North County just got a serious upgrade. Nistoro Kitchen quietly opened its doors on South Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas last month, and it’s already generating the kind of buzz that usually takes restaurants a full year to build. The concept is modern Mediterranean with a heavy California influence — think wood-fired dishes, house-made pastas, and ingredients sourced almost entirely from North County farms.
The Space
The interior walks the line between refined and relaxed perfectly. Warm wood tones, an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs work the wood-fire grill, and a patio that catches the Encinitas breeze. It seats about 60 inside and another 30 on the patio, but it already feels like you need a reservation — especially on weekends. The bar area is great for walk-ins if you don’t mind eating at the counter, which honestly might be the best seat in the house.
What to Order
Start with the burrata — it’s served with grilled stone fruit and a drizzle of chili oil that adds just the right amount of heat. The hand-rolled pappardelle with braised short rib is the kind of dish you think about for days after. For mains, the whole grilled branzino is a showstopper, and they do a lamb chop over the wood fire that rivals anything I’ve had in the city.
The wine list leans Mediterranean but includes several local picks from Ramona Valley and Temecula that pair beautifully with the food. Cocktails are thoughtful without being fussy — the rosemary gin situation they have going on is dangerously easy to drink.
The Details
Open Tuesday through Sunday, 5pm to 10pm. Brunch launches next month. Reservations recommended through their website. Expect to spend $45-70 per person with drinks. Street parking on 101 or the lot behind the building. This one’s going to be around for a long time.
