Here is some of the latest in dining news from across San Diego County, as well as some upcoming events for foodies.
Lafayette Hotel: The lobby of the Lafayette Hotel is getting a little holiday magic with a limited-time special tea service, carolers and Santa Claus. The $65 holiday tea service features a selection of teas and small bites, including pastries and sandwiches. Tea service will be available from noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday in the hotel lobby. During the holiday season, there will be Christmas carolers singing on the steps of the hotel’s entrance and Santa Claus will greet guests and take photos from 8 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Plus, the hotel’s diner will serve a holiday meal for guests, available through December, with slow-roasted turkey breast, mashed potatoes and turkey gravy, rye bread stuffing, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and a green bean casserole. Friday through Dec. 31. 2223 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. 619-296-2101, lafayettehotelsd.com
Draft holiday cocktails: Belmont Park’s restaurant and sports bar Draft is introducing a holiday cocktail menu and collectable mugs. Some of the seasonal beverages include The North Star, a mulled red wine with cinnamon and cloves, the Navidad Noche Ponche, made with fruits, cinnamon sticks and sugar cane and the Dolce di Natale, which is Draft’s take on an espresso martini. The business will also be filled with holiday decor to resemble a winter wonderland, according to Draft. Friday through Jan.4. 3125 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego. 858-488-1549, belmontpark.com/restaurants-san-diego-ca/draft-belmont-park
Borrego Rooftop: Visitors to Borrego Rooftop Kitchen + Cocktails can grab a wrestling-inspired cocktail in honor of the WWE Survivor Series at Petco Park. The drink is called The Finisher and is packed with bourbon, cherries and spices. This one-day cocktail costs $17. Borrego will also have food specials that include a $28 chicken mole plate with beans and tortillas and $22 blackened grilled fish tacos. 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday. 509 Ninth Ave., San Diego. 619-727-4000, borregorooftopsandiego.com
El Pollo Loco: The fast food restaurant El Pollo Loco is having 12 days of food specials the first 12 days in December. Each day there will be a different deal for customers. Some of the specials are 20% off all orders, a $9 burrito bowl, 12-piece family meal for $25 and free flan or churros with purchase. Monday through Dec. 12. Various locations. elpolloloco.com
Holiday sake pairing dinner: Del Mar Sky Deck restaurants Zen Modern Asian Bistro, Marufuku and Glass Box are collaborating on a one-night holiday sake pairing dinner. The meal consists of six courses that include a shrimp tempura bao bun, a Peking duck wrap and an ube burnt cheesecake. There will be two seating times for guests, who can check in at Zen Modern Asian Bistro. 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday. 12841 El Camino Real, San Diego. $112.50. 858-793-5757, eventbrite.com/e/holiday-sake-pairing-dinner
Civic Center Plaza pop-up: For three days out of the week, the Plaza Central in downtown San Diego will turn into a food pop-up market. Local vendors will sell lunchtime meals and drinks. Plus there are rotating live performances and activities. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday., 1200 Third Ave., San Diego. downtownsandiego.org/events/plaza-central
Marine Room King Tide Brunch: The season’s highest tides will bring crashing waves to the reinforced windows of the oceanfront Marine Room restaurant for brunch services from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 6-7 and Jan. 3-4. Cost is $95 for the food, champagine and stunning nature show. 1950 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla. marineroom.com/upcoming-happenings
Coastal Roots Farm Farm-To-Table Dinner: Leichtag Foundation’s 18-acre regenerative farm in Encinitas is hosting a seasonally inspired al fresco dinner prepared by Heal the Earth Chef Chuck Samuelson, featuring a multicourse pescatarian meal with organic vegetables. Proceeds benefit the farm’s mission to provide fresh, healthy food to San Diegans experiencing food insecurity. 5-8 p.m. Dec. 7. 441 Saxony Road, Encinitas. $150 per person. coastalrootsfarm.org/event/farm-to-table-dinner-december-2025/
Carlos Rico, Union-Tribune