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.

Seasonal Prix Fixe: Searsucker Del Mar

The North County chapter of Brian Malarkey’s popular Social Dining Collective just rolled out a brand new prix fixe menu concept for its fall/winter season. Guests can choose one dish from each category of the three-course menu, which costs $35 per person. Apps include a butternut squash soup, playful chicken 'lollipops' and greens with goat cheese; while for mains there is Mary’s chicken with kale, salmon and green beans, or a vegetarian risotto with butternut squash. Look forward to finishing with either a smore’s bar or panna cotta for dessert. Del Mar Highlands Town Center. (760) 369-5700

[photo: Searsucker]

Coffee + Deep Fried Deliciousness: Devil's Dozen Donut Shop

As of November 9, Little Italy’s newest purveyor of "freshly fried treats" has begun official hours of operation (Tuesday - Friday, 7 a.m. until supplies last, and Saturday from 8 a.m.). Serving up 300+ donuts daily, executive chef Brian Redzikowski currently has a flavors like cinnamon sugar, chocolate, Madagascar vanilla bean, plus donut holes, churro bites, and a daily special revolving on the menu. Prices range from $2.50 - $3 a la carte, or around $15 for a "bakers dozen". TOP TIP: Take your doughy rings of goodness to the upstairs open-air patio and enjoy with cup of Virtuoso Joe alongside unobstructed Bay views. 2001 Kettner Blvd. (619) 780-0914

[photo: Lyudmila Zotova]

Menu Makeover: Uptown Tavern

Executive chef Leticia Gonzalez just debuted a brand new dinner menu at this popular late night hangout in Hillcrest. Showcasing everything from shared plates to happy endings, with plenty more in between, on the first half of the menu you’ll find a charcuterie board, wings, waffles, mac n’ cheese and more. While sizable entrée plates like the spicy chicken sandwich ($14), beef short rib gnocchi ($21), and oregano sea bass ($22), should satisfy larger appetites on the second half. Enjoy live DJs Wednesday through Sunday, or stargaze fireside from a private room on the back patio (Uptown is open until 2 a.m. seven nights a week). 1236 University Ave. (619) 241-2710

[photo: Uptown Tavern]

New Fall Bites: The Patio On Lamont

[photo: Patio Group]

Gourmet Coastal Italian: Catania

Courtesy photo

The latest stellar offering from Whisknladle Hospitality Group has been wowing La Jolla locals and San Diego foodie critics alike since its summer debut. Perfect for an alfresco afternoon lunch on the outdoor patio, or date night in one of the dining rooms intimate booth seats; enjoy head chef Vince Schofield’s selection of Coastal Italian-inspired dishes while sipping your way through the drinks list - which features a nice selection of Italian wines, beers and cocktails. TOP TIP: Don't miss happy hour (Friday & Saturday 3 - 6 p.m., Sunday - Wednesday 3 - 7 p.m.) with select $5 - $9 wood fired pizzas, small plates and drink specials. Suite 301, 7863 Girard Ave. (858) 551-5105

[photo: Paul Body]