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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Cardiff By The Sea

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34 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff restaurant
1. Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff
4.8
Exceptional(9360)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 89 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
4.4
Awesome(7309)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Solana Beach
Booked 69 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.
A photo of Ki's Restaurant restaurant
3. Ki's Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1044)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 14 times today
Daytime service is as it always has been: order at the counter and the food will be brought to you in the seating area upstairs or out under our tent. Night-time is full service in the upstairs seating area. On Friday nights, we also have live music from 7-9pm.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 Steak 48 - Del Mar restaurant
4. Steak 48 - Del Mar
4.9
Exceptional(1731)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Del Mar
Booked 167 times today
At Steak 48, we serve the finest steaks and high-quality seafood in an intimate and vibrant setting. Our diverse menu will satisfy any personal craving, as we serve the best USDA prime steaks, succulent seafood, and shellfish along with inventive and classically inspired side dishes and appetizers. Also enjoy classic cocktails and an extensive award-winning wine list. At Steak 48, We encourage all of our guests to get dressed up for a great experience, here is a link to our dress code that you can share with your guests. https://www.steak48.com/steakhouses/del-mar-california/dress-code/ You are going to have a great time!If you need any special accommodations or flowers reach out to us at the host desk! We look forward to seeing you soon!
A photo of Herb & Sea restaurant
5. Herb & Sea
4.6
Exceptional(2929)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Encinitas
Booked 65 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
A photo of Jake's Del Mar restaurant
6. Jake's Del Mar
4.8
Exceptional(10601)
Price: Moderate
• American • Del Mar
Booked 43 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 Buona Forchetta Encinitas restaurant
7. Buona Forchetta Encinitas
4.7
Exceptional(620)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Encinitas
Booked 55 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 Poseidon restaurant
8. Poseidon
4.8
Exceptional(5662)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Del Mar
Booked 52 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 Pacifica Del Mar restaurant
9. Pacifica Del Mar
4.5
Awesome(4896)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Del Mar
Booked 41 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 Brigantine Del Mar restaurant
10. Brigantine Del Mar
4.7
Exceptional(2787)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Del Mar
Booked 39 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • JaneVIP
    San Diego •61 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Beautiful day at the beach. Food very good, but coconut shrimp getting smaller. Service excellent.
    More info
    Chart House Restaurant - CardiffPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Solana Beach
    •
    4.4
  • DonnaVIP
    Los Angeles •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Trevor our waiter is terrific. Great food! Quiet table in back
    More info
    Steak 48 - Del MarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Del Mar
    •
    4.9
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Came to Pacific Coast Grill for dinner and had a great experience overall. Our server was friendly, attentive, and checked in often without being overbearing. The Hot Stone Surf & Turf was a fun, interactive dish, though a little anxiety-inducing making sure everything was cooked correctly. The ahi was definitely better than the filet. The shrimp dumplings were the favorite of the night—the texture was phenomenal, and the sauce was sweet and flavorful. The sea bass had a light sauce that complemented it nicely. The salmon was cooked well, though it could have used a bit more sauce to balance out the amount of rice. It leaned on the sweeter side, which matched the menu description. The lobster was cooked well though there was nothing remarkable about it. For dessert, the tempura bananas and apple pie were a perfect way to end the night. Definitely a great spot for a meal with a view! You should plan on valeting your car.
    More info
    Pacific Coast Grill - CardiffPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Cardiff By The Sea
    •
    4.8
  • DaveVIP
    San Diego •330 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Very nice evening using our birthday discount card for my wife’s birthday - pork chops and wine were great. Great time with friends
    More info
    Ki's RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Californian• Cardiff By The Sea
    •
    4.7
  • Cynthia
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Mar 2, 2025
    Great food, great service and a truly great view of the Pacific!
    More info
    Jake's Del MarPrice: Moderate• American• Del Mar
    •
    4.8

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