Pristine beaches, a thriving craft beer scene and surrounded by the ocean, desert, mountains and Mexico. San Diego should be top of your destination dream list for 2019 – coupled with a stay across the border in Baja California, Mexico. Savour editor Georga Spottiswood says these are the places you need to visit in her week-long San Diego feature. Check back each day to see another review and recommendation. Today, it’s Herb & Wood.
He’s utterly endearing, fiercely passionate and has a little bit of bonkers in him. USA celeb chef Brian Malarkey has opened 18 restaurants in seven years, but after selling some, he now has five, one of which is Herb and Wood in North Little Italy.
This little gem focuses on wood and fire, has playful pizzas, homemade pasta and its cocktail game is crazy.
“We have amazing oceans with sea bass and sea urchins, a phenomenal food culture – we have everything in abundance,” said Brain, who features dishes such as grilled avocado, trout roe, nuoc cham, sesame seeds and burrata cheese on his menu.
“I just want to have fun with cooking, that’s what it’s all about.” On his wood-fired menu, you’ll find creative pizzas such as bone marrow, escargot, gruyere, fines herbs and caramelised onion.
The restaurant matches Brian’s visionary style – with chic artwork, ornate chandeliers and an indoor-outdoor style conservatory.
READ MORE: A fine-dining pop-up in breathtaking surroundings.
