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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Rancho Santa Fe

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36 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Mille Fleurs restaurant
1. Mille Fleurs
4.8
Exceptional(2323)
Price: Very Expensive
• French American • Rancho Santa Fe
Booked 6 times today
Mille Fleurs is a neighborhood gem due to its superb French American cuisine, as described by Food & Wine Magazine as one of the 'Top 25 in America'. Customers consistently praise its exceptional service and artfully crafted dishes. The cozy atmosphere and the restaurant's 'quaint spot for some amazing French food' makes it a favorite among locals. It's a place where you can enjoy a 'great meal with personal attention' and a 'romantic, quality food' experience.
A photo of Nick & G's Restaurant restaurant
2. Nick & G's Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(955)
Price: Expensive
• American • Rancho Santa Fe
Booked 8 times today
At Nick & G's the good times keep rolling! We bring the taste of Italy to Rancho Santa Fe, serving our community with best-in-class dining, catering, and events. Our restaurant's design showcases a tasteful blend of new and old-world luxury, to reflect the delicate balance of flavors contained in our modern Italian-American cuisine.
A photo of Rancho Santa Fe Bistro restaurant
3. Rancho Santa Fe Bistro
4.7
Exceptional(345)
Price: Moderate
• American • Rancho Santa Fe
Booked 5 times today
Welcome to The Rancho Santa Fe Bistro located in the heart of the beautiful downtown Rancho Santa Fe, CA. Our unique bistro offers an amazing menu and a superior wine selection for any lunch or dinner occasion. For lunch walk-ins are welcome.Owner / Chef Mozy Jahanguiri, who has run restaurants in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Dallas, has opened The Rancho Santa Fe Bistro in the space formerly occupied by The Pantry on Paseo Delicias. Mozy has prepared a menu that offers a wide variety of healthy and stylish fresh grill and more offering a balanced approach to food and wine along with bistro favorites including Oysters Rockefeller, traditional escargots, baked brie with grapes and honey and more for starters. Entrees to satisfy any taste of carefully sourced meats, seafood and much more. Be sure to check out Bistro's beautiful wood wine cellar, housing an extensive collection that spans an impressive 100 years (1897-1997) at a variety of price points.
A photo of The Pony Room restaurant
4. The Pony Room
4.8
Exceptional(1554)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Rancho Santa Fe
Booked 38 times today
The Pony Room is a favorite among locals and resort guests alike. In addition to an extensive selection of all expressions of agave spirits, it is also home to one of Southern California's most impressive wine and hand-crafted, seasonally inspired signature cocktail lists. The Pony Room serves exceptional, American inspired comfort classics with daily specials.Live Music 7 nights a weekJoin us every Saturday and Sunday for Brunch on our beautiful hacienda inspired terraces from 11am to 2pm.
A photo of Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff restaurant
5. Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff
4.8
Exceptional(9359)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 85 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 Waverly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
6. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge
4.8
Exceptional(172)
Price: Expensive
• American • Encinitas
Booked 75 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 Firenze Trattoria restaurant
7. Firenze Trattoria
4.7
Exceptional(1783)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Encinitas
Booked 10 times today
OPEN FOR DINE IN~ We are accepting online and phone reservations. Please be patient with wait times **IF YOU HAVE A SEATING PREFERENCE FOR EITHER THE INSIDE DINING ROOM OR OUTSIDE HEATED PATIO, PLEASE SPECIFY WHEN MAKING YOUR RESERVATION. **SEATING PREFERENCES CANNOT BE GUARANTEED** Sun-splashed by day and romantically lantern-lit at night, Firenze's flower-bedecked patio, with it's gentle fountain, is like a private courtyard in some romantic Italian villa. Come see what all the buzz is about we are certain that you will enjoy this one of a kind experience in this beautiful San Diego Italian restaurant.
A photo of Rosina's Italian Restaurant restaurant
8. Rosina's Italian Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1258)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Poway / Rancho Bernardo
Booked 37 times today
Rosina's Italian Restaurant is a neighborhood gem, tucked away in a residential neighborhood. The restaurant has been serving traditional Italian cuisine for almost 30 years. It's often described as a 'hidden gem', a 'local gem', and a 'neighborhood gem' in reviews. It's loved for its consistently great food, excellent service, and comfortable, friendly environment. The restaurant has a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel like a part of the family.
A photo of Dolce restaurant
9. Dolce
4.8
Exceptional(718)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Rancho Santa Fe
Booked 11 times today
Dolce is a much-loved neighborhood spot in Rancho Santa Fe, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly staff, delicious food, and excellent service. The restaurant's local, rustic cuisine and fine wines have made it a go-to place for joyful gatherings. As one reviewer noted, 'Dolce is our neighborhood restaurant. We feel welcomed and seen there!'
A photo of Ki's Restaurant restaurant
10. Ki's Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1044)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 8 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • MelissaVIP
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Attentive and efficient service and outstanding cuisine.
    More info
    The Pony RoomPrice: Very Expensive• American• Rancho Santa Fe
    •
    4.8
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Came to Pacific Coast Grill for dinner and had a great experience overall. Our server was friendly, attentive, and checked in often without being overbearing. The Hot Stone Surf & Turf was a fun, interactive dish, though a little anxiety-inducing making sure everything was cooked correctly. The ahi was definitely better than the filet. The shrimp dumplings were the favorite of the night—the texture was phenomenal, and the sauce was sweet and flavorful. The sea bass had a light sauce that complemented it nicely. The salmon was cooked well, though it could have used a bit more sauce to balance out the amount of rice. It leaned on the sweeter side, which matched the menu description. The lobster was cooked well though there was nothing remarkable about it. For dessert, the tempura bananas and apple pie were a perfect way to end the night. Definitely a great spot for a meal with a view! You should plan on valeting your car.
    More info
    Pacific Coast Grill - CardiffPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Cardiff By The Sea
    •
    4.8
  • StuartVIP
    San Diego •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 28, 2025
    Excellent service, great presentation, tasted great. Worth a visit, look forward to going back.
    More info
    Mille FleursPrice: Very Expensive• French American• Rancho Santa Fe
    •
    4.8
  • ChristineVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •37 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 28, 2025
    We brought out-of-town guests to one of our favorite restaurants. It did not disappoint. We ate in the patio, had wonderful service and the usual delicious food. Our guests really enjoyed the ambiance, the food and the experience.
    More info
    Rancho Santa Fe BistroPrice: Moderate• American• Rancho Santa Fe
    •
    4.7
  • Carlos
    San Diego •1 review
    4.0
    Dined on Feb 27, 2025
    Nice quiet place to enjoy an evening out. Decent martini.
    More info
    Nick & G's RestaurantPrice: Expensive• American• Rancho Santa Fe
    •
    4.6

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Rancho Santa Fe

Discover the hidden culinary gems of Rancho Santa Fe in North San Diego, where the dining scene shines with unique charm and high-quality offerings. These neighborhood gems are celebrated for their exceptional service, cozy atmospheres, and expertly crafted dishes that cater specifically to the tastes and preferences of the local community. Each restaurant in this locale stands out for its commitment to providing a warm, inviting environment coupled with a menu that highlights the best of local and rustic cuisine. Whether you're in the mood for an intimate dinner or a joyful gathering with friends, these establishments ensure a memorable dining experience. Reflecting the true spirit of Rancho Santa Fe, these eateries are not just places to eat but destinations that offer a personal touch and a deep connection to the community. Experience dining excellence where every meal is served with a touch of local flair and a commitment to quality that keeps patrons coming back for more.

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