VAGA

Ocean views run the length of the patio at this Alila Marea Beach Resort restaurant in Encinitas, with an open kitchen visible from tables near the fireplace. Chef Claudette Zepeda opened the restaurant in 2021 built around Mexican ingredients like epazote and hoja santa, plating dishes such as a pork chop with mole, apple and cauliflower. Its bar and lounge stay open past dinner service for a livelier crowd, and reservations are required for parties of six or more.