Aura Gardens — Restaurant in Carlsbad

So happy to have an amazing brunch spot open up in the area! Ordered the maple bacon Benedict on tallow biscuits (unreal - I could eat a dozen), chilaquiles (looked delicious, husband confirmed they were delicious), and a kids pancake to share. Pancake was surprisingly amazing (they had lemon ricotta pancakes on the menu which sound heavenly, but I have to draw the line somewhere). Had pretty average expectations for a basic pancake meant for children, but no. You can taste that it was made from scratch. All breads and pastries are made in house and they pride themselves on not using seed oils, so you’ll see tallow across the menu. And you can taste the difference in quality.

Coffee: this ain’t no diner, burnt coffee. Quality beans make for a quality brew and I’ll consider stopping in here for a just a cup of coffee next time I need one on the go.

Had the pleasure of chatting with the owner, RJ, who prioritizes the customer’s experience. It’s so refreshing to visit an establishment where the crew and owners actually give a damn and want to bring back traditional restaurant values of service.

Ambience - 11/10 - super darling decor and style - couldn’t stop looking around and admiring all the subtle design details, from their pistachio green espresso machine, to their coordinating throw pillows on their booth sofas.

TL;DR: great food, great ambience, and fantastic service....

​You guys have to check out this restaurant. They just opened up in August, and it's already my new favorite spot. Honestly, it blows places like Urban Plates (which I also like) out of the water, the flavor is just way better. ​We sat outside, which was super nice, and even though you order inside and they bring the food out, the whole vibe is easy and relaxed. ​The food? Killer. We got the Sweet Potato Kale Hash (swapping the fried eggs for egg whites) and the Breakfast Wrap with country potatoes. The hash was seasoned perfectly, sweet potatoes sliced thinly and tasted so delicious. The portions are just right, and the prices are totally fair for how high-quality the ingredients are. ​The best part, though, was meeting RJ, one of the owners. He’s genuinely a cool dude. He chatted with us about growing up in the restaurant biz, his journey to Aura Gardens, and it's nice to see the passion he poured into this place, even getting into details like using beef tallow and all their gluten-free options. ​If you're looking for a spot with great food, a healthy focus, and a chill atmosphere, this is it. Go grab a...

Absolutely phenomenal all around. The ambiance was stunning and irresistibly charming, with cozy seating and fluffy pillows that made us feel right at home. The food was exceptional, and every staff member was kind, attentive, and accommodating of my dietary restrictions. The customized mocha and ceremonial matcha my husband and I ordered were spectacular. I sampled three of the house-made sauces, and each one was delicious. My shakshuka was mouthwateringly scrumptious, and the fact that they cook with beef tallow is such a massive win—we need more restaurants that do that!

My husband’s wagyu beef dish was also outstanding. I tried a bite and already know what I’m ordering next time. We even had the chance to chat briefly with one of the owners, who couldn’t have been kinder. I truly cannot wait to come back—local restaurants like this deserve as much support...