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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Carlsbad

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7 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Campfire restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5249)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Carlsbad
Booked 58 times today
A New American restaurant and cocktail bar with a focus on market driven live-fire cooking, Campfire is a return to the origins of cooking and hospitality, and celebrates the spirit of the name by creating an environment in which we gather around a fire, create honest food, and share it with friends.
A photo of King's Fish House - Carlsbad restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4011)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Carlsbad
Booked 61 times today
Established in 2003, King’s Fish House is Carlsbad’s choice for seafood. Located just across from the Carlsbad Premium outlets and LEGOLAND, King’s Fish House features a large selection of fresh oysters, seasonal catches, sushi and live shellfish, including lobster and crab, on a menu that changes daily.We’ve been in restaurants a little while – three generations, to be precise. A long time ago, we embarked on a road trip in search of the ultimate seafood experience. We traveled down highways and byways, pulled up a seat, put on bibs and soaked up the seafood experience: the no-name dishes with unforgettable flavor, the fresh-caught oysters and clams piled high, the hand-lettered specials on ancient chalkboards and the savory simmer of every combination of spices imaginable.Welcome to the House that Seafood Built.Come gather with us, celebrate, relax and enjoy a seafood dining experience of high quality, comfort, service and value.
A photo of Vigilucci's Seafood & Steakhouse restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4596)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carlsbad
Booked 29 times today
Vigilucci's Seafood and Steakhouse offers authentic Northern Italian cuisine. The location sits across from the Pacific on the historic 101 and has one of the best views in San Diego.Open seven days a week. Signature dishes include Caprese salad with bufallo mozzarella and Heirloom tomatoes, made from scratch stuffed pastas, Cioppino, prime steaks, fresh seafood including a warm or cold fresh seafood tower with oysters, clams, mussels, crab, lobster and jumbo prawn. (items may vary )Private Wine Cellar room available for private parties.For off-site events and parties contact Cater@Vigiluccis.comCatering to the most discerning palates for over 25 years.Vigilucci’s catering team can custom create a unique and memorable menu for celebrating life’s special occasions.
A photo of 264 Fresco restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2601)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Carlsbad
Booked 22 times today
At 264 Fresco, our goal is for every guest to leave feeling absolutely delighted with their dining experience. Whether you stop by for a quick drink, come in to share a special meal with a loved one, or are planning to host a private party, you can always count on us to deliver delectable food made from the finest ingredients, exceptional service, and a warm, lively, and welcoming atmosphere. For groups of 8 or more, please call the restaurant directly at (760) 720-3737 https://www.instagram.com/264fresco/The Deck @264 Fresco is now open! The Deck is 21+ and is first come, first serve seating. To reserve a private event please email hello@264fresco.com
A photo of Le Papagayo Encinitas restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2257)
Price: Moderate
• American • Encinitas
Booked 25 times today
Le Papagayo blends New American and Pacific Coast cuisine to create an amazing fine dining experience. The Chef and Myself combine the freshest of local ingredients and flavor to create a unique character for each meal created from scratch. Dining at Le Papagayo is a full experience that will delight all your senses. Amazing food and a warm and inviting dining room which looks like an art gallery are all part of the experience.We also offer a heated patio and unplugged live music every night.
A photo of Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(9182)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 106 times today
Pacific Coast Grill's oceanfront venue features unique Pacific Coastal cuisine, an oyster bar, select sushi rolls, and a plethora of seafood choices, delicious steaks and more! There are two levels of dining at the new PCG with every dining seat in the house carefully planned to have an ocean view. There are bars on both levels and a heated outdoor patio and a deck with one of the best views of the Pacific Ocean and the line up at Cardiff Reef. You can watch surfers, kite surfers, dolphins, whales and spectacular sunsets from throughout the restaurant.
A photo of 333 Pacific - Steaks & Seafood restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(5421)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • Oceanside
Booked 41 times today
333 Pacific - Steaks & Seafood is a hot spot because of its stunning ocean views, innovative cuisine, and elegant ambience. The reviews are glowing with customers praising the excellent food, attentive service, and great location. The restaurant is highly rated for its overall experience, food, and service, making it a popular choice for both locals and tourists.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Garrett
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had the best service and great food! All around great place and environment
    More info
    264 FrescoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Carlsbad
    4.5
  • Allison
    San Diego •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Probably my favorite Campfire experience yet. We we treating our son’s favorite teacher and his wife to a holiday meal, and we were able to sit at a quiet table out front which was SO nice! I’m hard of hearing and the entire dinner, I was able to hear what everyone was saying! That is rare for me and I loved it. We tried a few different things tonight, and some of the same things we love. We ordered the cornbread which was new for us and it was 10/10. We also ordered the porridge bread as usual. So good, and my son became obsessed with it this time around. It’s a 9/10 for me but if they brought back the gravy drippings to dip it in that they had a couple years ago, it would be an 11/10. We also ordered the broccoli which was a 10/10 per usual. One of our group has food allergies so they were able to make the broccoli without the fish oil which was so great! We also ordered a side of the fried potatoes, which came in a cast iron skillet. Omg they were amazing. 10/10. For entrees we decided to share the pork and also the pasta. The pork was incredibly tender and wonderful flavors. I’d say 9/10 because I wanted more of the sauce or pear flavor. The pasta was amazing. Really unique with the meyer lemon. The texture was so creamy that it almost felt like a gnocchi on the palette. We ordered a few mocktails: The east end 10/10 in taste. You don’t get much of the drink for what you pay so for that I’d say 7.5/10 overall. The other drink was another mocktail and I didn’t taste it but my husband said it was good and my son said it was “tingly.” The s’more’s are always fun. We got five of those. I’m a s’mores purist so I always just like plain old graham and chocolate, but this is fun for a nice change. I’d give them an 8/10 because the cinnamon on the cookie throws me off a bit. The highlight was the waitstaff. So so good. Attentive, knowledgeable, kind, and efficient. 15/10!!!
    More info
    CampfirePrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Carlsbad
    4.8
  • PatrickVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    As usual,Vigilucci’s was amazing. Outstanding experience is every regard. The service was attentive yet not over-bearing. The food was truly 5-star whether seafood, pasta, veal, or beef, the preparation and presentation were stunning.
    More info
    Vigilucci's Seafood & SteakhousePrice: Expensive• Italian• Carlsbad
    4.8
  • JUDY
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We had trout and sea bass and both were excellent. Server was great and helpful. For our anniversary a free dessert was offered to share- we chose bread pudding and enjoyed every morsel! We went at 430 on a Monday and the restaurant was very quiet. It was a perfect anniversary meal. I think this will now be our "go to" restaurant!
    More info
    King's Fish House - CarlsbadPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Carlsbad
    4.7
  • gail
    San Diego •3 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on 13 Dec 2024
    Wonderful band - really great guitarist. Fun time
    More info
    Le Papagayo EncinitasPrice: Moderate• American• Encinitas
    4.4

Discover best hot spot restaurants in Carlsbad

Discover the culinary delights of Carlsbad, North San Diego, where the dining scene shines with its vibrant mix of flavors and exceptional service. Known as a hot spot for food enthusiasts, the area boasts a variety of restaurants that cater to every palate, offering everything from flame-grilled meats and globally inspired Californian cuisine to unique local fare. Each restaurant in Carlsbad brings its own unique touch to dining, often highlighted by their commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients and inventive menus. Patrons frequently praise the welcoming ambiance, which perfectly blends sophistication with casual comfort, making these eateries ideal for both special occasions and everyday dining. Service across these establishments is noted for being attentive and friendly, ensuring a memorable experience. Whether you're in the mood for an entertaining dinner, a relaxed brunch with scenic views, or a lively family gathering, Carlsaid's dining hot spots are sure to impress. Dive into the heart of North San Diego's culinary scene and discover why Carlsbad is celebrated by locals and visitors alike.

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