Herb & Wood

As the head of Juniper & Ivy and Bracero (two of Indagare’s preferred San Diego restaurants), Brian Malarkey is easily the city's most notable chef. Herb & Wood, his latest foray into fine Italian-American dining, is the best of his three restaurants, offering excellent food with an equally excellent culinary experience. Eating here is theatre: start with the bourbon cocktail with burnt rosemary and lemon (waiters burn the rosemary before diners’ eyes, adding a delicious aroma to the air). Appetizers are a fusion of European dishes (try the aged Iberic ham), while the pizza with bone marrow is a standout: the dish comes with a bone splayed over the plate. The pasta, however, is the true highlight, and the gnocchi is flavorful and filling. The restaurant’s interior is bright and lively, with Modigliani-inspired paintings, cool blue furniture and rustic touches like a shingled roof accenting one wall. The whimsical decoration complements the drama of the meals here, making Herb & Wood a cool first stop for a night on the town.