Restaurants in Carlsbad
Best Restaurants
French • $$$$
Brewery • $$
“great customer service and and good Knowledge of all the beers”
Seafood • $$$$
“Absolutely loved our meal at Lilo. The tasting menu was creative, beautifully plated, and full of thoughtful little details. Each course felt distinct, and the balance of textures and flavors kept the meal interesting from start to finish. The service was warm and attentive without feeling overly formal.
The only minor miss was the chawanmushi, which was a touch salty for our taste, but everything else was excellent. A memorable experience and definitely somewhere I’d return to.”
American • $$
“Amazing food and service. Totally worth the price and pricing was not bad. We had 2 appetizers, two cocktails, two entrees, two desserts for $250 including tip. I had the sea bass and it was the best cooked fish I have ever had in my life!”
Restaurants by Cuisine
Brunch • $$
“Lovely brunch place, visiting from London and we’ve struggled to find a decent coffee in Cali, this is the best coffee we’ve had!! Service great and staff are really welcoming and attentive, food delicious. Would highly recommend.”
Japanese • $$
“Best sushi for the value in north county. 50% off happy hour is a crazy good deal. The Carlsbad roll is a guilty pleasure but our fav! We have come to tomoyama for years and always get excited to come.”
Restaurants with Delivery
French • $$$$
“Lovely Michelin star dining. The service was amazing and the food was delicious. Thank you for making our 25th anniversary a memorable experience!”
Brewery • $$
“great customer service and and good Knowledge of all the beers”
Hamburger • $
“fresh baked buns make all the difference. coffee shake, yum. got it in "Lil Moo" size”
Mediterranean • $
“Had the salmon and it was delicious. Good clean atmosphere and hospitable, attentive staff.”
Chicken Shop • $
“Great food and great service. The chicken was crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. The spice level was just right, and the portions were generous for the price. The staff were friendly and the restaurant was clean. Definitely one of the better hot chicken spots I’ve tried, and I’ll be coming back again.”
Ice Cream Shop • $
“I live in Arizona and walking my found this place. To sum it up I’m addicted to this ice cream. Every time we go to San Diego I have this ice cream 2 to 3 times a day.”
Coffee Shops • $
“This place rules! So cute inside and shout out to the barista who recommended the vanilla bean americano, 1/2 sweet was the call + iced was one of the best versions of this drink I’ve ever had. Thank you!”
Pizza • $$
“Gluten free crust was amazing ! We are not celiac but sensitive and best crust we have tried. Gelato was great and made in house as well.”
Ice Cream Shop • $$
“Sweet Cream Biscuits & Peach Jam!!! Sublime! I got addicted to Jeni’s while visiting Florida (Publix carries it). Ecstatic to find a Jeni’s parlor right here at home! Great staff, huge variety of flavors, inviting spot to sit and savor the creamy, decadent goodness”
American • $
“We really enjoyed our lunch/dinner! Excellent chicken pot pie. Our waitress was Diane and she is top notch! Thank you so much !”
Ice Cream Shop • $
“Some of the best ice cream I have ever had is served here at Handels. They had at least 30 different types of ice cream and so many cones. The serving size was SO big. My two sons ordered a two scoop in a dipped waffle cone bowl, and got served a 5 scoop and the cone was 3 times as big as it was in the picture. The service was also great. The girl who took our order gave a lot of recommendations and it was quick.”
Pizza • $$
“Gluten free crust was amazing ! We are not celiac but sensitive and best crust we have tried. Gelato was great and made in house as well.”
Mexican • $$
“The food and service is always good, I was wondering what is their signature dish? And has the restaurant had a food critics review? I love you read it! See you soon Casa de Bandini!”
Outdoor Dining
Seafood • $$$$
“Absolutely loved our meal at Lilo. The tasting menu was creative, beautifully plated, and full of thoughtful little details. Each course felt distinct, and the balance of textures and flavors kept the meal interesting from start to finish. The service was warm and attentive without feeling overly formal.
The only minor miss was the chawanmushi, which was a touch salty for our taste, but everything else was excellent. A memorable experience and definitely somewhere I’d return to.”
American • $$
“Amazing food and service. Totally worth the price and pricing was not bad. We had 2 appetizers, two cocktails, two entrees, two desserts for $250 including tip. I had the sea bass and it was the best cooked fish I have ever had in my life!”
Brunch • $$
“Lovely brunch place, visiting from London and we’ve struggled to find a decent coffee in Cali, this is the best coffee we’ve had!! Service great and staff are really welcoming and attentive, food delicious. Would highly recommend.”
Hamburger • $
“Except for the long drive-through lines, it’s worth going. And I have to actually admit that the lines move pretty quickly.
I do think that they ought to put their napkins in a separate small bag, before dropping them in on top of the burgers. I can never use them by the time I get home because they’re covered with sauce and cheese!
But that’s just me!”
Mexican • $
“I didn’t expect much but was surprised to get the tastiest food I ever ate in Mexican place. I suppose it was because the Taco Oasis shack was a first for me,beng used to restaurants, but those people know how to prepare the most tasty tacos I’ve ever eaten. They also add avocado no extra charge. Carne Asada Taco only $3.50 each. What a deal!”
Japanese • $$
“Best sushi for the value in north county. 50% off happy hour is a crazy good deal. The Carlsbad roll is a guilty pleasure but our fav! We have come to tomoyama for years and always get excited to come.”
Ice Cream Shop • $
“The gelato was just like what we had in Florence,Italy!”
Bakery • $
“Great Italian Pastries and coffee in the morning and perfect Italian sandwiches at lunch. Ken and his family know how to bake!”
Pho • $
“Very good pho, great atmosphere me and my three friends came to watch a world cup game they had on the TV and had the best time, all the workers were very very kind and very welcoming! Lots of seating and easy parking! I would absolutely recommend!”
Coffee Shops • $
“They have great quality espresso! I went for the first time today, and got an iced americano, and it was truly lovely 👌🏼
Love the vibe inside. Super chill , small and cute. Will be back!”
Hawaiian • $
“We are from Texas. 10 years ago we found surf brothers and the food is delicious! We ordered teriyaki chicken with white rice. We always stop by and take some home when we visit San Diego. The teriyaki sauce is amazing. This place is clean and the staff are friendly.”
Brewery • $$
“Had a great dinner, our server Greg was amazing! Will definitely be back”
Mexican • $$
“There were 3 of us for dinner and we all enjoyed our meal. The black bean appetizer was delicious. The chips and salsa were brought to the table. Chips were a bit salty for my taste. The California Burrito was huge and delicious. The enchiladas was good as well as the tacos. We will definitely go back.”
Online Reservation Available
Chinese • $
“Great service incredible amount of food they give you for an inexpensive price.
Employees are very friendly and do not rush you to order. Highly recommend this place. One of the best Restaurants I been to in about 30 years. Thanks for Great Service!!”
Pizza • $
“Very good pizza and wings. Pizza came out pretty quickly. Sauce is not sweet, which is a good thing. Crust is airy and crunchy. Hot wings were also good. Good sauce. Right amount of vinegar and heat.”
Mexican • $$
“The food and service is always good, I was wondering what is their signature dish? And has the restaurant had a food critics review? I love you read it! See you soon Casa de Bandini!”
Brewery • $$
“Had a great dinner, our server Greg was amazing! Will definitely be back”
Mexican • $$
“There were 3 of us for dinner and we all enjoyed our meal. The black bean appetizer was delicious. The chips and salsa were brought to the table. Chips were a bit salty for my taste. The California Burrito was huge and delicious. The enchiladas was good as well as the tacos. We will definitely go back.”
Italian • $$
“The food was wonderful! Our waiter was gregarious and funny. The wine he chose for us was excellent. Our group thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would definitely go back again!”
Mediterranean • $$
“voted # 1 by Prince Reza Shah owner Developer of Carlsbad inn Hotel Resorts Visitors and Local Carlsbad 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ star Prince Shahlapour”
Sandwich Shop • $
“It’s always my first choice restaurant in my favorite meal!!! Birthday Lunch-I love the way they mix so many different flavors together it is always delicious!!!”
Seafood • $$
“We had a wonderful family meal here! The staff was so friendly and accommodating from the moment we arrived. Every dish we had was fantastic, especially the clam chowder in a bread bowl, which was truly excellent. I'd also recommend trying the pear with prosciutto.
My wife, our three kids, and I enjoyed the food so much that we actually had to ask for seconds! On top of the amazing food, the location right next to the ocean makes it the perfect spot.”
Mexican • $
“It was just last night. Friday night around 7. I figured we'd have to wait a while to get a table but it was just my mom and I and we actually got seated quickly. We were seated in less than 3 minutes. The restaurant was pretty full too. Our waiter was very nice, quick and efficient. The appetizer came within 5 minutes and the main entree came soon after we finished our Queso Blanco which was so good!! I ordered the Carne Asada steak with beans and rice, onions guac, pico and soft tortillas. I would recommend that to anyone because it is literally the best tasting steak you will ever eat in your life!!
The only thing I was surprised about was they charge 4 bucks for fountain drinks. That seems a bit pricey to me. The food prices are all fair and competitive though. If you love Mexican food like I do, you definitely won't be disappointed!!
Brian”
American • $$$$
“Great food and great service from a very friendly and attentive staff! Had an awesome date night! Our first time here but won’t be our last.”
Wine Bar • $$
“I appreciate a place with great wine and a beautiful charcuterie display. I highly recommend”
Italian • $$
“The food was wonderful! Our waiter was gregarious and funny. The wine he chose for us was excellent. Our group thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would definitely go back again!”
Takeout Restaurants
Juice Bar & Smoothies • $
“The. Best. Smoothie. I have ever had! So fresh and delicious! Visiting from out of state and had to stop here a few times while we were in Carlsbad! Also really enjoyed the Acai bowl! Excellent customer service, friend staff, clean restaurant and most importantly delicious, fresh, fruity drinks! Can't wait to go back!”
Ice Cream Shop • $$
“I’m gonna give 4 star because we love ice cream but the kid working today was the stingiest sample giver ever. Tbh I’m shocked how little was the sample, literally from corner like there is no ingredients in it me to understand actual flavor.
He ruined my ice cream experience literally. We came there happy want some ice cream, you don’t need to make us feel bad like we ask for something wrong. I thought maybe he owns the store or his relatives lol.
We were talking on the way back with my husband, if the owner would know how funny his samples, I think he would be mad. That’s not a good service.
May 29 Friday around 5.30-6 pm.
I won’t visit this store again, I’ll go other ones or maybe just buy from store.”
Deli • $
“Elissa puts so much thought and dedication into her delicious creations. You won't find Costco muffins repackaged in cellophane at this cafe - you WILL find her handmade recreations of traditional French pastries, fun fantasy-themed original creations, alongside custom flavored and hand-painted chocolates. Highly recommend, delicious. I only wish we lived closer and could visit more often (but that's why my wife has a monthly chocolate subscription to Elissa's companion business, 'Chocolates by E')”
Wineries • $$
“Great place. Excellent wine. Very friendly staff. We joined the wine club a few months ago. We usually go there on Sunday afternoons for free tastings. Check it out!”
Pizza • $
“Yes absolutely! staff is kind and friendly. Family owned which I love to support.”
Coffee Shops • $
“Love steady state, trent and Parker are always welcoming. Great coffee and food for great prices. Their specials are always good make sure you grab 1 before they are gone!”
Fast Food • $
“Great food, great selection, great prices, great specials, and GREAT PEOPLE! Visit. Often.”
Mediterranean • $$
“voted # 1 by Prince Reza Shah owner Developer of Carlsbad inn Hotel Resorts Visitors and Local Carlsbad 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ star Prince Shahlapour”
Gastropubs • $$
“Great food! Good atmosphere!! One of my new favorite places in North County San Diego. I don't drink but my friends enjoyed their beers. Definitely going back.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
Vegetarian • $
“Some of the best 🪴 BASED food I've had! Customer service is Amazing! They're no long wait for your food either! Highly recommend!”
French • $
“Had the chance to taste Guillaume's pastries when he was still a student... Can't wait to see what they'll be serving us! :)”
Coffee Shops • $
“I want to say yes and recommend them. But I can't because I have a subscription to their coffee but they sent me the wrong coffee. it's been about a week, I've call a few times, left two voice mail messages, I've emailed as well and I have not gotten any response at all. The coffee I bought and subscribed to is good, but I can't continue to do business with a company that won't respond to their customers to fix their mistakes.”
Breakfast • $
“Wow! We are so grateful to have happened upon Don's Country Kitchen! our lunch was a home made perfect delight. Excellent menu, service, and food. Highly recommend Don's! ♥️😊”
Wine Bar • $$
“I appreciate a place with great wine and a beautiful charcuterie display. I highly recommend”
Coffee Shops • $
“This is my favorite coffee spot in CA. Ruben is an incredible barista and is extremely knowledgeable about Coffee. His assortment of single origin coffee varietals is like going to a wine bar and having a tasting. He has an entire chart based on the origins of the coffee you are tasting and has direct connections to the Coffee and where it comes from. This is my go to coffee spot if I want to drink pure coffee. He will take you on a journey and give you more information than you could ever learn on your own. This is by far my favorite coffee spot in the world. Oh, and take your kids since there’s a Koi pond that you can feed next to it. If you have a home espresso machine, I highly recommend his espresso blend as you’ll pull the best shots you’ll ever make. Definitely worth a visit.”
Gastropubs • $$
“Great food! Good atmosphere!! One of my new favorite places in North County San Diego. I don't drink but my friends enjoyed their beers. Definitely going back.”
Poke Bar • $
“Came for dinner and had to come back again for lunch the next day. The fish is excellent and the acai bowl is one of the best I've ever had. The bowls are big enough for 2 so don't be turned off by the price”
American • $$
“Awesome food! We were in town at Carlsbad for the weekend, and visited it twice. Everything we tried was huge portions and fabulous! Servers and staff were very friendly, and very knowledgeable. If you are in the area, stop in and enjoy!!”
Thai • $
“This was our very first time trying Thai food, and we absolutely loved it! TikTok led us to 78 Thai, and it exceeded every expectation.
The Pad Thai with shrimp, cream cheese wontons, Crying Tiger, and Pra-Ram were all outstanding. And the fresh coconut juice with real coconut inside is a must try!! it was the best and most refreshing coconut drink we’ve ever had.
If you’ve never tried Thai food before, this is the perfect place to start. We’ll definitely be back!”
Steak House • $$
“We were there a couple of weeks ago. We like coming here because we like the food & drinks. This particular day Rocky was our server. She stood out, her customer service was outstanding! Although she was extremely busy, she brought out everything promptly & was kind with each interaction. This made our experience pleasant, Rocky Rocks!”
American • $
“Was a great idea stopping to Islands Food was great and waitress so wonderful I really recommended Thank you”
Creperies • $$
“My family and I had a wonderful time yesterday. Thanks for the great food and conversation! - The Cole's from Idaho”
Indian • $
“I’m in love with biryani here vegetarian biryani I tried at 100places but finally I quit eating vegetable biryani But this place when I tried I loved it Will never go anywhere if I want vegetarian biryani this is my only place to go Plus another thing I love their chats samosa chat and aloo tikki chat Aloo tikki chat is my favourite one Haven’t tried anything else yet but will update if I will tried some another dishes 💯 recommended”
Seafood • $$
“We had a wonderful family meal here! The staff was so friendly and accommodating from the moment we arrived. Every dish we had was fantastic, especially the clam chowder in a bread bowl, which was truly excellent. I'd also recommend trying the pear with prosciutto.
My wife, our three kids, and I enjoyed the food so much that we actually had to ask for seconds! On top of the amazing food, the location right next to the ocean makes it the perfect spot.”
American • $$
“Awesome food! We were in town at Carlsbad for the weekend, and visited it twice. Everything we tried was huge portions and fabulous! Servers and staff were very friendly, and very knowledgeable. If you are in the area, stop in and enjoy!!”
Cheap Eats
Coffee Shops • $
“Coffee and food were delicious! My wife's chai latte wasn't quite up to her standards but they happily made her a different drink. Great vibes and amazing customer service. And the salmon toast was honestly one of the best dishes we had on our trip. Highly recommend.”
Coffee Shops • $
“I love the service I get from Lullabar. I had been trying to ween myself off of a toxic relationship with acrylic. This resulted in going on an over 18 month “get your nails healthy” journey. I have had my nails done with Sherlyn now four times. She is patient, professional and really good at what she does. The atmosphere is excellent. My second favorite thing to coming out with lovely hands is the cafe! If you prebook, you are awarded with a drink…the lavender latte is to die for.”
Bubble Tea • $
“I got a taro milkshake with boba with my father along with a grape lemon slushy! I liked my drink and my Dad didn’t have to pay vey much! We had a great father-daughter outing there! We consider coming back next time.”
Deli • $
“excellent place all around. only been going for about 2 months but as soon as I walk in the door Mr Charlie knows exactly what I want(corn chicken pablano soup) which tastes amazing and made fresh daily from scratch and it shows. the sandwiches are also top notch in taste, generously filled and at an affordable price. Def dont skip this place if you have a chance to stop by!”
Mexican • $
“I love tacos El Pueblo!!!! A San Diego classic with the famous $1.39 fish tacos (at the time of this writing) their service is fantastic. The staff is friendly. The food is great. The salsa is awesome! And the complimentary pickled carrots are a classic. I sincerely hope you will read this review and visit this esteemed establishment to give them your business as opposed to visiting a crappiestablishment such as Chipotle.”
Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt • $
“The community is very fortunate to have Anthony and his team to make this area of the campground a place for everyone to enjoy. The views, facilities and lets not forget the music and giving artists a venue to share thier talents. What a Great venue for locals and the surrounding communities. I would like to add, it is very difficult for Anthony and his team to keep this business going. I have notice a few people and groups are bringing in thier own food and drinks. This makes it very difficult for the Campstore to stay in business. All the things they do for the holidays and Jurassic Animals for the kids, this cost a lot. Can we just enjoy something special that they have built for all of us to enjoy. Let's support the staff, management and leadership with our patronage.”
American • $
“Nevaeh was so accommodating to us as first timers with a litany of dietary restrictions. Comfortable, clean, and lovely restaurant. Ordered seasonal sea bass, en fuego burger w GF bun, and gf cookies. Everything was delicious”
Seafood • $
“I thought the service was very friendly. The bowls were reasonably priced. There is a large selection of proteins and other items for the bowls. Also, the service is fast.”
Japanese • $
“I stopped at Mot’to Japanese Grill and WOW… this place seriously delivers 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I ordered the Chicken & California Roll and it was so worth it. The grilled chicken was perfectly cooked and covered in rich, flavorful teriyaki sauce, and the California roll was super fresh and tasted way better than expected. 👀 It also came with rice, miso soup, and a salad, so you’re getting a full, satisfying meal. 🤤🫶🏻
Everything tasted fresh, clean, and really well put together—not heavy, just super enjoyable. The portions were solid, the flavors were on point, and you can tell they actually care about the quality. 😊💕
Service was quick and smooth, and the staff was friendly, which made the whole experience even better. 🫶🏻
Definitely one of those spots I’ll 💯 keep coming back to when I'm here in Carlsbad - highly recommend 🙌🏼🙌🏼👌🏼👌🏼”
Cafe • $
“Simply amazing! My husband and I frequent Naked. The food is awesome, and the service is amazing. We thought we would post a review of a visit we made there a few days ago. When we walked into the restaurant, (early 8:00 am) for breakfast, there was a table that had already been serviced with about 14-16 people. Michael, the manager was already taking their order. When he was finished taking their order, he came over to our table to take ours. He told us that there was a large table before us, so it might be a while before we received our order. Surprisingly enough, within in 10 minutes!, no lie, the large table was being served their orders and at the SAME time, our order came out as well. I don’t know how they do it. We love coming to Naked! Thank you Michael and staff!!! Kim & Tony”
Dessert • $
“Shave Ice with condensed milk and macadamia nut ice cream on the bottom. And Kona Coffee!”
Bakery • $
“The desserts were absolutely delicious and the perfect way to end the meal. Each bite was fresh and indulgent, with rich flavors that lingered pleasantly on the palate. The textures were beautifully balanced—creamy, soft, and slightly crisp in all the right places—and the aroma was inviting and sweet without being overpowering. They were also elegantly presented, making them as visually appealing as they were satisfying to eat.
I also tried the iced strawberry matcha latte, and it was excellent—smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced without being overly sweet. The earthy aroma of the matcha was refreshing, and the drink had a silky texture with a gentle froth on top. It was cool and invigorating, with just the right depth of flavor to complement the desserts.
The restrooms were clean and well-maintained, which added to the overall positive experience. Overall, everything exceeded my expectations, and I would definitely come back to enjoy the desserts and drinks again. Highly recommend!”
American • $$$$
“Great food and great service from a very friendly and attentive staff! Had an awesome date night! Our first time here but won’t be our last.”
Steak House • $$
“We were there a couple of weeks ago. We like coming here because we like the food & drinks. This particular day Rocky was our server. She stood out, her customer service was outstanding! Although she was extremely busy, she brought out everything promptly & was kind with each interaction. This made our experience pleasant, Rocky Rocks!”
Creperies • $$
“My family and I had a wonderful time yesterday. Thanks for the great food and conversation! - The Cole's from Idaho”
Brewery • $$
“Tried the newly released Citra By-The-Sea hazy IPA, and it was wonderful! Always good friendly service, most every time I am in Carlsbad I try to stop in and have a beer.”
Mexican • $$
“We had a wonderful dinner while visiting family in Carlsbad. The food and drinks were excellent and the service from Andres E was outstanding. If you are in the area, definitely put Jalisco Cantina on your list!”
Pizza • $$
“I have eaten there many times. It's always good. I knew the Original Owners, years ago. It was great then and also now!!”
Breakfast • $$
“I was out of town for a week and when I walked into the Carlsbad store today Juliette greeted me with a big smile and even called me by name. I missed you guys when I was traveling. Thanks for making me healthy 🙏”
Japanese • $$
“Good hotpot and great service. Roger was such a friendly and attentive server. He did a great job at explaining how everything worked and was a great guy to talk to. I would gladly come back.”
Seafood • $$
“Restaurant is beautiful and clean. Food is priced right, presented nicely and delicious!”
Steak House • $$$
“All aspects of the dining experience continue to be excellent. Valet service was lacking on this visit. Standing in two empty spots, the valet told us the lot was full, and that we should find free curb parking in the neighborhood. That proved impossible, so we parked in the paid beach parking lot and luckily avoided any major heart or back issues on the uphill trek to the restaurant. In the past, valets have hustled and queued street parking until spots were available. Last night's valet seemed to be mostly focused on minimizing effort to accommodate customers. I may have had to find alternative parking in the past in my 20+ years in the area, but don't recall ever being dismissed quite so brusquely and unapologetically. Certainly not at Vigilucci's! But disabled beach parking is only $7 with no one to tip, so we did save a few dollars there.”
American • $$
“Desayuno muy rico cafecito y ensaladas deliciosas todo fresco ☕️😀”
Cafe • $$
“The very best Indian food I have ever eaten in all of San Diego county.”
Wine Bar • $$
“I found this little gem in Carlsbad Village. Atmosphere was great. The food was excellent. I had the fresh caught fish with artichoke. And the basque cheesecake!! If you're in Carlsbad, I recommend a stop here!”
Sushi • $$
“great experience at Fish Boon! The food was fresh, flavorful, and well-prepared. The service was friendly, and the overall experience was enjoyable. Definitely a nice place to enjoy good seafood, highly recommended!”
Steak House • $$$$
“The bar area is a nice casual place to sit but with full menu options!”
Japanese • $$
“It's amazing. Simply amazing. Great customer service. Delicious sushi. Good music. Love love love.”
Thai • $$
“We loved the great little touches here. Staff is very kind and friendly. The duck is amazing! Overall food is great, service is great, atmosphere is homey.”
American • $$
“Super attentive service. From the Hostesses, wait staff to buss boys. Food is delectable. Entrees were well prepared, fresh ingredients, served hot & salads crisp. Highly recommended.”
Wineries • $$
“Great place. Excellent wine. Very friendly staff. We joined the wine club a few months ago. We usually go there on Sunday afternoons for free tastings. Check it out!”
Italian • $$
“Excellent costumer service from the hostesses to the bar , I like to recognize Bartender/Server Elias went above and beyond to make us feel welcome he was amazing. 5⭐️”
Brewpubs • $$
“Went here for dinner during family vacation. Always love the customer service. The wonderful manager told us about a great beach we had never visited before and it will be our new beach spot. Thank you for the great experience.”
Deli • $$
“Great casual spot for an excellent sandwich and an excellent Belgian beer! It's a small, cozy place that has a good layout and balance between decor, TVs, seating, and open space. Perfect option for a laid back lunch or no-fuss happy hour. The guys behind the bar are welcoming, and the sandwich-meister is top notch!”
Chinese • $$
“Super chill but still casual Chinese food, the ladies were very kind and attentive to my family. Sesame triple delight, sizzling beef a la mandarin, chow mein with chicken, egg drop soup, and the Hong Kong bao were all phenomenal. They were taking take out orders and showing the same level of attention and care to those people as everyone sitting down. Fantastic experience”
Irish Pub • $$
“We were visiting Carlsbad for a couple weeks during the World Cup and a lot of spots bars we looked at had lines during the big matches or weren't kid friendly. Our friend suggested Hennessey's and we went 3 times in our trip. Atmosphere was lively but not over crowded. Service was fast and friendly. We were pleasantly surprised at the fresh juices that you don't normally find at a pub. Highly recommend for a great neighborhood pub and sports watching!”
Thai • $$
“Best Thai Restaurant in the county. Delicious, awesome service great prices.”
Sushi • $$
“Best sushi since Iroha in Sherman oaks. Just way above the others in san diego”
Sushi • $$
“Hooked on sushi never fails us. Always great food. We love this place”
New American • $$
“Food was excellent. The only disappointing thing was this restaurant was marked great for people who are gluten-free & they really didn't have that many gluten-free options. Even side dishes.”
Bar • $$
“We visited Le Papagayo for the first time during the 52nd Village Faire, and it was easily the highlight of our day. We originally had a 6:30 PM reservation, but after walking the fair and getting hungry early, we decided to see if they could seat us sooner. The staff graciously accommodated us at 4:30 PM.
A huge shout-out to the hostess, who deserves massive props for her friendliness and hospitality; she made us feel welcome the moment we walked in.
The three of us (my wife, our pup, and me) were initially a little bummed to find out only the Happy Hour menu was available, but that feeling didn't last long. We ended up ordering quite a spread: the Smash Burger with Truffle Fries, Mahi Mahi Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos, Calamari, and the Short Rib Birria Nachos with Guacamole. They even looked after our service dog with a dog patty and rice!
Everything was delicious. I also really enjoyed trying a local IPA, the Burgeon Treevana, which was excellent. We were incredibly impressed with the quality of the food and the top-notch service.
While we came for the dinner menu, the Happy Hour completely won us over. We will definitely be back next time we’re in Carlsbad to try that dinner menu, we have no doubt it’ll be just as satisfying!”
Pet Friendly • $$
“Hit place.
We made reservations and had gotten the time wrong. The hostess Sonia was accommodating and made sure we were not turned back. Friendly staff and server. Good cocktail options.
The pastas, the cabbage, kids entrees all top notch.
One of our family favs.”
Seafood • $$$$
“We had an amazing dinner on the outside patio at sunset Our server was great with my son's allergies and the food was delicious. Our big group loved and enjoyed the experience and the food.”
American • $$
“We had four people and everyone enjoyed their meals. The hotel had a welcome event for a conference close by and we were able to enjoy the live music from their event. It was a good night!”
American • $$
“I didn't want to go but am glad I did. Perfect size for a day trip. Not too big you get lost, and you can get thru it in 1 day. Food options were not good around closing. They all close an hour before the park so don't wait. Lines were not bad. Very clean restrooms. Very clean!
I would definitely go again, but would plan better. We went spur of the moment, still a good time. Excellent for little ones.
Parking is pricey....”
Bar & Grill • $$
“What else can I say?? I’ve been twice on Saturdays and it’s an amazing atmosphere all day long! Strong drinks, friendly staff, great music from the bands and DJs, and it’s PACKED outside and inside!”
Italian • $$
“It suits any kind of gathering. The food was amazing. The Manhattan on the rocks-I love when they use the single large ice cube! There was nothing I didn’t like except as the place filled up we got a little warm but still enjoyed our full experience there.”
American • $$
“I love this place, specially their Golden Hour specials. The dining area is pleasant and open to the outdoors. It feels almost like your living room. But what really differentiates this place is the warm and gracious service. I forgot by AirPods, and the team bent over backwards to get them back to me. I’ve been back several times and recommend Seasons to friends and colleagues.”
Breakfast • $$
“We had a lovely time. The food is soso good!”
Mexican • $$
“Fabulous Cadillac Margaritas!!”
Sushi • $$
“Everything was incredibly fresh and delicious! The appetizers and sushi rolls were flavorful, made with high-quality ingredients, and beautifully prepared! The service was friendly and the overall experience was excellent. I’ll definitely be coming back and would recommend this place to anyone looking for great sushi in the area!”
Pizza • $$
“Oh my goodness. I can't stop thinking about their chicken salad. Yes yes yes to the brown sugar walnuts and cranberry to the salad.
Great portion size for children and adults.
My family lives their take home boxes that say in crust we trust lol. Cute play on words”
Greek • $$
“I've been going here since 97. I have never been disappointed with the quality or quantity of their food, its always delicious. Simon and Nazie are always friendly and pleasant.”
American • $$
“Here, in this restaurant, you will find delicious food if it Is for breakfast or dinner and the price of each plate will vary depending on what you do order.If you are a member of IHG Rewards Club, then please charge everything to your room because that's the only way for you to accumulate hundreds of points so that you can get free nights, free merchandise or free airline tickets.”
New American • $$
“Had a fantastic experience at Tower 39 Rooftop Lounge. The rooftop view is stunning, the atmosphere is classy but relaxed, and the food and drinks were top notch.
Special shoutout to Nick — thank you for the great job! You made us feel welcome, helped with the menu, and kept everything smooth all night. Service like this is rare. Highly recommend!”
American • $$
“The food is wonderful, plentiful and the service is excellent. The breadsticks and a side of marinara is a great start.”
Seafood • $$
“The Cioppino seafood soup was really good. My girlfriend loves pasta, bread and Italian food, after seeing an advertisement for a special at this restaurant I knew this would be a good date night dinner opportunity. My girlfriend absolutely loved her pasta dish which I do not remember the name of. I remember when I was a kid my parents loved the Cioppino from some restaurant in Cardiff that no longer exists so when I saw it on the menu I thought for the price it must be amazing and it was. It was very delicious and good. If the Cioppino sounds good and you've never try it olease do!”
Breakfast • $$
“Friendly people were kind and understanding when it came for me to pick something. it was hard just to pick one item. I left with a delicious sweet strawberry refresher with popping boba, and came back for a CROFFLE! which can be served with multiple toppings, but I chose strawberries and vanilla ice cream! ...Worth it!!”
Italian • $$
“First I want to mention our server, Savannah, was great even on her first night on the job. We ordered so much food along with refills on drinks and dips and Savannah provided wonderful service all around! Truthfully, I’ve never really had a bad experience at an Olive Garden and I’ve been going often enough since I’ve been alive. It’s a place that no matter where in the country I go, I love it for some reason even when other people don’t. I’ll never stop loving you, OG 💕🍝”
Chinese • $$
“Excellent excellent excellent margaritas... looking forward yo pomegranate margaritas.... excellent wait staff... world class customer service and facilities....”
Hamburger • $$
“So glad Legoland opened up, there were if rides closed, the lines were long but we love going because it's close. You can get wet, ride coasters and end your day with a slow magnet through the aquarium, and the burgers in Castle Hill are awesome!!!”
Italian • $$
“Great Carlsbad location. Something for everyone. Had their aoli artichoke and it was so yummy. Fast service great food.”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“Visited Pacific Point and had a lovely evening. The Wagyu beef skewers and the specialty rolls were definitely the highlights—highly recommend both! The atmosphere is fantastic, making it a perfect spot for cocktails or a glass of wine. Since it's located inside the Park Hyatt, the prices are on the higher side, but the quality of food and the vibes made it worth it.”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“They have a great tradition where every time a train goes by you can order a beer at a discount, was $3 for a beer at the time I was there.
Very small bar but easy to get served
Worth going past for a beer”
Cafe • $$
“I shared a steak and cheese sandwich with my wife. It was really good. My son had a hot dog and ate most of it. Considering he just wanted to get back out into the park, I was surprised he ate that much.
Overall this was better than most food you get in a theme park. Way better than any of the food I had at a park north of this one.”
Bar & Grill • $$
“Had a BLT and fries out by the pool. Server brought the meal to the wife and I while we lounged about at one of the hot tubs. Fun place! PS: You’ll need either a pool pass key or a room key to access The Cove Bar & Grill.”
Mediterranean • $$
“excellent service by David, great food and relaxed ambiance”
Vegan • $$
“Ordered a Buffalo chicken sandwich and fries. Sandwich was delicious and everything I could hope for in a Buffalo chicken sandwich . Spicy , saucy , tangy , nice roll … fries were good and crispy. Decently priced .”
Mexican • $$
“El personal es muy amable súper súper limpio 🧼 se esfuerzan por agradarte la comida no se diga súper deliciosa muy típica al estilo Oaxaca 💯 en lo personal lo recomiendo todo 🙏”
Family • $$
“Sitting around the fire with a glass of wine in my hand.”
Cafe • $$
“We stayed at the hotel as part of the Legoland vacations package. The hotel is right next to the park and because you stay there, you get early access to the park. Breakfast is included but still best to make reservations. We stayed in a Friends themed room with bunk beds for the girls. The girls had a great time and enjoyed meeting characters on site.”
Bar • $$
“The management at this location is top notch. The food is craveable and the service is next level.”
Lounges • $$
“I had the pleasure of eating here as part of a work event March 23rd in the evening. Our party had 50 or 60 people in attendance and we were sat outside overlooking the golf course. The food was good but the real standout was the overall service we received from the staff. Because there were so many of us and this was a meet/greet event, people did not tend to stay in one place very long. The staff assigned to our table took orders and somehow still remembered who ordered what dish regardless of where they may have moved to at the tables. I was jaw-dropped at the level of attentiveness and accuracy. I have worked in food service in a previous career and fully appreciate this kind of work. I hope the resort pays them appropriately, especially MJ. She was such an MVP. Thank you for a great experience.”
Mexican • $$
“Just happened upon this place (new in the area). Sopes were fantastic, as well as their Margaritas. Will return, for sure!!!”
American • $$
“Nice place. Had to wait for our drinks and food for a little while. We were also celebrating my son’s birthday and I thought they would do something special. Which the waitress just dropped off a cookie with whipped cream and took off No singing no wvwn saying happy birthday.”
Italian • $$
“Very clean, good food and kind staff. Great job Legoland! All you can eat makes it a much better choice than at other parks where you pay premium price for a small amount. Haven't you spent enough on the ticket already?”
Barbecue • $$
“The food is scrumptious ok it's the real deal hahahah Texas style! Yee haa”
Seafood • $$
“The kid working the front counter was very professional and polite”
Latest Reviews
Cafe • $$
“The very best Indian food I have ever eaten in all of San Diego county.”
Cafe • $
“Simply amazing! My husband and I frequent Naked. The food is awesome, and the service is amazing. We thought we would post a review of a visit we made there a few days ago. When we walked into the restaurant, (early 8:00 am) for breakfast, there was a table that had already been serviced with about 14-16 people. Michael, the manager was already taking their order. When he was finished taking their order, he came over to our table to take ours. He told us that there was a large table before us, so it might be a while before we received our order. Surprisingly enough, within in 10 minutes!, no lie, the large table was being served their orders and at the SAME time, our order came out as well. I don’t know how they do it. We love coming to Naked! Thank you Michael and staff!!! Kim & Tony”
Italian • $$
“Great food and service. Awesome value and will definitely return”
Thai • $$
“Best Thai Restaurant in the county. Delicious, awesome service great prices.”
Restaurant • $$
“Just happened upon this place (new in the area). Sopes were fantastic, as well as their Margaritas. Will return, for sure!!!”
Mexican • $
“I didn’t expect much but was surprised to get the tastiest food I ever ate in Mexican place. I suppose it was because the Taco Oasis shack was a first for me,beng used to restaurants, but those people know how to prepare the most tasty tacos I’ve ever eaten. They also add avocado no extra charge. Carne Asada Taco only $3.50 each. What a deal!”
Sushi • $$
“Best sushi since Iroha in Sherman oaks. Just way above the others in san diego”
Restaurant
“We love this cute winery , it’s a few blocks from our place, great to enjoy a glass or 2, safely walk home ! Tina does a great job ! Most importantly the wines are very good”
Most Popular Restaurants
Buffet • $$
“If you are going to stay at legoland at one of the onsite hotels, there are limited options. so this review is comparing this and the dragon den as our onsite breakfast spots, and this is a clear winner. Is this the best buffet in the world? not really (but my kids might think so 😊), but is it fun lego themed, with a decent amount of options ? absolutely. staff is super friendly, food is all decent, and lots of drink options. my kids love the buffet and this is very easy breakfast when included with the hotel. Very cafeteria style with lots of kids running around, i most likely wouldnt take a first date here (i might if it was part of a legoland date) but i would absolutely take my kids here as part of an awesome legoland vacation.”
American • $$
“Marcus at the Dragon’s Den bar was amazing! Super friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience feel welcoming. He truly makes the best drinks!any time we visit this hotel, we look forward to seeing him. He goes above and beyond with great service and a positive attitude. Definitely one of the highlights of our visit!”
Mediterranean • $
“Had the salmon and it was delicious. Good clean atmosphere and hospitable, attentive staff.”
Hamburger • $
“Except for the long drive-through lines, it’s worth going. And I have to actually admit that the lines move pretty quickly.
I do think that they ought to put their napkins in a separate small bag, before dropping them in on top of the burgers. I can never use them by the time I get home because they’re covered with sauce and cheese!
But that’s just me!”
Chicken Shop • $
“Great food and great service. The chicken was crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. The spice level was just right, and the portions were generous for the price. The staff were friendly and the restaurant was clean. Definitely one of the better hot chicken spots I’ve tried, and I’ll be coming back again.”
American • $$
“Perfect getaway friendly staff loved every second of our stay there! Highly recommend”
Hamburger • $
“fresh baked buns make all the difference. coffee shake, yum. got it in "Lil Moo" size”
Seafood • $
“Delicious and crispy! First time visiting, will definitely will be coming back. :)”
French • $
“Had the chance to taste Guillaume's pastries when he was still a student... Can't wait to see what they'll be serving us! :)”
New Restaurants
Fast Food • $
“The taste is different, not in a bad way. With so much chicken options it is a nice kick to the taste buds. The sauce options are an explosion. One of the 4 has your traditional chicken figure taste but still unique and not a copy. The other 3 are very unique and worth the try. Chicken can be eaten plain, like popcorn chicken from other places. Only negative is the hours of operation but I understand for the area. I ordered online and it was nothing difficult, able to use Apple pay.”
Juice • $
“Love this place!! Smoothies are always fresh, high quality ingredients and consistent products. Great for after the gym. Thanks for fueling my workouts monkee🦾”
Korean • $
“The Food was very good and the employee Linda was very nice kind and gave good food recommendation and we loved everyone that was working there and Linda gave good service”
Mexican • $$
“We had a wonderful dinner while visiting family in Carlsbad. The food and drinks were excellent and the service from Andres E was outstanding. If you are in the area, definitely put Jalisco Cantina on your list!”
Breakfast • $$
“I was out of town for a week and when I walked into the Carlsbad store today Juliette greeted me with a big smile and even called me by name. I missed you guys when I was traveling. Thanks for making me healthy 🙏”
Wine Bar • $$
“I found this little gem in Carlsbad Village. Atmosphere was great. The food was excellent. I had the fresh caught fish with artichoke. And the basque cheesecake!! If you're in Carlsbad, I recommend a stop here!”
Coffee Shops • $
“I always make a stop here whenever I'm in Carlsbad! The coffee is excellent, and the sandwiches are always fresh and delicious.
The girls working there are amazing—so sweet, welcoming, and helpful every time I visit. They truly make you feel welcome.
The cafe is very clean, beautifully decorated, and has such a cute, relaxing atmosphere. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee and unwind.
Highly recommend if you're in the area! ☕💕”
Pizza • $
“Corner Pizza is such a great addition to Bressi Ranch! Unbelievably good pizza, awesome environment and fantastic service. We have been needing a place like this in Bressi. Well done Corner!”
Coffee Shops
“Delicious food, natural drinks, and owners who actually make you feel welcome. What more could you ask for.
Out the gate, I noticed how relaxed I felt walking into the place. It was surrounded by greenery, and the sound of running water from a nearby waterfall did a lot to set the vibe.
Went in craving shawarma, and this place delivered. Every bite was packed with flavor, nothing dry or phoned in, just good food made with care. I've had trouble finding a place that got the bread crisped right, or even crisped at all, but Carlsbad Cafe hit the nail on the head.
I'm a big coffee drinker, so I notice immediately when a spot is cutting corners with cheap syrups and artificial flavoring. Not the case here. My drink tasted all natural, and you could tell they weren't skimping on quality to save a buck.
The owners were incredibly kind and hospitable, the kind of people who make you want to come back just as much for them as for the food. That kind of warmth is hard to fake, and it shows in how they run the place.
Delicious food, proper drinks, and genuine hospitality. A solid spot in Carlsbad.”
Bakery • $$
“We just had the sweetest tea party birthday party for our 12 year old daughter here. Everything went flawless and the food and desserts were delicious. Christine is so thoughtful and such a gracious host. The price was more reasonable than I expected. The mani/pedis we got the girls beforehand were more expensive! We'll definitely be back.”
Health Food • $
“Tried the hummus wrap and avocado toast at La Vida and wow, healthy food that actually tastes good is real. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and satisfying without feeling heavy. This is the kind of place that makes you forget you’re eating ‘healthy’ because it just tastes great. Definitely coming back.”
Bistros • $
“I tried to find my previous review to correct it and couldn't find it (buried). I want to recant that post. This company is a stand up company just getting on their feet. They had problems with the rush of orders and me and many others didn't recieve our orders, but they have made up for it and then some. Please, take a look at the most recent reviews and ignore the older ones, they were over whelmed and deserve a second chance they are delicious. Due to my personal health I likely can't continue with many of them. I'm a salt waster, therefore I have problems with high potassium. Many of the fruits and veggies they use are full of potassium. But dang they are good, but not worth the foot and leg cramps I get all night. 😩”
Sandwich Shop • $
“Food is fantastic and the bread is delicious. The positive reviews are correct, anyone that says this place isn’t good is a liar lol.
For sure will be back whenever we’re in the area.”
“Lovely Michelin star dining. The service was amazing and the food was delicious. Thank you for making our 25th anniversary a memorable experience!”