7 Must-Try Downtown Oceanside Restaurants | Best Oceanside CA Restaurants

Sharing is caring!

Welcome to our top downtown Oceanside restaurants guide! This guide is designed to help visitors find the best restaurants in Oceanside in all categories, from amazing seafood to mouth-watering steaks and entrees.

From casual and delicious to elegant cuisine and beautiful décor – our goal is to help you find something for everyone’s taste without limiting options. Whether you are looking for a beautiful and cozy family restaurant to relax with friends or a delicious steakhouse that serves up an exciting array of specialty dishes – this guide has it all.

And whether you want to go out to dinner or dine at home, we have something for everyone! This guide will help you discover the best restaurants in Downtown Oceanside, CA.

There is something for everyone, whether it be simple or exquisite! From hearty food and drinks to beautiful views and cozy atmospheres. With many options to choose from, we’re sure you’ll find something for everyone’s taste buds and budget.

Top 7 Downtown Oceanside Restaurants

Masters Kitchen and Cocktail

208 S. Coast Hwy., Oceanside, CA 92054, United States // +17602316278

In the center of Oceanside, California, a few blocks from the beach, you can find Masters Restaurant. 

Oceanside is a peaceful seaside community, a treasure of the Californian coast. Whether you want to lounge on the sand or jump in to catch some waves, it is a beach lover’s paradise. 

And the Masters restaurant is here for you when you’ve had enough of the sun. You can sit on the covered patio, at the bar, at a round table, or in the dining area inside. This is a chic, spacious restaurant that offers handmade cocktails and American cuisine in a former popular drag racing shop.

In addition to providing a warm and welcoming eating experience for a pleasant getaway from the heat and sand, the renovated restaurant maintains its genuine character. 

Traditional artisan cocktails that taste and smell of the 1920s are served at a separate bar with communal seating. This place offers high standards of comfort, libations, and food.

Start with their amazing Wedge Salad made of baby Iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, incredible blue cheese crumble, bacon, and ranch dressing; it makes a wonderful starter.

Their Strawberry Mixed Greens Salad is made with mixed greens, strawberry vinaigrette, tomato, cucumber, goat cheese, and fresh strawberries for the most beautiful aftertaste experience. This salad is crunchy, creamy, and a lovely green.

They also have amazing breakfast options, and one of the best dishes from this section is their Master’s Bacon Breakfast Burrito which will have you want to drink the darkest coffee of your life.

It is made with a flour tortilla, hardwood smoked bacon, two eggs, fries, cheddar jack cheese, and roasted tomatillo salsa that gives the perfect finish. The menu features Masters Crab Cake made with house crab cakes, remoulade, and little strawberry greens. It is truly amazing.

Masters Brussels Skillet is another great dish option, made with crispy Brussels sprouts and carrots, soy sauce Aioli, Parmesan cheese, and garnished with a serrano pepper. Their Burrata cheese dish is so creamy and juicy, made with tomatoes, basil, salt, black pepper, olive oil, sweet balsamic reduction, and served with toast points.

Carne Adovada Tacos is the name of their best taco dish, made with a corn tortilla, braised pork, cotija cheese, pickled onion, and small cilantro pieces. Another taco option here is their Black Bean Tacos, with fire-roasted red peppers, cotija cheese, pickled onions, and micro cilantro, all put on a corn tortilla.

Try their Masters Mac and Cheese if you are a mac lover. These are made with yellow cheddar, shredded Parmesan, and Romano, as well as fresh herbs. Tuscan Chicken is their incredible chicken breast dish, made with peppers, onion, and garlic cream sauce, served over pasta; super yummy carbs and proteins.

Finish off your experience with some of their beautiful desserts, like their Blondie Brownie, made with a warm brownie, vanilla ice cream, and house maple butter sauce. Vanilla or Chocolate ice cream is also available, served with two scoops. They also have sorbet in many flavors; just ask the server what flavor they currently offer.

And if you like a good cocktail, get a Zombie made of a mixture of Denizen White Rum, Aged Over Proof Rum, Lime, House Grenadine, Falernum, Absinthe Mist, Shaved Cinnamon, and Mint.

Make sure you give Masters a try.  It’s one of the best restaurants in Oceanside. 

Rosewood Kitchen

608 Mission Ave., Oceanside, CA 92054, United States // +17602315886

Rosewood is a modern Oceanside restaurant with a patio that serves tapas and international food as well as offering takeout. In the center of Oceanside’s downtown, Rosewood Kitchen debuted in October 2019. 

Since that time, Rosewood has offered high-quality renditions of traditional French and Italian cuisine in addition to venturing into the uncharted terrain of combining a multi-cultural experience to the senses. 

The interior of Rosewood Kitchen features a wine and beer bar, a lovely terrace with a succulent garden, and a selection of indoor seating with high table and half booth options.  Local artists’ work is displayed on the walls, and the restaurant also hosts live music events on their corner stage. 

One of the most refreshing salads is the Apple Salad.  It is made of a seasonal salad mix, house vinaigrette, goat cheese, dried cherries, candied walnuts, and sliced apples. It is smooth, crunchy, and beautifully sweet.

Their Arugula Salad is another great option, made with arugula, balsamic vinaigrette, gorgonzola, pickled beets, D’Anjou pears, and pine nuts. It is super interesting in flavor and pretty refreshing.

The menu features amazing pizza in many styles and flavors. The classic Margherita is presented, along with the Snow White pizza, made with ricotta, garlic, shredded Mozzarella, mushrooms, broccoli florets, EVOO, and truffle oil. This pizza is among the best ones out there.

Another must-try is their chorizo pizza, made with shredded mozzarella, Mexican Chorizo, chili flakes, cotija cheese, tomato sauce, and oregano. It is cheesy, it is creamy, and it is amazing.

Their menu also features incredible pasta options, starting with their Angel Hair Carbonara and continuing with the Lobster Ravioli Pasta. The Lobster Ravioli is made with a cognac pink cream sauce, a splash of tomato sauce, and basil. The ingredients are simple, but the taste is deeply layered, providing many aftertaste experiences.

Made with the traditional house meat sauce, their Lasagna is also really good. 

Mexican food lovers should try the Fried Chicken Mole, served with house rice and poblano mole drizzle. It’s a great option for lovers of chicken and rice combo.

Chicken Parmigiana is another Italian chicken specialty. It is made with baked chicken breast, house tomato sauce, and Parmesan cheese and served with penne pasta.

They also have amazing tacos, one of them the Mahi Mahi Al Pastor Tacos, made with Al Pastor Marinated Mahi Mahi, pineapple pico, cotija, cilantro, and cabbage, served with Momma Lucy’s frijoles, roasted chipotle tomatillo salsa.

Their dessert section features Tiramisu, made with mascarpone cream cheese, ladyfingers, and caffeinated coffee beans.

The Orange Créme Brûlée, made with caramelized custard, house orange infusion, and fresh mint, is a great way to top off the flavorful journey at one of Oceanside’s best restaurants.

Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen

509 Mission Ave., Oceanside, CA 92054, United States // +17604532940

This is a rustic restaurant serving artisan beer and wine, as well as homemade pasta and other sophisticated American dishes.

The recommended appetizer to arrive at the table is crackling pork belly, which is tender and caramelized from a quick sear on the grill. Together with julienned Granny Smith apples, sage, and a thin slice of smoked cheddar cheese, the pork is covered with this melted cheese.

A genuine explosion of flavor is contained in a single bite that is served on a porcelain spoon. Restaurant industry veterans Roddy and Aaron Browning are the business’s owners. 

They are familiar with the subtleties of attentive, anticipatory service and the methods of classic French cuisine because they have worked in fine dining since they were teenagers. 

They understand, however, that sometimes all you need is a pint of beer and something straightforward, handmade, and wonderful. Their informal hospitality represents the idea that sharing a meal with friends in a familiar setting is healing for the spirit. 

Chef Mario Moser offers incredibly delightful comfort food to go complement their concept. The atmosphere of the restaurant is an “industrial farmhouse.” They were inspired by the rough edges of industrial design and the soft edges of a rural farmhouse.

The Brownings concentrated their efforts on coming up with inventive ways to employ antique items whenever they could. Craigslist, antique shops, flea markets, and salvage yards were combed for supplies. Electrical spools have been used to make several tabletops.

The wall behind the bar is a vibrant mosaic of discarded wood panels. The result is a colorful, lively dining area with vivid color splashes on the walls and intelligent design elements at every corner.

Here they have many outstanding items. The House Salad is made with pickled red onions, croutons, tomato, and shaved radish, with a house vinaigrette, giving it a slightly sour taste. The Citrus and Beet Salad is made of beets, select citrus fruits, quinoa, arugula, citrus vinaigrette, and goat cheese. 

Kitchen Sink Salad is the quirky name of another standout, made with arugula, shaved white cheddar, boiled chopped egg, tasso ham, pickled red onions, butter pickles, olives, and Parmesan.

They have amazing Truffle Fries in here, made of truffle aioli and topped with Parmesan and herbs. The crispy Brussels Sprouts are another amazing light starter made with aged cheddar, creamy garlic dressing, and tasso ham.

Featured menu items include chicken and dumplings, and house-made pasta with ricotta and pea tendrils. That is a cuisine that should be enjoyed. Mac N Cheese is also featured for the adorers of this dish. It is an amazing take made with mornay, bacon, and provolone.

Shrimp Sando is a dish with garlic butter shrimp, made with pickled serrano, bread n’ butter pickles, and cajun remoulade spread on a crispy toasted baguette. Incredible!

Blackened Fish Sando is also available and made with dill aioli, pickled red onion, cabbage slaw, and tomatoes. It is an interesting take on this type of fish, providing the highest level of flavor from it.

They also have some really nice dishes made with pork as the main ingredient. The Grilled Duroc Pork Chop dish is highlighted, served with grits, garlic, shallots, Castelvetrano olives, and Brussels leaves.

Sides like roasted vegetables, cheesy grits and bacon, beef-fat glazed carrots, and many more are also available.

Finally, Flying Pig Pub and Restaurant manages to exude a unique charm. You’ll find yourself coming back to it over and over again and immediately understanding why it is on the list of the best restaurants in Oceanside.

Local Tap House

308 S. Coast Hwy., Oceanside, CA 92054, United States // +17605471469

This Oceanside restaurant is a hotspot with artisan beers, cocktails, and international cuisine in a rustic-chic setting with outdoor tables. LTH has established itself as one of North County’s top restaurants because of its ample quantities of flavorful comfort food with a twist. 

In the past seven years, LTH has continued to adapt and change while remaining relevant to Oceanside’s burgeoning and vibrant culinary scene. 

It finds the perfect balance between regional flavor and mouthwatering food, thanks to its seasonal menu changes, inventive cocktails, and changing beer taps. Local Beer House consistently ranks among Oceanside’s top restaurants, thanks to its dynamic offerings.

The goal of Local Tap House & Kitchen has always been to build a dining experience that will leave you speechless.  Their idea is straightforward: homey meals, regional beers, exceptional spirits, and a setting to match. They have a warm, inviting atmosphere that is suitable for a date or the entire family. 

They have expanded over the years, but they have stayed loyal to the founding principles of serving delicious, real food that is local. Because they want to provide their customers with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, lth menus change seasonally. This guarantees that the food being provided is of the best quality and flavor. Also, it helps the farmers and producers in the area.

Start with their amazing Hummus and Crispy Pesto Chickpeas, served with Naan bread, roasted garlic, feta, and cucumbers.  It’s the best way to start off your flavorful journey in Local Tap House.

When it comes to the starters, they also have incredible Pozole Verde Mussels that are made with avocado, crispy hominy, serrano cream, radish, lime, garlic, and cilantro and presented on a grilled torta roll. Unforgettable!

Salads feature the Baby Wedge Salad, made of baby Iceberg lettuce, avocado, bacon, blue cheese, cherry tomatoes, and crispy onion strings, covered in their creamy buttermilk herb dressing.  This dish is a must-try if you are a salad lover.

Their Sweet Potato Street Corn Salad is made with roasted sweet potato and corn, avocado, cilantro, cherry tomatoes, spiced pepitas, queso blanco, and tortilla strips for the perfect combination.

Moving to appetizers, the Lobster & Crab Ceviche is a dish made with avocado, corn, pico, pepitas, salsa verde, pickled red onion, serrano cream, chipotle cream, lime, and taro root chips. It is crispy, it is fishy, it is creamy – it is wonderful!

Shrimp and Chorizo Egg Rolls are also available among the menu items. They are made of avocado, corn, poblanos, cotija, cilantro, tomatillo, and chipotle ranch sauce for the perfect finish.

Thai Fry Calamari and Shushito Peppers is another dish made with seafood, but this time the calamari are breaded in coconut panko, mixed with crispy fried shishito peppers, spicy mayo, ponzu, Thai basil, cilantro, and shaved vegetables for the perfect mix of flavors and nutrients.

They also have sandwiches in many flavors and house-crafted creations.

Standouts from entrees include The Original Chicken Pot Pie – made with slow-cooked chicken, carrot, celery, onion, mushrooms, and peas that are beautifully served with roasted herb potatoes, having a golden brown puff.

Their Pecan-Crusted Scottish Salmon is another incredible dish, served with sweet potato mash, bing cherry glaze, crispy roasted Brussels sprouts, pecans, and baby chives. Such a beautiful combination, cooked to perfection!

And to top off your journey, go for their incredible Summer Berry Brioche Bread Pudding, with strawberry ice cream, berry glaze, fresh berries, and topped with whipped cream!

Be sure to add the Local Tap House as one of the places to try while looking for restaurants in Oceanside.

The LAB Collaborative

201 N. Cleveland St. Suite 109, Oceanside, CA 92054, United States // +14422662436

The secret to offering you a fantastic meal and a memorable experience at The Lab Collaboration restaurants is to keep things simple and collaborate together with the staff. 

The name is TLC when shortened, and that is not by mistake. Modern, upmarket dining is served at TLC in a welcoming, considerate, and unpretentious manner.

Everyone is welcome here, whether you’re wearing flip-flops and a t-shirt or the suit you put on to get that new job. Come as you are and stay as long as you’d like because, to them, hospitality is always more important than what you’re wearing. 

Their philosophy is centered on fostering community and physical nourishment. Invite your pals and allow them to feed you.

Appetizers are the best start of any flavorful experience, and here they are available in plenty of variations. Lab-Style Wings are served with carrots, celery, and ranch dressing and are available in flavors like bbq, Buffalo, jerk, or chili lime dry rub.

Bourbon Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are a must-try, unique Brussels sprouts dish for the ones who like them! They have an amazing flavor and are made with blue cheese and bacon.

They have refreshing and nutritious salads like their Spicy Shrimp Salad, spicy rubbed shrimp, lettuce, tomato, green onions, roasted red pepper, and passion fruit dressing. It is truly incredible!

The Grilled Chicken Salad with Honey and Mustard is also among the best ones here, It’s made with grilled chicken, honey mustard dressing, mixed greens and vegetables, bacon, and fried leeks. This is the ultimate chicken salad mix.

When it comes to the chicken salads, I have one more recommendation, and that is the Steak Salad. It contains duck fat roasted potato, sliced steak, soft-oiled egg, tomato, cucumber, pickled onion, and hop vinaigrette on top to intensify the flavors even more.

Burgers and sandwiches are also prepared here; some prosciutto and ground chuck burgers, and ones made with fried chicken smothered with bourbon and habanero sauce.

For the main course, I’d highly recommend trying the Cold Smoked Picanha Steak. It is prepared in-house, and is baked to order in a hearth oven. This amazing dish is served with chimichurri, brown butter, mashed potatoes, and asparagus. It is crispy and buttery.

The Steak and Mushroom Pot Pie is f a dish made with braised beef marinated in a ranch gravy along with baked veggies. This dish is also served with grilled asparagus for the perfect companion!

They also have House White Pasta, made with sautéed chicken, artichoke, mushroom, onion, garlic, herbs, pan cream sauce, and topped with crispy prosciutto. This is super mushroomy, creamy, and unforgettable!

Vegan Coconut Curry Pasta is also available, and it is really amazing, even for non-vegans! 

And Vegan BBQ is also available, consisting of grilled carrots, cabbage, and pickled onions, all dressed with arugula and served with pasta and bread.

When it comes to dessert, I highly recommend trying some of the standouts here. One is the Crème Brule, a traditional crème Brule paired with the chef’s choice of seasonal flavors. The other is Chocolate and Peanut Butter Mousse, which is made of layered crème, chocolate, and peanut butter mousse. What’s a better ending than a mouthwatering one at this standout Oceanside restaurant?

Mission Avenue

711 Mission Ave., Oceanside, CA 92054, United States // +17606372222

This Oceanside restaurant opened its doors in August 2014 with a vision of greatness: fantastic drinks, cuisine, and atmosphere, with a mellow, unassuming ambiance. 

It’s a place where visitors and locals alike are welcome to come as they are. There is a place at the bar reserved particularly for you, insider or outsider. They use ingredients from nearby farms for their food and drinks, only sell California beers and wines, and have a wide selection of spirits, particularly those made in San Diego County.

On their 36 taps, they serve both alcoholic and non-alcoholic kombucha in addition to a selection of the 26 greatest beers California has to offer. There are also ciders, meads, and specialty brews available.

The food comes next. One of the top young chefs in San Diego, Woodie Thomas is renowned for his expertise in New American cuisine that is seasonal, inventive, and comfort food inspired. 

He also brings a fine dining commitment, using the finest ingredients and great attention to detail when creating informal meals. The premium pub food they provide here is seriously excellent.

Because of the comradery and laid-back beach attitude in this close-knit neighborhood, Mission Avenue Bar & Grill’s owner, Cameron Braselton, chose Oceanside as the location.

From lunch until late at night, you can unwind at this industrial-chic lounge or on their heated, dog-friendly patio. Check out their weekday lunch offerings, weekend brunch, and everyday happy hours.

The Mixed Green Salad is a great way to start the journey. Another amazing one is their Fried Chicken Salad, made with fried chicken thighs atop mixed greens tossed in roasted honey mustard, grilled corn salsa, and grated white cheddar cheese for the perfect chicken salad taste.

Brussels Sprouts tossed with cucumber ginger glaze, finished with Togarashi and green onion, are also available on the menu.

Steamed Clams and Mussels is one of their most beautiful dishes. It’s clams and mussels that have been steamed with garlic, shallots, and chorizo then finished with shaved fennel and grilled sourdough bread on the side.

They also have some amazing burgers and sandwiches, both with beef and fried chicken.

Oven-Baked Gnocchi is another good choice, especially for pasta lovers. Made with gnocchi, wild mushrooms, truffle oil, and Gorgonzola cream sauce, it is creamy, cheesy, and truly amazing!

If you are a Salmon lover, then try their Grilled Salmon with Israeli Couscous, served with cumin-spiced couscous, zucchini, bell pepper, dill aioli, and salsa verde. Then top off the flavors with some of their desserts, such as their homemade bread pudding, made of sourdough, with cinnamon, nutmeg, strawberries, and cream anglaise.

Cheesecake and chocolate wipeout cakes are also available. The second one is an incredibly rich chocolate dessert, consisting of chocolate cake layered with rich chocolate mousse, and chocolate icing, coated in chocolate mouse, and rolled in chocolate chips. 

Enjoy the best of the best at this Oceanside restaurant. !

333 Pacific

333 N. Pacific St, Oceanside, CA 92054, United States // +17604333333

David and Lesley Cohn have elevated dining in San Diego for more than 33 years. In 1981, Cohn Restaurant Group opened a single tiny diner. Today, the company owns and manages approximately 24 eateries throughout Southern California and Maui.

With the assistance of their daughter Jessica, son Jeremy, and son-in-law Mike, David and Lesley take pride in the fact that their business is family-owned and operated. 

Being actively involved in every element of their restaurants is important to the Cohns. Their participation is a clear indication of their dedication to both their employees and guests. David and Lesley work hard to foster a supportive workplace for their devoted team of over 1,000 employees.

This is the perfect place for coming with family, friends, and company with whom you’d love to share a meal; that way, you can try many different flavors and styles. Tastes range from their Sweet Chili Calamari to the Maple Glazed Pork Belly made with whipped mascarpone, peppadew jam, and pickled mustard seed for a truly unique aftertaste.

They also have Short Rib Mac & Cheese, as well as their 333 Meatball Trio dish that is made of blue cheese horseradish fondue, 333 steak sauce, and crispy onions. Creamy, crispy, and mouth-filling.

The greens are well respected here, and many salad options are available. One of the best ones is their 333 Greens salad, made with arugula, kale, pistachio brittle, roasted sweet potato, goat cheese, dried cranberry, and topped with pomegranate vinaigrette. It is a really interesting mixture with sweet and refreshing notes.

Beet & Burrata salad is made of roasted beet, burrata, basil, shaved shallots, pistachio brittle, sherry, and some secret ingredients.  It is an amazing dish and should be shared.

Their Spiced Tomahawk Pork Chop is made with antibiotic and hormone-free pork, garlic smashed red potatoes, bourbon apple chutney, and broccolini. It is really good.

Then their 333 Wagyu Meatloaf, made with American wagyu and pork, served with roasted red potatoes, green beans, peppadew jam, and bordelaise sauce, is a great choice for meatloaf lovers!

For seafood lovers, they also have a variety of options available. From Ocean Sides to Misoyaki Glazed Cod, to O-Side Cioppino, they are all amazing!

As for finishing the journey, try some of the desserts, such as their House-Made Sorbet or Warm Brownie Sundae, which is a homemade brownie served with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, salted peanuts, and whipped cream.

They also have incredible cocktails, both classic and specialty. A highlight cocktail for me was the Smokey Sunset, made of a mixture of del maguey vida mezcal, luxardo, lime juice, Aperol, and smoked rosemary.

Wrap-Up to the Top Downtown Oceanside Restaurants

If you want to enjoy truly unforgettable dining in Oceanside, CA, then this guide is for you. It has been created to help you discover the best restaurants in downtown Oceanside.

Whether you’re looking for something elegant and cozy or industrial space with a touch of cool modernity, our guide offers something for everyone.

This guide will help you choose one of a few of the best restaurants in downtown Oceanside, CA.

There are many options for everyone to enjoy; beautiful, flavorful food and relaxing family restaurants to really delicious cuisine that can be paired with a cozy atmosphere.

Whether you want to enjoy a chill and laid-back atmosphere with family or friends or go out on the town with a romantic evening meal, you can enjoy a variety of Oceanside restaurants.

We have gathered information on many different types of restaurants and included everything from beautiful cafes and pubs to quirky dive bars and hipster favorites. 

With the most diverse selection of restaurants in Oceanside, this guide will help you choose a place that suits your taste buds and mood! 

If you liked this article and you are interested in exploring some more amazing restaurants and things to do in Oceanside, CA, make sure to check out our other articles:

• The 7 Best Oceanside Restaurants
• 12 Best Things To Do In Oceanside, CA
• Where to Find The Best BBQ in Oceanside, CA
• The Top 5 Oceanside Seafood Restaurants
• Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Oceanside, CA
• The 6 Best Mexican Restaurants in Oceanside, CA
• The 6 Best Bakeries In Oceanside, CA