Five New Restaurants To Visit This Weekend

It’s finally Friday, which means it’s almost time to clock-off and get those weekend vibes started. No plans yet? No problem! Eater's here with a handy set of recommendations to assist in your dining destination decision-making. In this new regular feature, we'll help you discover recently-opened restaurants and uncover new-to-you bars and eateries (plus occasional menu debuts) specializing in everything from Friday happy hour cocktails through to Sunday brunch, so you can make the most of that well-earned downtime.

Noodle Lovers Nirvana: Nishiki Ramen

Ramen is a hot commodity in San Diego right now, perhaps none more so than the steaming bowls of goodness on offer at Kearny Mesa's newest noodle emporium. Priced between $10-$15, while the no nonsense menu only features three options –– Nishiki (original chicken and tonkatsu), Miso and the vegetarian Ramen Del Sol (all MSG free) –– soft boiled egg, Berkshire pork chashu and spicy volcano sauce are available as optional add-ons. For appetizers think edamame and chicken karaage. If you have room there is ice cream (3 flavors) for dessert. 8055 Armour St. Suite 201A. (858) 987-0222

[photo: Lyudmila Zotova]

Dinner, Drinks + Movie: THE LOT

High-end bites and cinema abound at La Jolla’s newest movie-and-dining destination. Developed by local chef Matt Sramek, the all-encompassing menus offer everything from specialty-brewed coffee and homemade pastries during breakfast (independent film showings begin every morning at 9:00 a.m.), to soups, salads, flatbreads and smaller shared plates during lunch. At night enjoy an adult beverage in the restaurant –– the drinks list features a selection of specialty cocktails, 16 craft beer taps, plus a sizeable wine list –– or one of six entrées from the dinner menu, including crispy Mediterranean branzino and filet mignon, before you catch a movie. 7611 Fay Ave. (858) 777-0069

[photo: Lyudmila Zotova]

Meatless Marvels: Moncai Vegan

Life and business partners Don Jackson and Princesa Vitela moved their popular vegan café from its longstanding spot on University to new Normal Heights’ digs back in August. With specials added daily (depending on what's available from local farms), the menu easily encompasses all your breakfast, lunch and dinner needs. Not to mention a mean Sunday Brunch special for $13.50 –– they have mimosas (and gluten free wine and beer) too! It's also a great place to grab a coffee and enjoy a delectable vegan donut; cupcake or any of their other assorted gluten-free baked goods on the pet-friendly patio. 3531 Adams Ave. (619) 228-9881

[photo: Keri Bridgwater]

Hawaiian Cuisine Cubed: Poké Go

With limited seating available as the name suggests orders at this straight-up poke joint are best placed ahead and picked up to go. For a lunch time Poké Bowl simply select your protein (salmon, ahi, tako, shrimp), rice color (white, brown), side dish (salad, soup, seaweed, kimchi), and your dressing of choice (shoyu, spicy mayo, wasabi, teriyaki). The Korean-style rice bowl Bibi-Go is another great option for lunch or dinner and features fresh and sautéed veggies, Korean marinated beef (bulgogi) topped with fried egg and sweet gochujang sauce. 3614 5th Avenue. (619) 230-5549

[photo: Poké Go]

North County Caffeine Fix: Better Buzz Coffee

Featuring two espresso bars, the Encinitas outpost of this industrial-chic coffee café has been keeping North County residents caffeinated since August. With beans roasted in San Diego single origin, blends and limited offerings are available and come in a multitude of incarnations: ice blended (white mocha buzz, vanilla buzz), handcrafted (Mexican mocha, honey latte), or on the rocks (Moroccan spice, mint mojito). Purists can still enjoy Americanos, cappuccinos, and something called a Killer Bee (coffee and espresso), alongside bites from the ‘tasty treats menu’, which includes scones, bagels, and pastries – perfect for an afternoon pick me up. 578 S. Coast Hwy 101 (760) 487-5562

[photo: Facebook]