Best American Restaurants in Cardiff By The Sea

49 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Chart House Restaurant - Cardiff restaurant

1. Chart House Restaurant - Cardiff

4.5

Price: Moderate

• American • Solana Beach

Booked 71 times today

At Chart House Restaurant in Cardiff, nestled between Solana Beach and Encinitas, the steak cuisine is not just a meal; it's an experience. Praised for its "perfectly prepared and juicy" prime rib and the "tasty and flavorful" filet mignon and New York strip, Chart House offers a steak experience that truly stands out. One guest raved, "the prime rib was huge and prepared perfectly," highlighting the generous portions and expert cooking that make every bite memorable. Whether it's a special occasion or a casual dinner, the combination of exceptional steaks, stunning ocean views, and impeccable service ensures a dining adventure that is both delightful and satisfying.

A photo of Waverly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

2. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge

4.7

Exceptional(108)

Price: Expensive

• American • Encinitas

Booked 59 times today

Nestled in the charming Cardiff by The Sea in Encinitas, Waverly Restaurant & Lounge is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine. It offers a progressive menu infused with a European twist that tantalizes the palate with dishes like the divine burrata "donuts" and adventurous bone marrow paired with beef tartare. The rave reviews emphasize the quality and creativity of the menu. One guest exclaimed, "The duck meatball was flavorful and moist," illustrating the unique culinary delights that await at Waverly. With its chic Tulum-inspired decor and a vibrant atmosphere, Waverly stands out as a must-visit destination for those seeking an exceptional dining experience with a contemporary American flair.

3. Jake's Del Mar

4.8

Exceptional(10444)

Price: Moderate

• American • Del Mar

Booked 70 times today

At Jake's Del Mar, located right on the shore of Del Mar, guests are treated to an exceptional seafood dining experience that epitomizes California's coastal charm. The restaurant is celebrated for its "chef-driven California coastal fare" that includes fresh, high-quality seafood dishes, crafted to perfection. Reviews consistently praise the seafood offerings, with one diner raving about the "amazing mussels and seafood pot," describing it as a highlight of their dining experience. Another guest highlighted the "scallops and sea bass," noting them as "delicious," showcasing Jake's commitment to serving top-notch seafood. The combination of stunning ocean views, attentive service, and mouthwatering seafood makes Jake’s Del Mar a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic and delightful seafood meal.

4. Poseidon

4.8

Exceptional(5593)

Price: Expensive

• American • Del Mar

Booked 31 times today

Poseidon in Del Mar offers an unparalleled American dining experience, where the flavors burst with freshness and authenticity. Diners rave about the diverse menu, highlighting the "Lobster Avocado Bennie" and "Surf & Turf Omelet" for brunch, and the "Sesame Crusted Yellowfin Tuna" for dinner as absolute must-tries. The restaurant skillfully pairs classic American dishes with a scenic beachfront location, promising "breathtaking views" and a "beautiful experience," as noted by satisfied guests. Regulars and newcomers alike are consistently impressed, describing meals as "excellent" and service as "impeccable." Poseidon is not just a meal; it's a cherished dining ritual in Del Mar, celebrated for its commitment to quality and the delightful marriage of cuisine and setting.

A photo of South of Nick's - Del Mar restaurant

5. South of Nick's - Del Mar

4.7

Exceptional(613)

Price: Expensive

• American • Del Mar

Booked 96 times today

South of Nick's in Del Mar, San Diego, is a gem for those seeking authentic American cuisine with a Southern California twist. Renowned for its seamless blend of classic Mexican flavors with prime steaks and seafood, this restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience. Patrons rave about the "delicious food and wonderful service," with dishes like the steak salad and seafood enchiladas receiving high praise. The ambiance is consistently described as great, with a "beautiful decor" that complements the high-quality meals. Whether it's the complimentary chips and salsa, the finely crafted margaritas, or the attentive service, South of Nick's stands out as a top choice for both locals and visitors. It's no wonder guests are eager to return, making it a "new favorite" in the vibrant San Diego dining scene.

6. Tavern

4.9

Exceptional(539)

Price: Moderate

• American • Solana Beach

Booked 7 times today

Newly remodeled, the much airier Tavern is all about art, music, and above all great food. Open for lunch and soon to include evening dining, the Tavern adds a distinctly Mexican/Pacific Coast set of flavors to the local fine dining scene.We are located in the heart of the Cedros Design District, within walking distance of the Amtrak station. The style is casual with indoor and outdoor dining ( plus bar seating). The patio, which can accommodate 18 guests, looks out onto the shop-lined Cedros Avenue and can be separated from the main dining area for private events.*Please note* Our restaurant welcomes walk-ins during our Lunch hours from 11:30 am- 3:30 pm. *Tavern restaurant will be closed for dinner (Lunch will remain open Monday and Tuesday when the belly up is dark)*Please check our website for the most up-to-date hours*

7. Haven

4.2

Awesome(150)

Price: Expensive

• American • Encinitas

Booked 4 times today

At Haven Farm + Table, nestled in the lush hills of Leucadia, Encinitas, the essence of farm-to-table dining is brought to life with unmatched authenticity and innovation. With the farm just steps away from the kitchen, Chef Kelston Moore delights diners with fresh, site-grown produce that stars in every dish. Guests rave about the experience, describing it as "literally heaven" and praising the "beautiful presentation of the freshest food." From the Jerk Pork Belly Mole to craft cocktails and the cherished plantain cake, every element at Haven emphasizes quality and local sourcing. It's a "true slow-food locavore 'haven,'" where you can stroll through the farm rows post-dinner, fully immersing in the farm-to-table ethos that makes Haven a must-visit culinary destination in San Diego.

8. Pacifica Del Mar

4.5

Awesome(4848)

Price: Expensive

• American • Del Mar

Booked 31 times today

Nestled in the picturesque Del Mar Plaza, Pacifica Del Mar shines as a beacon of exceptional seafood dining. Diners rave about the "tremendous taste and texture" of dishes like the celebrated Halibut and the Spanish Octopus on Squid Ink Risotto. The freshness and quality of the seafood are consistently highlighted, with one guest recommending, "Try the Halibut. It's delicious!" The restaurant's ambiance enhances the dining experience, offering stunning ocean views that complement the "extraordinary food." With accolades for both its vibrant atmosphere and impeccable service, Pacifica Del Mar stands out as a must-visit destination for seafood lovers in Del Mar.

9. Mille Fleurs

4.8

Exceptional(2287)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Rancho Santa Fe

Booked 4 times today

Mille Fleurs, located in the quaint village of Rancho Santa Fe, is a gem for those seeking top-notch Continental cuisine with a French twist. Praised as "Far and away the best restaurant sampled in greater San Diego" by *The New York Times* and consistently celebrated in *San Diego Magazine*, this establishment dazzles with its authentic and meticulously crafted menu. Guests rave about the "exquisite yet comfortable French country décor" and the lush patio setting that enhances every dining experience. Whether it’s the "succulent steak au poivre" or the innovative "lobster salad with avocado," each dish is a testament to the chef’s dedication to freshness, sourcing ingredients daily from the nearby Chino's Family Farm. Mille Fleurs stands out not just for its food but for creating memorable moments, making it an enduring favorite for both locals and visitors.

10. Sbicca - Del Mar

4.6

Exceptional(2513)

Price: Expensive

• American • Del Mar

Booked 11 times today

Nestled in the charming locale of Del Mar, Sbicca is a gem that epitomizes the essence of Contemporary American cuisine. Praised as San Diego's favorite "Neighborhood" restaurant, Sbicca has been honored with the "Gold Medallion Award" for Best Neighborhood Restaurant. Patrons can savor their meals on an ocean view deck, enhancing the dining experience with breathtaking views of the Pacific. The menu boasts an array of delectable options, from the divine truffle fries to the exquisite buttermilk fried chicken, consistently earning glowing reviews like "The best food that we've had in a long time." Sbicca's commitment to quality and its vibrant atmosphere make it a standout destination for authentic Contemporary American fare, ensuring a memorable dining experience with every visit.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
dan
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Our waitress was fabulous explained all questions we had and the food was outstanding!
More info
South of Nick's - Del MarPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Del Mar
•
4.7
R
Robin
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Great meal every time we eat at the Chart House. Never disappoints.
More info
Chart House Restaurant - CardiffPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Solana Beach
•
4.5
P
Paul
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great service from the entire team. Server Scott was great and everyone pitched in to serve us. Great teamwork. Food was delicious.
More info
PoseidonPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Del Mar
•
4.8
K
Kimberley
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
There were two of us at Jake’s last night for dinner. We started with a couple of appetizers and each of us had a margarita. Well, the appetizers were so fantastic that we just stuck with a variety of appetizers (6 total) all eve. I highly recommend the crab cake and mussels appetizers!! It doesn’t get better than these. Also, I want to mention that our our server was AMAZING. We are both gluten-free and he was so attentive to that requirement that he graciously went to the kitchen several times to ensure that all was GF. He even suggested ways to alter a dish to make it GF and then instructed the kitchen in ways to accommodate our needs. A very enjoyable evening!
More info
Jake's Del MarPrice: Moderate• American• Del Mar
•
4.8
P
PatrickVIP
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Loved it as always. So glad a place like Waverly exists in Cardiff for casual evenings out to the most celebratory dinner.
More info
Waverly Restaurant & LoungePrice: Expensive• American• Encinitas
•
4.7

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Cardiff By The Sea

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Best American Restaurants in Cardiff By The Sea

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49 restaurants available nearby

1. Chart House Restaurant - Cardiff

2. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge

3. Jake's Del Mar

4. Poseidon

5. South of Nick's - Del Mar

6. Tavern

7. Haven

8. Pacifica Del Mar

9. Mille Fleurs

10. Sbicca - Del Mar

See what locals rave about

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