Where to Eat in Carlsbad Village
Carlsbad may not be as glamorous as the Gaslamp Quarter or as hip as North Park or nearby Encinitas, but this sleepy coastal suburb of San Diego is chock full of great places to eat.
The Grand Deli
Simple decor greets you when you walk into the Grand Deli, but flavorful food awaits. For breakfast you can get delicious eggs, bacon, pancakes, waffles and more.
The Grand Deli also serves up one of my favorite omelettes in San Diego - the Chili Cheese Omelette. The chili is homemade at the Grand Deli and can also be ordered as a cup or bowl for lunch. You can also get a glass of Champagne with breakfast entrees for just a quarter on weekends and holidays. The Grand Deli also serves excellent lunch sandwiches.
Address:595 Grand Avenue
Daily News Cafe
From gooey, sweet cinnamon rolls to savory SoCal-inspired crepes, the Daily News Cafe serves up both traditional and inventive breakfast options. The Daily News also has a large patio shielded by the San Diego sun by large umbrellas. Get there early on sunny weekend days to avoid a long wait. Though if there is a wait, it's not so bad as you can walk down to the beach that's a block away and enjoy some ocean views before breakfast.
Address:3001 Carlsbad Boulevard
Harbor Fish Cafe
Harbor Fish Cafe has the best restaurant ocean views in Carlsbad Village -- and for once ocean view dining won't cost you much.
Located at the edge of the green grass overlooking Tamarack Beach, Harbor Fish Cafe has the ambiance of an open beach shack with a laidback atmosphere, picnic-style seating and seafood comfort food like fish and chips or shrimp cocktail.
Address: 3179 Carlsbad Boulevard
Jay's Gourmet
Jay's Gourmet restaurant has a fun, almost Hawaiian vibe inside with simple tables and beachy decor. It also has some excellent fresh seafood like the seafood cioppino, fresh clams and other tasty fish entrees. A big claim to fame of Jay's Gourmet that you should definitely try is the seafood pizza which comes topped with shrimp, scallops, clams and salmon.
Address:2975 Carlsbad Boulevard
Paon
Paon is one of Carlsbad Village's fine dining establishments and specializes in French cuisine. Try the Pan Roasted Pheasant or get an expertly prepared Provencal Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb. The ambiance of Paon is elegant and romantic. The restaurant also has an excellent wine list and even has an adjacent wine shop and tasting room. It also has a lovely patio with a European feel to it.
Address: 2975 Roosevelt Street
Fresco Trattoria
Fresco Trattoria has a frescoed dining room and plant and flower filled patio, both of which provide a relaxing dining experience. The traditional Italian cuisine on its menu consists of hearty, homemade lasagna, succulent ravioli and meat favorites like chicken Marsala. Fresco Trattoria also has nightly specials that usually include a fresh seafood option.
Address: 264 Carlsbad Village Drive
Norte Mexican Restaurant
Norte Mexican Restaurant has been a Carlsbad institution for decades and serves up authentic Mexican favorites in a large, bright dining area. You can also get a large margarita at the bar and go sit outside on Norte's peaceful bar patio. The dining area also has a nice, quiet patio area.
Address:3003 Carlsbad Boulevard
O'Sullivans Irish Pub and Restaurant
This Irish Pub has a traditional feel to it and serves up some delicious Irish food favorites on its menu like Shepherd's Pie and Bangers and Mash. You can also get a pint of Guinness or Snakebite to go along with it. In addition, O'Sullivans often has live Irish music at night.
Address: 640 Grand Avenue
Compass
Comfort Food is easy to find at Compass. Try the corn dogs or decadent macaroni and cheese. There is also the popular roasted bone marrow or portabello fries for those looking for something a bit more adventurous. Follow your meal with one of the mule cocktails or local craft beers that Compass serves up while sitting in one of the vintage red booths.
Address: 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Suite 202
What's your favorite restaurant in Carlsbad?
Where to Go in Carlsbad Village for Breakfast
The Grand Deli
Simple decor greets you when you walk into the Grand Deli, but flavorful food awaits. For breakfast you can get delicious eggs, bacon, pancakes, waffles and more.
The Grand Deli also serves up one of my favorite omelettes in San Diego - the Chili Cheese Omelette. The chili is homemade at the Grand Deli and can also be ordered as a cup or bowl for lunch. You can also get a glass of Champagne with breakfast entrees for just a quarter on weekends and holidays. The Grand Deli also serves excellent lunch sandwiches.
Address:595 Grand Avenue
Daily News Cafe
From gooey, sweet cinnamon rolls to savory SoCal-inspired crepes, the Daily News Cafe serves up both traditional and inventive breakfast options. The Daily News also has a large patio shielded by the San Diego sun by large umbrellas. Get there early on sunny weekend days to avoid a long wait. Though if there is a wait, it's not so bad as you can walk down to the beach that's a block away and enjoy some ocean views before breakfast.
Address:3001 Carlsbad Boulevard
Best Seafood in Carlsbad Village
Harbor Fish Cafe
Harbor Fish Cafe has the best restaurant ocean views in Carlsbad Village -- and for once ocean view dining won't cost you much.
Located at the edge of the green grass overlooking Tamarack Beach, Harbor Fish Cafe has the ambiance of an open beach shack with a laidback atmosphere, picnic-style seating and seafood comfort food like fish and chips or shrimp cocktail.
Address: 3179 Carlsbad Boulevard
Jay's Gourmet
Jay's Gourmet restaurant has a fun, almost Hawaiian vibe inside with simple tables and beachy decor. It also has some excellent fresh seafood like the seafood cioppino, fresh clams and other tasty fish entrees. A big claim to fame of Jay's Gourmet that you should definitely try is the seafood pizza which comes topped with shrimp, scallops, clams and salmon.
Address:2975 Carlsbad Boulevard
International Fare in Carlsbad Village
Paon
Paon is one of Carlsbad Village's fine dining establishments and specializes in French cuisine. Try the Pan Roasted Pheasant or get an expertly prepared Provencal Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb. The ambiance of Paon is elegant and romantic. The restaurant also has an excellent wine list and even has an adjacent wine shop and tasting room. It also has a lovely patio with a European feel to it.
Address: 2975 Roosevelt Street
Fresco Trattoria
Fresco Trattoria has a frescoed dining room and plant and flower filled patio, both of which provide a relaxing dining experience. The traditional Italian cuisine on its menu consists of hearty, homemade lasagna, succulent ravioli and meat favorites like chicken Marsala. Fresco Trattoria also has nightly specials that usually include a fresh seafood option.
Address: 264 Carlsbad Village Drive
Best Mexican Cuisine in Carlsbad Village
Norte Mexican Restaurant
Norte Mexican Restaurant has been a Carlsbad institution for decades and serves up authentic Mexican favorites in a large, bright dining area. You can also get a large margarita at the bar and go sit outside on Norte's peaceful bar patio. The dining area also has a nice, quiet patio area.
Address:3003 Carlsbad Boulevard
Pub Grub
O'Sullivans Irish Pub and Restaurant
This Irish Pub has a traditional feel to it and serves up some delicious Irish food favorites on its menu like Shepherd's Pie and Bangers and Mash. You can also get a pint of Guinness or Snakebite to go along with it. In addition, O'Sullivans often has live Irish music at night.
Address: 640 Grand Avenue
Compass
Comfort Food is easy to find at Compass. Try the corn dogs or decadent macaroni and cheese. There is also the popular roasted bone marrow or portabello fries for those looking for something a bit more adventurous. Follow your meal with one of the mule cocktails or local craft beers that Compass serves up while sitting in one of the vintage red booths.
Address: 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Suite 202
What's your favorite restaurant in Carlsbad?