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Best Casual Restaurants in Cardiff By The Sea

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58 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(9150)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 98 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
4.7
Exceptional(1019)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 13 times today
During these trying times, we are trying to adjust our service so that customers feel safe but still have a great Ki's experience. Daytime service is as it always has been: order at the counter and the food will be brought to you in the seating area we have created outside under the tents. Night-time is full service. Sunday through Thursday is upstairs. The tables are spaced far apart and there is an option of being out on the front deck for parties of two. On Friday and Saturday, we will be offering full service in both seating areas of upstairs and under the tents outside. Ki's is a perfect fit for its local beach community culture. We provide food options that serve the needs of people who enjoy the outdoors and have a high degree of awareness for their health, fitness and well being. And Ki's is more than just a 'health food' option for many. It is simply great food for anyone-professionals, families looking for a home-cooked meal or friends hanging out enjoying some tasty eats.
A photo of Chart House Restaurant - Cardiff restaurant
4.4
Awesome(7136)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Solana Beach
Booked 37 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.
A photo of Waverly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(98)
Price: Expensive
• American • Encinitas
Booked 61 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 Herb & Sea restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2814)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Encinitas
Booked 45 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 Valentina restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1798)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary European • Encinitas
Booked 29 times today
A small neighborhood Spanish restaurant in a cute California beach town called Leucadia.we play music and serve wine, tapas, some cocktails and thoughtful hospitality with some dim lighting in a lively environment.We look forward to welcoming you.
A photo of Jake's Del Mar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(10391)
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 Haven restaurant
4.2
Awesome(134)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Encinitas
Booked 18 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.
A photo of Brigantine Del Mar restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2743)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Del Mar
Booked 26 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.
A photo of Buona Forchetta Encinitas restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(579)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Encinitas
Booked 44 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Robertvip
    San Diego •25 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Our server, Elena, was excellent. We will be back. The food is always good, especially the sushi rolls.
    More info
    Pacific Coast Grill - CardiffPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Cardiff By The Sea
    4.8
  • terry
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Nick, our server was very attentive, suggestive and answered our questions. Food was delicious and removed promptly when finished. Even though it was packed because of Thanksgiving nothing was rushed and it was a delightful experience!
    More info
    Herb & SeaPrice: Moderate• Californian• Encinitas
    4.6
  • Dawnvip
    San Diego •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Our Thanksgiving dinner experience at Chart House in Cardiff was sensational! From the exceptional service (shout out to our server, Raye) to the outstanding food and ambiance, we were truly impressed. There was a price fixe menu for the holiday (at a reasonable price compared to most places in town), and the turkey entree was excellent. The turkey was moist and plentiful, the stuffing tasted just like mom's, there was a choice of potato, a vegetable, and cranberry sauce. Everything on the plate tasted so good, just like your traditional Thanksgiving, and my husband thought the serving size was very generous. The price fixe menu also included your choice of starter and dessert. The lobster bisque and kale salad were both wonderful. There were also about 9 other entrees to choose from. I had the filet and shrimp combo and it was absolutely delicious; prepared to perfection. The restaurant was packed. Be sure to get your reservation early next year. I highly recommend it!
    More info
    Chart House Restaurant - CardiffPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Solana Beach
    4.4
  • Vi
    San Diego •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 21, 2024
    I love the big dining room upstairs where I can look out to the ocean. Also, I used the ramp at the back for the first time because, at 85, the stairs are getting treacherous for me. I love Ki's!
    More info
    Ki's RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Californian• Cardiff By The Sea
    4.7
  • Marilyn
    San Diego •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 21, 2024
    My girlfriend and I go there a lot. We usually split the Caesar salad, which is the best ever Caesar! Today we split the avocado toast. It was pretty bland for our taste. We usually think of avocado toast as having some sort of little kick, but this had none. Salt and pepper helped a little, then we asked for some aoli, which was chipotle mayo, which also helped. But we both decided that we wouldn’t order it again.
    More info
    Waverly Restaurant & LoungePrice: Expensive• American• Encinitas
    4.6
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