Jeune & Jolie

Jeune et Jolie is the crown jewel of the Carlsbad restaurant empire that also includes Campfire and Lilo, with a $120 four-course prix fixe menu of elegant and sometimes unusual French bistro dishes. Like an incredible corn bavarois purée with a punchy caviar sauce, or a hunk of grilled wagyu that comes with ultra-rich oxtail croquettes that almost overshadow the steak (which is worth the $55 upcharge, by the way). Speaking of upcharges, there’s also a separate raw bar menu with even more neat touches, like a scallop that comes with frozen pistachio butter. You should always start your dinner with the seafood plateau so you can try all of it, including some very long shrimp. And good news: if you just want some good wine, chilled bivalves, and aren’t up for an almost three-hour dinner with your coworker or first date, there’s a separate a la carte menu for walk-ins.