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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in San Marcos

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16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Fish House Vera Cruz restaurant
4.4
Awesome(260)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • San Marcos
Booked 15 times today
Seafood Restaurant and Fish Market in San Marcos, CA is part of Old California Restaurant Row. Fish House Vera Cruz is known for its fresh grilled seafood over mesquite charcoal. Offering the largest selection of fresh fish and seafood in North San Diego County. If you live near Escondido, Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside and San Diego area, stop in for our Fresh Fish Market for fresh seafood to grill at home. Our restaurant features multiple Salt Water and Fresh Water fish tanks for a beautiful atmosphere. Check out our full bar and patio for happy hour in San Marcos, CA. We offer private dining and events through our Adobe Room and patio for weddings, baby showers, bridal showers, corporate events and more in San Marcos, CA. Come stop in and Eat Lots of Fish!
A photo of Buona Forchetta - San Marcos restaurant
4.3
Awesome(447)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • San Marcos
Booked 29 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 Jeune et Jolie restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(4067)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French • Carlsbad
Booked 48 times today
A culinary experience celebrating the moment, Jeune et Jolie reimagines French cuisine through the vibrant lens of our Southern California landscape with a 4-course menu offered at $120 per guest. For those looking for a more casual evening, we feature "Le Menu du Bar”, an à la carte offering available for walk-in guests at our bar and lounge.
A photo of Ember & Rye restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1227)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Carlsbad
Booked 32 times today
Dine overlooking the 18th green at this Richard Blais steakhouse... of sorts. This delightful collaboration with acclaimed chef and television personality offers delectable steaks and fresh seafood dishes rooted in fine local ingredients, served in a casual, vintage clubhouse setting located at the signature Arnold Palmer designed Aviara Golf Club.
A photo of The Pony Room restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1492)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Rancho Santa Fe
Booked 51 times today
The Pony Room is a favorite among locals and resort guests alike. In addition to an extensive selection of all expressions of agave spirits, it is also home to one of Southern California's most impressive wine and hand-crafted, seasonally inspired signature cocktail lists. The Pony Room serves exceptional, American inspired comfort classics with daily specials.Live Music 7 nights a weekJoin us every Saturday and Sunday for Brunch on our beautiful hacienda inspired terraces from 11am to 2pm.
A photo of Ponto Lago - Park Hyatt Aviara restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1033)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Carlsbad
Booked 11 times today
Immerse yourself into a refined modern setting featuring Baja-inspired cuisine and specialty cocktails composed of mezcal and tequila. Enjoy a show kitchen allowing you to get an inside look behind the scenes bringing Chef's creations to center stage. Locally sourced cuisine with a coastal flair is the cornerstone of this fine dining Baja-inspired experience.
A photo of Mille Fleurs restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2296)
Price: Very Expensive
• French American • Rancho Santa Fe
Booked 11 times today
**Please note: Patio requests must call the restaurant to confirm availability for patio dining, as availability is very limited due to table spacing.* Nestled in the heart of the historic and charming village of Rancho Santa Fe, just four miles inland from Del Mar, Mille Fleurs offers magnificent California food presentation with extraordinary French flair. The exquisite yet comfortable French country décor with inviting outside patio provides an atmosphere that is gracious, warm and welcoming. Mille Fleurs has received numerous accolades including: "Top 25 in America" from Food & Wine Magazine "Far and away the best restaurant sampled in greater San Diego" quoted in The New York Times as well as "Best French" and "Best of the Best" in San Diego Magazine. Our award winning wine cellar offers over seven hundred choices spanning the globe and varying greatly in price. A mile down the road is the Chino's Family Farm where our chef heads every day to get fresh ingredients.
A photo of Vigilucci's Seafood & Steakhouse restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4604)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carlsbad
Booked 51 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.
A photo of Green Dragon Tavern & Museum restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1481)
Price: Moderate
• American • Carlsbad
Booked 20 times today
Green Dragon Tavern & Museum is an award-winning eatery in Carlsbad, offering a unique dining experience. With its highly acclaimed menu, featuring Maine lobster rolls, Shepherd's Pie, and more, it's clear why patrons are consistently impressed. Plus, it's not just about the food - it's also a museum, allowing you to explore American history. The rave reviews speak for themselves, with guests calling it 'unique', 'historic', 'entertaining', and 'a great value'.
A photo of Cocina de Barrio Encinitas restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(125)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Encinitas
Booked 26 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!
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • MichaelVIP
    San Diego •26 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Our family of 5 were there for Christmas Eve dinner. We had reservations at 5:15 pm and were seated promptly. The service was very nice and took our drink orders and appetizer orders right away. We've been here many times before and had always enjoyed the ahi taco and calamari. This time I also had a Caesar salad which was good. The bar ran out of Bombay so could not have my usual Bombay tonic but substituted Tanqueray which was fine. The entrees included the Duke's fish, steamed fish and shrimp in the banana leaves, a filet medium rare and the seafood hot pot. And of course, you can't finish a meal without Hula pie. Our only wish for Christmas: have Prime Rib like they have at Duke's Huntington Beach. Otherwise, the experience was enjoyable and we shall be back.
    More info
    Duke's La JollaPrice: Moderate• Hawaii Regional Cuisine• La Jolla
    4.6
  • Tom
    Los Angeles •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Excellent Christmas Eve 5 course. Food and wine (pairing) was delicious. Staff are super cool. Love the vibe here, this was our first time. Sat outside on the patio. Heat lamps are great. Will be coming back ASAP.
    More info
    Jeune et JoliePrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French• Carlsbad
    4.9
  • Kathleen
    Phoenix / Arizona •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Simply put, one of the best meals I have had the privilege of enjoying! Delightful server, Calvin, was very in tune with the timing of our meal and our needs. The fixed menu was perfect for Christmas Eve, as it kept the meal flowing and decision-making to a minimum. Every course was delectable from the scallop crudo, the creamed mushrooms, and the sea bass, to the date cake with walnut ice cream! Mezcal hibiscus cocktail was creative and tasty, as well! I will definitely be back!
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    4.7
  • GenaVIP
    San Diego •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Everything was great for an hitting. Menu selections easy to follow and they were easy to deal with with a sea food allergy
    More info
    The Melting Pot - Gaslamp QuarterPrice: Very Expensive• Fondue• Downtown
    4.6
  • Sergey
    Atlanta Metro •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 7, 2024
    The service was excellent, and the food was fresh and unique. They had some delicious seafood dishes, including raw oysters and Peruvian-influenced ceviches. Everything tasted amazing. The outdoor seating next to the heating lamp created a cozy atmosphere. The only downside was the limited drink selection. They offered a few cocktails but lacked most of the liquors. For instance, they couldn’t make a gin martini. On the positive side, they had a good selection of wines. Overall, we had a great experience with a touch of European charm and Peruvian flavor.
    More info
    Crudo Ceviche & Oyster BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Little Italy
    4.5
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