Carlsbad Village is getting a dose of Los Angeles dining culture. Bacari, the Los Angeles born small plates and wine bar group, is moving into 560 Carlsbad Village Drive and is lined up to take over a storefront in the complex. The Carlsbad spot would be the group's 10th restaurant overall and its second in San Diego County, although Bacari has not announced a public opening date. When it does land, locals can expect the brand's Venetian inspired shareable Mediterranean plates and a full cocktail and wine program.
As reported by WhatNow, the company recently filed a liquor license application for Suite 102 at 560 Carlsbad Village Drive, a typical signal that a project is moving forward. That filing tracks with a public legal notice showing that Bacari Carlsbad LLC agreed to purchase Paon restaurant's furniture, fixtures, leasehold and alcohol license, with an anticipated transfer date of Dec. 22, 2025. Taken together, the paperwork points to Bacari converting an existing full service restaurant space into its Carlsbad outpost.
What To Expect From The Menu
Executive chef and co founder Lior Hillel oversees menu development for the Bacari group, according to FSR. Across its locations, the restaurant leans on a rotating lineup of shareable Mediterranean dishes, including caramelized Brussels sprouts, bacari fries topped with a fried egg, burrata plates and flatbread style pizzas, alongside an expansive wine and cocktail program, according to Bacari. The brand's restaurants also commonly run weekend brunch and extended late night service, which could guide operating hours in Carlsbad depending on how the neighborhood responds.
How Bacari Fits In North County
The Carlsbad plan follows Bacari's first San Diego outpost in North Park, which is expected to open in early 2026 and will take over the former Urban Solace space, according to San Diego Magazine. Company co owners have told local reporters they have been scouting locations across the county, including Little Italy and Leucadia, suggesting Carlsbad may be one of several North County plays. In Carlsbad Village, a compact, walkable district that draws both residents and visitors, the restaurant would slot in as another full service evening option in an increasingly busy dining scene.
Licenses, Permits And Next Steps
A November legal notice in The Coast News lists Bacari Carlsbad LLC as the buyer tied to the alcohol license transfer and includes the relevant license numbers, with an anticipated escrow closing date of Dec. 22, 2025. Final approval of any transfer rests with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, whose licensing materials explain that transfers require an application, investigations and a public waiting period before a permanent license is issued. Until ABC signs off and any necessary city permits or inspections are wrapped, a firm opening timeline for Bacari in Carlsbad remains up in the air.
Neither Bacari nor city officials have released construction timelines or a grand opening date, and the company has not announced one publicly, as reported by WhatNow. Public postings at the site and future ABC filings will be the clearest indicators as the project moves closer to completion.
