Ocean House in Carlsbad, San Diego, United States | A la Carte Restaurants

Carlsbad's most prominent Victorian mansion and the site of longtime restaurant Neiman's (and previously The Twin Inns since 1919), entered a new chapter with the opening of Ocean House mid-March.

Ocean House, opened mid-March in the former site of Neiman's and The Twin Inns in Carlsbad. With subtle tropical décor, Ocean House emphasizes the relaxing grace of a long-ago seaside resort serving casual coastal cuisine -- American cuisine with flair.

Built in 1887 by the owner of Carlsbad Land and Water Co., Gerhard Schutte, the expansive home became a favorite stopping place for travelers and diners in the 1920s. The rotunda salon, an ideal setting for weddings, Sunday brunch and large parties, was added in 1922 to accommodate increased traffic between Los Angeles and San Diego.

Today, that venue, with its long, wrap-around veranda, is called The Palm Room, where dinner is served nightly. The nearby Sandbar features lighter fare and large-screen televisions for watching your favorite game with friends. The gallery displays ocean art painted by local surfers, depicting their favorite surf spots.