Exploring the Hidden Gem of Escondido California

Escondido is a charming city that offers residents a delightful mix of natural beauty, diverse culinary experiences and engaging family activities. This is why many people are choosing to live here. Its attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, comprehensive healthcare and the nearby San Diego Zoo Safari Park are just some of the reasons why Escondido is a popular choice.

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1. La Tapatia

If you are looking for a great place to eat in Escondido, La Tapatia is the place to go. This casual Mexican eatery has outdoor seating and a festive vibe.

They serve up all the Mexican dishes you need including tacos, burritos, tamales and more. They also have a wide variety of options for people with different dietary needs.

2. Pho Saigon Express

Located in the heart of Escondido, Pho Saigon Express is a hidden gem worth exploring. The restaurant is a great spot for families and offers tasty Vietnamese dishes as well as Chinese food.

The menu includes pho, vermicelli and bun bowls with toppings like grilled pork, shrimp and Vietnamese spring rolls. The French baguette-based banh mi sandwiches of pork meatball, Vietnamese ham and sliced roasted pork with vegetables are also worth a look.

3. Sayulitas Mexican Food

If you’re in the mood for some inventive Mexican food, then this spot should be on your to-eat list. Serving up specialty margaritas in a stylish digs, this taqueria has been around since 2015 and has an equally impressive online presence thanks to their partnership with Postmates. The restaurant also offers a number of delivery options and is one of the most fun places to eat in San Diego. Besides their tasty eats, the staff is also a cut above the rest.

4. Sunny Side Kitchen

Sunny Side Kitchen, a 2-year-old breakfast and lunch cafe in downtown Escondido, was recently named one of the top 100 restaurants nationwide to earn the most 5-star reviews. Its married owners Kathy and Bob Carpenter say the list caught them by surprise and has doubled their business.

Their signature Tuscan chicken panini is made with oven roasted chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. It’s also topped with homemade roasted tomato aioli and havarti and muenster cheeses.

5. Filippi’s Pizza Grotto

If you love pizza, you’ll want to check out Filippi’s Pizza Grotto. This chain outpost offers pizza & red-sauce Italian staples in generous portions.

This hidden gem serves everything from traditional pies to gluten-free and low-fat options. It also has a large selection of beer on tap. It’s a great option if you want to try something new in Escondido, California. Click here to see the full menu and order online or by phone. You can also schedule a delivery.

6. Chicken Plus Greek Cuisine

Chicken Plus Greek Cuisine is a family-friendly restaurant serving delicious home-style food at reasonable prices. Owner Sid Hedayati says he cooks natural hormone-free chicken over an open rotisserie to give it a great flavor.

If you’re not into Greek fare, they also carry satisfying American dishes like baby back pork ribs and steak. And if you’re looking for fish, they carry several dishes including salmon and catfish, all caught in the wild and not farm-raised. The food is fresh cooked to order, so the cooks will be slicing up your fried zucchini or French fries as soon as you place your order.

7. Los Panchos

Escondido may mean “hidden” in Spanish but it’s not hard to see that there is plenty to explore here! Just 30 miles northeast of downtown San Diego and 20 minutes from the coast, this diverse and vibrant community is brimming with major attractions, wineries, craft breweries, unique arts and culture, delicious culinary experiences and a charming historic downtown.

The city’s historic downtown area is full of quaint shops, cafes and galleries. The area also hosts a variety of fun festivals throughout the year.

8. Joe’s Italian Dinners

If you want to dine in Escondido, you can’t go wrong with Joe’s Italian Dinners. This quaint restaurant is the spot to be for classic Italian pasta, veal & seafood dishes, plus beer & wine.

Located in the heart of downtown Escondido, you’ll find this establishment tucked away on Grand Avenue. Look for the red script “Joe’s” with green accent neon, plants on top of wine barrels at the entrance and a red scooter decorating the entryway.