SD’s COVID-era Restaurant Scene: A Series of Closings and Openings
The large-scale lockdowns that marked the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic spelled economic uncertainty for America’s restaurant industry. While some eateries were able to adapt their operations to navigate the ever-changing restrictions posed by the virus, others were not as financially fortunate. Yet the fate of San Diego’s restaurant scene over the last twelve odd months has not been an entirely dismal one; a wealth of new eateries made their debut in America’s Finest City over the course of the pandemic.
Mexican Cuisine
Due to the economic and social uncertainty posed by the coronavirus, Casa Sol y Mar owner and operator Diane Powers announced a few months into the pandemic that it would be closing its doors after seven years of serving authentic Mexican cuisine to locals and tourists alike. Loved for its masterful take on Mexican classics, this restaurant garnered hundreds of Yelp raves not only for its cheery authentic decor, but also for its deliciously large nacho portions and tempting carne asada. And while this Casa is no longer at home in the Del Mar Highlands Town Center, Powers encouraged diners in her farewell announcement to venture out to her other three now-reopened Mexican restaurants: Casa Guadalajara in Old Town, Casa de Bandini in Carlsbad, and Casa de Pico in La Mesa.
Should San Diego’s Mexican cuisine aficionados have an appetite for a dining experience a bit closer to Del Mar’s pristine beaches, they need not look any further than newly-opened Tamarindo Del Mar. Originally touching down in the North Park area in 2017, this establishment resettled in mid March of 2021 amongst the beachy boutiques and eateries of Del Mar Village. Tamarindo offers diners a Latin American inspired menu, of which Yelpers appreciate the reasonable prices and praise the seaside molcajete, Mexican elote spears, and carne asada and fish tacos. Though pictures and more information can be found on Tamarindo’s Instagram, interested foodies should know that this establishment is open from 11-11:30 AM (depending on the day) to 10 PM and currently offers dine-in by reservation as well as curbside pickup.
Italian Fare
La Jolla’s authentic Italian deli-restaurant-cafè combo Sicilia Bella has faced temporary closure since the summer of 2020. Owned and operated by husband-wife team Sidne and Benedetto Marchese, this establishment draws inspiration from their homeland of Sicily, Italy. The couple expresses their Sicilian roots through a vast selection of pastas, paninis, and other authentic Italian entrees. Their menu draws hundreds of enthused Yelpers who gush over the dishes like the Gnocchi Gorgonzola & Noci, the Meatballs Spaghetti, and the Cannoli. While their website promises patrons of their return and their Yelp page estimates a September 1, 2021 reopening, those craving a taste of this eatery’s Italian delights need look no further than their Instagram.
While awaiting the return of La Jolla’s Sicilia Bella, local Italian cuisine enthusiasts and culinarily adventurous tourists may find that Little Italy’s newly opened Allegro hits the spot. This eatery’s open kitchen design invites patrons to eat with their eyes first by viewing the chef’s culinary creations as they are assembled and notes on their website a desire to “provide a high end Italian experience chocked with a vibrancy that embodies high energy while meeting the needs of the individual who seeks to embellish a carefree dining experience in harmony with a lifestyle.” Yelpers rave about Allegro’s menu and dishes such as a house-made fig jam alongside Zucchini Blossoms, a chef’s selection of pasta tossed in a cheese wheel, and a Fig Ravioli. After splashing into San Diego’s restaurant scene in February 2021, this family owned and operated establishment has settled into a 4-10 PM operation during the week and a 12-10 PM weekend offering. To explore more of Allegro’s offerings and operations, see their website, Instagram, and Yelp page.
Baked goods and Dessert Delicacies
For some time now, the Champagne Bakery’s Del Mar Highlands location has discontinued its output of French desserts and baked goods. One of three San Diego County locations and one of seven total California-based eateries, this establishment’s Yelp reviews largely halt after September 2020 and its website lists the location as “temporarily closed.” This cafe derived much of its culinary inspiration from the Champagne province of Northeast France near Paris and provided extensive breakfast, brunch, and lunch offerings curated with the establishment’s French roots in mind. While it remains unclear if or when the Del Mar Highlands Town Center location will reopen, those craving a touch of this eatery’s French fare can explore the Champagne Bakery’s Instagram or consider venturing to one of the other locations.
For desert devotees craving the flavors of authentic Taiwanese cuisine, Meet Fresh recently opened their second San Diego cafe in Kearny Mesa. This eatery was established in late February/early March 2021, and makes the traditional Taiwanese flavors and techniques of Meet Fresh’s internationally established franchise accessible to locals and tourists alike. Amongst other indulgences, the cafe’s menu offers Taro balls, grass jelly, milk teas with boba, and egg waffles. Yelpers rave of the Jasmine Green Milk Tea, the Ice Grass Jelly Signature, and the Icy Taro Ball Signature. The cafe is open daily from 10-12 PM, currently offers delivery and takeout for online orders, and gives a curated glimpse into its offerings on Instagram.