With cuisine and cocktails inspired by Mexico City, Roma Norte–from the team behind the highly successful Puesto and Marisi–is now open in San Diego’s Seaport Village.
At Roma Norte in San Diego, cocktails are more than just a drink—they are an experience. Developed by Beau du Bois, vice president of Bar and Spirits, and Derek Cram, director of Logistics, the menu showcases their decades of experience and shared passion for high-quality spirits. The result is a selection of eight innovative technique-driven cocktails, along with four non-alcoholic beverages. Beau du Bois and Derek Cram use advanced techniques such as forced carbonation, nitro muddling, clarification via centrifuge, and lacto-fermentation to elevate each cocktail to its full potential. For example, Hoja Santa leaves are flash-frozen with liquid nitrogen to preserve their color, while the tequila is vapor-infused with habaneros to capture the sweet essence of the peppers without the burn of capsaicin.
The beverage program at Roma Norte embraces global flavors, drawing on Latin American spices, botanicals, and a diverse range of spirits. The Maduro Highball, featuring Brazilian Cachaca and plantains, evokes the spirit of South America and the Caribbean. Meanwhile, Another Word, a modern twist on the prohibition-era Last Word, is served tableside with eucalyptus-infused mezcal over soft shaved ice from a Japanese Kakigori ice shaver. Even the Sex on the Beach cocktail gets a unique spin with yerba mate and a special clarification technique using coconut milk, resulting in a vegan cocktail that’s as photogenic as it is delicious. Complementing these signature drinks is an expansive list of house cocktails, showcasing the expertise of Roma Norte’s talented bar team.
The culinary offerings, crafted by Chef Erik Aronow, complement the bar’s innovative cocktails. The menu features small plates and late-night bites that are ideal for sharing. Indulge in dishes like the Flamin’ Hot Corn Nuts with house-made crunchy hominy and a cheesy spice blend; the scallop tostada with avocado, lime, sweet onion, and cilantro; and the Yellowfin Tuna Tostada with guacamole, Persian cucumber, and chile. For those looking for heartier dishes, try the Carne Crudo with prime diced hanger steak, birria-spiced aioli, and shimeji mushrooms, or the Torta de Milanesa with veal, spicy cabbage, and pickled onions.
Roma Norte’s interiors blend lush greenery with urban elements, paying homage to Mexico City’s diverse architecture. The space features a mix of muted navy, terracotta, and concrete. Velvet furniture, a deep brown marble bar top, retro lighting, custom wallpaper, bronze detailing, and painted antique mirrors bring a sense of sophistication. Every detail, from cocktails to food to interiors, is thoughtfully curated to transport guests to the heart of Mexico City, where tradition and modernity collide.
For more information, visit www.romanorte.bar.
789 W. Harbor Dr. Unit 155
San Diego, CA 92101
Photo credit: Kimberly Motos