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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Cardiff By The Sea

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36 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff restaurant
1. Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff
4.8
Exceptional(9318)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 87 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 Ki's Restaurant restaurant
2. Ki's Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1041)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 11 times today
Ki's Restaurant is a beloved gem in the heart of the beach community in Cardiff By The Sea. It offers a unique dining experience with its Californian cuisine that caters to the local health-conscious crowd. Reviews rave about the restaurant's cozy, welcoming ambiance, the ocean and lagoon views, and the 'fresh, whole foods expertly prepared'. The restaurant's staff is praised for being friendly, competent, and professional. It's a perfect spot for a casual meal, date night, or a visit with family and friends.
A photo of Waverly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
3. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge
4.7
Exceptional(161)
Price: Expensive
• American • Encinitas
Booked 52 times today
Located in beautiful Cardiff by The Sea, Waverly is a full-service restaurant serving Progressive American cuisine & specialty cocktails with a European influence.Evening Dining Reservation tables will be reserved for 1 hour and 45 minutes for parties of up to 2 and for 2 hours for parties of up to 6.Reservations are weather permitting and may be rescheduled if inclement weather is forecast. You will be contacted by one of our Hospitality Leaders should modifications need to be made to your reservation.*We offer a limited menu happy hour Tuesday through Sunday from 3 to 5 PM. No reservations needed – first come, first served
A photo of Jake's Del Mar restaurant
4. Jake's Del Mar
4.8
Exceptional(10585)
Price: Moderate
• American • Del Mar
Booked 89 times today
Aloha friends of Jake’s Del Mar! We are open for indoor and outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery. Visit jakesdelmar.com to view our menus or place a takeout order online!Jake’s is the quintessential California oceanfront dining experience. The eclectic menu compliments the casual, yet elegant restaurant atmosphere right on the Del Mar shore. With chef-driven California coastal fare, craft cocktails, and unforgettable ocean views, it’s the best of the west coast. Whether for a date night or a celebration with friends and family, Jake’s serves up something special every time.
A photo of Poseidon restaurant
5. Poseidon
4.8
Exceptional(5639)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Del Mar
Booked 72 times today
The minute you walk into Poseidon, you’ll be swept by the fabulous view. You couldn’t be closer to the sand and the beach than sitting at Poseidon on their beautiful outdoor patio. With such a spectacular ocean view, you’ll experience breathtaking sunsets and during the right season even catch a glimpse of the whales migrating up or down the coast. The bar offers a large circular firepit, which is nice on those chilly fall or winter nights. Off to the side of the bar is a split level dining room offering every table a panoramic view of the beach and the ocean. For decades, Poseidon has delighted both local San Diegans and the tourists that love the beach.
A photo of Buona Forchetta Encinitas restaurant
6. Buona Forchetta Encinitas
4.7
Exceptional(611)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Encinitas
Booked 52 times today
Buona Forchetta Encinitas, our third location, blends award winning Neapolitan-style pizzas and Northern Italian upscale entrees in a family-friendly, approachable space. Located in Encinitas, this location boasts a indoor seating as well as an outside patio and a small room for private events. Inside, a gilded oven churns out classic creations, while the main kitchen serves up chef-driven pastas and entree dishes. Owner Matteo Cattaneo brought the Italian warehouse-style eatery to life.
A photo of Pacifica Del Mar restaurant
7. Pacifica Del Mar
4.5
Awesome(4892)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Del Mar
Booked 26 times today
Perched atop the Del Mar Plaza in the heart of the Village, Pacifica Del Mar has remained a local gem for years as one of the neighborhood’s most sought-after places to dine, wine and gather with friends and family. Their menu showcases casual and inspired fare - like fresh seafood, steak and pasta - complimented by an award-winning wine list and creative cocktails.Whether you choose to dine on their cozy ocean view patio, or join them in our vibrant dining room or bar, their warm service and great food and drink will provide a memorable dining experience.We look forward to seeing you at Pacifica Del Mar. Please note that in an effort to give our staff enough time to turn over and sanitize tables between diners, reservations will be limited to an hour and a half for parties of 4 or less, and 2 hours for parties 5+. We thank you for understanding and helping us keep things safe for you.
A photo of Beeside Balcony Del Mar restaurant
8. Beeside Balcony Del Mar
4.5
Awesome(1441)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary European • Del Mar
Booked 22 times today
Beeside Balcony is a hidden gem in old Del Mar, CA with a relaxed seaside chic décor where guests enjoy global mediterranean cuisine and ocean views from the covered outside balcony. A third generation chef of Spanish and Italian descent, and hailing form Paris, France, Christophe's restaurant career began at 17 in the kitchen of his father's restaurant in Pasadena when they first emigrated to the USA. Upon returning to southern California in 2011, Christophe spent 8 years as the managing partner of Eddie V's Prime Seafood in La Jolla. Here he deepened his knowledge of sourcing and cooking the freshest seafood available, while delivering world class service. The laid back coastal vibe of Del Mar, combined with the attention to detail from Christophe's fine dining background, infuses Beeside Balcony with an easy elegance that elevates any gathering, and makes the perfect backdrop to showcase his global mediterranean menu.
A photo of Le Papagayo Encinitas restaurant
9. Le Papagayo Encinitas
4.4
Awesome(2271)
Price: Moderate
• American • Encinitas
Booked 15 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 Red Tracton's restaurant
10. Red Tracton's
4.4
Awesome(1727)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Del Mar
Booked 8 times today
East coast style Steakhouse and Supper Club with roots dating back 75 years plus . Red Tracton's is know for serving only the finest in Prime Beef and Seafood. Quality and quantity is Reds trademark. Live entertainment Tuesday - Saturday at the Piano bar.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • MayVIP
    San Diego •41 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Always amazing- service by Sam and even another server to come and give us new napkins when ours were over soiled without asking…. The table they gave us, the taste of the food, the complimentary anniversary dessert…. Really top-notch.
    More info
    PoseidonPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Del Mar
    •
    4.8
  • Joe
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Tuesday dining ended up with a bonus of having happy hour to closing time! We didn’t stay to closing but had a wonderful dinner with the sunset as sideshow!
    More info
    Ki's RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Californian• Cardiff By The Sea
    •
    4.6
  • OpenTable Diner
    Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    This was our first visit to Jake’s, and we were so impressed with everything! The food was so delicious, best calamari we’ve had in our lives. The ceviche was so fresh and yummy. My scallops actually melted in my mouth! Oh, and I had Duke’s Mai Tai…best cocktail I’ve had in years! Dennis was so attentive to our every need, even offering to take a pic of us with the beautiful sunset behind us. We absolutely loved watching the sunset while we enjoyed our dinner! Topping off our dinner with the Hula Pie was “icing on the cake”! It was so light, fluffy and just the right amount of chocolate. Overall, we had an amazing experience! I will highly recommend this restaurant to everyone I know. Thank you for a lovely evening!
    More info
    Jake's Del MarPrice: Moderate• American• Del Mar
    •
    4.8
  • Randy
    San Diego •27 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Pacific Coast Grill is my favorite restaurant in California. It has the most amazing views and there ia not a bad seat in the place,."" The staff skilled, efficient, friendly, and amazingly accommodating... AND THE FOOD!!! INCREDIBLE, CREATIVE, perfectly prepared and presented. Menu is heavily seafood, but with enough items for the non-fish lover. And save room for the amazing desserts! The one dish one has to try is the shrimp dumpling appetizer. Nothing like it!!
    More info
    Pacific Coast Grill - CardiffPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Cardiff By The Sea
    •
    4.8
  • MariaVIP
    San Diego •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    It truly is one of my favorite restaurants. Come often. Warm welcome by Max, as always, I feel like I'm a part of Waverly family every time I come. Most delicious Kale salad, my favorite and delicious Mocktail. Thank you for your hospitality and the best service. I will see you soon.
    More info
    Waverly Restaurant & LoungePrice: Expensive• American• Encinitas
    •
    4.7

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Cardiff By The Sea

Discover the charm of neighborhood gems in Cardiff By The Sea, a picturesque part of North San Diego known for its unique culinary offerings. This coastal enclave boasts an array of dining establishments that cater to those looking for a local, intimate dining experience. Each restaurant in this area emphasizes fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, showcasing the best of Californian cuisine with menus that are both innovative and comforting. Patrons can expect not only quality food but also a warm, inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the scenic backdrop of the ocean and lagoon views. These dining spots are ideal for a casual meal, a romantic date, or a family gathering. The dining scene here is distinguished by its focus on sustainability and community, attracting both locals and visitors who appreciate thoughtful, well-crafted dishes. Overall, Cardiff By The Sea offers an unforgettable culinary journey that reflects its status as a true neighborhood gem in San Diego.

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