World Class Cuisine: Rancho Santa Fe’s Top 7 Fine Dining Restaurants
Rancho Santa Fe, California, is one of the best-kept secrets in one of the country’s most compelling cities. Nestled in the San Diego Metropolitan area, Rancho Santa Fe is known to its locals as simply “The Ranch,” reflecting its exclusive character and leisurely atmosphere.
The community’s eclectic nature and out-of-the-way location make it a frequent destination for tourists and locals alike. Restaurants in Rancho Santa Fe offer a wide variety of mouthwatering fare from traditional French cuisine to bold fusion flavors. Their wine lists contain complementary vintages from far and near, and their dining settings range from casual to formal.
Read on to learn more about 7 Rancho Santa Fe dining establishments that represent the best the city, the country, and even the world has to offer.
Addison
Addison is located at 5200 Grand Del Mar Way, within The Grand Del Mar, a world-class resort described by Forbes Magazine as “one of the best resorts on Earth.” Its name and Mediterranean design pay tribute to Addison Mizner, the resort’s architectural inspiration.
The expansive marble bar, rich upholstery, library, and terrace seating characterize the restaurant’s setting, and the extensively-stocked wine cellar serves as the centerpiece of the dazzling dining area. Wine Director Elizabeth Huettinger presides over a superb wine-tasting environment to elevate your dining experience.
Director and Executive Chef William Bradley has created a menu combining contemporary French cuisine with simple, locally-sourced ingredients. The menu is updated with the seasons and incorporates four courses – three savory and one sweet – for a fresh and authentic culinary experience.
Le Papagayo
Located on Highway 101 in Leucadia, Le Papagayo boasts a bright, invigorating dining room with colorful art and eclectic décor. With its fun atmosphere and nightly live music, it is no surprise this is one of the most popular restaurants in North County San Diego.
Le Papagayo’s Mediterranean-Latin American fusion cuisine offers a diverse array of options. Their dinner options include tapas, Carlsbad mussels, sweet and savory salads, small plates, and rustic entrées in a range of flavors, from Herb Crusted Halibut to Roasted Hawaiian Kahlua Pork. Breakfast specialties such as Huevos Rancheros and lunch items like calamari or duck tacos are also must-try menu items.
Mille Fleurs
Mille Fleurs describes its atmosphere as “dining, from fine to fun.” The restaurant has earned accolades from Food & Wine Magazine, The New York Times, and San Diego Magazine for its world-class French cuisine. Its casual environment makes it an ideal place to unwind and enjoy exceptional food and wine with friends or family. From the welcoming dining room, the scenic courtyard patio, or the dynamic fountain room adjoining the bar, the restaurant’s unique ambiance enhances the dining experience.
Situated on Paseo Delicias in Rancho Santa Fe, Mille Fleurs is only a mile away from Chino’s Family Farm, from which head chef Martin Woesle carefully selects fresh produce each day for his culinary creations. The menu changes on a daily basis to highlight the best local and seasonal ingredients, and the wine cellar holds over 700 selections for the perfect pairing with any meal.
Rancho Valencia’s Veladora
Located at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa on Valencia Circle in Rancho Santa Fe, Veladora presents a ranch-style atmosphere that recalls a modern hacienda. Their rustic dining room features earthy colors, exposed-beam ceilings, and lush seating arrangements exuding warmth and welcome.
The “farm-to-fork” philosophy espoused by Veladora’s culinary team is evident when partaking in their luscious seasonal dishes, featuring local herbs, produce, flowers, and honey grown on-site. Their Coastal Ranch cuisine, from slow-poached lobster to pan-roasted filet mignon, consists of simple, fresh ingredients that blend beautifully with one of over 600 carefully-curated vintages from their wine list.
Delicias
At Delicias’ home on Paseo Delicias in Rancho Santa Fe, guests can enjoy lunch, dinner, or deserts in a cozy, relaxed environment. The newly-renovated restaurant features a handsome dining room, complete with a stunning stone fireplace and stately seating arrangements. Outdoor seating is available in the courtyard or on the front patio, and live music keeps the mood festive at night.
The menu boasts delicious meat, poultry, and seafood items such as filet mignon, seared duck breast, and Alaskan halibut combined with inspired sides, including spring vegetable faro and pine nut and golden raisin risotto. Such gustatory contrasts are heightened with the addition of a complementary wine or cocktail.
Rei Do Gado
For a fun and unforgettable dining experience, visit Rei Do Gado on 4th Avenue in San Diego. This Brazilian steak house features Churrasco, a centuries-old barbecue feast originated in the Rio Grande do Sul region.
Rei Do Gado’s buffet-style meals allow guests to eat to their heart’s content. The meat waiter, or passador, presents each table with selections of meat that have been roasted over a mesquite flame, imbuing it with tenderness and delectable flavor. Authentic sides, salads, and desserts are also available to complete your repast.
Humphrey’s
Humphrey’s is a sophisticated, modern eatery situated on Shelter Island Drive in San Diego. Its sleekly-furnished dining room looks out over the docks, where guests can gaze out at the boats as they pull into and out of the bay. For added enjoyment, Humphrey’s concert stage regularly hosts such exciting acts as Willie Nelson, Danity Kane, Neon Trees, and Ringo Starr.
Humphrey’s offers both classic and contemporary selections on its breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner menus. Its standout lunch options include a salmon sandwich with Aleppo pepper relish, lemon aioli, red onion, and tomato. Dinner choices like lobster risotto and braised short ribs are sure to transport patrons to complete gustatory gratification.
Embark on a Gastronomic Adventure in Rancho Santa Fe
Whether looking for a casual brunch, a formal dinner, or a night of cocktails and music, Ranch Santa Fe has a restaurant to fit the bill. These 7 establishments distinguish themselves and their community as a destination for discriminating gourmands the world over.
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