Carlsbad Village has a new reason to linger, and it starts at Cbar on State Street. The cozy coastal wine bar and bistro has just welcomed Chef Jarle Saupstad to the kitchen – and the menu he’s brought with him is worth the visit on its own.
A Wine Bar That Feels Like a Living Room
Founder Toni Spilsbury designed Cbar to feel like a coastal living room, and it shows. String lights, warm wood, communal tables, and tucked-away corners make it the kind of place you settle into – from a morning cappuccino all the way through to a late-night glass of wine.
Meet the Chef Behind the New Menu
Saupstad brings over 25 years of culinary experience, Michelin-level training, and a career shaped by travels through Europe. His philosophy is straightforward: technique that serves the ingredient, not the other way around. Everything on the menu is made from scratch – bread included.
The naturally leavened sourdough and focaccia are baked in-house, while vegetables from Fox Point Farms are grilled, pickled, blanched, or marinated to let each one shine. Proteins lean toward slow-cooked preparations, a reflection of the time-honored methods Saupstad favors.
What’s on the Menu
Standout dishes include Cavatelli with Pea Tendrils, Mussels in Escabeche, Pâté de Campagne, Shrimp Lollis, and the showstopper Beef Wellington for Two. Seasonal options like Quince Glazed Duck Confit with Cassoulet round things out, all designed to pair with the boutique wine program led by Sommelier and Partner Mike Cusey.
The chocolate program deserves a mention too – plant-based, single-origin (Peru or Madagascar), and made with just four ingredients. The Dark Chocolate Pot de Crème is an espresso-infused crowd favorite that uses the cacao in its entirety.
Live Music and More
Weekends at Cbar come alive with live music – acoustic sets, smooth jazz, and laid-back reggae that fits the space perfectly. On March 27, singer-songwriter Shane Hall brings his folk-grunge sound to State Street for what should be a great evening. The back of the restaurant also doubles as a private event space for larger gatherings.
See you there!
Grab a bottle, find a corner, and let the evening take care of itself. Cbar is the kind of place that makes that very easy to do.
📆 Monday, 8 AM – 6 PM | Tues – Thurs & Sun: 8 AM – 9 PM | Fri-Sat: 8 AM – 10 PM
📍 2917 State St, Carlsbad
ℹ️ More info here
See you there, San Diego!