Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Cardiff By The Sea

13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Waverly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

1. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge

4.7

Exceptional(122)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Encinitas

Booked 72 times today

Waverly Restaurant & Lounge, nestled in picturesque Cardiff by The Sea, offers an exquisite take on Contemporary American cuisine with a unique European twist. Diners frequently praise its innovative dishes, with the duck meatball and whipped ricotta receiving standout reviews for being "delicious" and "super tasty." The atmosphere is lauded as "lively and fun" with an inviting indoor-outdoor setup, making it perfect for any occasion. Guests are treated to top-notch service, often described as "informative and friendly," contributing to an overall "5-star experience." Whether for a casual outing or a special celebration, Waverly consistently delivers excellence in every culinary aspect.

A photo of South of Nick's - Del Mar restaurant

2. South of Nick's - Del Mar

4.7

Exceptional(625)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Del Mar

Booked 67 times today

Nestled in the heart of Del Mar, San Diego, South of Nick's stands as a beacon of exceptional American cuisine with a tantalizing Southern California twist. This lively eatery has earned rave reviews for its vibrant atmosphere and impeccable service, where "Jordan was the best" and "Chase was phenomenal." Diners are consistently delighted by classic favorites like the "Cabo Shrimp" and "toasted coconut drink," which are celebrated for their authentic flavors and creative flair. With high praise for its rich, flavorful dishes and top-notch hospitality, South of Nick's promises a dining experience that's "always consistently good" and utterly unforgettable.

3. Sbicca - Del Mar

4.6

Exceptional(2520)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Del Mar

Booked 16 times today

Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Del Mar, Sbicca - Del Mar stands out for its exceptional Seafood cuisine, offering diners a taste of the ocean with stunning views of the Pacific. Awarded the "Gold Medallion Award" for Best Neighborhood Restaurant, Sbicca ensures every dish is crafted with authenticity and quality. Guests rave about their "outstanding Lobster Shrimp Bisque" and the "incredible Blackened Shrimp Salad and Salmon." With a menu that perfectly captures the essence of the sea, paired with a "Wine Spectator award-winning wine list," Sbicca promises an unforgettable dining experience that seafood lovers will cherish.

A photo of Ocean View Bar & Grill Restaurant in Hotel Indigo Del Mar restaurant

4. Ocean View Bar & Grill Restaurant in Hotel Indigo Del Mar

3.7

Very Good(25)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Del Mar

Booked 2 times today

Hotel Indigo's Ocean View Bar & Grill serves authentic local favorites, creative appetizers, sharable plates and signature cocktails. Along with its enticing menu, guests enjoy ocean views and contemporary décor. The grill also features live local music on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Bring your furry friend and enjoy al fresco dining by the fire pit, or belly up to the bar for one of our signature cocktails.

5. Pacifica Del Mar

4.5

Awesome(4861)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Del Mar

Booked 35 times today

Pacifica Del Mar is a shining star in the heart of Del Mar, offering an exquisite Contemporary American dining experience that has been delighting patrons for decades. Elevated above the Del Mar Plaza, the restaurant boasts "spectacular ocean views" that perfectly complement its delicious and inspired menu. Renowned for its casual yet refined offerings, Pacifica Del Mar excels in crafting dishes that are both "exceptional" and "super tasty," featuring fresh seafood, tender steaks, and creative pasta options. The award-winning wine list and inventive cocktails enhance the dining experience, while the attentive and "wonderful service" ensures a memorable evening for all.

6. SHELTER

4.1

Excellent(23)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Encinitas

Booked 1 time today

"Open- air" cocktail lounge and nightclub in the heart of downtown Encinitas. DJ's nightly curating sexy house vibes. Reservations for bottle service are highly recommended. Shelter is a 21+ venue.

A photo of Vue - Omni La Costa Resort & Spa restaurant

7. Vue - Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

4.2

Awesome(159)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Carlsbad

Booked 3 times today

Vue at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad is a gem for authentic Californian cuisine, offering a delightful culinary experience with a mesmerizing view of lush golf courses and rolling hills. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in the glowing reviews, with patrons praising the "high-quality and tasty food" and "fantastic dining experience." Guests rave about the exceptional service and the unique craft brews, wines, and cocktails that accompany the creative dishes. Whether you're indulging in the "amazing Chilean sea bass" or a "fantastic brunch," Vue ensures a memorable dining experience that perfectly captures the essence of Californian cuisine.

A photo of West End Bar & Kitchen restaurant

8. West End Bar & Kitchen

4.7

Exceptional(985)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Del Mar

Booked 15 times today

West End Bar & Kitchen in Del Mar is a seafood lover's paradise, offering a delightful blend of flavor and freshness in every dish. Nestled across from the serene lagoon at Torrey Pines State Reserve, this restaurant is praised for its "amazing food" and "great service." Diners rave about the exceptional clam chowder, described as "full of clams," and the crab-stuffed ravioli in lobster sauce, hailed as "delicious." The creative and authentic seafood offerings, combined with a menu that boasts local craft beers and eclectic wines, make West End a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a memorable seafood dining experience.

9. 7MILE Kitchen

3.9

Excellent(325)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Carlsbad

Booked 1 time today

Nestled in the beautiful coastal town of Carlsbad, 7MILE Kitchen is a haven for pizza lovers, offering a delectable array of wood-fired pizzas that capture the essence of authentic Pizza Bar cuisine. Visitors from far and wide rave about the "delectable sausage morsels, flavorful cheese, and a one-of-a-kind sauce" that grace their pizzas. The thoughtful scattering of red peppers adds a delightful kick, making their creations a must-try for any pizza enthusiast. Complementing their main offerings is a warm, welcoming ambiance with attentive service, making 7MILE Kitchen the ideal spot to unwind and indulge in some of the finest Pizza Bar dining around.

10. 20|TWENTY

4.1

Excellent(1160)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Carlsbad

Booked 13 times today

20|TWENTY in Carlsbad serves up a remarkable Contemporary American dining experience that is both authentic and innovative. Under the expert guidance of Chef Jason Luke, the restaurant crafts minimalistic dishes that celebrate the freshness and seasonality of Southern California's bounty. Patrons rave about the "excellent food made with unique ingredients and combinations," with dishes like the beet salad and short ribs leaving a lasting impression. The ambiance is described as "chill and unpretentious," making it perfect for any occasion. With stunning Pacific coastline views and a commitment to quality, 20|TWENTY offers a culinary journey you won't want to miss.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
Laura
San Diego •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
This restaurant is located in a perfect spot in Cardiff. The decor is lovely and truly speaks to a beach atmosphere. We had a gift card to use so we were able to try a lot of different dishes. They were all very tasty and the drinks are one of a kind. It is a pricey place, but every nice restaurant these days is pricey. My only complaint is the salad (arugula) that came with my fish was so heavily coated in salt that I couldn't eat it. It didn't seem right that it would even have salt on it so I don't know if it was in the dressing or a mistake. At any rate, the main dishes were very good. Our drinks did sit empty for half the meal so the waitress could have come by more often to ask if we wanted anything else. But overall, the ambience, overall decor, and vibe was lovely.
More info
Waverly Restaurant & LoungePrice: Expensive• American• Encinitas
•
4.7
K
KarenVIP
San Diego •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food and service here never disappoint. The pork chop is excellent
More info
Sbicca - Del MarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Del Mar
•
4.6
L
Linda
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We always have lunch at Pacifica Del Mar on New Year's Day. Has been our tradition for 25 years and there is no better way to start the new year. Beautiful ocean view, impeccable service, great menu selections, piping hot delicious food, wow factor cocktails...it all adds up to an amazing experience. Highly recommend. Try the prawn cocktail, mixed greens salad, sugar-spiced salmon, and burnt cream. Grapefruit martini was fire!
More info
Pacifica Del MarPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Del Mar
•
4.5
KK
KennyKazVIP
San Diego •48 reviews
5.0
Dined on 30 Jun 2024
It was a great evening eating dinner with an ocean view!
More info
Ocean View Bar & Grill Restaurant in Hotel Indigo Del MarPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Del Mar
•
3.7
KL
KittyLyons81
San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
5.0
Dined on 27 Mar 2022
Loved dancing at shelter and the good vibes !
More info
SHELTERPrice: Moderate• Dining Bar• Encinitas
•
4.1

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Cardiff By The Sea

Contemporary american

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Cardiff By The Sea

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13 restaurants available nearby

1. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge

2. South of Nick's - Del Mar

3. Sbicca - Del Mar

4. Ocean View Bar & Grill Restaurant in Hotel Indigo Del Mar

5. Pacifica Del Mar

6. SHELTER

7. Vue - Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

8. West End Bar & Kitchen

9. 7MILE Kitchen

10. 20|TWENTY

See what locals rave about

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