"Wrench & Rodent looks like a cross between a punk rock dive bar and traditional sushi den: decorative flourishes include a Union Jack flag and Chesterfield sofas, along with Buddha statues and a messy sushi station. Its location may throw you off, too—it's nearly 40 miles north of downtown in the military town-turned-creative enclave of Oceanside—but trust that this is worth the drive. Chef Davin Waite is one of the most sustainably minded chefs in the area and, to that end, uses every part of every animal and plant he serves. That means items like fish skin chips and fish rib karrage. The real draw is Waite's omakase. Sit at the bar and try whatever he feels like making. Everything he touches is magic." - Marie Tutko, Archana Ram
Chris Rov Costa
