Campfire
New American restaurant · Carlsbad
2725 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
Highlights
Wood-fired American fare & cocktails with a playful, cozy camping vibe
Wood-fired American fare & cocktails with a playful, cozy camping vibe
"Located in a midcentury Quonset hut enlivened with eclectic outdoorsy decorations, this rough-and-tumble counterpart to more glamorous nearby Jeune et Jolie has plenty of fun with its theme, down to the teepee on the patio. The centerpiece is a custom-built 12-foot wood-burning hearth, which lends an appropriate note of smoke to many of the kitchen’s offerings, from vegetables like crispy roasted broccoli with a tangy chermoula sauce, or grilled octopus with Jimmy Nardello peppers. Meatier options like slow-cooked brisket or a hefty tomahawk steak for two will sate even the burliest appetites. A nearly obligatory end to this glamping experience is the DIY s’mores, served with a small pile of red-hot coals for toasting fluffy house-made marshmallows." - Michelin Inspector
"Campfire, a stone's throw from the beach, is a Carlsbad staple for fire-cooked everything—right down to the charcoal-infused butter. The oysters, warmed in oxtail dashi broth over coals, and the citrus-zested cornbread with calabrian chili butter are a great primer for larger dishes like the grilled octopus with smoked celery root and chorizo. And you've probably never had broccoli as deeply flavored as Campfire's version with chermoula (which goes under the "kindling" section of the menu, to give you an idea of the priorities here), while the side of cheesy potatoes in a cast iron skillet are as inviting as the cabin-like restaurant's energetic, indoor-outdoor dining room." - ligaya malones, candice woo
"Campfire, a stone's throw from the beach, is a Carlsbad staple for fire-cooked everything—right down to the charcoal-infused butter. The oysters, warmed in oxtail dashi broth over coals, and the citrus-zested cornbread with calabrian chili butter are a great primer for larger dishes like the grilled octopus with smoked celery root and chorizo. And you've probably never had broccoli as deeply flavored as Campfire's version with chermoula (which goes under the "kindling" section of the menu, to give you an idea of the priorities here), while the side of cheesy potatoes in a cast iron skillet are as inviting as the cabin-like restaurant's energetic, indoor-outdoor dining room. RESERVE A TABLE WITH RESERVE A TABLE" - Ligaya Malones
"This family-friendly restaurant boosted the Carlsbad dining scene when it first opened in 2016, where it was recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2019 for its live-fire menu. Led by executive chef Eric Bost (also of Jeune et Jolie and his newest restaurant, Wildland), the playful menu offers fire-forward dishes categorized in sections labeled Trailhead, Kindling, the Fire, and Trail’s End. Must-try dishes include whole fire-roasted broccoli with a tasty chermoula, lime and peanuts, Oaxacan-spiced chicken, and smoked pork with pears, romano beans and mustard. Must-try dishes: No matter how old you are, don’t skip the deconstructed, make-your-own s’mores dessert." - Candice Woo
"Housed in what looks like a giant bunkhouse, this playful Michelin-recognized restaurant brings out the child in everyone. The outdoor patio has a tent and firepit surrounded by tree stumps for stools. Though there are specific dishes for children, like hearth-cooked chicken and grilled cheese, chef Eric Bost (Jeune et Jolie) serves other kid-friendly fare like ricotta cavatelli and roasted broccoli with an herby chermoula sauce that even young ones will love. To cap the meal, kids and adults must try the spectacular s’mores dessert served with chocolate bars, graham crackers, and house-made marshmallows, served with a flaming fire bowl for DIY roasting on the table." - Helen I. Hwang
