Best Authentic Restaurants in Cardiff By The Sea

Price

££
£££
££££

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanJapanese

Regions

North San Diego

Areas

CarlsbadCarmel ValleyDel MarEncinitasPoway / Rancho BernardoRancho Santa Fe

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral toiletWheelchair access

22 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Buona Forchetta Encinitas restaurant

1. Buona Forchetta Encinitas

4.7

Exceptional(611)

££££Price: Moderate

• Italian • Encinitas

Booked 48 times today

Buona Forchetta Encinitas is a hit among customers for its authentic Italian cuisine. One reviewer raved, 'If you are looking for an authentic taste of Italy, look no further.' Others echoed this sentiment, describing the food as 'authentic and delicious' and praising the restaurant for its 'authentic Italian cuisine.' The restaurant's owner, Matteo Cattaneo, has brought his warehouse-style Italian eatery to life in Encinitas, providing a family-friendly, approachable space with award-winning pizzas and upscale entrees.

A photo of Cocina de Barrio Encinitas restaurant

2. Cocina de Barrio Encinitas

4.7

Exceptional(138)

££££Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Encinitas

Booked 8 times today

*Brunch hours are on a walk-in basis only.Cocina de Barrio by Chef Jose J. FloresWelcome to Cocina de Barrio, the newest modern-urban Mexican restaurant located in Encinitas, CA! We are proud to feature the culinary richness of Oaxaca as well as other Mexican regions. Stop by and enjoy our bar stocked with plenty of tequila and mezcal selections, beer, and wines sourced from Valle Guadalupe.Don't forget to join us during our daily brunch (where we add a Mexican kick) and our happy hour every Monday-Friday from 3-5pm! Stay Chido!

3. Shimbashi Izakaya

4.7

Exceptional(990)

££££Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Del Mar

Booked 19 times today

Shimbashi's theme is based on the Izakaya, a Japanese tapas restaurant. We offer a multi-faceted menu that can be used as a pairing with sake for the light eater or sophisticated dinner entrées served in the Japanese tradition. Our menu changes with the season making each dining experience a new adventure.

A photo of Salt + Lime Del Mar restaurant

4. Salt + Lime Del Mar

4.4

Awesome(203)

££££Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Del Mar

Booked 20 times today

Mexican cuisine elevated to new heights, blending traditional flavors with modern flair to deliver a truly sensory dining experience.Located in the heart of Del Mar, with stunning ocean views as your backdrop, our menu celebrates the diverse and vibrant flavors of Mexico. From mouthwatering tacos to fresh, zesty seafood ceviches, every dish is crafted to surprise and delight. Whether you’re gathering with friends or enjoying an intimate dinner, Salt & Lime offers the perfect mix of high-energy ambiance and culinary excellence.Expect the unexpected—because too much of a good thing is never enough! Indulge in our unforgettable Espresso Martini or let our Oaxaca Old Fashion warm your soul—cocktails that are as unique as your experience with us.Breakfast is served every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM.Join us for Reverse Happy Hour every Friday and Saturday from 9 PM to 11 PM, where the night gets even brighter with irresistible drinks and bites.

5. Puntamar

4.8

Exceptional(9)

££££Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Encinitas

Booked 3 times today

Puntamar is more than just a restaurant; it’s an authentic experience celebrating quality in every detail. Here, fun and excellence merge to create unforgettable moments for our customers. Discover the true essence of Mexican cuisine, crafted with authentic ingredients and genuine flavors.

A photo of Coya Peruvian Secret restaurant

6. Coya Peruvian Secret

4.4

Awesome(660)

££££Price: Moderate

• Peruvian • Del Mar

Booked 9 times today

Located next to Del Mar beach on 11th street, Coya Peruvian Secret Restaurant offers award winning gourmet Peruvian- Cali fusion Peruvian cuisine in charming cottage house under a tree. All seats are outside tucked in greenery so its in all casual seating. Voted best Seafood by locals and best Latin American in SD we are primally seafood place but we also proudly serve great meat choices, like our surf and turf with Rib Eye, traditional Lomo with Filet mignon, lamb stew with New Zealand lamb, excellent short rib with sweet potatoes and Peruvian half roasted chicken. If you seeking cozy color full vibe full of magic for a date or family reunion we are perfect choice. You will astonish your party with unforgettable flavors. Take them of a gourmet trip to Peru and back tonight.

A photo of Ocean View Bar & Grill Restaurant in Hotel Indigo Del Mar restaurant

7. Ocean View Bar & Grill Restaurant in Hotel Indigo Del Mar

3.7

Very Good(25)

££££Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Del Mar

Hotel Indigo's Ocean View Bar & Grill serves authentic local favorites, creative appetizers, sharable plates and signature cocktails. Along with its enticing menu, guests enjoy ocean views and contemporary décor. The grill also features live local music on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Bring your furry friend and enjoy al fresco dining by the fire pit, or belly up to the bar for one of our signature cocktails.

A photo of Tamarindo Latin Kitchen- Del Mar restaurant

8. Tamarindo Latin Kitchen- Del Mar

4.7

Exceptional(928)

££££Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Del Mar

Booked 21 times today

Tamarindo Del Mar **NOW OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER**Kitchen closes promptly at 9pm Sunday-Thursday and 10pm on Friday+Saturday's.

9. Firenze Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(1779)

££££Price: Expensive

• Italian • Encinitas

Booked 9 times today

OPEN FOR DINE IN~ We are accepting online and phone reservations. Please be patient with wait times **IF YOU HAVE A SEATING PREFERENCE FOR EITHER THE INSIDE DINING ROOM OR OUTSIDE HEATED PATIO, PLEASE SPECIFY WHEN MAKING YOUR RESERVATION. **SEATING PREFERENCES CANNOT BE GUARANTEED** Sun-splashed by day and romantically lantern-lit at night, Firenze's flower-bedecked patio, with it's gentle fountain, is like a private courtyard in some romantic Italian villa. Come see what all the buzz is about we are certain that you will enjoy this one of a kind experience in this beautiful San Diego Italian restaurant.

A photo of Vigilucci's Trattoria Italiana restaurant

10. Vigilucci's Trattoria Italiana

4.7

Exceptional(1358)

££££Price: Expensive

• Italian • Encinitas

Booked 5 times today

Vigilucci’s Trattoria Italiana features an exceptional menu of Italian favorites, steaks and the freshest seafood. Menu highlights include many of the company’s signature dishes, made from scratch pastas, salads, steaks, seafood, pizzas and calzones. Group dining space is available for large or small groups. Our casual yet sophisticated piano bar enhances the dining experience in the main dining room and front patio.For off-site events and parties contact Cater@Vigiluccis.comCatering to the most discerning palates for over 30 years,Vigilucci’s catering team can custom create a unique and memorable menu for celebrating life’s special occasions.

‘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

A
Annie
San Diego •7 reviews
5.0
Dined today
We went for Happy Hour and were blown away by the food and service. Great birria tacos (not on happy hour menu) but well worth ordering. Service was very attentive without being too much.
More info
Salt + Lime Del MarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Del Mar
•
4.4
V
VarindaVIP
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Lunch was awesome and Patrick was charming and knowledgeable about the sushi !
More info
Shimbashi IzakayaPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Del Mar
•
4.7
C
Cecilia
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
I always enjoy Buono Forchetta - great good and service. We brought visiting friends this time and they enjoyed the food and service. Only downside on this visit was the screaming toddler behind us.
More info
Buona Forchetta EncinitasPrice: Moderate• Italian• Encinitas
•
4.7
M
Marla
San Diego •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The food was delightful. Don't expect your typical Mexican restaurant --the focus on Oaxacan food is really special. Servers were very attentive. We enjoyed our meal greatly.
More info
Cocina de Barrio EncinitasPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Encinitas
•
4.7
M
Mary
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 18 Jan 2025
We loved this place! It has a chill vibe like you’re on vacation on an island, but the food was fancy and delicious. Definitely would recommend the tuna tataki tostada, amazing. The service was quick without feeling rushed and our server made great recommendations.
More info
PuntamarPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Encinitas
•
4.8

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