Today, we’re thrilled to announce the winners of the 2019 Eater Awards, celebrating the restaurants and bars that made a major impact on the dining scene this year. In each of Eater’s cities, including here in San Diego, the local editorial staff chose finalists and ultimately a winner in each of three categories, taking into account nominations submitted by readers over a month-long period. Restaurants had to have opened in the past year (including the last few months of 2018) to be eligible and must be located in Eater San Diego’s standard geographic radius. The winners will each be receiving a traditional Eater tomato can trophy and a feature story in the coming year.

Please join us in celebrating this year’s outstanding group of winners. Without further ado, here they are.

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Restaurant of the Year

Jeune et Jolie

2659 State Street, Carlsbad

Haley Hill Photography

Contributing mightily to Carlsbad’s continuing culinary renaissance, the sophomore effort from the Campfire team is a clear local standout that has also helped raise San Diego’s profile by attracting the attention of the national spotlight. Impeccably curated, and operating with Michelin star ambitions, the French-inflected restaurant combines classic techniques with new-wave creativity in a way that seems precisely of the moment.

Additional Restaurant of the Year Finalists

Fort Oak, Il Dandy, and Serea

Design of the Year

Morning Glory

550 W Date Street, Little Italy

Haley Hill Photography

Only CH Projects would be bold enough to venture to open an above street level spot that only operates during daytime hours and exclusively serves brunch, no less. But due to the sheer draw of the eye-catching design, the bar and restaurant is still enthralling crowds seven months into its tenure in Little Italy. As one of the hospitality group’s last projects with local design powerhouse BASILE Studio, it’s a memorable mic drop.

Additional Design of the Year Finalists

Jeune et Jolie, Realm of the 52 Remedies, and Luca at The Guild Hotel

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Bar of the Year

Realm of the 52 Remedies

4805 Convoy Street, Kearny Mesa

Haley Hill Photography

Known as a bustling dining hub packed with Asian eateries, Kearny Mesa wasn’t much of a cocktail destination until the arrival of this seductive speakeasy attached to Common Theory. In its first year, Realm of the 52 Remedies has climbed to the top ranks of the local cocktail landscape, with the well-regarded bar distinguishing itself by savvily showcasing Asian flavors and ingredients. It’s also one of the few dedicated cocktail bars to serve really good food.

Additional Bar of the Year Finalists

Tahona, Morning Glory, and Fernside

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