Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego

Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Cardiff By The Sea

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

107 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff restaurant
1. Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff
4.8
Exceptional(10269)
$$$$
• Seafood • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 154 times today
Pacific Coast Grill's oceanfront venue features unique Pacific Coastal cuisine, an oyster bar, select sushi rolls, and a plethora of seafood choices, delicious steaks and more! There are two levels of dining at the new PCG with every dining seat in the house carefully planned to have an ocean view. There are bars on both levels and a heated outdoor patio and a deck with one of the best views of the Pacific Ocean and the line up at Cardiff Reef. You can watch surfers, kite surfers, dolphins, whales and spectacular sunsets from throughout the restaurant.
A photo of Pacifica Del Mar restaurant
2. Pacifica Del Mar
4.6
Exceptional(4978)
$$$$
• Seafood • Del Mar
Booked 28 times today
Perched atop the Del Mar Plaza in the heart of the Village, Pacifica Del Mar has remained a local gem for years as one of the neighborhood’s most sought-after places to dine, wine and gather with friends and family. Their menu showcases casual and inspired fare - like fresh seafood, steak and pasta - complimented by an award-winning wine list and creative cocktails.Whether you choose to dine on their cozy ocean view patio, or join them in our vibrant dining room or bar, their warm service and great food and drink will provide a memorable dining experience.We look forward to seeing you at Pacifica Del Mar. Please note that in an effort to give our staff enough time to turn over and sanitize tables between diners, reservations will be limited to an hour and a half for parties of 4 or less, and 2 hours for parties 5+. We thank you for understanding and helping us keep things safe for you.
A photo of Jake's Del Mar restaurant
3. Jake's Del Mar
4.8
Exceptional(11199)
$$$$
• American • Del Mar
Booked 118 times today
Right on the sand in the heart of Del Mar, Jake's has been San Diego's most beloved beachfront dining destination since 1981 — where floor-to-ceiling ocean views, chef-driven New American cuisine, and a genuine California coastal vibe make every visit unforgettable.Housed in a building with roots dating to 1910, Jake's sets the stage with sweeping panoramas of the Pacific from nearly every table — especially breathtaking at sunset. Our menu celebrates fresh local seafood, premium steaks and chops, and seasonal coastal fare crafted from sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you're in for a leisurely Sunday brunch, a romantic sunset dinner, or a relaxed meal with friends, Jake's delivers something special every time.Indoor and outdoor patio dining available. Private dining spaces for gatherings and special events. Valet parking available; metered and lot parking nearby.Only service animals are permitted inside. Visit jakesdelmar.com for menus, takeout, and updates.
A photo of Beeside Balcony Del Mar restaurant
4. Beeside Balcony Del Mar
4.5
Awesome(1608)
$$$$
• Contemporary European • Del Mar
Booked 33 times today
Beeside Balcony is a hidden gem in old Del Mar, CA with a relaxed seaside chic décor where guests enjoy global mediterranean cuisine and ocean views from the covered outside balcony. A third generation chef of Spanish and Italian descent, and hailing form Paris, France, Christophe's restaurant career began at 17 in the kitchen of his father's restaurant in Pasadena when they first emigrated to the USA. Upon returning to southern California in 2011, Christophe spent 8 years as the managing partner of Eddie V's Prime Seafood in La Jolla. Here he deepened his knowledge of sourcing and cooking the freshest seafood available, while delivering world class service. The laid back coastal vibe of Del Mar, combined with the attention to detail from Christophe's fine dining background, infuses Beeside Balcony with an easy elegance that elevates any gathering, and makes the perfect backdrop to showcase his global mediterranean menu.
A photo of The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines restaurant
5. The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
4.7
Exceptional(2705)
$$$$
• American • La Jolla
Booked 41 times today
The Grill is a popular dining destination at The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California. A favorite place for gathering with friends and family, The Grill at Torrey Pines invites locals and visitors to lounge beside five cozy fire pits, taste local craft beers beneath an artfully designed trellis, and enjoy meals from the restaurant's custom-built wood-burning suite — including the trademark Drugstore Burger, a true San Diego classic. Led by Executive Chef Eric Sakai and Chef de Cuisine Michael Moritz, The Grill is dedicated to local ingredients and creative California cooking. Whether coming together for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this La Jolla restaurant promises a welcoming and memorable dining experience.
A photo of Firenze Trattoria restaurant
6. Firenze Trattoria
4.8
Exceptional(1859)
$$$$
• Italian • Encinitas
Booked 26 times today
OPEN FOR DINE IN~ We are accepting online and phone reservations. Please be patient with wait times **IF YOU HAVE A SEATING PREFERENCE FOR EITHER THE INSIDE DINING ROOM OR OUTSIDE HEATED PATIO, PLEASE SPECIFY WHEN MAKING YOUR RESERVATION. **SEATING PREFERENCES CANNOT BE GUARANTEED** Sun-splashed by day and romantically lantern-lit at night, Firenze's flower-bedecked patio, with it's gentle fountain, is like a private courtyard in some romantic Italian villa. Come see what all the buzz is about we are certain that you will enjoy this one of a kind experience in this beautiful San Diego Italian restaurant.
A photo of Eddie V's - La Jolla restaurant
7. Eddie V's - La Jolla
4.8
Exceptional(6273)
$$$$
• Seafood • La Jolla
Booked 119 times today
Eddie V's Prime Seafood is a luxury dining destination known for the seafood flown in from pristine waters around the world, as well as its premium hand-carved steaks. Dishes are artistically prepared and feature an ever-changing array of seasonal seafood, along with critically acclaimed prime center-cut steaks broiled to perfection. The restaurant's award-wining wine list, which has been recognized by Wine Spectator, has more than 300 wines curated by Eddie V's very own Advanced Sommelier. In the V Lounge, guests can sip classic creative cocktails and enjoy signature appetizers.
A photo of Nick's Del Mar restaurant
8. Nick's Del Mar
4.7
Exceptional(1809)
$$$$
• American • Del Mar
Booked 75 times today
Classic American comfort food, crave-able bar snacks, plus unique cocktails & an extensive wine list in an upscale yet casual environment. Our intimate restaurant features a chic island bar, walls of glass and a spacious covered patio, perfect for people watching. Our exhibition kitchen highlights the talents of our passionate culinary team.Nick’s is dedicated to perfecting the dining experience through continuous innovation, offering the highest quality food and beverage, and executing impeccable standards of hospitality. The deeply instilled Nick’s culture is personified by its Ladies and Gentlemen – professionals who share a single focus and are inspired and committed to offering great service and creating positive memorable experiences.
A photo of VAGA Restaurant & Bar restaurant
9. VAGA Restaurant & Bar
4.4
Awesome(490)
$$$$
• Californian • Encinitas
Booked 41 times today
For a true “vaga”, the journey is never-ending; the spirit and palate, always curious. Drawing ingredients and inspiration from near and far, VAGA explores San Diego’s ever-changing confluence of culture and wanderlust. From its perch on a coastal bluff in Encinitas, California, VAGA keeps one hand in the ocean, one hand in the farm, and both eyes on the horizon.Outdoor seating is not guaranteed as there are limited tables. All requests will be taken into consideration but cannot be guaranteed.VAGA Restaurant & Bar is located on Level 2 of Alila Marea Beach Resort. Valet parking is available through the resort for $10.00 per car with no validation required. Self-parking is not available.
A photo of Davanti Del Mar restaurant
10. Davanti Del Mar
4.4
Awesome(525)
$$$$
• Italian • Del Mar
Booked 18 times today
Led by Chef Enzo Castiglione, we put a delicious twist on rustic Italian cuisine with a chef-driven menu of shareable plates, housemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, an award-winning burger and an extensive menu to please everyone. Don't miss our signature Focaccia di Recco — a guest favorite!Enjoy our lively wine bar ambiance, creative cocktails, and extensive wine list in a cozy, stylish space just minutes from the Del Mar Racetrack, beaches, movie theatre and all that the Del Mar Highlands Plaza has to offer.We also offer beautiful private dining areas perfect for events of all types and sizes — from intimate dinners to full buyouts.Ci vediamo presto!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Peter
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Pacifica Del Mar is always been our go to. It is so delicious. The salmon is cooked perfectly. We took our granddaughters. They got the kids filet mignon and they loved it.
    More info
    Pacifica Del Mar$$$$• Seafood• Del Mar
    •
    4.6
  • BrunchGold
    Hawaii •32 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Everything was lovely. We brought some guests from out of town and shared the large appetizer, antipasto platter, the crabcakes and a salad to start. Each was plentiful and delicious and fresh. Then we had a variety of dinners from mussels, the veggie pasta, branzino, and salmon. Everyone was very happy. The only thing to note is they don’t have actual liquor, but they have wine cocktails, and wine and beer. The shandy is on point as is the Elderflower spritzer. It’s a small spot with a nice view so try to sit on the balcony! 
    More info
    Beeside Balcony Del Mar$$$$• Contemporary European• Del Mar
    •
    4.5
  • Pam
    San Francisco Bay Area •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Our server, Jules, was great. Sue was very attentive.
    More info
    Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff$$$$• Seafood• Cardiff By The Sea
    •
    4.8
  • Roxane
    San Diego •81 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We've been coming to Jake's for many years now, and it's consistently great. The food, the service, the views -- unmatched in San Diego.
    More info
    Jake's Del Mar$$$$• American• Del Mar
    •
    4.8
  • RickGold
    San Diego •96 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 17, 2026
    Davanti in Del Mar is an essential bucket list location for dining out! Outstanding food wuality and service.
    More info
    Davanti Del Mar$$$$• Italian• Del Mar
    •
    4.4

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2026 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo