The sophisticated yet casual airs of this buzzy new spot nails this Encinitas moment: a worldly beach town as hip to street art as it is to new age spirituality. The breezy vibe pairs well with the talents of Angelo Sosa, veteran of two Top Chef series, who seems to have embraced the sense of place here. Simple pleasures include a flight of guacamoles (traditional, chipotle pineapple, and poblano pepita for $19), and street tacos of carnitas, fish, barbacoa beef cheek, and mole ($10-13 per order of three, or $17 for a flight of all four).

Latin American-inspired small plates reveal a focus on quality ingredients, whether regionally sourced fish or hyper-local produce from Aschbrenner Acres, an urban farm only a mile from the restaurant. But if you’re looking for flash, hit the ceviche menu. The Hawaiian ahi crudo places high-grade sashimi in a bath of coconut milk, turmeric, and kefir lime juice with splashes of chili oil ($19). Finish, as suggested, by sophisticatedly drinking the cold broth from the bowl, like cereal milk.