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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Cardiff By The Sea

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32 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff restaurant
1. Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff
4.8
Exceptional(9361)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 91 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
4.7
Exceptional(1044)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 13 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
4.8
Exceptional(172)
Price: Expensive
• American • Encinitas
Booked 63 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. Herb & Sea
4.6
Exceptional(2929)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Encinitas
Booked 62 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 Jake's Del Mar restaurant
5. Jake's Del Mar
4.8
Exceptional(10601)
Price: Moderate
• American • Del Mar
Booked 43 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
6. Poseidon
4.8
Exceptional(5662)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Del Mar
Booked 53 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
7. Buona Forchetta Encinitas
4.7
Exceptional(620)
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
8. Pacifica Del Mar
4.5
Awesome(4896)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Del Mar
Booked 40 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
9. Beeside Balcony Del Mar
4.6
Exceptional(1448)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary European • Del Mar
Booked 20 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
10. Le Papagayo Encinitas
4.5
Awesome(2278)
Price: Moderate
• American • Encinitas
Booked 28 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.

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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.

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