This is my second time to 24 Suns with both San Diego Foodies & Carlsbad Foodies. And I feel exactly the same as I did the first time: THIS is an experience. Maybe I come from a different viewpoint as a retired chef. And ..... that being said ~ everyone at the table said they thought it was an experience. It's because the people in charge and the people cooking have Michelin training. It's because they are more than open in every area, to growing. I'm building a Restaurant Community, and so are they as they educate you about the many intricacies of the beautifully plated food. I must say all of us we're totally impressed at their new $100 dinner. We came in to just get a meal and within minutes we all agreed to go for the $100 choice. Debbie says: "I know they said 4 or was it five courses, but this is certainly way beyond that. I've stopped counting the number of courses". I will give you a little 'sneaky peaky' in the pictures. And I do agree it's an abundance of food and an abundance of flavors. One word of caution: do not go here for regular American Chinese style food. That's not what this is. It's way better, certainly than anything we get in San Diego called Chinese. I normally share comments in this space from the people I eat with. But this time around (since they're always changing up the menu) I don't think would be fair to you. If I talk about a dish that is unbelievable, an incredible combination of flavors (which most dishes are) you'll go in and want to order and it will no longer be on the menu because it's "chefs choice" for $100, with the waiter asking what your preferences from the menu are. So I will hold back a little in details. What I will say is this: you should absolutely try this restaurant once. And if you can afford it, invest in the $100 experience. Otherwise ask them for the top 3 dishes people have ordered and enjoyed the most. Last recommendation (because they've had it on the menu for a while, always equally good) "Don't miss the duck". The next day I was reheating leftovers (4 containers of leftovers) and still thoroughly enjoying their food and 'wow'd' by how they carefully cut the meat (not just the duck). Wines are pricey right now. But they're working on it. With garlic, gusto & gratitude, Chef Marian San Diego & Carlsbad Foodies read more

been dragging my feet on writing this review. very mixed experience. some dishes were truly outstanding. some fell short. the service was absolutely first-rate. spent much of the evening with the sommelier, who was both engaging and entertaining. place is dimly lit, so if it's true you eat first with your eyes, initial appraisals of everything we had involved a lot of guesswork. for personal reasons, the ambiance adjustment took some getting used to. been here a dozen times for burgers and German food (when it was a sports bar with pool tables) and struggled with a lingering undercurrent of that vibe. the amuse-bouche was perfect. an imaginative and well-executed taste, the SHRIMP TOAST was an amazing first bite. the JIAOZI in DOUBANJIANG with MINT and CHARRED PINEAPPLE (steamed shrimp and scallop dumplings in a fermented black-bean butter sauce) were delightful. sweet, slightly smoky, acidic punch from the pineapple popped the other flavors. DONGPO PORK BELLY with tallegio-scallion polenta cake and daikon was a confusing. I love pork belly. I love grits. but in the dim lighting, it was hard to distinguish contrasting flavors and textures. I needed more visual clues. I did not properly visualize the dish until we got home and posted photos that were light-adjusted. the duck was a survey course of five regions. Lanzhou: AROMATIC CHILI and DUCK FAT condiment was one of the five regions from the duck series. server recommended as an add for the other four regions, but portion was insufficient for two, much less the other four. Guangdong: DUCK NECK CONGEE (duck-rice porridge with duck-skin cracklings and puffed wild rice). It was a lot more complex and interesting than I would have guessed from the menu description. really quite good. Shandong: caramelized honey crisp apple, parsnips, smoked bamboo, and crispy duck crackling. a muddled and incohesive dish. no center to hold things together. more quiet cacophony than robust harmony. Sichuan: Zhangcha jasmine tea smoked DUCK BREAST with charred scallions and duck jus. perfectly cooked, gorgeous presentation, but underseasoned. would have appreciated a sprinkling of flake salt and cracked black pepper to finish. the Hong Kong BREAD PUDDING with coconut-caramel sauce fell short. I'm a huge bread pudding AND caramel fan but was just okay. genius concept but for me, their reach as often as not exceeded their grasp. read more

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Tried a Chinese fusion restaurant in Oceanside recently. The chef has a background at Addison. I didn't expect much at first. But it turned out to be a nice surprise. This isn't traditional Chinese food, so it may not be for everyone. But if you're open to creative, modern takes on Chinese flavors, it's worth a try. Located in a strip mall. Plenty of parking space. read more

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What an absolutely MINDBLOWING experience. I made a reservation for the solar term 2 tasting menu and it exceeded every expectation. Pulling up to the restaurant, it is in an entirely unassuming strip mall, nestled off the beaten path in Oceanside. Apparently it used to be a dive bar. There's plenty of parking! FREE PARKING! My anxious millennial self breathed a sigh of relief. The inside is humble and unpretentious. Even though the chefs are Addison alumni, none of the stuffy, stilted service can be found here. Every member of the staff made me feel like I was a friend having a fabulous dinner at their place. And the food... THE FOOD!! My favorite thing on the menu was the prosperity salad. I am still dreaming of it a week later. The acidity, the tingly tongue... every course was magnificent. The trout was also a standout for me. My only criticism was that the pacing slowed to a crawl at the clay pot/short rib courses and given that much time, your stomach starts to feel full and your brain starts to feel sleepy. Especially while trying to make it through the heaviest courses. This place punches so far above its weight and is a tremendous value for fine dining. Go before they become too popular and getting a table becomes impossible. read more

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We arrived a little earlier than our reservation but were promptly seated, which was a great start to the evening. Laney took wonderful care of us throughout the night--she walked us through the menu and the concept behind the dishes, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. After ordering, we were served a complimentary bite-sized shrimp toast that was a great little teaser for what was to come. We started with the Claypot Chili Eggplant and the Jiaozi with Doubanjiang Butter--both excellent. The eggplant in particular was packed with flavor. For mains, we tried a few dishes: the Spicy Fujian Chicken (not really spicy at all, but still a solid dish), Longevity Noodles, Chongqing King Oyster Mushrooms (two thumbs up!), and the Five Regions Duck. Four of the duck preparations were absolutely delicious, though the fifth--more of a duck fat chili oil--felt a little like taking a shortcut compared to the others. After such an incredible run of appetizers and mains, the desserts were just okay in comparison. We tried both the Black Sesame Budino and the Hong Kong-style Bread Pudding--good, but not quite at the same level as the rest of the meal. What really stood out beyond the food was the service. Every staff member who brought out a dish was incredibly knowledgeable about the ingredients and the thought behind the preparation, and you could feel the pride they had in presenting it. It made the entire meal feel special and memorable. A lovely final touch: we were sent home with jasmine tea bags as a gift to end the evening. Overall, a wonderful dining experience and definitely a place we'd return to. read more

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Food - 6/5 Service - 5/5 Ambiance - 4/5 WOW--what a fantastic experience at 24 Suns. My husband and I celebrated our 10-year anniversary here, and from start to finish, the evening felt truly special. The staff was incredibly warm and thoughtful, making the celebration feel intentional rather than transactional. We opted for the tasting menu, and every single dish felt boldly experimental without ever sacrificing flavor. Chef Nick has clearly mastered texture, spice, and umami--each course was layered, precise, and exciting. Fabian and Raul were our servers and were both attentive and deeply knowledgeable about the menu. Their genuine passion for food really elevated the experience, and they were happy to walk us through every question with enthusiasm. Without spoiling the full tasting menu, a few standout highlights: Lanzhou soup with clarified broth -- soothing to the soul. One of the best soups I've had: deeply complex yet incredibly comforting. Shui Mai with habanada and caviar -- the flavor of habanero without the heat. Absolutely incredible. I could have eaten ten. Smoked duck with coffee-soy jus -- unique, beautifully balanced, and unforgettable. I highly recommend splurging on the tasting menu if you can. It's the best way to fully appreciate the technique, intention, and creativity behind this menu. You won't be disappointed read more

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Beautiful food. Great service. Weird location. The location makes the food, despite its amazing quality, feel over priced.

24 Suns is paying homage to Chinese and Asian cuisine with the ambiance accented by Chinese decor (buddhas, good fortune cats, red suede booths, fans, teapots, and a bathroom with Chinese newspaper wallpaper and a lotus candle). Space improvement notes: Booths could be improved for staff not having to place dishes immediately in front of patrons. It would be nice if there was more than one restroom as well. SERVICE Multitude of staff poured wine, provided set changes, and delivered dishes throughout the meal. BEVERAGE PAIRING 5/5 Enjoyed the sake, junmai 4.5/5 Riesling had no residual sugar (perfect for moi) 4/5 Chardonnays paired with seafood 3/5 Reds were astringent/tannic pairings with rich meats (duck, short rib) and indulgent desserts FOOD (TASTING MENU) 1. 4.5/5 BBQ Beets - beet barbecued w lardo and sweet, savory, mesquite spices 2. 5/5 Shrimp paste- freshly fried, savory 3. 4.5/5 Three dish plate: 3.1 Black jellyfish salad accented with mint and pine nut. 3.2 bamboo, celery juice, snow fungus, microgreen. 3.3 Young tofu skin and oyster 4. 4.5/5 Prosperity salad: kanpachi, trout belly, plum, mandarin, chia dashi, umeboshi, blessings from the kitchen 5. 5/5 Jiaozi with Doubanjiang Butter Pork and scallop dumpling w habanera sauce 6. 5/5 Sushi Rice w kombu and vinegar to mop up the doubanjiang sauce 7. 5/5 Caviar bump w Vegetables and a creamy, savory, smoky dressing (tahini?) 8. 5/5 Spiny Lobster w noodles bump 9. 5/5 Dry aged black cod, bok choy 10. 5/5 Short rib painted w blended spicy (sansho?) peppers over celery root longevity noodles (longer the noodle the longer the life), clarified short rib broth 11. 5/5 Citrus broken sorbet/granita topped w tangerine 12. 5/5 Black sesame budino - love how this is only just a touch sweet and more focused on the flavor of black sesame, cream, and chocolate (top) read more

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We had a fantastic birthday dinner at this restaurant tonight! We had been wanting to go to 24 suns for awhile now, and it did not disappoint. All of the dishes were fantastic, especially the jiaozi and the clay pot crab rice. So was the service and drink offerings. Moving from LA recently, we've missed the access to quality, elevated dining options that are still approachable / with a friendly atmosphere. 24 Suns really impressed us. We will definitely be back again and would highly recommend! read more

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My boyfriend and I found this place on the Michelin guide, and we loved it! We did the tasting menu experience, and really enjoyed it! Food/Service: It was my first time trying a tasting menu, and it was wonderful. I am vegan, and the restaurant confirmed that they were able to make vegan accommodations for the tasting menu which was amazing!! It was nice to go through similar experiences with my boyfriend who got the regular tasting menu. Each bite was flavorful and thoughtful. You can tell that the chefs are very skilled, innovative, and love what they do. This comes to show that great chefs can make great dishes (vegan or not) delicious! Our waiters were very kind and attentive. One of them even gave us a restaurant recommendation because he knew that I was vegan! Location/ambiance: We are Oceanside locals, and were surprised to see just how close it is to familiar establishments (right near Tan's donuts!). The outside still resembles these familiar establishments, and once inside, we were met with warm lighting and an elegant atmosphere (fancy couches, nicely set up tables, interesting lighting). Great place, amazing vibes. They follow the 24 solar terms: we got dishes for 1 out of the 24 solar terms, but am very excited to try the tasting experiences for other solar terms. Also, I would love to come when they establish their cocktail menu! read more

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3.5 stars We found this place on the Michelin Guide and made it right before their last seating which is at 8pm. 24 Suns sits in what used to be a dive bar, but you'd never guess it once you're inside. The sign and website claim "craft cocktails," but plot twist: there are no cocktails. None. Instead, they've got a long list of wines, sakes, and teas. Reading the menu feels like decoding a riddle written by a very creative chef. You'll recognize the ingredients, but the combinations will throw you for a loop. Yelp photos didn't help much either as half the dishes we wanted weren't even pictured. So we said "why not" and dove in blind. Every single dish was a surprise. It was refreshing to have a Chinese-inspired meal with zero rice or noodles, just creativity on every plate. Wild Shrimp Robuchon (3.8/5) - Crispy, flavorful, a bit greasy but still solid. The pickled goji berry's flavor is very subtle Tulip Rangoon (2.5/5) - Nutty and earthy, almost like a detour through Indian flavors. The ginger scallion sauce is delicious, but too much oil at the bottom, didn't add much to the flavor, unnecessary grease Wok'd Okra (4/5) - Excellent flavor, though some bites were too charred for me Jidori Chicken (2.5/5) - Fine, not memorable. Greasy. The mushrooms and chestnut topping were the best part King Oyster Mushroom (4.2/5) - Meaty, perfectly seasoned and fried, the veggie mush in the center was way too salty Black sesame budino (5/5) - FAVORITE thing we ordered. So good I wanted another. It's creamy and not overly sweet at all Kyle, our waiter, was great, attentive without hovering and gave us great wine and sake recs. No single dish changed our lives, but together they made for a fun little flavor adventure. Every plate was a "wait, what is this?" moment, in the best way. The sake and wine carried the night like pros. If you like surprises and enjoy a little culinary mystery, come here and let them keep you guessing. read more

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Located in a random, unassuming part of Oceanside, 24 Suns has created quite the name for itself. Upon parking, the building appears to be where the victims in SAW were held captive but what waits inside is actually quite wonderful. The staff members were courteous and helpful. We ordered a bunch of popular items including the dry aged toro crudo, Jiaozi dumpling, brown butter fried jidori chicken and the five regions half duck. What I would absolutely order again: The dry aged toro crudo - light, refreshing yet rich from the fatty tuna, spicy peppers compliment the tart gooseberries. The jidori fried chicken - SO flavorful, juicy, crunchy. If you enjoy curry spices you will love this. The black sesame budino - nutty, sesame forward and so so creamy. This was heaven in a cup if youre into black sesame. Things I didnt hate but would consider skipping: The Jiaozi dumplings - these were good flavor-wise. But nothing to write home about. The grilled pineapple and sauce pairing definitely carried the dish because the dumplings themselves were bland. Things I personally didnt love: The five regions half duck - this dish was definitely an adventure. Whether that adventure is walking through shards of glass or walking on soft clouds depends entirely on if you already like the taste of duck. Despite walking through shards of glass there at the end, I definitely enjoyed my experience hence the 4 stars. I particularly love the creativity of each dish and how their menu changes each season. I would certainly come back again. read more

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I really wanted to love this place and give it a great review. Unfortunately, it just is not 5 stars. The food is abundant for a chef's tasting but really missed as much as it hit. The location is a little strange but is balanced with nice decoration and design. The wait staff is amazing. They get 5 stars as a stand alone item. We will wait a while and try again. read more

24 Suns - Starting off a fun night! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oceanside, California

My background is that of an individual who's been fortunate to dine at 1/2 of the Pelligrinos Top Restaurant in the World. And; the best way I describe this restaurant is that despite the most minor of differences, the creativity, precision, the manner of shifting menus and incorporating Chinese elements, the service are all at the level that you wouldn't notice a significant drop off from those esteemed locations. In short, this wasn't just a meal; it was a significant and welcome experience. HIGHLY RECOMMEND read more

24 Suns - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oceanside, California

If I could give 24 Suns 20 stars, I would! I've lived in Oceanside since 2015 and we frequent many local restaurants. The meal we had last night at 24 Suns was one of the best I've had in Oceanside, ever. The food was top of the line -- innovative, fresh ingredients, delicious, gorgeous presentation. The pacing of dishes was top notch -- service was easily the best I've ever had (and that includes from fancy places like June e Jolie, Valle, etc. etc.). The vibe and ambiance is classic new Oceanside: it seems almost like a speakeasy, since it is hidden in a strip mall with a dog groomer and Special K; no one would expect a restaurant of this high caliber (and it is insanely high!). Once inside the vibe is elegant and understated. Plush velvet chairs in the seating area, understated wood tables, gorgeous upscale painted plates and dishes (it feels like art!) and exposed piping painted black -- the quintessential new Oceanside that has gone through it's glow up, while paying homage to it's gritty and authentic and community-driven roots. The staff was very kind, considerate, and incredibly knowledgeable about the dishes, teas, etc. For any tea lovers like me, this is a MUST visit! They have tableside tea service that is phenomenal! The tea rivals that which we've had in Taiwan -- it's that good. This is a meal you'll be left daydreaming about, salivating over, and waiting to plot when you can go back. read more

Went to 24 Suns on a Saturday night with 2 other couples. Family style is the way to go to be able to experience as much of the interesting dishes as possible. Our server was very helpful in guiding us to which dishes to double up on. The duck was delicious. The dan dan noodles were a little too salty. The service was a bit slow and we had to remind the server about the IPA and dessert wine. They also never made the jiaotze that we ordered. Looks like the ambiance is still a work in progress as the walls by the booths were still not painted and you can see the nails. Takes a bit away from the ambiance. Overall, a good time was had by all and I would definitely go back especially since the menu changes 24 times a year. I appreciate the creativity of the dishes. A great addition to the growing culinary scene in Oceanside! read more

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24 Suns is an exciting addition to Oceanside. The kitchen is run by chefs coming from Addison, and you can feel the high-level precision. They focus on contemporary Chinese cuisine that changes with the "24 solar terms" (micro-seasons), so the menu feels fresh and intentional. THE FOOD STANDOUTS We enjoyed a tasting-style meal of about 10 dishes (their Five Regions Duck is presented as five separate courses!). Shared below are our must-orders from Solar Term 23 of 24: * The Shrimp Robuchon: A delectable thin crisp shell surrounds the whole shrimp. The richness is offset by a great combination of hot mustard, fresh basil, and a goji berry that contributes spicy, fresh, and semi-sweet flavors. * Jiaozi with Doubanjiang Butter: A medium-sized scallop and shrimp dumpling topped with a small slice of charred pineapple, sitting in a rich gravy. Tip: Our server Anna recommended ordering a side of rice to soak up that delicious gravy - highly recommended! * Eggplant: Smokey richness mixed with a salty-spicy sauce, spread over a crispy flower-shaped wonton. * Hong Kong Bread Pudding: Moist bread pudding settled into a sumptuous, rich coconut caramel sauce. THE BEST OF THE REST The consistency and bold-yet-traditional flavors across the meal were impressive. Other highlights included the Dongpo Pork Belly, the Swell Pig, and the Black Sesame Budino. * The Duck: The Five Regions Half Duck was an experience. The Fujian fermented, deep-fried honey-glazed duck leg was a table favorite of the five preparations. SERVICE Special thanks to Anna, who was knowledgeable and provided quality recommendations. The team paced the meal very well and explained the story behind each dish without being intrusive. OVERALL Fine-dining technique with a casual, welcoming neighborhood vibe. Highly recommended for a date night or exploring new flavors. read more

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Wow, they charge your credit card to make reservations here and you get charged if you can't make it and don't cancel within 48 hours. That on top of seriously mid food...naw. We shared three dishes that were unremarkable...I've had better meals at Panda Express. No go for sure! read more

I booked a last-minute dinner reservation on a Friday night and ended up with bar seating, which turned out to be perfect. The vibe was relaxed, and we had a great time talking with our server, who gave spot-on recommendations. We ordered the Tulip "Rangoon" Dumpling, Wild Shrimp Robuchon, Brown Butter Fried Jidori Chicken, and the Hunan Prime Beef Sirloin, along with Helwa Shuzo sake. Every dish was incredible. The flavors were unique, balanced, and honestly some of the best I've had in a while. I'll absolutely be back. read more

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A gem tucked a way in an unsuspecting location making for an elevated hole in the wall experience with outstanding service, an innovative and delicious tasting menu experience, and intimate ambiance. Highly recommend! read more

Wanted to treat myself out, so I ended up here. Not exactly the area I would expect a fine dining restaurant to be! It used to be a dive bar! Anyways, if you're looking for the "traditional Chinese" place where the portions are family style, you're not going to find that here. The portions are good enough for one person. I was actually hungry, so I got the beef tenderloin and dumplings. The beef tenderloin was wonderfully done, but the shrimp and scallop dumplings with the charred pineapple...amazing...that sauce, though. The dumplings I got was the Jiaozi with Doubanjiang Butter. Definite must try, and don't forget to get your dumplings all smothered in that sauce! Mmmm! I really enjoyed my meal here! read more

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In reality I would give this restaurant a 3.5/5. To start, the location has plenty of parking spaces. The inside is well designed but poorly lit. I get the vibe they are trying to achieve but its not there yet. I definitely think it needs to be re-evaluated, especially because of the location they are in. Second, the food was OKAY. The Orange Sweetbreads (their version of orange chicken) was our least favorite- it had no flavor and we weren't sure what was going on with it. The rest of our items were good but not great nor the best flavors. The waitress also mentioned these are meant to be shared...hmm these are small portions and not enough to share with even two people. The wagyu, was disappointing (chewy and zero flavor). Third, prices are fair. Fourth, the two waitresses who assisted us seemed like they were high and one seemed like she didn't want to be there. Unfortunately I would not come back. I did not try the other seafood items, so maybe if you really like sea food you might want to give this place a try. I don't recommend for non-seafood people! We went on Saturday 4/12 at 7:00pm. read more

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Went in with 5 star expectations given the founding chefs being Addison Alumni. While everything was great and executed to the highest level (except one dish) it was missing that panache. It was just really good but the twists put on everything from the dumplings to the shrimp didn't really add or detract from what I would expect the standard dish to be. The execution and quality ingredients used did make it some of the best shrimp and dumplings one could possibly have but that unique elevation which hits you and dances in your mouth and you're like damn what was that or how did you do that - was missing. Then there was this smoked pork rib topped with Ono. It tasted like they smoked the rib with the Ono on top. We didnt want to to be rude but felt like we got one they messed up. It was as if the rib didn't smoke long enough to break down while the Ono was dry and tough. I know Ono is super lean and dense but man that was really bad. The sauce had a good flavor but leaned too heavy on the cream and still wasn't enough to not notice just how dry the entire dish was. Also had really good and meaty mushrooms with mole. The mole they made also was great. Reminded me of something you would get at the Plot. Very well done and carnivore approved. The pudding desert was amazing. We are going to go back for the tasting as it only has one thing on it from the ala carte menu. I also wasn't drinking but looks like they brought over some Sommeliers from Addison and had quite the wine list so will be doing the wine pairing with the tasting menu to get the full experience and judge on that. Another pleasant surprise was this "In Kind" payment app that knocked 20% off the bill. It was advertised on their site. Normally don't go for these things but this one was so front and center being on their own site and all. I liked the location and inside decor. It reminded me of eating in the Bay Area and just pulling up to some French Vietnamese Bistro in a super unassuming strip mall in Fremont for a damn good meal. read more

Went here on a date night with friends, and wow what an experience!! Our server was engaging and super helpful. She helped us pick the perfect array of food and they fully accommodated our friend who was gluten free. The sommelier helped us pick the perfect wine. This is truly a special food experience! Come with an open mind and have fun! You won't be disappointed! read more

Absolutely wonderful. Jacob (I think that's his name) was a great waiter. Very knowledgeable. The food was incredible. Thank you.

This place is pretty freaking good ngl. The service at first was a bit meh as there was no one to greet us upon entry. That said, once finally seated, the service stepped up their game and totally made up for it! The food was legit, creative and delivered promptly. I see what all the fuss is about and I'd highly recommend giving this place a shot if you want something totally unique! Go nuts on the menu, I haven't been led the wrong way with any menu item! read more

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What an amazing hidden gem off the 78 in Oceanside. Every inch a 4 star experience from top notch service to Asian fusion high end cuisine but without the pretense. read more

I want to keep to myself how great the experience at 24 Suns was. Although the drive was farther from the oceanside downtown and the restaurant is located in a small strip mall, don't let the location fool you. The restaurant is welcoming and charming, featuring a teapot, chopsticks, and an origami chopstick stand. We enjoyed the dumplings, duck, bird's nest, shrimp, and sweetbreads, along with one of the desserts. Our fav was the sweetbreads and believe me it is difficult to get. My friend chose an orange wine that impressed me with its unique character. The restaurant offers a fantastic variety of wines, and we absolutely loved it! I will definitely go back! read more

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I have never had my opinion of a place jump back and forth so much in one day. Someone from the restaurant called me hours before our dinner reservation to check in with me. I had listed some digestive issues when making the Open Table reservation. I was blown away by the attentiveness. I let them know that there was nothing that I had a life threatening allergy to, but I have pollen food allergy syndrome, so I have an uncomfortable allergic reaction in the mouth and throat to some ingredients- mainly mint, mango and nuts. He took note of everything. I felt really cared about and excited for our meal. Our waitress was really nice and attentive. The wine we ordered was fabulous. They initially brought an extra something from the kitchen that we didn't order. I can't tell you if it tasted good, because it was extremely hot and burned my mouth. The waitress came by and asked me if I was ok, because I probably had a pained expression and I said I burned my mouth. She checked again but I couldn't answer because I had a big gulp of water in my mouth trying to cool my tongue and throat. A bit later I let her know that my mouth was still hurting, and I asked her to let the kitchen know. She said that earlier she let the GM know that she was worried they'd hurt me. She was really sweet. We ordered the birds nest appetizer and it was truly wonderful. One of the most flavorful dishes I've ever had. Then we got the dumplings. I was dismayed because there was a piece of mint on each dumpling, I had mentioned no mint on the phone (and it wasn't listed on the menu). She and another gentleman there apologized. I said it wasn't life-threatening and they said it was there for color mainly and that it shouldn't effect the flavor of the dish, and they were correct- there was no flavor of the mint. The dumplings were pretty good, though it was hard to compare anything to that first dish. Then we ordered the duck prepared 5 ways. A gentleman explained each preparation. One was primarily a cold vegetable dish with crispy duck skin bits on top. I took a huge bite, and tasted mint. I let the waitress know and sent it back and they made another one. It was quite tasty. Then we had a lovely sesame dessert. Then they brought out the check. I was really surprised that the manager didn't come out and apologize for my mouth getting burnt or bringing me mint TWICE after discussing it with me in advance. And 2 1/2 hours later the back of my throat still feels weird and stings. There was no credit on the check or anything. It was a very strange and disappointing experience. Why call about ingredient issues if you aren't going to do anything about it? I am giving 3 stars still, because the ambiance was lovely, the Birds Nest appetizer (the texture and flavor were phenomenal) and the wine were truly spectacular and we really liked our waitress and the gentleman who poured my second glass of wine. I really hope they improve because I wanted to love it there. read more

24 Suns - Birds Nest appetizer - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oceanside, California

We came here after looking at the Michelin guide for restaurants in our area. It was an unexpected location, but the inside was nice and refined. Service was great- host was friendly and waiters kindly explained each dish. We got served an extra bird's nest since the portion is 3 but we were a party of 4! Food was great- don't expect traditional Chinese flavors, this was a totally different experience. Appetizers were 10/10 I definitely recommend the bird's nest and shrimp robuchon to anyone. The jiaozi was interesting with the charred pineapple, but I prefer my dumplings to be savory over sweet. Also, the rice was more like sushi rice than plain. The Dongpo pork belly was very rich in flavors and the polenta had a nice spice kick to it. The sweet & sour snapper was a pleasure to eat since it was butterflied and deboned. Flavor-wise it was more sour than sweet. We were getting full when the five regions duck came out, but still managed to finish. My favorite out of the 5 was the jasmine tea smoked duck breast. Overall I would definitely come back here to try different dishes once the menu changes with the seasons! read more

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Hubs and I came here to celebrate our anniversary, and it turned into such a memorable night. We grabbed seats at the bar and immediately felt taken care of. Anna, our bartender, was an absolute gem, as was the rest of the staff. The attention to detail alone set the tone, watching them meticulously polish glassware until it was crystal clear was oddly satisfying and spoke volumes about their standards. Now, the food. We ordered several dishes and honestly had zero complaints. The shrimp completely stole the show, we devoured every bite. We only tried one appetizer, one entrée, and one dessert, which just means we have to go back to explore more of the menu. And the wine... I could drink their orange contact wine every single night and never get tired of it. Back to Anna, because she deserves her own moment. If you go, request her. She doesn't just say "it's good" and walk away. She takes you on a full-on flavor journey, explaining textures, pairings, and what to expect so you can actually make an informed decision. Her knowledge of the menu and overall concept was impressive and honestly rare these days. Exceptional service, thoughtful details, and food that delivers. We'll absolutely be back. We also love a good Asian decor vibe! I wanted to steal a bar chair they were so cute! read more

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This place is really special. The service was outstanding; everyone was really kind. And the food blew us away! We went on Valentine's Day so opted for the prix fixe menu and it was so, so delicious. The first course had a little sezchuan and such unique flavors, the Rangoon was exquisite and nothing like what I expected, and the dumplings were incredible. Everything had some unexpected combo of flavor that just exploded in your mouth and it was delightful. I didn't love the duck, though the flavors were great, it just wasn't my favorite (not as juicy as it would have been with chicken maybe?) but the trout was a star. We had a really lovely time and I feel like this is a very special place with really creative chefs and caring staff. read more

This restaurant is a hidden gem! The cocktails were amazing, and so was the food and service. Everything we ordered was fantastic.

Tried this place based on word of mouth. The location is a bit out of the way in Oceanside, CA, and when you arrive at the strip mall, you're not quite sure what to expect. Once inside, the décor is nice and inviting. The service was very good, and the food was excellent. Everything we ordered was great. We finished with the duck dish, which was served in five separate plates, each with its own unique flavor and texture. It was a standout experience. Overall, the food was fantastic -- I'll definitely be back. read more

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This place is sensational!!! For the reviews complaining about the location or price, you're missing the point. This is a high-end Chinese dining experience, if you want beef and broccoli, go to Pickup Stix. These chefs put their souls into this food and everything I've been fortunate enough to have has blown me away. Whether you go for a tasting and pairing menu or sit at the bar with Garrett and order a la carte, it is absolutely divine. Kevin, the manager, is world class. Do your palate a favor and have dinner!! read more

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We came here and we were the only guests in the entire restaurant. Hubby liked that, I was cautiously optimistic. The interior is nicely decorated. We were greeted by the manager, Kevin. Really nice guy. Food quality: high. The flavors were on point. Service: impeccable. Kevin walked us through the entire menu and highlighted his favorite or most popular items. We ordered everything he suggested. Value for the Money: The menu is sparse. The prices are super high for what you get. Portions are super small/tapas style. Everything came in 3's or 5's. Not suitable for a party of two. We paid over $178 for our meal and we were still hungry afterwards. We ordered almost the entire menu with 3 cocktails. Repeat customers? Probably not. This restaurant is definitely out of place for the area. It belongs in Carlsbad or Rancho Santa Fe or Orange County. Not an emerging area of Oceanside. The pricing is just stupid. Someone needs to watch The Bear on FX and learn a couple things. Learn the area, figure out what people can afford to pay and what they want to eat. We were looking for cool Asian food but expected to pay 1/2 of what we did and get a lot more bang for our buck. Market research would be beneficial for these amazing chefs. I was in the restaurant industry for 14 years on the corporate side from casual dining to healthy fast food to fine dining. So much goes into finding restaurant locations and understanding the market before even committing to a location despite the low overhead this place has. We eat out a lot, and I can say I've even eaten at the French Laundry and been trained at the CIA in St. Helena. So...I know food. Liked the people and the food. I didn't like the prices, portions or overall value. read more

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THE FOOD!!!!! The food is soooo incredibly good. We are so lucky to have this place here in Oceanside. If you appreciate fantastic food, wonderful service, attention to detail etc...GO EAT HERE!!!!!! We had an inkind $50.00 off to try this place and we will absolutely being going back. The staff was so good and even listened to my husband's long winded stories:) read more

Title: Deeply Disappointing Chinese New Year Dinner - Not Worthy of Its Reputation Our family spans three generations of Chinese and Chinese American, and we chose 24 Suns to celebrate Chinese New Year, expecting refined Chinese‑inspired cuisine and respectful hospitality. Instead, this became one of the most disappointing dining experiences I've had at a restaurant of this supposed level. Food: Across the 10 dishes we ordered, the cooking was consistently unbalanced - far too spicy, overly salty, overly sour, and heavily colored, with sauces that did not taste natural or clean. The meat, seafood, and fruit did not show the freshness or quality I expect from a serious kitchen. I wear a CGM not because I am diabetic, but to track biomarkers for health and longevity, and my glucose rose about 50 points even before dessert, which strongly suggests an unnecessary load of sugar or refined carbs in the savory courses. Service: We arrived at 4:00 pm as the first reservation of the evening with a 90‑year‑old grandmother, clearly stating that we were celebrating Chinese New Year and requesting a quiet table. Our booth request was declined with the explanation that we had not reserved it specifically, and we were instead seated at a noisy center table. Despite asking to be away from the crowd, we were placed in what felt like the loudest part of the dining room, making normal conversation across three generations nearly impossible. For a restaurant positioning itself at this level, this showed very little respect or consideration for guests' comfort, especially elderly diners. Ambiance: The ambiance felt disconnected from both Chinese and broader Asian aesthetics. Walking in, it felt more like a generic lounge or bar than a Chinese restaurant, and the loud, tasteless music made it difficult to relax or enjoy the meal or the holiday. Nothing about the environment supported a calm, celebratory Chinese New Year dinner. Overall: Between the unbalanced, artificial‑tasting food, the lack of ingredient quality, the disregard for our seating and noise requests on an important cultural holiday, and the jarring ambiance, this experience fell far below expectations. For us as a three‑generation Chinese family, this was sadly the worst "fine dining" Chinese New Year celebration we have had, and I cannot recommend 24 Suns to serious diners or to anyone bringing elderly family members for a special occasion. read more

Honestly great! My husband and I went for a little snack before a night out just because we wanted to see what it was all about. Not disappointed! The service was amazing, we sat at the bar and he suggested sakes and wines that went with what we were thinking about ordering. Our food was incredible! We even ordered a side of rice to finish off the butter sauce of a dish. We will definitely go back for the tasting menu! read more

Literally just left and can't imagine not giving them anything less then !!! The ambiance, wonderful. The staff, AMAZING the pairings...OMG wait...the FOOD, the FOOD ?! I can't even begin where to start. Obvi the birds nest, most popular...the interpretation top-tier, spot on! Would recommend. I wanna bathe in their wonton soup...I could eat it all day everyday. For the main we had the red snapper, OMG LET ME TELL YOU, was the most deliciousness I'd ever had in my life. We WILL be coming back with every paycheck to try all 24 SUNS. Thank you to all the chefs for such a wonderful experience and looking forward to the best suns with you all read more

24 Suns - Snapper - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Oceanside, California

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