Carlsbad Restaurant Tips by lmkluque Top 5 Page for this destination

Casa De Bandini: Relocated from Old Town SD State Historic Park

Casa de Bandini has relocated from the original Juan Bandini home in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park to the Forum in Carlsbad this summer, 2009. I haven't actually been there yet, but Diane Powers, the owner of Casa De Bandini and of Baazar del Mundo in Old Town told me, "We have tried to create a new, second-generation Casa de Bandini reminiscent of Mexico's beautiful and festive haciendas with overtones of our original restaurant." Gone is the historical Casa de Juan Bandini but the fountained patio, old world Mexico spirit and great food is still offered.

You'll find more info about the progress and history of this restaurant on my Old Town San Diego State Historic Park page, House of Bandini

Favorite Dish: Diane Powers, assures me that the food choice and flavors have suffered nothing in this big move northward. Unique seafood items as well as the favored Mexican dishes are still on offer.

So, while in Carlsbad visit Casa de Bandini and enjoy the relaxed colorful spirit of Mexico.

Address: 1901 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Located at "The Forum" in Carlsbad. East of Interstate 5. From the I-5 take the Leucadia Boulevard exit. Then make a left onto Calle Barcelona.$b

Phone: (760) 634-3443

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Mexican

Website: http://casadebandini.com/

Neiman's: Twin Inns Neiman's Restaurant Review

Neiman's is housed in one of Carlsbad's oldest and most striking buildings, which began as two mansions, mirrored in image. There is a narrow area for patio dining and naturally that is where I eat.

If you go to the website listed below you will see a button titled, "Coupon," click it and print out the $5.00 coupon before dining at Neiman's. I did and the coupon covered the price of a drink.

Favorite Dish: The last time I ate there, I ordered the # 3 lunch special for $9.95. Pork roast served with garlic mashed potatoes and a melody of steamed vegetables. Also, with the $5.00 coupon, I had a free Bloody Mary!

Address: 300 Carlsbad Village Drive

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: At the N/E corner of Carlsbad Village Drive and Carlsbad Boulevard. In the Village.

Phone: (760) 729-4131

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Eclectic/International

Samba Brazilian Steakhouse: VTMeeting: 11 October 2003 Samba Brazilian Steakhouse Review

Barry, VT Member "Spartan," organized a VT Meeting for Laura, "hayward68" at Samba's and that is how I discovered it.

The restaurant is in a free standing building at the entrance of a shopping mall. (The most charming aspect of this mall was the gaggle of geese that had crossed the road from the lagoon to wander around landscaped areas of the mall. I took several photos and the brave birds actually walked up to me for a closer look. Unfortuanately my camera had no film and all those photos were lost. Later, after loading in the film and returning, the geese had gone back home.)

Samba's had an enclosed patio as well as a large dining room which easily accommodated our group. Service was very good and the myriad of salad, meat and side dishes had something to please everyone.

Jenn, "jenn_d" can always be counted on to liven up any gathering, but Laura, "hayward68" and our newer member "Evadahling" proved to be just as entertaining. So, besides a delicious meal we had a wonderful time.

Also attending, Stephanie, Gerry, Spartan, lauriejeanne, Ed_G, oldmonk_92129, Eva's friend Mary, Gerry, and the ever charming and popular, Yubert.

Favorite Dish: An all-you-can-eat type buffet. Nice Salad bar and a section of side dishes were fresh and flavorful, but it was the variety of meats brought to the table on skewers by gaucho clad waiters that really topped off the meal.

Address: 1814 Marron Road

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: North County Plaza Shopping Center

Phone: (760) 720-0700

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 4

Theme: Steakhouse

Website: http://www.Sambasteakhouse.com

Benihana Carlsbad!!: More Than Sushi! Benihana Carlsbad Review

When Spartan announced a surprise birthday VT Meeting for his lovely bride, Laruie Jeanne at Benihana in Carlsbad I was happy to join for two reasons, first to see everyone and second to have dinner at Benihana! I hadn't tried the Carlsbad location but found it to be as nice and charming as the San Diego location in Hotel Circle.

At Benihana, each "table" which seats up to eight people, has it's own grill. All the the chopping and dicing of meats and vegetables for the meal and the cooking of most food is done, right in front of you, at your table by clever, talented and sometimes very funny cooks. Clapping and tipping are accepted when you especially enjoy the show he puts on.

Of course, if you don't travel with a large party and are anti-social you may not like the set-up, because all seats at a table are filled--within a reasonable amount of time--before the cooking begins. That's right, you may be sharing a table with complete strangers! Though it might sound weird, the truth is that you'll most likely have fun.

This was my first time at the Carlsbad location and I came with my own group. So, I didn't meet any strangers.

Favorite Dish: My favorite dish depends on my mood. However, I always order hot Sake to drink and a spicy Tijuana Roll appetizer.

Unfortunately this location does not offer the spicy Tijuana Roll, so I ordered the California Roll instead. Usually I have Teriyaki chicken or one of the shrimp dishes.

Here you see oldmonk92129 on his fourth or fifth sushi order and he's still happy, that should give you a clue how good the food is.

Photo Courtesy of a kind and generous Yubert!

Address: 755 Raintree Drive, Carlsbad

Comparison: about average

Phone: (760) 929-831

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 5

Theme: Japanese/Sushi

Website: http://www.benihana.com

TGI Friday's : Look For The Red & White Awnings TGI Friday's Review

Although TGIF is open to the public, this location also serves as the restaurant for Holiday Inn Carlsbad by the Sea. Yes, even roomservice is available.

Favorite Dish: TGIF stands for "Thank God It's Friday!" How many times have you said that? Well think of a place to go to let off steam after a stressful week of work and that's pretty much the atmosphere you'll find at 'Friday's. The menu of this chain restaurant offers a wide range for all taste buds and the servers are energetic as well as fun. The food is good and the drinks are better.

Address: 890 Palomar Airport Road%

Comparison: about average

Phone: (760) 431-5009

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 3

Theme: American

A Few Places Within Walking Distance: Staying At The Holiday Inn?

While driving aroud the Holiday Inn hotel on Palomar Airport Road looking for more information about Pea Soup Andersen's I found that Pea Soup is now closed and next to the hotel a few other restaurants popped up.

They looked busy and interesting.

King's Seafood
Casual cool

Kings Fish Market
Serves: Lunch | Dinner
Cuisine: Seafood

Belle Fleur
Serves: Lunch | Dinner
Cuisine: Continental cuisine

Address: 890 Palomar Airport Road

Comparison: about average

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Other

Harbor Fish South: Beach Shack Chic

Lobster for $15.99 is a great deal anywhere in California! This come-as-you-are restaurant is the perfect place to stop for lobster after a morning of sunbathing! It is located on the beach and it is reminiscent of the Beach Blanket Bingo days where prices were lower and the beach culture ruled supreme.

Favorite Dish: $15.99 Local Lobster!

Address: 3179 Carlsbad Boulevard

Comparison: less expensive than average

Phone: (760) 729-4161

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Seafood

Vinaka Cafe: Behind Neiman's Vinaka Cafe Review

Located on the upper level of a peaceful and charming shopping center behind the Twin Inns. At first discovery, I thought it was an Italian restaurant.

Vinaka actually is a word from the Fiji Islands meaning Thank you and also it means excellent. A fitting name for such a comfortable place.

The outside patio terrace overlooks a small courtyard complete with fountain and the surrounding area is very peaceful.

Favorite Dish: Cafe Mocha is the coffee house drink I prefer or sometimes espresso, both are reasonably priced.

Vinaka offers gourmet coffees, sweets, salads, soups and sandwiches--oh yes, and wireless Internet--in a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. They have a summer/winter daily special to choose from which expands the menu offerings.

Address: 300 Carlsbad Village Drive/Suite 211

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: Located upstairs in the Village Faire shopping center

Phone: (760) 720-7890

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Coffeehouse

Website: http://www.vinakacafe.com