Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Cardiff By The Sea

71 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff restaurant

1. Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff

4.8

Exceptional(8944)

Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Cardiff By The Sea

Booked 117 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 Chart House Restaurant - Cardiff restaurant

2. Chart House Restaurant - Cardiff

4.3

Awesome(7000)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Solana Beach

Booked 52 times today

Chart House is a fine dining restaurant serving seafood & steak and famous for their spectacular views. For more than 50 years, Chart House has redefined the ideal dining experience. With 27 waterfront and showcase locations ranging from the historic to the unforgettable, Chart House restaurants specialize in dazzling views, unique cuisine and exceptional service. From fresh fish specialties to slow-roasted prime rib, the renowned chefs of Chart House have tailored a menu that adds a unique touch to local flavors. And the Chart House happy hour is a guest favorite, where guest favor our signature cocktails and delicious bites you are sure to enjoy. Our original Hot Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect end to a memorable dining experience at Chart House. Chart House offers the ideal setting for your next event. We would be happy to assist you with all the details of your special occasion.

3. Ki's Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(998)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Cardiff By The Sea

Booked 5 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.

4. Herb & Sea

4.6

Exceptional(2728)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Encinitas

Booked 34 times today

Blending classic East Coast culinary traditions with a modern Californian sensibility, Herb & Sea is Chef Brian Malarkey’s venerable companion restaurant to the much-loved Herb & Wood in Little Italy. Quickly becoming one of the most sought-after tables in town, the concept shines with a menu that focuses on simple, clean, bright flavors. Located steps from Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, the vibrant space is housed in a 1920’s art deco building that has been restored to its original glory.Daily operations are helmed by Executive Chef Aidan Owens. The menu includes a mix of raw bar staples, fresh seafood, meat dishes, and roasted vegetables. A variety of pizzas and pastas round out the offerings, alongside dessert and a dedicated kids’ menu.The spirits program is bright and playful, emphasizing citrus and floral notes that utilize the same ingredients found on the menu. The wine list offers a similar sense of whimsy, highlighting labels meant to complemen

A photo of Waverly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

5. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge

4.6

Exceptional(62)

Price: Expensive

• American • Encinitas

Booked 50 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

6. Jake's Del Mar

4.7

Exceptional(10197)

Price: Moderate

• American • Del Mar

Booked 111 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 Steak 48 - Del Mar restaurant

7. Steak 48 - Del Mar

4.9

Exceptional(1169)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Del Mar

Booked 96 times today

At Steak 48, we serve the finest steaks and high-quality seafood in an intimate and vibrant setting. Our diverse menu will satisfy any personal craving, as we serve the best USDA prime steaks, succulent seafood, and shellfish along with inventive and classically inspired side dishes and appetizers. Also enjoy classic cocktails and an extensive award-winning wine list. At Steak 48, We encourage all of our guests to get dressed up for a great experience, here is a link to our dress code that you can share with your guests. https://www.steak48.com/steakhouses/del-mar-california/dress-code/ You are going to have a great time!If you need any special accommodations or flowers reach out to us at the host desk! We look forward to seeing you soon!

8. Poseidon

4.8

Exceptional(5451)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Del Mar

Booked 39 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 Brigantine Del Mar restaurant

9. Brigantine Del Mar

4.6

Exceptional(2678)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Del Mar

Booked 42 times today

A San Diego tradition since 1969, the Brigantine has received many accolades in our 40+ year history. "BEST SEAFOOD", "BEST CASUAL SEAFOOD", "BEST HAPPY HOUR", and even "BEST SWORDFISH IN THE WORLD", according to USA Today.Well-known for our signature Clam Chowder, Grilled Swordfish, and Crème Brûlée, the Brigantine is a favorite among locals for consistently fresh seafood, succulent steaks and grilled meats. Perched between the spectacular Pacific Ocean and the hills of Rancho Santa Fe, the Del Mar Brigantine sits high above the action of the Del Mar racetrack.A lushly landscaped garden offers an unparalleled setting for weddings and outdoor-themed events. Indoors, a formal dining room looks out to the garden through floor-to-ceiling french doors. For more casual dining, the glass-enclosed deck is a year-round favorite.The Del Mar Brigantine serves dinner 7 nights a week, lunch Monday-Saturday, and brunch each Sunday.

10. Haven

new

4.2

Awesome(61)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Encinitas

Booked 28 times today

Nestled in the hills of Leucadia, Fox Point Farms is home to Haven Farm + Table, a new Californian restaurant helmed by Chef de Cuisine Kelston Moore and General Manager and Wine Director Ricardo Zarate Jr. Haven features the bountiful produce of the three-acre regenerative farm located just steps away from the kitchen. Delight in innovative dishes such as the Jerk Pork Belly Mole while dining on the terrace overlooking our lush fields, or sip a cocktail designed by Phillip Laethem in the stately yet cozy dining room.

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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.

Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Cardiff By The Sea

Price

Cuisine (20 of 43)

71 restaurants available nearby

1. Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff

2. Chart House Restaurant - Cardiff

3. Ki's Restaurant

4. Herb & Sea

5. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge

6. Jake's Del Mar

7. Steak 48 - Del Mar

8. Poseidon

9. Brigantine Del Mar

10. Haven

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Cardiff By The Sea

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