Pacific Coast Grill - CardiffRapidly becoming one of ourRapidly becoming one of our favorite North County places to eat. The view is to die for - eating basically on the sand and surf. Watching the sunset from the patio is a great was to end the meal so time your stay accordingly. Food is surprisingly tasty with no shortage of choices.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMSeafood by the sea at the PCGLocals may remember the Pacific Coast Grill as Charlies. Whatever you call it, the seafood is great--fresh, superbly prepared and presented--and the ambience is outstanding. What's not to like about a dining room overlooking the beach with most tables affording a view of just another dramatic SoCal sunset?
We're not drinkers but the bar was hopping and the wine list looked pretty good. We started with a wonderfully creative sushi appetizer and a bottle of Pellegrino. I enjoyed a swordfish entree and my partner was happy with her mahi mahi. For dessert, espresso and a fantastic creme brulee with berries on top!
By the time we left the sun had set, the surfers had left and the flood lights were on, illuminating the crashing surf.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMWent out to dinner here withWent out to dinner here with 4 of my girlfriends. The food is good. Love the calamari! Very few spots in No Co to eat on the west side of the 101. So this place is perfect for that.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing viewsEvery table has a view of the ocean, waves, surfers and wind surfers.5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a table for six andWe had a table for six and enjoyed the meal very much. I had the Mahi Mahi which was coconut and crab encrusted. But there was also a yellow treatment/spice/rub on the fish that tasted (to me) like curry. I am not a fan of curry, so I didn't enjoy the fish at all and wished I had just gotten it grilled. It essentially went to waste. Other dishes were superb, according to the others, especially the chips with guacamole/crab dip. Gorgeous view of the sunset, although there's a balcony upstairs, and when the sun starts going to the horizon, people line up on the balcony to take photos and watch, which means people inside the restaurant can't actualy see. Will definitely go back.5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat view on the ocean andGreat view on the ocean and excellent food - parking is a bit of a problem but once you are in - it is great5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMDinnerI loved the relaxed feel of this place. The service was great, very attentive. The food choices are also good - something for everyone's taste. Great selection of appetizers. I had scallops that were fantastic. Two others in our party has sea bass and said the same. One had short ribs and the other chili rubbed steak - all raved about their choices. Wine list is good. Ambiance is great, right on the beach. The only disappointment were the dessert choices. We ended up not ordering because nothing looked appealing. Other than that, we will definitely go back.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMAbsolutely superior view onAbsolutely superior view on the beach in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Great service and great food. Reservations are a must and the earlier the better this summert to see a sunset.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways a great timeGreat menu, solid service, good wine list. Love sitting on their lower patio - this restaurant never disappoints. The mahi mahi on their dinner menu is to die for...can't seem to order anything else. So happy this arrived in our neighborhood, such a great addition to Cardiff!5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMcame a little early (5pm)came a little early (5pm) to avoid the rush, had a great dinner and view of the ocean from our booth. kids had a great time as well.
valet's a little slow though since the cars are parked in another lot a mile away.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMFood and service were superb--butFood and service were superb--but they were totally overshadowed by the magnificent view of the ocean at sunset. The patio's noise level was acceptable but the bar scene was quite lively--not the moment for quiet conversation.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMSalmon to die forNewly opened on the coast. Beautiful decor, modern, service impeccable. salmon wild fresh perfectly cooked. Many options for locavores, foodies.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat view, good food....The main attraction of this place is the fabulous view, both from inside and outside. It is very relaxing to sit near the crashing waves, watch the surfers and people with dogs on the beach.
Oh, and the food's good too! We both had the sea bass smothered in cherry tomatoes on top of a small portion of mashed potatoes, and some sauteed spinach. yum
But OMG.... the best dessert! We had actually ordered butterscotch apple pie but the waiter goofed and brought us bread pudding. IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST DESSERTS I'VE EVER EATEN IN MY LIFE. I may have to go back just for that. Two huge pieces (one is enough for two but we ordered two portions and ate it all) smothered in caramel sauce. The texture was heavenly, sort of like a thick flan.5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMFirst time ever.We were impressed from valet to the dessert. First class all the way. The staff was quick, friendly, and efficient. We had no idea what to expect in terms of ambience and it turned out to be unpretentious, comfortable, and the food was excellent. My wife and I went the seafood route all the way and we were not disappointed. Everything was cooked to perfection and was delicious... a grand slam. Plus, the service was beyond light speed on a very busy evening. It's a classy place with a gorgeous view, especially near sunset. It was our 43rd Anniversary too. Our table had the flowers setup on our table and they even threw in a free dessert to celebrate the event. It doesn't get any better than that. Thank you PCG for a great experience.5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMGREAT (as usual)A fantastic combination of ambience, food and service!5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMLiz is the check in HostessLiz is the check in Hostess and she remembered my name which is quite impressive. Jeff, the manager
is friendly, helpful and service oriented.
The food is delicious and the sushi bar is fresh with food favorites.4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMWe have visited this restaurantWe have visited this restaurant 3 times recently and find the food and the view to be wonderful. The staff is friendly. PCG is becoming our favorite place.4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Dinner for special occasionHad a great dinner (again!) surprised my mother-in-law for her birthday ..My wife and I fight over who is going to get the seabass, she won this round, but shared and it was fantastic, the shrimp/lobster bisque was incredible and the seared Ahi was great. Christopher, our waiter did a great job, made good suggestions and topped it off with a little desert to round out the birthday celebration. BTW did i mention the view.... Awesome! Pricey but worth it! manager came by to check on us too, nice touch and even wished my MIL happy birthday too.
Looking forward to going back.
Tom C4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMService, food and decor wereService, food and decor were wonderful. View was amazing. Only negative is it was too noisy. They need some sound absorbers.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food, service and ambianceThe food, service and ambiance were excellent! What a great way to end the day with a walk on the beach after. With the outdoor patio connected, you can either enjoy the ocean and sun without having to be on a boat and be refreshed at the same time. Wonderful! Wonderful!4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMNever disappointed! It alwaysNever disappointed! It always feels like we are on vacation when we dine at PCG.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food and the view isGreat food and the view is amazing. Finally a good place to eat west of the 101!4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMWe just had lunch for a friendsWe just had lunch for a friends birthday. It is noisy inside but it isn't set up to be a quiet place.parking is a drawback. There is virtually no lot and valet is the only option. They don't offer enough meal salads for lunch and most items are fairly high calorie. Service was very nice and attentive.4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMTrifecta!This restaurant continues to be one of my favorites. It's the Trifecta experience - great food, outstanding service & gorgeous views! Rare to find all 3 of these elements in one dining experience. Keep up the great work!4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a fabulous dinner andWe had a fabulous dinner and the food and menu items were wonderful. The white chocolate bread pudding was amazing. Had a wonderful birthday dinner.
It was however a bit noisy-acoustics could be better.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMPCG has excellent food andPCG has excellent food and a spectacular view! It was very noisy inside which made it hard to hear conversation at your table, but overall, great experience.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMThis restaurant has marvelousThis restaurant has marvelous views, service & food.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMA beautiful restaurant rightA beautiful restaurant right on the sand. The staff is friendly, the service is great and the view is the best you'll find - watch the surfers while you enjoy a refreshing cocktail on the upper deck.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMVegetarian ChallengedIt was great to have our seats outside. If we had been inside, we would have left because it was WAY WAY WAY too noisy.
The service was outstanding, the view was spectacular, and the outside heaters were perfect. The wine list and recommendations were outstanding. My friend loved his meat dish. The vegetarian menu was quite sparse and disappointing. They did end up putting some tofu on a plate of vegetables, which was an OK compromise. Although the veggies were fresh and well-cooked, the whole dish was quite bland and seemed overpriced for a plate of vegetables that I could have steamed myself at home. I think this is a good restaurant for those who eat animals and sit outside.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMWhat a Gem!The Pacific coast Grill is one of the few gems where you find a beautiful ocean view paired with great food. Normally, great view equals bad food. Not here. The food is delicious and the ambiance is really special. You feel like you are dining in a private beach house. It is a real treat!4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMCharlie13Four of us had burgers and fries for lunch. Reasonably priced, excellent burgers, great fries. Service was very good. Nice decor, on the beach. The bar area looked inviting. We will go back and enjoy a drink and food in the bar for a relaxing late lunch, afternoon break. We prefer lunch to dinner when we dine out.4/1/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food and the serverExcellent food and the server was very helpful with selections. Wonderful sunset view.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMGorgeous location, great SundayGorgeous location, great Sunday brunch. Wonderful server3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, great view. Can'tGreat food, great view. Can't wait to go back when the weather is nicer to sit on the patio where it is quieter.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMOverall great time. 2 peopleOverall great time. 2 people in the party were not impressed with the food though ( I think it was the veggie burger was very bland and the lobster burrito was mostly guacamole)
We will return and would recommend to friends.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMThe view from this place isThe view from this place is amazing. Ask to sit upstairs, you will not want to leave!3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent but too loud!Liked Pacific Coast Grill a lot! The food was excellent across the board and the service was amazingly good. However, we (two couples) couldn't hear each other at all, because the noise was deafening - at least it was in the main Dining Room. While it doesn't matter to the restaurant because it means they are busy, it mattered to us. So we will have to consider carefully if we return. - which was disappointing to all four of us. Perhaps they can keep track of the noise levels at different times and suggest the quieter ones (which still have the best chefs) to people when they call for reservations.3/26/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat service, good food.Great service, good food. Chef needs to reconsider his "Lobster tacos" as they came in a bowl and seemed more like a stew -- build it yourself style didn't work.
I, myself, ordered the sea bass which was fantastic.
Price is somewhat steep, but well worth it for the scenic view. Eating outside would have been a plus had it not been so windy.
I'd recommend this place!3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMThe sea bass was incredibleThe sea bass was incredible and we're still talking about the tempura banana dessert. Excellent food, service, and an incredible view....watching the sun set in the pacific ocean!3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful experience!Wonderful experience. Delicious food and gorgeous views!3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways wonderful food andAlways wonderful food and great service--with the ocean a few feet away!3/10/2013 12:00:00 AMgood food and service. Hadgood food and service. Had requested outdoor seating for my friends birthday. Did not get the outdoor seating and no mention of her special day .3/1/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious food and wine andDelicious food and wine and excellent service, all enjoyed against the backdrop of the beautiful Pacific Ocean.1/1/0001 4:00:00 PM