In my culinary journey around the expanse of our great county, I have occasionally come across a restaurant that – because of its ambiance, location, charm and character – gets penned as a “treasured rustic gem,” and no place in recent memory deserves that moniker more then Café Merlot. To find a wonderful, classic old café like this – right in the middle of Rancho Bernardo – was a thrill. It’s a best-kept secret no more!
Café Merlot, connected to the Bernardo Winery’s tasting room, stands under a grove of 100-year-old olive trees in the confines of the 17-acre historic winery. It is San Diego’s oldest working winery, family owned and operated since the late-1800s. On the grounds are a nice variety of shops, wooden winery buildings, a vat room, various old vineyard equipment, rusting tools and other artifacts.
Café Merlot is owned and operated by the personable Toni Kraft, who in two years has turned things around at the café. Her background in hospitality is solid and she always had an interest at opening something at the winery. Now, with Chef Daniel Reynolds and Sous Chef Stella Makofski aboard, the charming restaurant has never been better! The interior is so charming here, a cute hodgepodge of wine cases, art, stuffed chairs – cozy as can be – while the outside patio dining area is as lovely, with umbrellas and a small fountain.
Breakfast and lunch are offered here Tuesday through Sunday. The breakfast menu lists a hearty breakfast burrito, croissants and bagel sandwiches. The lunch menu is terrific and leads off with some nice appetizers, like the California domestic cheese platter. Also listed are bruschetta, and a tasty spinach-and-artichoke dip. Homemade soups are very popular, so we sampled the marvelous lobster bisque, the special chicken noodle and a zesty Southwestern pumpkin soup. Salad choices include a Cobb, an Asian chicken and the Café Merlot House Salad with grilled chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese and toasted almonds over mixed greens with a “wickedly” good creamy merlot dressing. Among sandwiches are the Bella (grilled chicken, caramelized sweet onions, on toasted sourdough with feta and horseradish garlic aioli on toasted sourdough), but you’ll also be tempted by a super Chicago-style Reuben or pastrami. You’ll find good soup-and-sandwich combos and desserts such as homemade apple strudel or the assorted bread puddings. All wines on the list are offered by the glass. On Tuesday and Wednesday, they offer complimentary dessert with lunch. Ask about cooking classes. And note: the restaurant is pet friendly as well. They are also famous for their catering, banquet and weddings. This spot is a pleasant surprise.
Check it out this weekend at 13330 Paseo del Verano Norte. Call (858) 592-7785.
