A new restaurant has landed in Carlsbad, and it’s one worth making the drive for. Verise, a modern Italian restaurant created by a MICHELIN-trained chef, is now open inside Hotel Solea – and it’s already shaping up to be one of the more exciting openings North County has seen in a while.
Rooted in Tradition, Inspired by California
Verise draws its inspiration from the cuisine and spirit of Central Italy, from the rustic richness of Tuscany to the coastal influences of the Adriatic – all filtered through a distinctly Southern California lens.
The name itself is a tribute to Italian romance, and that sensibility runs through everything, from the food to the atmosphere to the way the space is designed to make you want to linger.
Behind the kitchen are Chef Riccardo Bilotta and Chef de Cuisine Kevin Martinez. Chef Bilotta brings experience from some of Europe’s most celebrated kitchens, including the two-MICHELIN-starred Il Pellicano in Tuscany and the three-MICHELIN-starred El Celler de Can Roca in Spain.
The result is a menu that honors Italian tradition while fully embracing the incredible produce and seafood available right here in Southern California.
What’s on the Menu
Pastas are made fresh each morning, and they’re very much the heart of the menu. A few standouts worth knowing about:
Spaghetti al Pomodoro with garden basil and burrata
Rigatoncini Cacio e Pepe with pecorino romano and cracked black pepper
Grilled Mediterranean octopus with cannellini beans and salsa verde
Wood-fired pizzas and a range of thoughtfully composed seasonal dishes
The beverage program is anchored by Classici Innamorati – Verise’s love letter to classic cocktails – featuring drinks like the Olio Martini, Calabrian Marg, and Martini de Sera, alongside aperitivo-style spritzes and a curated selection of Italian and California wines.
A Space That Feels Like Italy
The dining room opens out to a sprawling olive grove and lush garden surroundings that genuinely evoke the Italian countryside.
Clean architectural lines, natural textures, earth-toned materials, and soft lighting create an atmosphere of understated warmth, while expansive windows and outdoor seating make it easy to settle in for a long, leisurely meal.
See you there!
Whether you’re after a relaxed weekday lunch or a proper sit-down dinner, Verise is offering something genuinely special in North County – and it’s well worth the trip to Carlsbad.
📆 Now open daily
📍 5420 Grand Pacific Dr, Carlsbad
🎟️ Make reservations here
ℹ️ Visit their website here for more info
See you there, San Diego!
Dining and Cooking