Best Authentic Restaurants in San Marcos

15 restaurants available nearby

1. Fish Boon

4.8

Exceptional(32)

Price: Expensive

• Sushi • Carlsbad

Booked 22 times today

At Fish Boon, we see every meal as a celebration of freshness, quality, and flavor. Located in the hills of Carlsbad, our restaurant is committed to creating outstanding sushi experiences infused with warmth and elegance. We use handpicked, high-quality ingredients in our meticulously crafted dishes, inviting you to enjoy the blend of tradition and innovation. Join us on a journey where each bite weaves a story, making every visit feel like a homecoming. Welcome to where exceptional sushi meets authentic hospitality.

A photo of Buona Forchetta - San Marcos restaurant

2. Buona Forchetta - San Marcos

4.3

Awesome(445)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • San Marcos

Booked 18 times today

Buona Forchetta San Marcos, our fifth location, blends award winning Neapolitan-style pizzas and Northern Italian upscale entrees in a family-friendly, approachable space. Located in San Marcos’ North City; a cosmopolitan center, that sparks a strong sense of place and pride among the people who call it home. This location boasts beautiful indoor seating, built for comfort with a luxurious touch, as well as a large, shaded patio. Inside, a gilded oven churns out classic creations, while the main kitchen serves up chef-driven pastas and entrée dishes. Owner Matteo Cattaneo bringing yet another Italian eatery to life for North County residents and visitor

A photo of Buona Forchetta Encinitas restaurant

3. Buona Forchetta Encinitas

4.7

Exceptional(589)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Encinitas

Booked 37 times today

Buona Forchetta Encinitas is a hit among customers for its authentic Italian cuisine. One reviewer raved, 'If you are looking for an authentic taste of Italy, look no further.' Others echoed this sentiment, describing the food as 'authentic and delicious' and praising the restaurant for its 'authentic Italian cuisine.' The restaurant's owner, Matteo Cattaneo, has brought his warehouse-style Italian eatery to life in Encinitas, providing a family-friendly, approachable space with award-winning pizzas and upscale entrees.

A photo of Cocina de Barrio Encinitas restaurant

4. Cocina de Barrio Encinitas

4.7

Exceptional(124)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Encinitas

Booked 13 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!

A photo of Vigilucci's Seafood & Steakhouse restaurant

5. Vigilucci's Seafood & Steakhouse

4.8

Exceptional(4596)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Carlsbad

Booked 31 times today

Vigilucci's Seafood and Steakhouse offers authentic Northern Italian cuisine. The location sits across from the Pacific on the historic 101 and has one of the best views in San Diego.Open seven days a week. Signature dishes include Caprese salad with bufallo mozzarella and Heirloom tomatoes, made from scratch stuffed pastas, Cioppino, prime steaks, fresh seafood including a warm or cold fresh seafood tower with oysters, clams, mussels, crab, lobster and jumbo prawn. (items may vary )Private Wine Cellar room available for private parties.For off-site events and parties contact Cater@Vigiluccis.comCatering to the most discerning palates for over 25 years.Vigilucci’s catering team can custom create a unique and memorable menu for celebrating life’s special occasions.

6. 264 Fresco

4.5

Awesome(2601)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Carlsbad

Booked 23 times today

At 264 Fresco, our goal is for every guest to leave feeling absolutely delighted with their dining experience. Whether you stop by for a quick drink, come in to share a special meal with a loved one, or are planning to host a private party, you can always count on us to deliver delectable food made from the finest ingredients, exceptional service, and a warm, lively, and welcoming atmosphere. For groups of 8 or more, please call the restaurant directly at (760) 720-3737 https://www.instagram.com/264fresco/The Deck @264 Fresco is now open! The Deck is 21+ and is first come, first serve seating. To reserve a private event please email hello@264fresco.com

A photo of Vigilucci's Cucina Italiana restaurant

7. Vigilucci's Cucina Italiana

4.8

Exceptional(2739)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Carlsbad

Booked 29 times today

Nestled in the heart of downtown Carlsbad, Vigilucci's Cucina Italiana offers fabulous Northern Italian cuisine and award-winning service. Enjoy lunch on the outdoor patio or start the evening off at their full-service bar before dinner. A great place for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, a company party or special event. Each of Vigilucci's three locations offer a notable wine menu, made from scratch pastas and sauces, fresh seafood specials, salads, prime steaks, chicken and veal dishes. For off-site events and parties contact Cater. Vigiluccis.comCatering to the most discerning palates for over 25 years,Vigilucci’s catering team can custom create a unique and memorable menu for celebrating life’s special occasions.

8. 7MILE Kitchen

4.1

Excellent(321)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Carlsbad

Booked 5 times today

Named for Carlsbad's seven miles of coastline, 7 Mile Kitchen features wood-fired pizzas and gourmet burgers. Keeping in mind San Diego’s love for craft beers, 7 Mile features rotating taps of many of the local favorites. Dessert is a must in this restaurant, which has a gelato bar and fire pit s'mores.

A photo of Jalisco Cantina - Carlsbad restaurant

9. Jalisco Cantina - Carlsbad

4.4

Awesome(17)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Oceanside

Booked 6 times today

¡Bienvenido a Jalisco Cantina! Inspired by the rich culture of Jalisco, Mexico—a region famous for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and birthplace of the world’s finest tequilas—we bring this spirit to every dish and drink we serve. Our scratch kitchen uses the freshest ingredients to craft flavorful, authentic dishes like birria tacos, carnitas, and made-to-order guacamole.Pair your meal with our extensive selection of premium tequilas and handcrafted cocktails, carefully curated to reflect the essence of Jalisco. Join us at Jalisco Cantina for a dining experience that’s as vibrant and welcoming as the Mexican sun. ¡Salud!

A photo of UNION Kitchen & Tap restaurant

10. UNION Kitchen & Tap

4.7

Exceptional(1056)

Price: Moderate

• American • Encinitas

UNION Kitchen & Tap is an authentic American restaurant due to its emphasis on using local and organic ingredients in its New American Cuisine. The reviews highlight the hearty comfort food, creative twist, and great service. The restaurant's atmosphere and extensive beer and wine selection are also highly praised.

‘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

J
JoeVIP
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Not your typical Mexican joint. Very elevated. Best ceviche and aguachile ever. The food is beautiful to the eye and very delicious and bright.
More info
Cocina de Barrio EncinitasPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Encinitas
•
4.7
E
Eva
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Loved the music! John Katchur is an amazing guitarist and songwriter. The service was ok... multiple people were attending to our table, with suddenly someone new and no consistency, and yet long gaps when no one showed up... There was only one option for hot sake and it wasn't very good. Miso soup was very mediocre but Sushi was delicious.
More info
Fish BoonPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Carlsbad
•
4.8
M
Marla
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Food is always great here. Tried the Millefoglie Della Nonna for dessert. Was absolutely divine!
More info
Buona Forchetta - San MarcosPrice: Moderate• Italian• San Marcos
•
4.3
R
RichardVIP
San Diego •23 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We heard that their gluten-free pizza was good. We were pleased to find that it was better than most we have tried in San Diego. Crust had better taste and better texture. As with most gluten-free crust it was more difficult than pizza dough to cut with a knife, but eating a slice held by hand worked very well. The menu was filled with choices. We liked the atmosphere at Buona Forchetta and we especially liked the attentive help we received as first time customers. We definitely will be coming back. Next time we will try the gluten-free pasta and gnocchi.
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Buona Forchetta EncinitasPrice: Moderate• Italian• Encinitas
•
4.7
P
PatrickVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
As usual,Vigilucci’s was amazing. Outstanding experience is every regard. The service was attentive yet not over-bearing. The food was truly 5-star whether seafood, pasta, veal, or beef, the preparation and presentation were stunning.
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Vigilucci's Seafood & SteakhousePrice: Expensive• Italian• Carlsbad
•
4.8

Best Authentic Restaurants in San Marcos

Price

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Top Rated

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Accessibility

15 restaurants available nearby

1. Fish Boon

2. Buona Forchetta - San Marcos

3. Buona Forchetta Encinitas

4. Cocina de Barrio Encinitas

5. Vigilucci's Seafood & Steakhouse

6. 264 Fresco

7. Vigilucci's Cucina Italiana

8. 7MILE Kitchen

9. Jalisco Cantina - Carlsbad

10. UNION Kitchen & Tap

See what locals rave about

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