Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub

Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant: Despite its far North County location in Oceanside, people from all over the city travel to Wrench & Rodent. Why? Not only has Oceanside evolved into one of the most exciting food hubs in San Diego, but chef Davin Waite's progressive sushi is that good. Like the restaurant’s name, the ambience is funky and eclectic.

Likes: Chef has a passion for sustainability; creativity abounds.
Dislikes: None.

Food & Drinks: Fresh fish arrives daily and produce hails from nearby Cyclops Farms or is plucked from a small garden behind the eatery. Kick things off with a cold ramen salad or a ceviche flight that changes daily, then go for a house roll like the Hedgehog (shrimp tempura and krab, topped with seared yellowtail, roasted garlic and truffle oil). Other standouts include the squid with spicy tangerine ponzu and the fresh yellowtail in an arugula chimichurri sauce. Or, opt for chef Waite's omakase menu. Fresh veggie sides arrive as crispy cauliflower in spicy fish sauce or duck fat roasted carrots. Vegans have ample options and will appreciate the teriyaki tofu nigiri, avocado rolls and the vegan almond Bundt cake for dessert. Under the menu heading of "Social Lubricants" are beer, wine and saké.