Best Lunch Restaurants in Cardiff By The Sea

72 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff restaurant

1. Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff

4.8

Exceptional(9220)

Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Cardiff By The Sea

Booked 88 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 Chart House Restaurant - Cardiff restaurant

2. Chart House Restaurant - Cardiff

4.5

Awesome(7219)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Solana Beach

Booked 43 times today

Chart House is a fine dining restaurant serving seafood & steak and famous for their spectacular views. For more than 50 years, Chart House has redefined the ideal dining experience. With 27 waterfront and showcase locations ranging from the historic to the unforgettable, Chart House restaurants specialize in dazzling views, unique cuisine and exceptional service. From fresh fish specialties to slow-roasted prime rib, the renowned chefs of Chart House have tailored a menu that adds a unique touch to local flavors. And the Chart House happy hour is a guest favorite, where guest favor our signature cocktails and delicious bites you are sure to enjoy. Our original Hot Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect end to a memorable dining experience at Chart House. Chart House offers the ideal setting for your next event. We would be happy to assist you with all the details of your special occasion.

3. Ki's Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(1029)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Cardiff By The Sea

Booked 8 times today

During these trying times, we are trying to adjust our service so that customers feel safe but still have a great Ki's experience. Daytime service is as it always has been: order at the counter and the food will be brought to you in the seating area we have created outside under the tents. Night-time is full service. Sunday through Thursday is upstairs. The tables are spaced far apart and there is an option of being out on the front deck for parties of two. On Friday and Saturday, we will be offering full service in both seating areas of upstairs and under the tents outside. Ki's is a perfect fit for its local beach community culture. We provide food options that serve the needs of people who enjoy the outdoors and have a high degree of awareness for their health, fitness and well being. And Ki's is more than just a 'health food' option for many. It is simply great food for anyone-professionals, families looking for a home-cooked meal or friends hanging out enjoying some tasty eats.

A photo of Waverly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

4. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge

4.7

Exceptional(124)

Price: Expensive

• American • Encinitas

Booked 43 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

5. Jake's Del Mar

4.8

Exceptional(10492)

Price: Moderate

• American • Del Mar

Booked 92 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 South of Nick's - Del Mar restaurant

6. South of Nick's - Del Mar

4.7

Exceptional(627)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Del Mar

Booked 62 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.

7. Herb & Sea

4.5

Awesome(2859)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Encinitas

Booked 45 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

8. Valentina

4.7

Exceptional(1816)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary European • Encinitas

Booked 29 times today

A small neighborhood Spanish restaurant in a cute California beach town called Leucadia.we play music and serve wine, tapas, some cocktails and thoughtful hospitality with some dim lighting in a lively environment.We look forward to welcoming you.

A photo of Brigantine Del Mar restaurant

9. Brigantine Del Mar

4.6

Exceptional(2760)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Del Mar

Booked 22 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 Beeside Balcony Del Mar restaurant

10. Beeside Balcony Del Mar

4.5

Awesome(1420)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary European • Del Mar

Booked 19 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Corinne
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The view is breathtaking. The food is delicious and affordable. Very nice ambiance. I was there during the week for lunch so it was not too crowded.
More info
Pacific Coast Grill - CardiffPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Cardiff By The Sea
•
4.8
K
Karen
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Enjoyed a leisurely lunch of three hours and the staff was wonderful
More info
Jake's Del MarPrice: Moderate• American• Del Mar
•
4.8
J
Jeff
Orange County •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The Chart House continues to deliver one of San Diego Counties elite beachside dining experiences! Being "eye level" with the surf, waves within feet of the dining room, surfers, beachcombers and seagulls energizing the North Coast vibe and then, those sunsets! We love it! Jeff Brand Rancho Santa Fe
More info
Chart House Restaurant - CardiffPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Solana Beach
•
4.5
L
Laura
San Diego •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days 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
M
Miriam
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Their sunset special is not to be missed. Isn't always available so check the website first
More info
Ki's RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Californian• Cardiff By The Sea
•
4.6

Best Lunch Restaurants in Cardiff By The Sea

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72 restaurants available nearby

1. Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff

2. Chart House Restaurant - Cardiff

3. Ki's Restaurant

4. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge

5. Jake's Del Mar

6. South of Nick's - Del Mar

7. Herb & Sea

8. Valentina

9. Brigantine Del Mar

10. Beeside Balcony Del Mar

See what locals rave about

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