Ongi etorri. Welcome!
At CTZN, we tell stories of the Basque region, reimagined. We’re not simply a San Diego tapas bar. We fuse the traditions of Basque Country with California creativity to bring unexpected flavors to life.
Basque is a remarkable region in Europe that straddles the Southwest France and Northern Spain with incredibly welcoming people, a cuisine as a leading international force, a remarkable culture and amazing landscapes.
For Basque, food celebration, a matter of utmost importance. In this menu and during your visit we’d like to take you on an immersive sensory voyage through this beautiful Basque region and tell you some of its stories through every dish and drink we serve.
Join us on this extraordinary journey as we raise our glasses to the Basque Country that inspires us.
About Karine & Willy
CTZN was born from a moment of inspiration after a visit to a Spanish tapas bar in Boston. Siblings Willy and Karine, drawing from their French heritage, envisioned a tapas-style restaurant that would introduce something fresh to San Diego: Basque cuisine. After traveling through the Basque region, they developed a deep appreciation for its bold flavors, rich traditions, and unique way of life. CTZN is their tribute to that experience — a celebration of Basque culinary artistry with a modern touch.
About Chef Matthew
Matthew Crawford is a passionate, ingredient-driven chef with over 15 years of professional culinary experience. Born in 1986, Matthew has spent much of his career exploring and blending diverse regional flavors, with a signature style rooted in California Modern cuisine infused with New England flair. His time working in Cape Cod—specifically on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard—sparked a deep appreciation for foraging and using locally sourced ingredients to craft thoughtful, seasonal dishes. His culinary journey includes roles with Hilton and hosting private, open-fire cooking dinners, where his love for fire-based techniques shines through.
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