Running wild

Wildland (Carlsbad)

GETAWAYS • Carlsbad

Tucked into the bones of the former Morey Boogie Board factory, Wildland is the latest creation from chef Eric Bost (Republique, Auburn) and restaurateur John Resnick. It’s the kind of all-day restaurant, bar, and bakery that might be enough to prompt a drive to Carlsbad.

Enter through the patio framed by two oak trees, and you’re greeted by the hum of the bakery and the glow of a wood-fired oven. The 8,000-square-foot space is vast yet inviting, with sprawling floor-to-ceiling windows, handcrafted terra cotta tiles, and Tyler Hays’ painted desert tapestry.

Wildland’s menu mixes California cooking, wood-fired techniques, and the flavors of the Mediterranean coast. At breakfast, standout plates include eggs with blistered tomatoes, chickpeas, za’atar, and baguette. By lunch, the kitchen turns out hearty sandwiches like mortadella with stracciatella and pesto, alongside cacio e pepe pizza or rotisserie chicken served with a small feast of creamy hummus, little gem salad, pickled vegetables, and house-made flatbread. Head baker James Belisle’s pain au chocolat would not be laughed out of Paris, with its buttery layers and perfect chocolate ratio.

The beverage program includes an olive oil or bergamot latte, vibrant juices, cocktails, and natural wines from San Giovese, Umbria, and Catalunya, all available by the glass/carafe/bottle for easy sampling.

Wildland isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a love letter to Carlsbad. A place to grab coffee and a pastry on the way to the beach, linger over lunch, or gather with friends for dinner and drinks. It’s a vibrant addition to the community, nestled on State Street alongside sister restaurants Jeune et Jolie and Campfire. –Victoire Loup

→ Wildland (Carlsbad) • 2598 State St • Daily 8a-9p • Reserve.