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Best Fun Restaurants in Carmel Valley

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5 restaurants available nearby

A photo of North Italia San Diego - One  Paseo restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1594)
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.
A photo of Urbana Del Mar restaurant
4.2
Awesome(157)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Mexican • Carmel Valley
Booked 2 times today
Its ‘Dia de los Muertos’ every day at URBANA, the Skydeck's most colorful restaurant. Farm Fresh Mexican Chef inspired plates. Complementing the menu, URBANA’S sexy departure on craft cocktails featuring Tequila and Mezcal favorites as well as top shelf agave spirits. Massive smiling murals a tribute to owner Javier Cuadra's Michoacán upbringing where ‘Dia de los Muertos’ is celebrated to define URBANA.
A photo of Barbarella restaurant
4.3
Awesome(869)
Price: Moderate
• European • La Jolla
Booked 11 times today
Barbarella is a fun and vibrant restaurant that's perfect for a special occasion or a casual get-together. Reviewers rave about the festive ambiance, unique cocktails, and excellent food. The outdoor seating is a hit too. One review mentioned the decorations and seating were 'fun', while another loved the 'al fresco dining at its most fun'. It's definitely a place where you can enjoy a yummy meal and a great atmosphere.
A photo of Buona Forchetta Encinitas restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(619)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Encinitas
Booked 42 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.
A photo of Ambrogio15 restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(855)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • Pacific Beach
Booked 10 times today
Ambrogio15 is a fun spot with a lively atmosphere and great food. Reviews rave about the 'great pizza options', 'friendly service', and 'cozy atmosphere'. The ambiance is described as 'lively and fun', making it a perfect place for a fun night out. The staff's passion for food and service is evident, and the unique dough recipe adds to the overall gourmet pizza experience.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Carl
    San Diego •2 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We love North Italia Del Mar, but it was evident that you were either short on staff or just very busy. Everything took an extra long time. Not the usual experience. But we still love you!
    More info
    North Italia San Diego - One PaseoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Del Mar
    4.5
  • Marcy
    San Diego •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    It was the most wonderful restaurant! The menu is very diversified and had some vegan dishes. The ambience was lovely! Right in La Jolla shores. My family will definitely be back!
    More info
    BarbarellaPrice: Moderate• European• La Jolla
    4.3
  • CarolynP
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Mar 2, 2025
    First of all we are old school Italians who cook and travel to Italy every year we like to try all the Italian restaurants in north county, and Buona Forchetta is one of the best. You will never go wrong with any of their dishes and the pizza is very good. Make sure to make reservations as the restaurant is small and always busy.
    More info
    Buona Forchetta EncinitasPrice: Moderate• Italian• Encinitas
    4.7
  • Ellen
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 27, 2025
    We were very excited to participate in a second wine tasting paired with a four-course dinner at Ambrogio 15. The island of Sicily is the theme for the dinner. The first course of Caponata was spectacular (my wife's favorite). This was followed by a seafood couscous dish, then a swordfish involtini for a delicious third course. Finally, the cannoli served as dessert had the best shell of any I have ever tasted. Very thin and crispy, a great ending to the meal. The different wines paired with each course were very carefully selected and did nothing but enhance each course. If they have more of these dinners, we will make sure we attend.
    More info
    Ambrogio15Price: Moderate• Pizzeria• Pacific Beach
    4.8
  • FJVIP
    San Diego •26 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Feb 22, 2025
    This restaurant can get very, very cold because of the open window at the bar area. The kind and amiable bartender eventually closed the window roll-up and our experience got a whole lot better. Although our food was delicious and our drinks very refreshing, we did have to wait a long time to get our check as well.
    More info
    Urbana Del MarPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Mexican• Carmel Valley
    4.2

Discover best fun restaurants in Carmel Valley

Discover the vibrant dining scene in Carmel Valley, North San Diego, where the keyword "fun" truly comes to life in its array of restaurants. Each dining spot in this lively locale offers a unique blend of ambiance and culinary delights that promise an enjoyable experience for all. From hip, open-air environments to cozy, family-style settings, these eateries cater to a diverse crowd looking for both quality meals and a great time. Whether you're planning a casual outing with friends or a special family gathering, the restaurants in Carmel Valley serve up excitement with every dish. Enjoy the fusion of excellent service, delicious flavors, and engaging atmospheres that make each restaurant a destination of choice for both locals and visitors. Here, dining is not just about the food; it’s about creating memorable moments in a setting that's designed to entertain and delight. So, immerse yourself in the fun and flavors of Carmel Valley’s restaurant scene, where every meal is served with a side of amusement.

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