7 Lunch Spots in Oceanside We Love for a Midday Bite

From Sammies to Fish Tacos, These Lunches Beat the Standard PB&J

Right on the San Diego coast, Oceanside may be one of the most underrated cities in Southern California. Great surfing, friendly people and local eateries are a few things this up-and-coming city has to offer. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by Oceanside’s abundance of new, hip restaurants! Downtown restaurants are walkable to the water, perfect for grabbing a bite before strolling along the pier. We’re here to savor the charm of Oceanside before this laid-back, beachfront city blows up! Here are some of our favorite lunch spots in O’side for a meal out. Best Lunch in Oceanside

Pacific Coast Spirits

Credit: Lucia Schaldenko

You’ll be in good spirits at this North County hot spot! Pacific Coast Spirits is a handmade, small-batch craft distillery and kitchen that embodies the spirit and the essence of California. Grab a seat on the outdoor patio and order up comforting classics like the O’side Hot Chicken or the Local Albacore Sando, paired with a craft cocktail made from their award-winning spirits. By partnering with local farms, Pacific Coast Spirits creates small-batch spirits that make you feel adventurous! And what’s a SoCal favorite without Taco Tuesday? $2 tacos are served up all day. Plus, there’s a $20 Wagyu Smash Burger and Draft Beer Special for lunch on Wednesdays. So, pro tip: come by for lunch before the evening crowds. But the party doesn’t stop there. After lunch on your way out, grab a craft cocktail crowler to enjoy anytime, anywhere. Choose from any of their seven draft cocktails, made from their range of non-GMO organic craft spirits that are canned on-site, for a Traveler Crowler to-go. Plus, Traveler Crowlers contain five cocktails in one, holding 25.4 oz—aka 5x the fun!

@localemag We love #oceanside and @PacificCoastSpirits is a great place for lunch. #oside #sandiego #sddistillers #distillery #sdfood #sdfoodie #sandiegoeats #localemagazine 🎥: @Carmen ⭐️ Food & Travel Writer ♬ original sound – Locale

Local Insight: See what offerings are on their lunch menu here!

Pacific Coast Spirits (click now)
@pacificcoastspiritsoside

Best Lunch in Oceanside

The Rooftop Bar at Mission Pacific Hotel

Credit: Mission Pacific

With breathtaking views of Oceanside’s coast, lunch at Mission Pacific Hotel’s The Rooftop Bar is tough to beat. Ocean-air lounge seating, vibrant blue waters and sunny skies are our ideal setting for light lunch bites. From coconut salmon crudo to the Torched Watermelon Salad, The Rooftop Bar’s coastal fare is perfectly refreshing. Their craft cocktails are equally as stellar; try the Stone Steps with tequila blanco, citrus zest, watermelon, serrano and lime!

The Rooftop Bar at Mission Pacific Hotel

Petite Madeline Bakery & Bistro

This bakery by the beach offers much more than noontime treats! Always made from scratch, Petite Madeline Bakery & Bistro serves up a delightful all-day breakfast and lunch menu. The French-inspired cuisine consists of sandwiches on flaky croissants, crisp salads in lemony vinaigrette and delicate crepes with buttery edges. The quaint and charming decor makes it the perfect place for a midday date. Do yourself a favor and bring home a box of French pastries to remember your visit!

Best Lunch in Oceanside

Hello Betty Fish House

A salty ocean breeze calls for sea-to-table fare. Whether you’re just leaving the beach or are coming down for the ocean view, a cold beer with tacos on fresh corn tortillas always hits the spot! Hello Betty Fish House is just steps from the water and serves up beach-town classics—from crab and cheese dip and fish and chips to a variety of baja-style tacos. Plus, the rooftop lounge is now open! Need we say more?

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Local Tap House & Kitchen

Credit: Local Tap House & Kitchen

Looking for something out-of-the-box extraordinary? Look no further than Local Tap House & Kitchen, aka LTH! This community hub puts a unique twist on beloved lunch classics. Executive Chef Daniel Elliot’s creativity shines in dishes like the spaghetti-stuffed giant meatballs and ahi tuna and red shrimp fried rice. Not to mention that LTH is a “beer lovers’ paradise” with a selection of 30 rotational local brews! Dine like a local at this fun and friendly favorite.

Best Lunch in Oceanside

Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen

Credit: Josie Gonzales

At Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen, owners Roddy and Aaron Browning bring their experience in the restaurant industry to O’side’s favorite neighborhood gastropub. Inspired by Southern hospitality, the Brownings created a menu of satisfying comfort foods, including crackling pulled pork, crispy black Brussels sprouts and decadently rich mac ‘n’ cheese. Dig in and feel right at home amidst the antique and industrial farmhouse decor. Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen is casual dining with five-star food, or as Roddy and Aaron call it, “flip-flop fine dining.”

The Privateer Coal Fire Pizza

Credit: The Privateer Coal Fire Pizza

Trust us, you’ll want a pizza this! With a focus on fresh ingredients, The Privateer Coal Fire Pizza dishes out appetizers, salads and pizzas with organic, locally grown greens. As the only gourmet pizzeria in Southern California with a 100% coal fire oven, their specialty pizzas are a must-try. Crispy, thin crust gives way to a soft and melty mozzarella-filled middle. Located in South Oceanside, The Privateer Coal Fire Pizza’s relaxed atmosphere makes this family-owned favorite a weekly go-to for lunch.

Emily Miller

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Lover of the beach, food and fitness, Emily enjoys exploring all sunny Southern California has to offer! She has a passion for sharing about her favorite local gems and began writing for Locale in 2022. On the weekends, find her creating recipes for her food blog or out in Laguna!