In today’s Carlsbad Scoop:
Restaurant week, live music, other local events
Carlsbad weather and wave forecast for the weekend
Restaurant “Lilo” in Carlsbad earns a Michelin Star and lands on the New York Times’ 2025 list of America’s 50 Best Restaurants
Let’s get to it.
🗓️ Upcoming Events in (and around) Carlsbad
Friday 9/19 - Sunday 9/21 Events:
🍽️ San Diego Restaurant Week | Carlsbad / All of San Diego | All Weekend. 100+ restaurants offering multi-course menus starting at just $30. link
🎨 ArtWalk Carlsbad | Armada Drive | Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm. Over 150 artists, KidsWalk, food trucks, two beverage gardens, live music, and ocean views make this one of North County’s premier arts weekends. link
🍺 Carlsbad Oktoberfest Fall Festival | Strawberry Company | Saturday, all day. Authentic German food, music, games, beer garden—family-friendly fun. link
🎶 Free Concert in the Park - Endless Summer Music Festival | SoCal Soccer Complex, Oceanside | Sun 12-7pm. Free music, games, and activities for families. link
🏃 Double Peak Challenge | San Elijo Recreation Center | Sat 6:15am. Trail runs for all levels, benefitting local non-profits. link
🛡️ Vista Viking Festival | Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum | Sat/Sun. Nordic food, music, live combat demos, and Viking games. link
🍊🥑Farmers Markets:🍓🧺
Wednesday: Carlsbad: 2:30PM-7PM | State Steet | details
Thursday: Oceanside: 9AM-1PM | Pier View Way | details
Friday: San Marcos: 4PM-8PM | N City Drive | details
Saturday
Sunday
🌤️🌊 Carlsbad Weather and Wave Forecast
Weather 🌤️
Thursday 9/18
84 🌡️ 68 | 🌥️ | 7% | 💨 WNW 7 mph
Friday 9/19
81 🌡️ 67 | 🌤️ | 7% | 💨 WNW 6 mph
Saturday 9/20
82 🌡️ 67 | 🌤️ | 6% | 💨 NNE 6 mph
Sunday 9/21
82 🌡️ 66 | 🌤️ | 5% | 💨 ENE 2 mph
Thursday 9/18
AM: 2–3 ft, PM: 2–3 ft
Friday 9/19
AM: 2–3 ft, PM: 2–4 ft
Saturday 9/20
AM: 2–3 ft, PM: 1.5–2.5 ft
Sunday 9/21
AM: 1.5–2.5 ft, PM: 1.5–2.5 ft
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 71ºF
Note: Above forecast is for Tamarack
🍽️ Lilo: Carlsbad’s New Michelin-Starred Spot
Opened in April 2025, Carlsbad’s Lilo has quickly made waves beyond North County’s dining scene. This week, the intimate 22-seat restaurant was named to the New York Times’ prestigious 2025 list of America’s 50 Best Restaurants—a major honor that recognizes Lilo as one of just six California restaurants on the list.
Owned Chef Eric Bost and co-owner John Resnick, Lilo is praised for its imaginative 12-course menu that takes diners on a global coastal journey, pairing fresh, seasonal ingredients with elegant presentations in a relaxed setting. The restaurant occupies the original 1970s Morey Boogie Board factory, blending modern culinary artistry with laid-back beach town vibes.
This recognition, coming shortly after Lilo earned a Michelin star earlier this year, highlights Carlsbad’s rise as a serious culinary destination. Reservations are recommended to experience this local gem.
👨🍳 San Diego Restaurant Week in Carlsbad | Sept. 14–21
San Diego Restaurant Week continues through Sunday, offering a delicious mix of over 100 restaurants countywide including top picks in Carlsbad. Some standout Carlsbad options for this weekend’s dining delight include:
Seasons Restaurant (American, California; prix-fixe dinner $55, lunch $35)
Napatini Wine Bar (Contemporary/California; tasting menu and drinks)
Casa de Bandini (Mexican; lunch starting $25, dinner $35)
Giaola’s Italian Kitchen (Italian; dinner menu $40)
Alejandra’s Cantina (Mexican; dinner menu $35)
Benihana (Steaks and hibachi; prix-fixe dinner $55)
Chart House Cardiff (Seafood and steaks; dinner $50)
These restaurants offer multi-course menus of seasonal and local flavors. Reservations are highly recommended as spots fill up quickly during the popular event - learn more here. Enjoy exploring Carlsbad’s vibrant dining scene!
Until next time,
Carlsbad Scoop