New, Now, Next: Dining 2026 Edition

Queenstown Del Mar just opened May 21 along Camino Del Mar in Del Mar. The restaurant brings New Zealand-inspired comfort food, craft cocktails, and laid-back hospitality in a thoughtfully designed indoor-outdoor setting. Known for concepts including Bare Back Grill, Raglan Public House, and Queenstown Village, Queenstown Hospitality Group has spent more than two decades shaping San Diego’s casual dining scene.

Joey Restaurants has made its San Diego debut with the opening of Joey La Jolla at Westfield UTC, bringing the brand’s signature blend of globally inspired cuisine, vibrant design, and energetic hospitality to the region. Spanning more than 10,000 square feet and designed for everything from happy hour to late-night dining, the menu showcases premium steaks, fire-torched sushi, fresh seafood, shareable plates, and inventive cocktails. 

Pastaria Vivi is a new chef-driven fresh pasta concept in Encinitas that blends an artisanal pasta shop with a specialty Italian market. Founded by chefs Brandon Jennings and William Treff, alongside Chef Harrison Axelrod (who most recently served as Executive Chef of Mille Fleurs), Pastaria Vivi brings together fine-dining technique and everyday accessibility, offering more than 75 mix-and-match pasta and sauce combinations as well as ready-to-cook meals, antipasti, and desserts. Guests can also shop curated Italian pantry goods.

Coastal Encinitas welcomes a new wellness-driven neighborhood café with the opening of Juice Holler, founded by local resident Kelly Sergott. The concept blends nutrient-dense, transparently sourced offerings with an inviting atmosphere. Located on South Coast Highway 101, the café serves organic smoothies, cold-pressed juices, wellness shots, functional lattes, and wholesome grab-and-go fare free from refined sugars and seed oils. 

Nearby, Encinitas’ cocktail scene is becoming even more intriguing with the addition of Arcana, an immersive, hidden lounge from The Roxy Encinitas owner Paula Vrakas. Tucked discreetly behind a functioning retail storefront called Archive, the 47-seat concept blends craft cocktails, storytelling, vintage curiosities, and moody design inspired by European salons and private clubs. Guests can expect inventive drinks alongside elevated small bites in a richly layered setting filled with antique details, velvet drapery, brass accents, and salvaged historical pieces. 

Just north up the 101, Encinitas has also welcomed Blank Slate, a chef-driven private dining and event venue from APS Hospitality Group founders Chef Aron Schwartz and Pam Schwartz. The concept blends refined yet approachable hospitality with seasonal, ingredient-focused cuisine sourced from local farmers and purveyors. Designed primarily for customized private events, the flexible venue will also host chef’s counter dinners, celebrations, and business gatherings.

Encinitas’ ever-growing food scene has also welcomed the arrival of Ernie’s Craft Deli & Wine Bar, a family-owned concept blending gourmet deli fare with an approachable wine bar atmosphere. Open for both lunch and dinner, the cozy gathering spot offers handcrafted sandwiches, shareable small plates, and an extensive yet approachable wine program curated for casual sipping and lingering evenings alike. 

After building a devoted following through custom orders and retail partnerships, The Macaron Shop SD has officially opened its first brick-and-mortar location in Miramar. Founded by Juliana Lopez, the brand that began as a home-based passion project has grown into one of San Diego’s most sought-after macaron purveyors. In a meaningful full-circle moment, Lopez — a former foster youth and one of the first graduates of Promises2Kids’ Guardian Scholars program — recently participated in the nonprofit’s Foodies 4 Foster Kids campaign, giving back to the organization that helped support her journey.

Town and Country Resort has appointed Raza Ali as Sous Chef at Arlo, the resort’s signature restaurant known for its seasonal, scratch-made Southern California cuisine. Ali joins from Michelin-starred Jeune et Jolie, bringing experience working alongside acclaimed chefs including José Andrés and Richard Blais. Together with Chef Louie Monsanto, he is helping shape a refreshed culinary direction for Arlo.

San Diego food lovers have a new reason to tune into Food Network this season as Aidan Owens — culinary director of Herb & Wood and Herb & Sea — competes on the network’s new high-stakes culinary competition series Chopped Castaways. Hosted by Ted Allen and judged by culinary heavyweights Gabe Bertaccini, Maneet Chauhan, and Marcus Samuelsson, the show strands 12 chefs on a remote island where they must battle the elements while cooking entirely over open fire in a survival-style twist on the classic Chopped format. Owens brings his signature ingredient-driven California style and fine dining expertise to the nationally televised competition, with the season building toward its finale airing June 30.

Waite & Sea returns for a series of intimate chef-driven dinners blending storytelling, community, and boundary-pushing coastal cuisine. Hosted on June 2, 16, 23, and 30, the evolving tasting menu experience offers a glimpse into Chef Davin Waite’s current culinary inspirations, with a focus on whole-fish utilization, seasonal ingredients, and produce sourced from The Plot Garden Project just steps away. The immersive evenings invite a small number of guests to experience an ever-changing dialogue between sea, soil, and season.

For two nights only, June 4 and 5, Mister A’s debuts The Red Table Dinner, an elegant dining experience inspired by the glamour and classic flavors of mid-1960s fine dining. Guests will enjoy a nostalgic prix fixe menu featuring timeless dishes such as Beef Wellington, Steak Diane, Lobster Fra Diavolo, and Baked Alaska, all thoughtfully reimagined with a modern touch. The evening begins with passed canapés and a complimentary glass of prosecco in the bar.

Kona Kai San Diego Resort’s annual Lūʻau & Island Makeke returns June 5 for its sixth year, bringing an evening of Polynesian-inspired celebration to Shelter Island. Rooted in the spirit of laulima — “many hands working together” — the festive event features authentic storytelling, interactive workshops, curated photo moments, and a lively marketplace, culminating in a dramatic fire dancer finale. 

The 23rd Annual Encinitas Wine + Food Festival is back on June 6 for an afternoon of coastal flavor, community, and philanthropy overlooking the Pacific at Encinitas Ranch Golf Course. Guests will enjoy tastings from more than 50 food, wine, beer, and spirit vendors, including local culinary standouts and regional producers. Beyond the tasting experience, proceeds benefit 17 North County nonprofit organizations via Encinitas Coastal Rotary Club.

The 55th Annual San Diego Greek Festival returns June 13 and 14 to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in North Park for a lively weekend celebrating Greek culture, cuisine, and community. Guests can enjoy authentic Greek dishes, handmade pastries, traditional coffee, live music, folk dancing, Greek wines, and imported brews, along with shopping vendors, church tours, and a Kids’ Fun Zone. 

On June 16 and 17, Taste of Little Italy transforms the neighborhood into a walkable culinary celebration. Beginning at Piazza della Famiglia, guests will receive a Taste Passport before exploring tastings from more than 20 participating restaurants, showcasing longtime favorites and newer hotspots. Highlights include Argentine specialties from Puerto La Boca, artisan pizza from Slice House, ramen from Underbelly, California wines from Pali Wine Co., and tropical coastal flavors from Coco Maya. 

Agave Fest is back at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa on June 19, inviting guests to sip, savor, and celebrate beneath the palms. The spirited evening showcases a curated selection of 100% agave-based tequilas and mezcals paired with chef-crafted bites including street tacos and fresh ceviche designed to complement the bold flavors of each pour. A special staycation package includes tickets, complimentary parking, and an agave-inspired welcome amenity.

Celebrate Independence Day at Park Hyatt Aviara’s annual 4th of July BBQ & Firework Spectacular on July 4. The festive evening features an elevated barbecue spread with mesquite-charred meats, fresh seafood, summer salads, a mac & cheese bar, and sweet treats, alongside a dedicated kids’ buffet. Guests can enjoy live music by the Chad Rubin Band, family-friendly entertainment including stilt walkers and face painters, and an exclusive fireworks display.

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has unveiled new details for its 2026 Summer Racing Season, including the return of its culinary partnership with Chef Bryn McArthur of Amaya at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, who will once again refresh the popular Taste of the Turf Club Sunday Brunch menu. Opening Day returns July 17, bringing a fresh lineup of food, cocktails, and trackside experiences to the iconic summer destination.

Mission Hills will welcome a thoughtful new hospitality concept this fall with the opening of Serafino, an all-day café and wine bar founded by hospitality veterans David and Rebeca Cross alongside a longtime team of collaborators reconnecting after more than a decade. The concept is built around inclusive employment and high hospitality standards, creating meaningful opportunities for individuals of all abilities alongside seasoned industry professionals. Designed as a flexible “third space,” Serafino will transition seamlessly from morning coffee and grab-and-go fare to wine and evening gatherings.