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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Cardiff By The Sea

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21 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(9193)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 117 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 Ki's Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1027)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 18 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.
A photo of Jake's Del Mar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(10454)
Price: Moderate
• American • Del Mar
Booked 151 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 Pacifica Del Mar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(4854)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Del Mar
Booked 32 times today
Perched atop the Del Mar Plaza in the heart of the Village, Pacifica Del Mar has remained a local gem for years as one of the neighborhood’s most sought-after places to dine, wine and gather with friends and family. Their menu showcases casual and inspired fare - like fresh seafood, steak and pasta - complimented by an award-winning wine list and creative cocktails.Whether you choose to dine on their cozy ocean view patio, or join them in our vibrant dining room or bar, their warm service and great food and drink will provide a memorable dining experience.We look forward to seeing you at Pacifica Del Mar. Please note that in an effort to give our staff enough time to turn over and sanitize tables between diners, reservations will be limited to an hour and a half for parties of 4 or less, and 2 hours for parties 5+. We thank you for understanding and helping us keep things safe for you.
A photo of Beeside Balcony Del Mar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1419)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary European • Del Mar
Booked 23 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.
A photo of Red Tracton's restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1710)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Del Mar
Booked 15 times today
East coast style Steakhouse and Supper Club with roots dating back 75 years plus . Red Tracton's is know for serving only the finest in Prime Beef and Seafood. Quality and quantity is Reds trademark. Live entertainment Tuesday - Saturday at the Piano bar.
A photo of Mille Fleurs restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2296)
Price: Very Expensive
• French American • Rancho Santa Fe
Booked 8 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 Le Papagayo Encinitas restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2259)
Price: Moderate
• American • Encinitas
Booked 34 times today
Le Papagayo blends New American and Pacific Coast cuisine to create an amazing fine dining experience. The Chef and Myself combine the freshest of local ingredients and flavor to create a unique character for each meal created from scratch. Dining at Le Papagayo is a full experience that will delight all your senses. Amazing food and a warm and inviting dining room which looks like an art gallery are all part of the experience.We also offer a heated patio and unplugged live music every night.
A photo of Sbicca - Del Mar restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2515)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Del Mar
Booked 18 times today
Sbicca - Del Mar is a neighborhood gem, loved by locals for its fantastic food and service. The restaurant offers a beautiful ocean view, delicious cuisine and has received several awards for its service. As one reviewer put it, 'Great local spot! Stopped in for happy hour and there were solid food and cocktails options… friendly service and welcoming feel to this neighborhood gem.'
A photo of Il Fornaio - Del Mar restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2374)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Del Mar
Booked 33 times today
Step inside Il Fornaio and take a culinary journey through Italy. Early mornings bring rustic, crisp crusted bread hot from the oven accompanied by the scent of fresh brewed espresso. During lunch and dinner hours, pastas and flavorful sauces simmer while meats and vegetables roast over hot coals. Bottles of wine from small, regional wineries are uncorked to complement the dishes, which have been crafted in the custom of Italy's chefs, bakers and homemakers. Specialties include wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats, poultry and game; house made pastas; pizzas from an oak wood burning oven; fresh salads and house made soups; a wide variety of desserts; and fresh baked bread made daily from scratch. Repeat winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Nicole
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Could not have asked for a better Christmas dinner! Watching the sunset, with great food and drinks! 10/10 recommend. We are going to come back for the normal menus because the Christmas choices were amazing!
    More info
    Pacifica Del MarPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Del Mar
    4.5
  • Andrew
    Las Vegas •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Fantastic meal, selection and service. It was a little cold because we ate late, but everything else was great.
    More info
    Beeside Balcony Del MarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary European• Del Mar
    4.5
  • Sue
    San Diego •60 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Melody was our server. We were a table of 4 and there was also a table of at least 12. The entire team at Ki's made sure we got our drinks and food on time even with a big crowd on Christmas Eve.
    More info
    Ki's RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Californian• Cardiff By The Sea
    4.7
  • RrVIP
    San Diego •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Warmly greeted by the reception staff. Reservations had been confirmed the day before. Sat immediately in a Phenomenal viewing location. Our server named Becca, treated us well and set a perfect pace for appetizers, salads, and then the meal. She was constantly checking in on us willing to assist. Please try the Famed Hula Pie for dessert, it's Extraordinary !!!
    More info
    Jake's Del MarPrice: Moderate• American• Del Mar
    4.7
  • Richard
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We were greeted with a welcome and they remembered from my reservation that this was my wedding anniversary. We choose an indoor seat by the window. The waves looked nice as we could see them roll in. The food was very good. We had the Shrimp Dumplings which was good--sort of like a Chinese potsticker, but soft. I had the Lobster and Shrimp Chowder, excellent. My wife had the Mixed Organic Greens, very good. We shared both. For our main course I had the Seafood Pasta lobster, shrimp, scallop & mahi with smoked tomato sauce, Thai basil & parmesan. I liked it very much. My wife had the Pacific Paella grilled lobster tail, mahi, clams, scallops, shrimp & saffron Arborio rice, very good. The quantity of those dishes was more than what we expected--we could have just ordered one or the other and shared.
    More info
    Pacific Coast Grill - CardiffPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Cardiff By The Sea
    4.8

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Cardiff By The Sea

Discover the charm of neighborhood gems in Cardiff By The Sea, a picturesque part of North San Diego known for its unique culinary offerings. This coastal enclave boasts an array of dining establishments that cater to those looking for a local, intimate dining experience. Each restaurant in this area emphasizes fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, showcasing the best of Californian cuisine with menus that are both innovative and comforting. Patrons can expect not only quality food but also a warm, inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the scenic backdrop of the ocean and lagoon views. These dining spots are ideal for a casual meal, a romantic date, or a family gathering. The dining scene here is distinguished by its focus on sustainability and community, attracting both locals and visitors who appreciate thoughtful, well-crafted dishes. Overall, Cardiff By The Sea offers an unforgettable culinary journey that reflects its status as a true neighborhood gem in San Diego.

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