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Waterfront dining is one of the greatest pleasures of Carlsbad living. With world-class restaurants serving sumptuous food on the waterfront, diners are spoiled for choice when it comes to oceanfront dining. Whether there’s a special occasion or not, waterfront dining in Carlsbad is always a great idea.
Content at a glance
- Carlsbad: The crown jewel of the North County region
- Carlsbad restaurants: Ocean view paired with amazing food and wine
- Carlsbad restaurants with ocean views
- Live close to these fantastic waterfront restaurants
Carlsbad: The crown jewel of the North County region
Carlsbad offers upscale resort-style living along the Pacific coast. Known as “The Village by the Sea”, the city is located about 35 miles from San Diego and roughly 87 miles from Los Angeles. With perfect weather year-round and roughly seven miles of scenic coastline, the city lends itself well to boating, surfing, golf, and of course, waterfront dining.
Carlsbad restaurants: Ocean view paired with amazing food and wine
Waterfront dining is part of the Carlsbad lifestyle. With its unique coastal setting, dinner by the ocean is one of the many privileges Carlsbad residents enjoy. Whether you’re meeting friends for brunch or enjoying a romantic dinner with your significant other, waterfront dining can enhance the mood. The cool ocean breeze, the crystalline waters, and the color of the sky as the sun sets will serve as the perfect backdrop for any occasion.
Carlsbad restaurants with ocean views
Chandler’s Restaurant & Lounge serves farm-to-table cuisine using upscale ingredients. Located along scenic Ponto Road, the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu includes mouth-watering dishes like pan-roasted salmon and portobello vegetable stack. Chandler’s also has an impressive wine list with 50% off on Wednesdays.
The best seats are in the terraces, where guests can enjoy a sumptuous meal with views of the ocean and the landscaped grounds. The restaurant can be reserved for private dining with ballrooms that can accommodate up to 350 guests.
Masking is optional for fully-vaccinated guests though unvaccinated diners are encouraged to wear masks indoors and to practice social distancing.
Harbor Fish Cafe is a casual dining restaurant specializing in traditional American seafood dishes. Opened in 1981, Harbor Fish Cafe serves clam chowder, shrimp cocktail, and other surf and turf favorites. But what really keeps customers coming back is their phenomenal outdoor dining service. The restaurant overlooks the Pacific and commands stunning views of the water. They close shortly after sunset, so time your reservation and get the chance to see the Carlsbad sunset from one of the best waterfront dining spots in the city.
Vigilucci’s Seafood & Steakhouse serves Italian fare in a scenic waterfront setting. Diners can feast on pan-seared scallops, sauteed calamari, and crab cakes while watching boats idly floating on the water. Vigilucci’s also offers prime, hand-cut Nebraska steaks and chops with seasonal vegetables. The staff serve cocktails at the bar but you can also bring your own wine to dinner.
Bluewater Grill has two heated patios overlooking the water in Carlsbad Village. Located just steps from the beach, this pet-friendly casual dining restaurant serves fresh seafood and seasonal specials inspired by French and Italian cuisine. Diners should also check out the on-site seafood market, where you’ll find the catch of the day along with other gourmet food products to take home.
Dini’s Bistro is the place to go for brunch and happy hour on Carlsbad Boulevard. Tuck into some Canadian bacon and avocado toasts while watching the ocean, or knock back some drinks during golden hour. Dini’s also has an extensive wine list with reds, whites, and champagne sourced from the Napa Valley, Santa Barbara, and Provence in France. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are special wine days with Dini’s offering a 25% discount on bottles.
The restaurant has two outdoor patios with views of the ocean. It’s also a pet-friendly restaurant, so feel free to bring your four-legged friends along. Service dogs are allowed inside the restaurant but emotional support dogs are not.
King’s Fish House has an extensive beer and wine menu in addition to fresh seafood. From grilled salmon and hand-cut sushi to cheeseburger and roaster herb chicken breast, the restaurant has got you covered. King’s Fish also has an impressive wine and beer menu. The restaurant offers wine sourced from California and Italy as well as American favorites like Coors Light and Stella Artois.
If you’re dining with kids, the children’s menu includes crowd favorites like chicken tenders, cheese macaroni, and ice cream sundae. With dark wood accents and oversized windows, the restaurant interior has a laid-back vibe that makes it perfect for family lunches and casual get-togethers. The best seats are on the outdoor patio so book a table ahead of time.
Live close to these fantastic waterfront restaurants
If Carlsbad sounds like your kind of food city, explore your real estate options with Mickey Booz, Tina Polansky & Associates. You can reach us at 760.505.5554 or mick@mickandtinahomes.com. Our company is a leading real estate brand in the North County. We specialize in exceptional marketing programs and negotiations. We’d love to help you find your Carlsbad home.
