Best Vegan Restaurants in Cardiff By The Sea

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodMexicanComfort FoodOrganic

Regions

North San DiegoSan Diego

Neighborhoods

Cardiff By The SeaCarlsbadCarmel ValleyDel MarEncinitasLa Jolla

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

22 restaurants available nearby

1. Ki's Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1044)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Cardiff By The Sea

Booked 12 times today

Daytime service is as it always has been: order at the counter and the food will be brought to you in the seating area upstairs or out under our tent. Night-time is full service in the upstairs seating area. On Friday nights, we also have live music from 7-9pm.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 Waverly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

2. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge

4.8

Exceptional(172)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Encinitas

Booked 77 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 Cocina de Barrio Encinitas restaurant

3. Cocina de Barrio Encinitas

4.7

Exceptional(140)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Encinitas

Booked 23 times today

*Brunch hours are on a walk-in basis only.Cocina de Barrio by Chef Jose J. FloresWelcome to Cocina de Barrio, the newest modern-urban Mexican restaurant located in Encinitas, CA! We are proud to feature the culinary richness of Oaxaca as well as other Mexican regions. Stop by and enjoy our bar stocked with plenty of tequila and mezcal selections, beer, and wines sourced from Valle Guadalupe.Don't forget to join us during our daily brunch (where we add a Mexican kick) and our happy hour every Monday-Friday from 3-5pm! Stay Chido!

4. Herb & Sea

4.6

Exceptional(2929)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Encinitas

Booked 56 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 Rustic Root - Solana Beach restaurant

5. Rustic Root - Solana Beach

4.3

Awesome(59)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Del Mar

Booked 83 times today

Modern rooftop destination featuring local, seasonal cuisine & craft cocktails in stylish surrounds.

6. Jake's Del Mar

4.8

Exceptional(10601)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Del Mar

Booked 44 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.

7. Haven

4.5

Awesome(208)

$$$$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 Buona Forchetta Encinitas restaurant

8. Buona Forchetta Encinitas

4.7

Exceptional(620)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Encinitas

Booked 51 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 Cucina Enoteca - Del Mar restaurant

9. Cucina Enoteca - Del Mar

4.4

Awesome(2754)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Del Mar

Booked 48 times today

Say hello to the sister restaurant of San Diego’s award winning CUCINA urbana! CUCINA enoteca’s menu features Italian classics with a modern twist, traditionally coursed or served family-style, and made with the freshest local, organic and sustainable ingredients. Enjoy wine by the glass or visit the wine shop and select a bottle from over 100 selections at retail price ($10 corkage fee applies).

10. Tavern

4.8

Exceptional(578)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Solana Beach

Booked 17 times today

Newly remodeled, the much airier Tavern is all about art, music, and above all great food. Open for lunch and soon to include evening dining, the Tavern adds a distinctly Mexican/Pacific Coast set of flavors to the local fine dining scene.We are located in the heart of the Cedros Design District, within walking distance of the Amtrak station. The style is casual with indoor and outdoor dining ( plus bar seating). The patio, which can accommodate 18 guests, looks out onto the shop-lined Cedros Avenue and can be separated from the main dining area for private events.*Please note* Our restaurant welcomes walk-ins during our Lunch hours from 11:30 am- 3:30 pm. *Tavern restaurant will be closed for dinner (Lunch will remain open Monday and Tuesday when the belly up is dark)*Please check our website for the most up-to-date hours*

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
Tiffanie
Fayetteville / Northwest Arkansas •6 reviews
5.0
Dined today
What an fantastic experience! We were a group of 4 that split the mussel toast and hush puppies both delicious, don't skip the honey herb butter . We enjoyed the ragu, yellow tail, carrots, beets, and bone marrow app. We enjoyed every item we ordered. Robert and his lovely manager took such great care of us and seating us in an area better suited for my FIL. The noise level isn't in anyone's control, so if you are wanting a quiet dinner go earlier or later. It is a happening spot where every is having a great time, so be ready. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. ❤
More info
Herb & SeaPrice: Moderate• Californian• Encinitas
•
4.6
W
WilliamVIP
Los Angeles •22 reviews
5.0
Dined today
A really fun vibe and delicious food. The place was jumping, service was outstanding, we were treated like a VIP.
More info
Rustic Root - Solana BeachPrice: Moderate• American• Del Mar
•
4.3
H
HeatherVIP
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We love Waverly and we appreciate Max’s knowledge and attention to detail!
More info
Waverly Restaurant & LoungePrice: Expensive• American• Encinitas
•
4.8
D
DaveVIP
San Diego •330 reviews
4.0
Dined 7 days ago
Very nice evening using our birthday discount card for my wife’s birthday - pork chops and wine were great. Great time with friends
More info
Ki's RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Californian• Cardiff By The Sea
•
4.7
J
JackiVIP
Los Angeles •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 21, 2025
Our server was fantastic, food was delicious, and the atmosphere is a lot of fun. Will definitely be back.
More info
Cocina de Barrio EncinitasPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Encinitas
•
4.7

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