For more than 20,000 years, we’ve enjoyed eating the bivalve mollusk known as the mussel. In San Diego, we cultivate them on special farms — Carlsbad Aquafarm being one of the West Coast’s finest purveyors. Sip crisp Sauvignon Blanc for a perfect afternoon. Get more delish dish at Inquisitive Tongue.
Blue Point Coastal Cuisine: Well known for its Pan Pacific seafood entrees like the Alaskan black cod in spiced misoyaki, Blue Point cooks up pan-roasted green-lipped mussels sensually flavored with coconut and ginger and served with green curry. Its specialty cocktails and amazing oyster bar are not to be missed either.
565 Fifth Ave.; 619-233-6623
JRDN: The sunset view, boardwalk action and crisp boutique beers beckon you to meet friends at the bar, moving on to sup on steamed mussels, prepared with chorizo, garlic, Chardonnay and herb butter, just one of Chef David Warner’s heavenly JRDN’s “surf, sky and spirit” concoctions.
Tower 23 Hotel, 723 Felspar St.; 858-270-5736
Jsix: Discover garden flavors in this tarragon dijon mussel melange cooked in white wine and garlic broth with fennel pollen. Served with fries and lemon aioli, Jsix‘s California modern cuisine sings beautifully in this dish.
Hotel Solamar, 616 J St.; 619-531-8744
The Oceanaire Seafood Room: You know them for their global oysters (including Carlsbad’s Luna, Blonde and Del Sol), but you’ll love them for their glamorous decor and steamed Mediterranean black mussels mariniere (white wine, butter, shallots). At the Oceanaire bar, steamed mussels are only $7.99 nightly, and it pairs perfectly with a half bottle of Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay.
400 J St.; 619-858-2277
Pacifica Del Mar: Pacifica‘s steamed local mussels cleverly seasoned with chorizo, garlic, white wine and sweet onions pleases its beautiful-people clientele nightly. Do not overlook the stellar wine list either.
Del Mar Plaza, 1555 Camindo Del Mar; 858-792-0476
Quality Social: Belgian ale, leeks and fresh bay accent these fragrant West Coast mussels, accompanied by grilled bread for dipping. Add California artisanal cheeses (like Cowgirl Creamery’s Mt. Tam and Point Reyes Blue) and chopped salad with goat cheese for a perfect Quality Social date night out.
789 Sixth Ave.; 619-501-7675
The Inquisitive Tongue 