Where to Eat This Spring: New Carlsbad Eateries 2026

From comforting Italian kitchens serving handmade pastas to bold Thai eateries dishing out fragrant curries, there’s something to satisfy every craving. For those with a sweet tooth, the latest dessert spots are bringing both creativity and indulgence to the forefront. Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking for a new go-to dining spot, Carlsbad’s newest additions invite you to discover what’s next. Check out our list of the recent openings:

Opening at the start of 2026, NÓMADA is rooted in Sinaloan tradition and takes you on a culinary journey through Mexico’s coasts, deserts and mountains. Led by Chef Alex Carballo, the menu celebrates the diversity of Mexican cuisine and features delicious bites cooked over a wood-burning fire. Prepare to be transported once you enter the wooden gates, as cozy fireplaces, a beautiful outdoor patio and welcoming bar invite you to stay awhile as you sip on one of their classic margaritas.

In the mood for Italian food? Verise is one of Carlsbad’s newest restaurants serving elevated and culinary-driven Italian food that centers around tradition, seasonality and the pleasure of gathering. The menu balances staples like fresh pasta made in-house, with seasonal produce that changes with the market. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner inside the newly opened Hotel Soléa, guests can dine in the greenery-lined dining room or out on the sunny patio surrounded by olive trees. Be sure to try the tableside affogato and cheese wheel for a memorable dining experience!

Savor the rich, comforting flavors of Thailand at the newly opened Manta Raja. From signature curries to handcrafted noodle dishes, you’ll find an array of authentic Thai dishes that celebrate Thailand’s culinary heritage. Step inside and you’ll find an intimate, welcoming space that feels worlds away from the everyday, making it an ideal setting for a relaxed evening or your next date night. Whether you’re sharing dishes or enjoying your own, the ambiance encourages you to slow down and enjoy the experience. Planning a midweek visit? Stop by on Wednesday and take a look at their vegetable-forward dishes, since their vegan dishes come with a special discount.

The viral hand-rolled dough cones have officially landed in Carlsbad! Crispy Cones are a unique dough cone that has been grilled and covered with cinnamon sugar to provide a tasty vessel for your choice of soft serve. You have the option of filling your cone with spreads such as Nutella or cookie butter and picking a sauce and toppings for a truly indulgent treat. Their menu includes pre-designed cone creations, but you can also customize your cone. Be sure to check out their weekly ice cream flavor and cone specials on their website and socials!

Bringing a taste of New Zealand to Carlsbad, Café Dawny is a charming, family-run café that blends quality and tradition in every bite. Known for its handcrafted savory pastries, the menu features classic New Zealand-style pies, hearty sausage rolls and tasty quiches that have been filled with premium meats and slow-cooked vegetables. Beyond the food, Café Dawny offers a carefully curated coffee experience with Ripple Specialty Coffee, a small-batch roast crafted in California and inspired by New Zealand’s café culture. With a central location in Carlsbad Village, Café Dawny is a great option for a quick breakfast meet-up or satisfying bite on the go before you head out to explore the nearby boutiques and coastal path.

Another dessert spot to check out is Twist, located in the Windmill Food Hall. Twist is a local family-owned business that serves refreshing New Zealand style real fruit ice cream. Every cone is made to order, just choose your ice cream base, real fruit twist for a naturally sweet flavor and some toppings. The result is a tasty soft serve swirl that feels both indulgent and refreshingly light!

An iconic butcher shop that closed its doors last year after decades of business has recently reopened! Tip Top Meats was originally founded in 1967 and grew from being a traditional butcher shop to one that featured a restaurant, market, wine shop and more. After recently reopening, the space is smaller than the original storefront, but you can still order a delicious sandwich and side to enjoy on their outdoor patio or grab it to-go.

Keep a lookout for a few more restaurant openings on the horizon.

Bacari will be opening a new Carlsbad location in the heart of The Village, making it the second location in San Diego County. The Los Angeles-based Venetian-inspired wine bar is known for its shareable dishes that feature Mediterranean and globally influence flavors.

Fish 101 will be expanding with a third location in Carlsbad Village. A popular spot for sustainably caught local fish which has been grilled or frieid perfectly, this casual eatery will soon be the next best spot for a fish taco.

Founded by the globally acclaimed 13-time world pizza champion, Slice House by Tony Gemignani is set to open soon. Get ready for mouthwatering award-winning artisan pizza, pastas and more!