Pizza Cassette is opening a permanent Pacific Beach location at 1459 Garnet Avenue in early 2026, moving from The Gärten in Bay Park. The new spot will seat about 60–80 and keep the chef’s scratch-made pizzas.

Olive Garden is prepping a San Ysidro restaurant at the former Bank of America near the Premium Outlets; filings show early activity but no opening date yet.

Lilo earned a Michelin star within weeks and a new Eater review praises its $265, 12-course tasting menu and intimate, counterside service.

Huntington Beach’s The Brant is opening at 806 S Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas with a larger kitchen and a 1,500‑sq‑ft rooftop bar, aiming for summer 2026.

A soccer-focused Premier Pub is taking over Cheers Bar & Grill in Rancho Penasquitos, promising smash burgers, live music and big-screen soccer nights.

Hillstone appears to have switched its Del Mar plan to an Honor Bar at the former Bully’s North site. Construction is underway and a first‑half 2026 opening is targeted.

Several new restaurants — plus a pet supply shop — have opened in Santee, bringing pizza, Thai, Vietnamese and Mediterranean options to East County. City officials encouraged neighbors to welcome the newcomers.

Farmers‑market favorite Mi Pan Bakery is opening its first storefront at 6435 Mission Gorge Road in mid‑2026, expanding from market stalls to a neighborhood bakery with classes and coffee.

Jennifer Fields has taken over the Village spot and reopened it as Paseo, bringing a refreshed patio, a coastal-Californian menu and a major interior makeover.

French pastry chef Christophe Rull and chocolatier Annaluna Karkar host a chocolate pop-up in San Marcos featuring holiday-themed treats and signature pastries.

Marigold Bagels opened its first physical store in North Park, San Diego, drawing a large crowd, evidencing its popularity for authentic New York-style bagels.

Taco Bell opened at UC San Diego’s Price Center on Dec. 3, drawing long lines and a reported mobile-order outage on opening day.

Carlo, a 32-seat hidden cocktail bar inside Cardellino in Mission Hills, opens this weekend with reservation-only seating and a menu split between house creations and elevated classics.