What are some of your favorite/great restaurants in the Oceanside, CA area and why?

That Boy Good, downtown on Coast Highway - good southern food... NOT a chain
Cafe Elysa in Carlsbad - funky beach cafe - good basic breakfasts, sandwiches, etc

The lender would be the good in the equation. The VA is really only a co-signer of the loan. This would essentially eliminate Primary Mortgage Insurance from the cost of putting less than 20% down. The rates are usually pretty good as long as the service member has good credit.

Is it nationwide?

I would put 333 North Pacific for a fancy date, Philly Frank's of San Marcos for east cost steak sandwiches, Jersey Mikes is good for suns too, That Boy Good, Felix's bbq, Pollo Marias, Fratellis of San Marcos, there is a restaurant row in San Marcos as well. I hope this is helpful!

It depends on how far you want to travel. Menu fee and Temecula have some great chain restaurants like Red Robin and Texas Roadhouse. Another great one is BJ's in Carlsbad by the outlet mall. Then Franzetti's off Douglas and Mission and the 76 in Oceanside.