About
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean is Vaga Restaurant & Bar, which is located at the Alila Marea Beach Resort.
Here, you'll discover gorgeous patio spaces with fireside tables, hammock-inspired chairs, and table ottomans overlooking Ponto State Beach. It's the perfect place to sip one of their expressive cocktails and enjoy a small bite while soaking in the beautiful SoCal coastline.
This ‘rooftop’ bar was recommended by a local Encinitas family member, who said that it was a beautiful observation spot with great cocktails…and he was correct!
The bar and lounge area are open from 3 PM to 9 PM, offering ‘Bites’ that are served from 3:30 PM to 9 PM. This includes Parmesan Fries, Crispy Chickarrones, Pretzel Bites, and Vegetable Crudité.
Heartier ‘Additional Bites’ are also served from 5 PM to 9 PM and include the Vaga Burger (beef or meatless), Beef Tartare, and Local Hamachi Crudo.
We settled on the Parmesan Fries, which is actually a vegetarian dish made with a fresh herb mix and served with a herbed labneh dip. Additionally, we ordered the Crispy Chickarrones, which are fried chicken skins tossed in a choice of umami glaze or passion fruit. It comes with mojito sauce, green onion, and fennel slaw.
We chose the passion fruit, and I admit that we were a little hesitant about ordering chicken skins. We love chicharrónes, but were a little weirded out at chicken skin. When in Rome, as they say…
I would definitely recommend Vaga Restaurant & Bar if you’re in the area. The outdoor space is absolutely gorgeous, whether you opt for the tables, couches, or hammock chairs. It is definitely a great spot to spend a few hours.
Vibe
Upscale, yet casual California vibes. Even beach casual will feel appropriate.
Vaga Restaurant & Bar: Menu & Drinks
With a lounge menu in hand, we decided drinks were in order first.
I opted for the No Place Like Home featuring Absolut Vodka, plum, grapefruit, and Caribbean spices. Another tasty libation is the Convoy with Toki Japanese Whiskey, citrus, lemongrass, Five Spice, and seltzer.
Sipping on our cocktails, we enjoyed the ocean view and decided to order some happy hour ‘bites’.
That led us to discover the Crispy Chickarrones. Even though I was skeptical at first, I quickly discovered that they are so delicious and unique! And though mostly skin, many of them had chicken meat on them so they were kinda more long wings.
Definitely, one of those dishes you think about long after you’ve left!
Visiting Vaga Restaurant & Bar will enhance any San Diego getaway!
Local Tips
- Outdoor spots fill up fast, so plan accordingly.
- Vaga serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
- It is located at the Alila Marea Resort, and there is no on-street parking.
- Opt for valet parking; it's worth the cost.