Solace and Moonlight Lounge THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Solace & the Moonlight Lounge

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Solace & the Moonlight Lounge Awards

Chef Matt Gordon's beachside restaurant elevates the Encinitas dining scene, and its Moonlight Lounge is a hot-spot.
Openings: Lunch Mon.-Fri., Dinner nightly, Brunch Sat.-Sun.

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THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Solace & the Moonlight Lounge, Encinitas, CA


THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Solace & the Moonlight Lounge Restaurant Review:


We are fond of Urban Solace in North Park, so it’s a bonus to have chef Matt Gordon and his partner/wife Young-Mi Gordon as part of the culinary community in North County. Solace & the Moonlight Lounge is a stylish hot-spot that's LEED-certified, and the owners are equally conscious about putting natural ingredients in their dishes. The upstairs bar emanates cool, with its giant communal table, raw bar, artisan spirits and a painting of "The Dude" from "The Big Lebowski" peering down upon the crowd. Craft cocktails rule, with organic liquors and freshly squeezed or natural mixers. We like the "Stormy Ginger" with dark rum, spiced ginger syrup, Key lime, bitters and ginger beer. Considering how coastal towns are overrun with fish tacos shacks and sushi joints, it’s refreshing to have chef Gordon offering yellowtail pepita with a sprinkling of pumpkin seeds and his signature cheddar and chive biscuits, with melted orange-honey butter and a smoked tomato jam. The Niman Ranch chuck burger is another winner, capped in aged white cheddar, as is cocoa-crusted pork belly with roasted sweet potatoes. The wine list is thoughtful and appealing, listing myriad affordable carafes, boutique producers and enough in-the-know, interesting bottles tucked in for connoisseurs.