CTZN Solana Beach is one of the newest additions to the local dining scene, bringing a modern take on Basque-inspired tapas to Solana Beach. The restaurant focuses on shareable plates, creative cocktails, and a lively dining experience built around an open kitchen, energy, and high-quality ingredients.
I had been watching this restaurant being built for a while, and saw the elegant decor, so my expectations were high. CTZN Solana Beach is polished and energetic, with a menu designed for ordering multiple dishes and sharing across the table.
The Food at CTZN Solana Beach
The food at CTZN Solana Beach is rooted in Basque traditions but adapted for Southern California dining. They have dishes inspired by Northern Spain, including croquetas, grilled seafood, octopus, and charcuterie-style plates. There is also a strong focus on fire-based cooking and seasonal produce.
Because the dishes are designed to be shared, it allows you to taste multiple plates rather than ordering a single entrée.
What we ordered
Gilda
Boqueron Del Mar Cantrabico, green olive, pickled Piparra pepper
Pan Con Tomate
Pan crystal, heirloom tomato, thyme, hojiblanca
Marinated Spanish Olives
Local herbs, Spanish olive oil, winter citrus
Kampachi Tartar
Kampachi tartar over talo, piparra pepper emulsion, kosho aioli, smoked shoyu vinaigrette, crispy ginger and leeks
Avocado & Talo
Temecula smashed & charred avocado, walnut oil, fresh seasonal herbs served with talo
Remolachas
Braised beets, Valencia orange, Marcona almonds, avocado puree, mint
Crème fraîche panna cotta
Sunchoke chips, smoked trout roe, chive oil, smoked Arbequina, pickled Piparra peppers
Paella de Vegetales
Ember grilled Blue Oyster mushrooms, Pedro Ximenez vin, gigande beans, piquillo pepper, mojo verde aioli
The Menu
CTZN Solana Beach is another big step forward for the neighborhood. With the recent opening of Mia’s, Rustic Root, and Lana, there is more variety, and the quality is clearly improving. This is not just another restaurant. It brings a different style of dining, more social and centered on sharing plates and trying new things.
Citizen Solana Beach is busy for a reason, so plan ahead and make a reservation. If you go with a group, you will get the best experience and really experience what the kitchen is doing here.
2 Responses
The menu sounds interesting; did you try anything specific that stood out? I’m always on the lookout for unique dining options.
Yes, the pulpo, Gilda, kampachi tartar and avocado and talo were outstanding.