Beach. LEGOLAND. The Flower Fields. Add a meal at 20|Twenty at Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa to the list of reasons why Carlsbad should be on your springtime to-visit list.
Whether you are a staycationing local or visiting from out of town to check out one of Carlsbad’s many attractions, coastal-inspired Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa is an area favorite, in part thanks to 20|Twenty. The restaurant–which exudes a relaxed elegance–spotlights a menu of refined Southern California classics. From breakfast to dinner, it showcases local ingredients in beautifully presented dishes that rival its sophisticated dining room with oversized, round booths, chevron flooring and show-stopping light fixtures. Outside, the patio glows from its romantic firepit and twinkle lights, which decorate the surrounding palms.
Seafoodies, meat lovers and vegetarians will all find themselves right at home at 20|Twenty. The smoked scallops, with carrot puree, crispy Brussels sprouts, Snake River Farms pork belly and calamansi glaze, is an appetizer hearty enough for the main event. And a duo of stick-to-your-ribs plates not to miss: the Colorado rack of lamb, paired with a roasted cauliflower salad, and the local beer-braised short rib, made with Belching Beaver peanut butter stout, that simply melts in the mouth.
As decadent as the main course may be, do not skip on the sides at 20|Twenty. The bleu cheese mac–featuring a rich, gooey combo of gruyere, white cheddar, provolone and California shaft bleu–is among the tastiest comfort food sides we’ve ever sampled.
Though usually relegated to the fall, pumpkin spice shines here, even in the warmer months. For dessert, the pumpkin spice crème brulee, crowned with toasty pepitas, makes you wonder why the gourd isn’t present on more year-round menus. To wash it all down, the jalapeno-infused Spanish Margarita and spring-perfect Lavender Blossom Fizz are in order.
20|Twenty starts serving breakfast at 6:30 a.m. daily; dinner service ends at 10 p.m. Weekend brunch is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; happy hour is Monday to Friday, 4 to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.20twentygrill.com.
5480 Grand Pacific Dr.
Carlsbad, CA 92008