Best Dining in Carlsbad

Carlsbad is a destination for beach lovers and foodies, offering many, many different restaurants in a wide variety of genres. We’ve visited the best restaurants in Carlsbad and here are recommendations. Our Best dining in Carlsbad list includes a broad selection of eateries that are unique, offer great food, and are a fun to go to (boring restaurants excluded). Places where locals and visitors go to over and over again – with consistently good food and service – that’s why they qualify for our Quintessential Dining short list. Also check out our Best Breakfasts in Carlsbad List.

Criteria: Taste, quality ingredients, uniqueness, service, ambience, variety, joy, furnishings

Campfire

Neighborhood: Carlsbad Village

Campfire is unique and wonderful. Mixologists with top shelf ingredients start things with a personal touch, and the real wood fire kitchen delivers one-of-a-kind sharable entrees and appetizers that you simply must share. A true gathering spot for those that can appreciate and celebrate creativity with exuberance. This is where you go with your favorite people.

Why We Recommend: Sharing food is always fun. But when every dish is unique and delicious, it stimulates both conversation and a bond between participants that transcends a good meal together. With a fluid seasonal menu, we always look forward to our next opportunity to explore here.

Hints: Take your time to read the drink and regular menu. It will take a while to whittle down all the eclectic and amazing choices. Everything is good, but add the broccoli always.

Reservations: Campfire Reservations

760-637-5121

2725 State Street

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Nicks on State

Neighborhood: Carlsbad Village

This newer restaurant is definitely establishing itself as part of Carlsbad’s premier upscale dining movement. Central bar, comfortable booths and large street-side patio – all under a landmark semi-cylindrical roof.

Why We Recommend: Service is sharp and quality food is well prepared and presented. Cocktails are crafted and well-balanced – superb wine list featuring California and interesting beers – including kombucha and a non-alcohol choice.

Hints: Our favorites are the chilean sea bass with a terrific beurre blanc sauce, and the maple glazed meatloaf with out-of-this-world caramelized onions. Make sure you save room for dessert as their Butter Cake is absolutely delicious.

Reservations: Open Table

760-696-3593

2742 State St., Suite 100

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Jeune et Jolie

Neighborhood: Carlsbad Village

French cuisine in a modern setting where you can watch the entire kitchen create each succulent course in a made-for-tv type setting. It’s not inexpensive, as it’s $115 prix fixe (each person without wine) – but well worth the cost if you value an exquisite twist on French & Southern California fare paired with exceptional service.

Why We Recommend: The location, ambience, menu and service combine to make a unique evening out, sharing unusual takes on French favorites with someone special. Extensive bar/wine list includes a fabulous collection for everyone, and an Absinthe selection that rivals anywhere.

Hints: If you are tentative about the cost, but would like to dip your toes into the pool – swing by for a truly craft cocktail or French wine and try something from their special bar menu full of expressive appetizers like the Saint Jacques (a scallop ensconced with matsutake, green grape, sake and spruce).

Reservations: Open Table

760-637-5266

2659 State Street

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2051 Cucina Italiana

Neighborhood: Carlsbad West

Our #1 recommendation for Italian food in Carlsbad is 3 miles east of the Village, but well worth the drive. In an industrial building near Carlsbad Airport is a very authentic restaurant with exceptionally-prepared Italian favorites and variations delivered with top shelf service.

Why We Recommend: This is as close to fresh, modern, organic Italian cuisine as you can get in San Diego – even surpassing many of Little Italy’s standouts.

Hints: Hard to make recommendations when everything we have tried is a 9 or 10 – but the Carpaccio Di Matzo is thicker and more succulent than you’ve ever had. Eggplant Burrita was outstanding and any pasta dish with the house Ragu will be amazing. Gluten-free Ricotta Cheesecake is a wow. Good wine selection.

Reservations: Yelp Reservations

or call 760-814-2120

2051 Palomar Airport Road #175

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GONZO!

Neighborhood: Carlsbad Village

Carlsbad loves Ramen and our crown of glory is GONZO! nestled in the historical Village Faire complex. Owners have a fantastic story about bringing real Ramen to Carlsbad directly from Japan – but the food says it all. Having visited Japan over 20 times – I can verify this is absolutely delicious ramen.

Why We Recommend: It’s not just the food, the ambience inside and especially outside is part street food, part open air bar. Ramen pairs perfectly with a crisp cold San Diego IPA or Sapporo beer. And once you experience that combination, it’s hard to stay away, especially the Miso Ramen with pork chashu (pork belly).

Hints: While appetizers here also good, make sure you order the traditional Ramen with meat or non-meat topping and an IPA to see what the buzz is about. Line moves quickly but stake out a table if you see one open up.

Reservations: No Reservations

760-672-5111

300 Carlsbad Village Dr.

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Paon

Neighborhood: Carlsbad Village

Paon offers an amazing menu of delicious meals for the discriminating diner, and those looking for a more European selection. Paon is more old-school elegance than hip, but that makes them special. Always excellent service here.

Why We Recommend: Quality locally-sourced ingredients prepared by professional chefs make every visit here enjoyable and memorable. Looking for a quieter, more elegant restaurant with a long history for top-notch food and service? Paon was one of the originals in a growing sector of higher-end local restaurants.

Hints: Lunch and dinner feature slightly different menus. We like to stop in for wine and appetizers when we are not hungry enough to justify a full meal. Looking for just their great wines – they have a wine tasting bar and shop next door.

Reservations: Open Table

760-729-7327

2975 Roosevelt St.

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Casa De Bandini

Neighborhood: Carlsbad West

Casa de Bandini is a lively, festive venue that gets a lot of things right – decor, vibrant outdoor patio, large wait staff, huge variety of dishes on their food and drink menu, and fresh tasty salsa and chips to start.

Why We Recommend: While everyone in California has an opinion on Mexican restaurants, no one can argue about this inland restaurant’s great ambiance and traditional service – with fresh-made tortillas – reminds us of Old Town and Tijuana.

Hints: This is a happening spot at happy hour, especially on Fridays and Saturdays and most evenings. They don’t take reservations unless you are within 1 hour of arrival – so call before you leave and you’ll have less waiting out front. Take your time to read through this menu. Our favorites include the Combinaciones, Crispy Special, Carnitas, and Fajitas.

Reservations: Only within 1 hour

760-634-3443

1901 Calle Barcelona

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Green Dragon Tavern

Neighborhood: Carlsbad West

Inspired by the famous Green Dragon Tavern in Boston, this unique restaurant and bar boasts something you would not expect to find in Carlsbad – a Revolutionary War Museum! And it’s free to walk through before or after getting some unique dishes you won’t find anywhere else.

Why We Recommend: While you can sit in the bar or restaurant (we prefer the bar) – the excellent menu is available on either side and the quality of the dishes are unexpectedly good. From standard bar fare to elegant dinners suitable for that special night out – this a great choice for visitors and locals alike.

Hints: The seafood dinners here are special – we recommend the Cedar-planked salmon and the Cod – save room for carrot cake afterwards.

Reservations: No Reservations

760-918-2421

6115 Paseo del Norte

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Tasty Noodle House

Neighborhood: Carlsbad North

Fresh dumplings, to-die-for buns, rich noodle soups and Chinese fusion dishes make this a delicious adventure with a lot of choices for everyone.

Why We Recommend: Blown away by the freshness and authenticity of a huge menu of unique, mouth-watering choices. Shanghai grilled pork buns, walnut shrimp, Taiwanese chicken, chicken fried rice, super rich hot & sour noodle soup are our favorites – but we are working our way through the menu. Lots of juices, teas and drink choices – but no alcohol.

Hints: This is a multi-location restaurant whose reputation in growing in Southern California, so it gets crowded at rush hour. Try to go off hours or be prepared to wait – but it’s worth it. If you don’t scan the menu before you go, it will take a while to decide due to the extensive menu selection.

Reservations: Walk-In Only

442-325-3544

2625 S. El Camino Real

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La Papagayo

Neighborhood: Carlsbad Village

Papagayo is a large restaurant right on Carlsbad Village drive that features a large bar, live music and a huge menu. It is ground zero for Happy Hour and they have a variety of seating areas – including 2 outdoor patios.

Why We Recommend: We’ve been going to their location in Leucadia for years and were happy to see them come to Carlsbad recently. Lots of tasty dishes to choose from, and the wait for seating isn’t very long. Excellent place to eat when you want to keep tabs on a game – there a lot of TVs hanging throughout.

Hints: Their Happy Hour menu features 15+ items, most of which are really good and beer/wine is $2 off. Music is usually good and as its in a separate room, you can seat yourself closely or farther away depending on your preference.

Reservations: Open Table

442-333-9090

660 Carlsbad Village Dr.

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Kings Fish House

Neighborhood: Carlsbad West

This is a large, well-managed chain restaurant located in CA and nearby states that features fresh seafood, well stocked bar, and big menu. While there are a number of seafood restaurant favorites in Carlsbad, this one is the largest and has the best vibe with consistent service..

Why We Recommend: The menu here features a great mix of cocktails, wines, craft beers, tons of fresh seafood, sushi and the biggest oysters and shellfish selection around.

Hints: Larger venue means short or no wait, even during prime time, but make a reservation during the summer or weekends. Salads are good here, and so is the chowders – so there are plenty of choices if you don’t need a full meal. The fish can be prepared many different ways so pay attention and know what you are ordering.

Reservations: Open Table

760-431-3474

5625 Paseo del Norte

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Pizza Port

Neighborhood: Carlsbad Village

Pizza Port is a long-time Carlsbad favorite destination for unique custom pizzas and local craft beers on tap. It’s often loud and crowded because its good and right downtown.

Why We Recommend: Everybody gets what they want! If you can’t agree on a pizza, they make personal-sized pizzas and then pair an ice cold local beer with it before grabbing a seat on mostly picnic benches – community self-serve seating. Kid friendly and group friendly – fun, inexpensive place, but it does get loud when busy.

Hints: The lines to buy pizza and beers are separate – so if you have a big group – divide and conquer. Have a few grab the seats while others get beer or pizza. The draw here is the lively fun vibe. Gluten-free pizza crust is really good.

Reservations: No Reservations

760-720-7007

571 Carlsbad Village Dr.

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Vigiluccis Seafood & Steakhouse

Neighborhood: Carlsbad Village

Vigiluccis’ Italian heritage influences the seafood menu, making this location unique for both the excellent view (across PCH from Tamarack beach) and their Italian-influenced seafood/steak menu.

Why We Recommend: When you are in the mood to splurge for dinner with a view, and you can’t decide between seafood, steak or Italian – make a reservation for an outside table (weather permitting) and choose when you read the menu. Happy hour from 3-6pm between meal services offers deals.

Hints: Italian style seafood dishes get top billing here, including their 40 day wet-aged Nebraskan steak and chops cooked Italian style. And their wine list by the glass is extensive enough to pair any choice of entree. Don’t forget to leave room for multiple tempting delicious desserts. Lunch menu is smaller – but equally tantalizing.

Reservations: Open Table

760-434-2580

3878 Carlsbad Blvd.

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Roosevelts Pizza

Neighborhood: Carlsbad Village

A smaller, cozier, quieter pizza option in the village, great for dates and families. Family owned and run pizza joint that offers unique pizzas and other Italian favorites.

Why We Recommend: We like the unique pizzas, homemade pastas, sauce and meatballs – all delicious. And it’s almost the opposite of dining at the busy and loud Pizza Port less than 100 feet away. Reasonable wine prices and the best bread pudding in San Diego make this a regular in our pizza rotation.

Hints: There are 3 seating options to fit the weather, the crowd and your preferences: inside, out front or on the side patio. Dog friendly.

Reservations: No Reservations

760-730-9105

3067 Roosevelt St.

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About Best Carlsbad

Best Carlsbad was designed to help visitors and local residents find the best experiences using informative, curated lists based on research and on-site visits.

All recommendations and information presented are opinions of bestcarlsbad.com.

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