Jay's Gourmet Seafood & Pizza

Has gone downhill over the last couple years, this used to be our go to for Italian but after having several mediocre experiences we've moved on.

I had the swordfish kimono and it was excellent! The salad was also excellent. The Attis ok and the service was good. Would definitely recommend!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Seafood Combination

Jay's Gourmet is an absolute gem! We ordered the Fresh Swordfish w Shrimp + artichoke in limonecaper sauce special written on the chalkboard, and it was phenomenal. The buttery angel hair pasta soaked up all the delicious tangy flavors perfectly. This dish was a true standout. It came with their outstanding minestrone soup, which was clearly made in-house from scratch. The fresh vegetables had the perfect slight bite that only fresh, high-quality ingredients can provide.

My husband had the spaghetti with sausage, and it didn't disappoint! The homemade sausage was exceptional, with the fennel flavor being present but perfectly balanced--not overpowering at all.

Even the starter bread was a delight--fresh and clearly made from scratch in-house.

A special shoutout to Brandy, who was outstanding! She was kind, attentive, and made sure everything was perfect for us.

The only downside was that they no longer offer discounts for Carlsbad Inn guests like they did in the past, which was a bit disappointing.

Overall, the quality of the food and service at Jay's Gourmet makes it a must-visit. We'll continue to be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food and service were outstanding! No disappointments. The gourmet seafood offerings argued slightly with the trappings, which was more aligned with that of a pizza joint. But you can't eat ambience, right? Party of 3, a shared appetizer, upgraded salads, entrees, drinks, tax and tip = $200. Recommended.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

Went for my birthday dinner! Staff were super unfriendly. Host only said “2” which was the amount in my party.

Service stated “I guess I’ll be your server”

Ordered sausage and peppers. Sausage was burnt and peppers looked like limp spaghetti.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 1

We ate there before and had the blackened swordfish, shrimp and gnocchi in a cream sauce. It was absolutely delicious but this time we had the swordfish and shrimp in a lemon sauce with artichokes and mushrooms and it was tasteless. It just had no flavor. I hate giving them a negative rating because it was so good before. This dish just doesn't work, especially for the price. Breadsticks and salad are amazing so we'll give the pizza a try.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 5

Did not like outside so did not go in

Atmosphere: 2

My husband and I had the most amazing time at this place! The food was absolutely fantastic, and the service was top-notch. We are definitely planning to come back here again next time!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Seafood Combination, Pizza, Bread Sticks

What a gem. Walk in no res. Excellent food
Could tell immediately that this place had an inspired chef.

Parking: Crowded beach town

Kid-friendliness: The kind of place a grand mother with upscale taste can bring her grandson for pizza.

Wheelchair accessibility: Roll right through the door. No steps.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Minestrone Soup, Caesar Salad, Pizza, Bread Sticks, Marinara Sauce

The pizza, pasta was amazing and stuffed bread was amazing. We loved the pizza with the white sauce it was different and super good. Staff was very hospitable and the restaurant environment was inviting.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lasagna, Pizza, Bread Sticks, Alfredo

It’s our go to spot every time we’re in the area. Their sausage is excellent. Eggplant Parm and I order it with meat sauce. Service always good. 4 star on atmosphere is only for tiny parking lot & restroom, but indoor dining is comfortable and cute.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

"AVOID JAY'S GOURMET Seafood" IN CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA AT ALL COSTS!

I've been a loyal customer for 40 YEARS, yes, you read that right, 40 years! I've seen this place go downhill, but my latest experience was the final straw.

The bait and switch on their wall sign outside is just the beginning. A tiny, dime-sized picture of a ribeye sandwich for $18 is overshadowed by a huge advertisement for a pizza and drink combo for $14. It's a clear case of false advertising, and when I brought it to the waitress's attention, she became NASTY and argumentative.

I'm still fuming after my latest experience at Jay's Gourmet Seafood, a place I've frequented for 40 YEARS! Yes, you read that right, 40 years of loyalty, and this is how they repay me?

The service was HORRIBLE, and the food quality has plummeted to ZERO. I've seen better-quality seafood at a fast food joint. The waitress's attitude was condescending and dismissive, and it seemed like she was doing me a favor by serving me.

When I tried to politely point out the discrepancy in the sign, she rolled her eyes and said, "Oh, that's just a mistake." A mistake? A mistake is when you get an order wrong, not when you deliberately mislead customers!

I asked to speak to a manager, and of course, none was available. The waitress offered a half-hearted apology and a weak excuse about "corporate" being responsible for the sign.

After 40 years of loyalty, I expect better. Jay's Gourmet Seafood has lost a customer forever. Don't waste your time or money on this place. The sign outside should read 'Jay's Gourmet Rip-Off'!

*UPDATE*: I've tried to give them the benefit of the doubt, but the consistent decline in quality and service has left me no choice but to warn others. Avoid this place at all costs!"

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Excellent service
Beautiful ambiance day or night
And the food is absolutely amazing to top it all off. Would and will highly recommend to anyone looking for a great meal by the beach.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Got pizza and pasta to go. The place is on the pricer end. Pasta was good but I don't think it was worth the price. Pizza was fantastic but again a little pricey. The website link for this restaurant on Google is completely wrong. Prices were doubled than what was listed. Google please look into this.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Seafood Combination, Pizza

The pasta came with the shrimp dish was watery. The salad is overwhelmed with tons of dressing. Be prepared to pay tourist price due to the location.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 4