Best Casual Restaurants in Cardiff By The Sea

64 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff restaurant

1. Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff

4.8

Exceptional(9150)

Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Cardiff By The Sea

Booked 98 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.

2. Haven

4.2

Awesome(134)

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.

3. Poseidon

4.8

Exceptional(5569)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Del Mar

Booked 40 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 South of Nick's - Del Mar restaurant

4. South of Nick's - Del Mar

4.7

Exceptional(592)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Del Mar

Booked 61 times today

An essential stop in San Diego for Southern California Mexican Cuisine.South of Nick's Mexican Kitchen & Bar features Classic Mexican favorites, prime steaks and seafood with a So Cal twist. Fine Tequilas & Margaritas Our food and drink meets the highest standards of quality, freshness and seasonality and combines both modern-creative and traditional styles of cooking. Nick’s is dedicated to perfecting the dining experience through continuous innovation, offering the highest quality food and beverage, and executing impeccable standards of hospitality. The deeply instilled Nick’s culture is personified by its Ladies and Gentlemen – professionals who share a single focus and are inspired and committed to offering great service and creating positive memorable experiences.

A photo of Brigantine Del Mar restaurant

5. Brigantine Del Mar

4.6

Exceptional(2743)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Del Mar

Booked 26 times today

A San Diego tradition since 1969, the Brigantine has received many accolades in our 40+ year history. "BEST SEAFOOD", "BEST CASUAL SEAFOOD", "BEST HAPPY HOUR", and even "BEST SWORDFISH IN THE WORLD", according to USA Today.Well-known for our signature Clam Chowder, Grilled Swordfish, and Crème Brûlée, the Brigantine is a favorite among locals for consistently fresh seafood, succulent steaks and grilled meats. Perched between the spectacular Pacific Ocean and the hills of Rancho Santa Fe, the Del Mar Brigantine sits high above the action of the Del Mar racetrack.A lushly landscaped garden offers an unparalleled setting for weddings and outdoor-themed events. Indoors, a formal dining room looks out to the garden through floor-to-ceiling french doors. For more casual dining, the glass-enclosed deck is a year-round favorite.The Del Mar Brigantine serves dinner 7 nights a week, lunch Monday-Saturday, and brunch each Sunday.

A photo of Buona Forchetta Encinitas restaurant

6. Buona Forchetta Encinitas

4.7

Exceptional(579)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Encinitas

Booked 43 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.

7. Echale Encinitas

4.7

Exceptional(106)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Encinitas

Booked 11 times today

Nestled in the serene beach town of Encinitas, our California Bistro and Natural Wine Bar offers a mix of traditional Spanish flavors with a modern Mediterranean twist, complemented by an exquisite selection of natural wines. Menu favorites include the Maitake Mushroom toast and tahini "aioli", our Green Chile Burger with gruyere cheese, and our locally sourced blue fin tuna crudo with citrus vinaigrette. We play a mix of Brazilian funk, late 90's hip-hop, and French pop all through our vintage Marantz receiver and JBl speakers. Our dimly lit cozy restaurant is ideal for date nights and post-surf hangs.

A photo of Cucina Enoteca - Del Mar restaurant

8. Cucina Enoteca - Del Mar

4.5

Awesome(2733)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Del Mar

Booked 39 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).

A photo of Cocina de Barrio Encinitas restaurant

9. Cocina de Barrio Encinitas

4.6

Exceptional(115)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Encinitas

Booked 20 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 weekend brunch (where we add a Mexican kick) and our happy hour every Monday-Friday from 3-5pm! Stay Chido!

A photo of North Italia San Diego - One Paseo restaurant

10. North Italia San Diego - One Paseo

4.5

Awesome(1532)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Del Mar

Booked 59 times today

At North, we focus on what we do best: Italian from scratch. Enjoy any of our handmade pastas and pizzas, created with seasonal ingredients and inventive flavors. Or, try a different signature dish, prepared with our fresh flavors from the garden, farm, and sea. We’ve hand crafted seasonal cocktails that pair great with our food, creating a real modern Italia experiences perfect for any occasion.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined today
The hostess greeted us with a smile and our server Chase was exceptional. We never had to ask for anything. Everything he recommended was delicious. We will definitely be back soon.
More info
South of Nick's - Del MarPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Del Mar
•
4.7
R
Robertvip
San Diego •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Our server, Elena, was excellent. We will be back. The food is always good, especially the sushi rolls.
More info
Pacific Coast Grill - CardiffPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Cardiff By The Sea
•
4.8
A
Art
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We Love Poseidon! Looking forward to my next visit
More info
PoseidonPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Del Mar
•
4.8
J
John
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The food was excellent and the view is spectacular! I also thought it was a great value for such a nice experience
More info
Brigantine Del MarPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Del Mar
•
4.6
P
Pollyvip
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 21 Nov 2024
Great over-all with excellent service. Would have preferred a more varied menu with a couple of additional entrees- possibly a chicken option? and possibly a vegan option. Ceasar salad, bread and soup were very good~ and the flavored butters. A little chilly, but not bad considering is so open air inside. Savanah was a wonderful server xoxo
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HavenPrice: Expensive• Californian• Encinitas
•
4.2

Best Casual Restaurants in Cardiff By The Sea

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64 restaurants available nearby

1. Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff

2. Haven

3. Poseidon

4. South of Nick's - Del Mar

5. Brigantine Del Mar

6. Buona Forchetta Encinitas

7. Echale Encinitas

8. Cucina Enoteca - Del Mar

9. Cocina de Barrio Encinitas

10. North Italia San Diego - One Paseo

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