewed By Rob M - Escondido, California
We had dinner at Filippi's last week, and while their pizzas are out-of-this-world great, we also discovered their pasta dishes are just as great! My lady ordered the Manicotti dinner and i had the Filippi's Family Combo of spaghetti, ravioli and lasagna. Both orders came with tasty soup, salad and garlic bread!
The Manicotti came smothered in cheese and my lady enjoyed it thoroughly..My Family Combo was just that: enough to feed a small family of 3 or 4!! After I finished my soup and salad, I attacked the combo, essentially 1 pile of spaghetti and 1 pile of ravioli and lasagna mixed together, and all generously covered in a very delicious meat sauce...WOW! I finished off most of the ravioli and lasagna, and was able to take home the spaghetti for lunch the next day!
Fillipi's has great pizza...and great pasta. It'll be a hard decision the next time I visit
