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Expert comparison of beet gummies for nitric oxide production. Analyze formulas, dosages, and testing. Make an informed choice for heart health.
Feeling tired by midday? Notice your hands and feet are often cold? These could be signs your circulation needs support.
Nitric oxide is a molecule your body makes that helps blood vessels relax and widen. When this happens, blood flows more easily to your heart, brain, and muscles. Better blood flow means more energy and healthier blood pressure.
Beets contain natural compounds called nitrates. Your body turns these nitrates into nitric oxide. That’s why nitric oxide boosters have become a go-to supplement for people wanting to support their cardiovascular health.
Walk into any store, and you’ll find shelves full of beet gummies. They look alike and promise similar benefits. So which one actually works? What makes a quality formula?
This guide walks you through dosages, ingredients, testing standards, and how to choose the best beet gummies.
Nitric oxide plays a central role in vascular function, acting as a signaling molecule that helps regulate blood vessel dilation, blood flow dynamics, and overall cardiovascular efficiency.
Nitric oxide performs several important jobs. The most important is vasodilation. Your blood vessels have smooth muscle that can tighten or relax. When nitric oxide is present, these muscles relax, causing blood vessels to widen.
Better blood flow means improved circulation. Your heart, brain, muscles, and organs rely on steady blood flow to function. When circulation improves, nutrients and oxygen reach cells more efficiently. You may notice better energy, clearer thinking, and improved physical performance.
Nitric oxide also supports oxygen delivery. When blood flows freely, red blood cells carry oxygen where it’s needed most.
Nitric oxide production decreases with age. This decline can begin in our 30s and becomes more noticeable after 40.
Circulation becomes less efficient. Blood doesn’t flow as freely, which can lead to fatigue and reduced stamina.
Blood vessels become stiffer. Without adequate nitric oxide, smooth muscle in vessel walls doesn’t relax easily.
You may face blood pressure challenges. When vessels can’t widen properly, resistance increases. Your heart must pump harder.
Reduced nitric oxide can contribute to brain fog, decreased energy, and poor exercise tolerance.
It is important to evaluate ingredient composition, standardization, and formulation quality. Here’s what you need to know while choosing the best beet gummies.
Not all beet supplements are equal. The concentration matters. You’ll see products listing beet extract with ratios like 20:1 or 10:1. This tells you how concentrated the extract is.
A 20:1 extract means 20 grams of whole beet root were used to create 1 gram of extract. This process removes water and fiber while preserving beneficial nitrates. A product with 350mg of 20:1 extract represents 7,000mg (7 grams) of whole beet root.
This matters because clinical studies use specific amounts of beet-derived nitrates to see benefits. Concentrated extracts ensure you get an effective dose in a small gummy.
Whole beet powder hasn’t been concentrated. While beneficial, you’d need much larger amounts to match the nitrate content of concentrated extract.
Some companies hide behind “proprietary blends.” They list a group of ingredients but don’t tell you how much of each one is included. You might see “Proprietary Blend: 500mg” with five ingredients listed, but there’s no way to know the individual amounts.
Transparent labeling means every ingredient is listed with its exact amount. You can see precisely how much beet extract, grape seed extract, vitamin C, or any other compound is in each serving.
Full disclosure shows a company’s confidence in its formula. Companies using proprietary blends may be hiding weak formulations.
Third-party testing means an independent laboratory has verified what’s in the product. These labs test for purity (no contaminants like heavy metals or bacteria) and potency (confirming ingredients are present in listed amounts).
The most transparent companies publish their test results on their website for anyone to review. Independent verification gives you confidence that what’s on the label matches what’s in the bottle.
Look for recent certificates of analysis specific to the batch you’re purchasing.
Many gummy supplements are loaded with sugar to mask the beet’s earthy taste. While this makes them taste like candy, it works against your health goals. If you’re supporting cardiovascular health, consuming excessive sugar doesn’t make sense.
Quality formulas keep sugar content low while maintaining good taste. Look for products with 3 grams of sugar or less per serving. Some companies use natural flavoring and small amounts of alternative sweeteners.
Calories matter too. A serving with 50-60 calories adds up quickly. Products with 15-20 calories per serving provide benefits without extra caloric load.
Pay attention to serving size when comparing. Some products list low sugar but require four to six gummies for a full dose.
The best supplement is one you’ll take consistently. Beets have a naturally earthy flavor that many find unpleasant. Beet juice never became popular partly for this reason.
Gummies solve this problem if the flavor is enjoyable. Products that still taste strongly of beets often go unused. Cherry, berry, and fruit punch flavors work well because they mask earthy notes without requiring excessive sugar.
When a product tastes good and has a pleasant texture, taking it becomes routine rather than a chore. This is crucial for seeing long-term benefits.
Best for Transparency & Clinical Dosing
Natrava BEETS+ Gummies are widely discussed on customer forums as the best beet gummies of 2026. The formula contains three precisely dosed ingredients working together to support cardiovascular health.
The beet root extract is 350mg per serving as a 20:1 concentrated extract, representing 7,000mg of whole beet root. This high concentration ensures clinically relevant amounts of natural nitrates in just two gummies.
The formula includes 11.5mg of grape seed extract at a 13:1 concentration (representing 150mg of whole grape seed). Grape seed extract contains compounds that support vascular health and work with beet-derived nitrates. Research suggests it may improve blood vessel function and circulation.

Rounding out the formula is 45mg of vitamin C for immune support and antioxidant benefits.
Every ingredient is listed with exact dosages on Natrava beets. No proprietary blends or hidden amounts.
Also, they clearly publish third-party testingresults on their website. These lab reports verify both purity and potency.
Sugar content is just 2 grams per serving with only 15 calories total. This is significantly lower than the competitors. Despite low sugar, the cherry-berry flavor is consistently praised. Many reviews mention that the hardest part is not eating more than recommended.
Natrava gummies use pectin instead of gelatin, making them suitable for vegetarians. They’re free from artificial colors and flavors. All ingredients are listed on the ingredients page.
Find BEETS+ Gummies on the product page with subscription options.
Garden of Life takes an organic approach. Their gummies are USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified, appealing to consumers prioritizing organic ingredients.
The formula combines concentrated organic beets with tart cherry and whole food vitamins. The organic certification means beets were grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
However, Garden of Life doesn’t clearly disclose the exact concentration ratio of their beet extract or specific milligram amounts. This makes it difficult to compare potency to products like Natrava.
The raspberry flavor is generally well-received, though some find it doesn’t completely mask the beet taste. Sugar content isn’t clearly listed, raising questions about total sugar per serving.
While organic certifications are valuable, the lack of specific dosage information and published third-party test results makes effectiveness harder to evaluate.
Force Factor is widely available in major retailers like Walmart and GNC. They market as “America’s #1 Beets Brand” and use patented ingredients, including MegaNatural-BP grape seed extract.
The formula looks competitive on paper with NO3-T nitrates and blood pressure support. The mixed berry flavor has improved recently.
However, 2026 customer feedback raises concerns. Long-time users report products tasting different from previous batches, with some describing chemical or artificial tastes. There are reports of inconsistent product quality.
Sugar content is around 4 grams per serving. For heart health supplements, this amount seems counterproductive. The product uses corn syrup as a sweetener.
The “proprietary blend” approach means you won’t know exact amounts of each ingredient. This makes it impossible to verify clinically effective doses.
While widespread availability is convenient, quality control issues and higher sugar content place this below more transparent alternatives.
Both forms have their place depending on your lifestyle and health goals. Here’s how they compare:
Gummies:
Powders:
For most people focused on circulation and blood pressure support, gummies provide the right balance of effectiveness and convenience.
Certain groups may be more likely to benefit from nitric oxide boosters, particularly those focused on circulation and vascular function.
Adults over 40
Nitric oxide production gradually declines with age, with a more noticeable reduction often observed after 40. Supporting nitric oxide pathways through dietary nitrates may help maintain healthy blood flow and vascular responsiveness.
Individuals with circulation concerns
Poor circulation may present as cold extremities, tingling sensations, or feelings of heaviness and fatigue. Beet-derived nitrates are commonly discussed for their role in supporting blood vessel dilation and overall circulatory efficiency.
Individuals supporting healthy blood pressure
Beet supplements are frequently used by those aiming to maintain already normal blood pressure levels. Anyone with diagnosed hypertension should seek medical guidance before introducing supplementation.
Women during menopause
Hormonal shifts, particularly reduced estrogen levels, are associated with changes in nitric oxide production and vascular function. Nitric oxide support may be considered as part of broader cardiovascular wellness strategies.
Those seeking stimulant-free energy support
Unlike stimulant-based products, beet supplements are positioned around oxygen utilization and circulation support, which some users associate with steadier perceived energy levels.
Individuals using medications
Those taking prescription drugs, especially for cardiovascular or blood pressure management, should consult a healthcare professional before use.
When shopping for the best beet gummies, remember four key factors: dosage, transparency, testing, and low sugar.
Natrava BEETS+ Gummies check all these boxes. The formula provides clinically relevant doses (350mg of 20:1 beet extract plus 11.5mg of grape seed extract), complete transparency with exact amounts, published third-party testing, and just 2 grams of sugar per serving.
The cherry-berry flavor makes daily use enjoyable. The convenient two-gummy serving fits easily into any routine. The full ingredient disclosure means you know exactly what you’re putting in your body.
Whether you’re supporting healthy blood pressure, maintaining good circulation, seeking stimulant-free energy, or proactively supporting cardiovascular health as you age, Natrava beets reviews suggest that it offers a simple, research-backed approach.
Yes, Chef! winner Emily Brubaker leads the robust culinary program at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
For Executive Chef Emily Brubaker, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa feels like home. She grew up just a mile-and-a-half away from the 400-acre property and fondly recalls walking the golf course perimeter as a kid. Though her ambitions led her away from San Diego for nearly two decades in which she honed her craft in some of the highest of high-profile Las Vegas restaurants—including triple Michelin-starred Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand—they ultimately brought her back to North County.

Today, the classically French-trained chef, who’s fresh off a victory on NBC’s Yes, Chef!, judged by Martha Stewart and José Andrés, oversees Omni La Costa Resort & Spa’s seven distinct dining concepts. Her goal is to elevate the resort’s culinary program with her creative, hyperlocal ingredient-driven approach while maintaining the Spanish- inspired flavors and fresh California coastal cuisine that are the bedrock of its culinary identity.
“The San Diego food scene is really growing, and in North County alone, it’s really exploded in the last five years,” Brubaker says. “There are Michelin stars, beautiful tasting menus, craft bakers, and all this food—when I was growing up in La Costa, it was fish tacos. Now there are really cool things popping up, and I’m so happy to be here to see where it’s going to go.”
Brubaker gives chefs de cuisine at each individual restaurant autonomy, however, her influence is evident across the resort.
For example, lobby restaurant Bar Traza serves as Omni La Costa’s culinary centerpiece and features bold Spanish flavors in a lively, social atmosphere. Brubaker overhauled the menu to be more consistent and centered on casual bites with that signature vibe. Think smoky paprika, vibrant citrus, and Spanish meats and cheeses.
At VUE, the focus is on seasonal offerings, California coastal cuisine, and Baja-inspired dishes. She and Chef de Cuisine Cameron Dixon change the menu biannually, which heading into summer, will highlight farm-fresh produce and hyperlocal ingredients—the resort even has its own herb garden and honeybee hives.

Poolside dining options are leaning into the country’s 250th this summer with a selection of classic American dishes with an Omni La Costa twist. And Bob’s Steak & Chop House (Brubaker is a trained butcher) offers a classic steakhouse experience with elevated service.
The chef and company also plan menus for special events at the resort where her creativity can really shine. For an upcoming National Ski Association dinner, the banquet hall will be transformed into an Alpine-themed winter wonderland complete with a snow machine, savory sausages, and melty, decadent raclette. A recent dinner was built around the Carlsbad Flower Fields and each course was matched to a color of ranunculus (Did you know pink dragonfruit are grown in North County? You do now.).
“It’s my zen to be in the kitchen playing with food,” Brubaker says.
Omni La Costa’s culinary program is a key part of the resort experience. And with Brubaker’s leadership, it’s becoming a draw for visitors and locals alike.
“These aren’t just hotel restaurants, these are restaurants that you should go to. They’re destinations, and I’m really hoping for the future that’s where we’re going,” Brubaker says.

Brubaker is also channeling her experience on Yes, Chef! into the culture at Omni La Costa—more emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, empowering her staff to share constructive critiques, and embracing different perspectives. Alongside her leadership role, Brubaker has become an advocate for mental health in the hospitality industry, serving as chief ambassador for the Burnt Chef Project and serves on the Board of Advisors for the Apex Culinary Program, where she mentors and develops future talent.
For more on Omni La Costa Resort & Spa and its dining program, please visit omnihotels.com/hotels/san-diego-la-costa.
Scripps study shows that some patients may be able to taper their dose and maintain results
While glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agents have been used to treat Type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years, their recent emergence as weight-loss wonder drugs marked a new frontier in medicine. But their effectiveness has left some patients wondering what to do once they’ve reached their goal. Stopping the medication could mean regaining some, if not all, of the weight. A Scripps Clinic internal medicine physician recently conducted a small study of whether GLP-1 patients who had reached their goal weight could maintain that weight by taking their regularly prescribed injection every other week instead of weekly. Spoiler alert: 30 of 34 patients did. Read more about the study here and what that may mean as pharmaceutical companies roll out oral GLP-1s.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
San Diego Magazine's 2026 Guide to Balboa Park.
Balboa Park is San Diego’s cultural heart.
The iconic 1,200-acre preserve’s history dates back more than 150 years, evolving from a scrub-filled plot atop a mesa overlooking what’s now Downtown to an urban oasis—the largest of its kind in the country—filled with an array of museums, attractions, gardens, trails, restaurants, and more. Balboa Park is an epic playground where San Diegans and visitors alike can experience the great outdoors just as easily as they can enjoy a world-class performance or explore groundbreaking discoveries.
Tucked away in the Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture are 18 diverse museums that allow visitors to spend the day learning about, well, anything. A great place to start is the San Diego History Center. Located in the Casa del Balboa building, the museum tells the story of the city’s past, present, and future through photographs and art, clothing and textiles, and interviews with people who witnessed history-making events firsthand. The San Diego Natural History Museum takes visitors even farther back with interactive exhibitions that show what the region was like up to 75 million years ago.
Blast off on a simulated trip to space at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, then check out artifacts from aviation legends, including the Wright brothers, Amelia Earhart, and Buzz Aldrin. Discover new perspectives revolutionizing the science world, learn about an often overlooked but overutilized utility, and exercise your creativity at the Fleet Science Center.
Calling all theater-lovers, Balboa Park has something for you, too. The San Diego Junior Theatre will present their musical take on beloved children’s book A Bad Case of the Stripes from June 26 through July 12. And laugh, cry, and marvel in awe as the pros of The Old Globe perform Kim’s Convenience, the award-winning comedy that inspired the popular series, from May 15 to June 14.
There’s nowhere else in Balboa Park quite like WorldBeat Cultural Center. The institution celebrates African diaspora and indigenous cultures around the world using art, music, dance, and education. The building, a renovated water tower covered in colorful murals, houses a performing arts center, museum, gift shop, cafe, and outdoor classroom.
If you’d like a side of nature with your culture, Balboa Park has you covered there, too. Stroll through the gardens of the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum, a monument to the relationship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama, Japan. Inspired by traditional Japanese design dating back centuries, the 10-acre respite features a living exhibition that showcases plants native to both cities.
If there seems like a lot going on in Balboa Park, it’s because there is. Let the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership be your guide. The organization is the umbrella for 24 of the park’s institutions and offers an Explorer Pass that allows visitors to access multiple museums for one affordable price. The hardest part is picking where to start.

Save on admission to San Diego’s top museums with the Balboa Park Explorer Pass. Explore 16 museums of art, science, history and culture across Balboa Park — all with one affordable pass. Choose the option that fits your pace: the Limited Pass (one day for up to four museums), the Parkwide Pass (seven consecutive days of access to all 16 museums) or the Annual Pass (365 days of unlimited exploring).
Looking for an experience-driven gift? Let the museum lover in your life enjoy their favorite museums all year with a Balboa Park Explorer Annual Pass gift voucher.
BuyMyExplorer.com | Phone: 619-232-7502, Press 2 for Explorer

Bigger experiments, brighter ideas, and boundless curiosity await at the newly reimagined Fleet Science Center. This summer, the Fleet debuts Element 8 Cafe, an expanded theater queuing and concessions space, two new gallery spaces, and, for the first time, a free entrance gallery exploring science in and around San Diego. The transformation marks a new chapter for the Fleet, keeping it a vital, innovative, and accessible science hub for the region. Visitors are invited to explore the experience this summer and connect with the power of science like never before.
Address: 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: FleetScience.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Phone: 619-238-1233

An accredited cultural gem, the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum brings traditional Japanese garden design to life with koi ponds, curving walkways and layers of greenery. Guests explore bonsai trees, streams and peaceful nooks while taking part in exhibits, educational programs and festivals that illuminate Japanese culture. Situated in the heart of Balboa Park, the garden doubles as a meditative retreat and a dynamic gathering place, welcoming visitors to slow their pace and connect more deeply.
Address: 2215 Pan American Road E, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Niwa.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily; last admission at 6 p.m.
Phone: 619-232-2721

A San Diego summer favorite, The Old Globe invites audiences to experience a beloved local tradition in its outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre.
This summer, the 2026 Shakespeare Festival presents two thrilling tales of power, passion and romance. Measure for Measure, running June 14 through July 12, 2026, is a riveting story of justice and hypocrisy that asks who holds power, who is punished and what it truly means to be virtuous. Much Ado About Nothing, playing Aug. 2–30, 2026, is a classic rom-com packed with schemes, sparks and laughter as opposites attract. Audiences can enjoy both shows for $44.
Address: 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: TheOldGlobe.org
Hours: Box office open Tuesday–Sunday, 1 p.m. to final curtain
Phone: Box office, 619-234-5623

Aviation and space exploration come to life at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. See an airworthy replica of the Spirit of St. Louis, a Gee Bee racer and historic aircraft from World War I, World War II and the Korean and Vietnam eras. Get up close to the Apollo 9 command module — one of only 11 of its kind in the world — along with Mercury and Gemini capsules, Mission Control and space shuttle simulators, and a selfie spot beside a lunar lander on the moon. Running through 2026, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! brings oddities from around the world to Balboa Park.
Address: 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: SanDiegoAirAndSpace.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 619-234-8291

History belongs to everyone. At the San Diego History Center, two experiences bring that history to life this summer: America at 250 and the Center for Women’s History. America at 250 traces San Diego’s place in 250 years of U.S. history, while summer programs invite children to learn and explore. The Center for Women’s History amplifies the voices of women whose leadership and creativity have shaped our region.
By understanding our past, we build a more vibrant and inclusive community together. These vital educational experiences are only possible through generous community support. Discover your roots, spark meaningful dialogue, and help keep San Diego’s stories alive for future generations.
Address: 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: SanDiegoHistory.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday–Sunday
Phone: 619-232-6203

Junior Theatre is San Diego’s longest-running youth theatre program, empowering students ages 4 to 18 to explore storytelling, performance, and collaboration in a supportive environment. Through classes, camps, and productions, young artists build confidence, creativity, and lifelong skills onstage and off. Each season features a wide range of opportunities, from introductory experiences to advanced training in acting and musical theatre.
Looking for a summer adventure? Junior Theatre’s Summer Camps deliver dynamic programs for grades K–12, including musical theater intensives, acting academies and immersive JT Studio experiences. It’s a place where imagination truly takes center stage.
Address: 1650 El Prado, Suite 208, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: JuniorTheatre.com
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 619-239-1311

This summer, The Nat is talking trash—literally. Their newest exhibition, Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea, features larger‑than‑life marine sculptures made of ocean debris collected from beaches. It invites visitors to explore the impact of plastic pollution and discover ways to take action.
But the experience doesn’t stop at the gallery doors. Friday nights, the exhibition transforms into an ocean-themed “dive bar” during Nat at Night. Select Sundays bring something brand new: a rooftop brunch with sweeping Balboa Park views. Add two new giant-screen films and five floors of nature to explore, and The Nat is shaping up to be one of the season’s must-visit destinations.
Address: 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: SDNat.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays in summer
Phone: 619-232-3821

The WorldBeat Cultural Center is a nonprofit multidisciplinary cultural organization dedicated to promoting, presenting and preserving Indigenous cultures worldwide through music, art, dance, education, sustainability and community programs. WorldBeat elevates multicultural artists, expands opportunities for cultural enrichment and fosters deeper understanding across traditions. WorldBeat offers a holistic cultural experience that inspires pride, unity, connection and belonging for all ages.
Address: 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Website: WorldBeatCenter.org
Hours: Classes: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 6–9 p.m. Exhibits and café: Friday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Phone: 619-230-1190

Step into a world of the weird and wonderful at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park. Explore hundreds of bizarre artifacts, interactive displays and unbelievable stories that celebrate the curious and the extraordinary.
San Diego Air & Space Museum | 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101

Presented in partnership with the San Diego Museum of African American Fine Arts, San Diego’s Lost Neighborhoods uses augmented reality, oral histories, and archival materials to explore communities and residents displaced by redlining, freeway construction, and other discriminatory policies.
San Diego History Center | 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101

Spend a summer night at The Old Globe. The Lowell Davies Festival Theatre stages Measure for Measure (June 14–July 12) and Much Ado About Nothing (Aug. 2–30), offering two unforgettable Shakespeare productions for just $44.
The Old Globe | 1363 Old Globe Way,
San Diego, CA 92101

Summer camps at Junior Theatre spark creativity for grades K–12 with hands-on training, musical theatre intensives, acting academies, and JT Studio experiences.
San Diego Junior Theatre | 1650 El Prado, Suite 208, San Diego, CA 92101

A museum visit turns into a Sunday Funday with the addition of rooftop brunch, featuring mimosas, bloody Marys, and brunch bites from Wolfish by Wolf in the Woods (June 14, August 9) and Hash House a Go Go (July 12).
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

Celebrate Juneteenth weekend with guided birding, storytelling, soul food, native planting and an African peace drum circle.
WorldBeat Cultural Center | 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101

Nagashi at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum by floating a lantern to honor loved ones who have passed. Stroll merchant booths, enjoy cultural performances in the Inamori Pavilion, and sample food vendors plus a beer and sake garden in the lower garden.
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum | 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101

Explore arts, science, history, and culture in the Balboa Park Cultural District with one convenient, affordable Pass. The Balboa Park Explorer Pass is your ticket to up to 16 museums and endless fun! Purchase your pass at BuyMyExplorer.com.
Chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and craft mixers - meet our 2026 Tastemakers, the minds behind the magic.
La Gran Terraza, the University of San Diego’s signature restaurant, has been a campus favorite for over 16 years, offering California cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. This summer, its gastropub, O’Toole’s, is open for evening service —perfect for sunset bites and drinks.
At the helm is chef Marbi Becerra, a Culinary Institute of America alum with roots in the US and Mexico. She now leads culinary operations for La Gran Terraza and USD Catering, bringing bold Mediterranean flavors and a fresh perspective.
Seared Scallops: With charred broccolini oyster mushrooms corn puree herb cherry tomatoes and chimichurri

5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, California 92110
619-849-8205 | lagranterraza.com | @eatatusd
Chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and craft mixers - meet our 2026 Tastemakers, the minds behind the magic.
Labora Café offers so much more than premium ceremonial-grade matcha; it’s a lifestyle café where people come to feel more energized, inspired, and connected to their community. Labora partners with retailers and lifestyle brands, from local Pilates instructors to Neiman Marcus, so there’s always something new to learn about or browse when you’re here. As for the drinks, whether you’re thinking matcha or Vietnamese coffee with a specialty house-made foam on top, expect a natural pick-me-up, without extra sugars or syrups.
Pistachio 54: Pistachio foam layered with a slow drip Viet coffee or Matcha

8055 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Suite 101, San Diego, California 92111
858-471-6970 | laboracafe.com | @laborasd
Chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and craft mixers - meet our 2026 Tastemakers, the minds behind the magic.
Happy Medium lives in the sweet spot: not too fancy, not too gritty. Think dive bar soul with cocktail bar standards. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a beer and a shot, a fancy cocktail, plus a killer spirits list. The menu includes all the best bar classics along with elevated plates. Some would call it a “happy medium.” With your favorite B-side tracks always playing in the background, Happy Medium is the ultimate neighborhood hangout spot.
Lava Flowgroni: Pineapple gin layered with strawberry Campari, banana vermouth and coconut, served over crushed party ice.

4002 30th Street, San Diego, California 92104
619-310-5642 | happymediumsd.com