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Best Authentic Restaurants in Cardiff By The Sea

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23 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Buona Forchetta Encinitas restaurant
1. Buona Forchetta Encinitas
4.7
Exceptional(602)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Encinitas
Booked 45 times today
Buona Forchetta Encinitas is a hit among customers for its authentic Italian cuisine. One reviewer raved, 'If you are looking for an authentic taste of Italy, look no further.' Others echoed this sentiment, describing the food as 'authentic and delicious' and praising the restaurant for its 'authentic Italian cuisine.' The restaurant's owner, Matteo Cattaneo, has brought his warehouse-style Italian eatery to life in Encinitas, providing a family-friendly, approachable space with award-winning pizzas and upscale entrees.
A photo of Cocina de Barrio Encinitas restaurant
2. Cocina de Barrio Encinitas
4.7
Exceptional(132)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Encinitas
Booked 12 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!
A photo of Shimbashi Izakaya restaurant
3. Shimbashi Izakaya
4.7
Exceptional(983)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Del Mar
Booked 22 times today
Shimbashi's theme is based on the Izakaya, a Japanese tapas restaurant. We offer a multi-faceted menu that can be used as a pairing with sake for the light eater or sophisticated dinner entrées served in the Japanese tradition. Our menu changes with the season making each dining experience a new adventure.
A photo of UNION Kitchen & Tap restaurant
4. UNION Kitchen & Tap
4.6
Exceptional(1056)
Price: Moderate
• American • Encinitas
UNION Kitchen & Tap is an authentic American restaurant due to its emphasis on using local and organic ingredients in its New American Cuisine. The reviews highlight the hearty comfort food, creative twist, and great service. The restaurant's atmosphere and extensive beer and wine selection are also highly praised.
A photo of Salt + Lime Del Mar restaurant
5. Salt + Lime Del Mar
4.4
Awesome(189)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Del Mar
Booked 14 times today
Mexican cuisine elevated to new heights, blending traditional flavors with modern flair to deliver a truly sensory dining experience.Located in the heart of Del Mar, with stunning ocean views as your backdrop, our menu celebrates the diverse and vibrant flavors of Mexico. From mouthwatering tacos to fresh, zesty seafood ceviches, every dish is crafted to surprise and delight. Whether you’re gathering with friends or enjoying an intimate dinner, Salt & Lime offers the perfect mix of high-energy ambiance and culinary excellence.Expect the unexpected—because too much of a good thing is never enough! Indulge in our unforgettable Espresso Martini or let our Oaxaca Old Fashion warm your soul—cocktails that are as unique as your experience with us.Breakfast is served every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM.Join us for Reverse Happy Hour every Friday and Saturday from 9 PM to 11 PM, where the night gets even brighter with irresistible drinks and bites.
A photo of Puntamar restaurant
6. Puntamar
4.5
Awesome(8)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Encinitas
Puntamar is more than just a restaurant; it’s an authentic experience celebrating quality in every detail. Here, fun and excellence merge to create unforgettable moments for our customers. Discover the true essence of Mexican cuisine, crafted with authentic ingredients and genuine flavors.
A photo of Coya Peruvian Secret restaurant
7. Coya Peruvian Secret
4.4
Awesome(656)
Price: Moderate
• Peruvian • Del Mar
Booked 7 times today
Located next to Del Mar beach on 11th street, Coya Peruvian Secret Restaurant offers award winning gourmet Peruvian- Cali fusion Peruvian cuisine in charming cottage house under a tree. All seats are outside tucked in greenery so its in all casual seating. Voted best Seafood by locals and best Latin American in SD we are primally seafood place but we also proudly serve great meat choices, like our surf and turf with Rib Eye, traditional Lomo with Filet mignon, lamb stew with New Zealand lamb, excellent short rib with sweet potatoes and Peruvian half roasted chicken. If you seeking cozy color full vibe full of magic for a date or family reunion we are perfect choice. You will astonish your party with unforgettable flavors. Take them of a gourmet trip to Peru and back tonight.
A photo of Tamarindo Latin Kitchen- Del Mar restaurant
8. Tamarindo Latin Kitchen- Del Mar
4.8
Exceptional(919)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Del Mar
Booked 27 times today
Tamarindo Del Mar **NOW OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER**Kitchen closes promptly at 9pm Sunday-Thursday and 10pm on Friday+Saturday's.
A photo of Vigilucci's Trattoria Italiana restaurant
9. Vigilucci's Trattoria Italiana
4.8
Exceptional(1349)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Encinitas
Booked 12 times today
Vigilucci’s Trattoria Italiana features an exceptional menu of Italian favorites, certified prime steaks and the freshest seafood. Open for over two decades, 2019 marks the 25 year anniversary of Vigilucci’s Trattoria formerly located in Encinitas. Menu highlights include many of the company’s signature dishes, made from scratch pastas, salads, steaks, seafood, pizzas and calzones. Private dining space is available for large or small groups. Our casual yet sophisticated piano bar enhances the dining experience.For off-site events and parties contact Cater@Vigiluccis.comCatering to the most discerning palates for over 20 years,Vigilucci’s catering team can custom create a unique and memorable menu for celebrating life’s special occasions.
A photo of Firenze Trattoria restaurant
10. Firenze Trattoria
4.7
Exceptional(1768)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Encinitas
Booked 11 times today
OPEN FOR DINE IN~ We are accepting online and phone reservations. Please be patient with wait times **IF YOU HAVE A SEATING PREFERENCE FOR EITHER THE INSIDE DINING ROOM OR OUTSIDE HEATED PATIO, PLEASE SPECIFY WHEN MAKING YOUR RESERVATION. **SEATING PREFERENCES CANNOT BE GUARANTEED** Sun-splashed by day and romantically lantern-lit at night, Firenze's flower-bedecked patio, with it's gentle fountain, is like a private courtyard in some romantic Italian villa. Come see what all the buzz is about we are certain that you will enjoy this one of a kind experience in this beautiful San Diego Italian restaurant.
‘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
  • Elva
    Orange County •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We’ve been here several times And each time never disappointed with the food Each meal we’ve ordered is absolutely delicious And the service is always on point
    More info
    Buona Forchetta EncinitasPrice: Moderate• Italian• Encinitas
    •
    4.7
  • VarindaVIP
    San Diego •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 10, 2025
    Satomi and Patrick provided awesome service ! The food was fantastic . I love the bento lunch special on the weekdays. The specials on the board are not to be missed. The special sushi rolls are fresh and flavorful.
    More info
    Shimbashi IzakayaPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Del Mar
    •
    4.7
  • MarlineVIP
    San Diego •26 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Jan 9, 2025
    This was our first time eating here and it was a wonderful surprise. The menu has a nice selection of standard Mexican fare and also a lot of creative new Mexican dishes. We both had tacos and all were delicious. As someone who eats gluten free as a preference, I’m very happy when the corn tortillas are hand made on the premises: these were excellent and added a very good flavor to the chicken, pork and shrimp tacos. The guacamole was also very tasty. We didn’t have drinks or dessert and the tab with tip was about $63. We thought it was worth it and will be back to try more things on the menu.
    More info
    Salt + Lime Del MarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Del Mar
    •
    4.4
  • Debbie
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 5, 2025
    Amazing food and service. Margaritas were mostly ice so next time ask for light ice
    More info
    Cocina de Barrio EncinitasPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Encinitas
    •
    4.7
  • NeilVIP
    San Diego •83 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 26, 2024
    Great place to watch sports for sure. Cocktails and beer selection is fantastic! We had crab cakes for an appetizer, outstanding. The shrimp and grits is very authentic New Orleans style. Great burger too. We are adding this to our rotation.
    More info
    UNION Kitchen & TapPrice: Moderate• American• Encinitas
    •
    4.6

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