Location: Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Top Restaurants in Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Top Things to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea
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Best Mexican food near Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Encinitas, California
Find out what Mexican restaurants to try in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Cardiff-by-the-Sea, usually referred to as Cardiff, is a beach community located in Encinitas, bordering Solana Beach to the south in San Diego County, California. The Pacific Ocean is to the west of Cardiff, Encinitas on its east and north, and a beach and lagoon on its south. With a population of under 12,000, Cardiff-by-the-Sea operates as part of the city of Encinitas, but unlike the other communities that comprise Encinitas, has its own ZIP code (92007).
Things to do in Cardiff-by-the-Sea
10. Fidel's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 309 reviews
Reviewed By PfredIII
I joined a couple colleagues at Fidelâs for dinner. It is a large multilevel restaurant with traditional Mexican fare. I was disappointed that they didnât have any mole dishes, so I ordered the Carnitas instead. They were very good and served with flour (or corn) tortillas, chips and pinto beans. I also had the std margarita served in a short glass tumbler. The margarita was acceptable but not exceptional. Prices are high average. I recommend Fidelâs although I will try other places before returning, with so many Mexican options around.
9. El Pueblo Authentic Mexican Food
Reviewed By Bchgrl9
Delicious, abundant & fast. Open 24 hrs this place has a large menu and reasonable prices. Dine on the covered patio or take- out to the beach or anywhere.Can't beat the fresh tacos, but everything ids fresh and delicious. It's my fav spot to grab a burrito to-go when on an early AM airport departure. And they now have locations in Rancho Santa Fe and Carlsbad too.
8. Raul's Shack
Overall Ratings
4 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By VespagirL55
Drove by a few times without even seeing it -- ! GPS your way to the neighborhood and walk it in. Quirky and authentic Cali-Mex. Tamales were on special; chicken and beef were both large sized and tasty. Carne Asada Burrito was huge -- could have served two if we'd had control. A hole in the wall that's worth digging into!
Top 3 Wine Bar food in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Encinitas, California
7. La Especial Norte
Overall Ratings
4 based on 158 reviews
Reviewed By mummarocks2
Had heard some good things about this place...unfortunately none of them materialized when I actually ate there. The restaurant heating system wasn't working and the place was freezing. We were a party of three...only one of us was happy with our meal. My meal was SO disappointing....and one of the other diners ordered some kind of pork entree that looked like it had sat in the oven all day....way too dry. I wouldn't rush back here....also, service was slow.
6. El Nopalito Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By Melovechocolate
Not many places in San Diego where you can find a tortilla factory! What is suprising is that it's in Encinitas, the last place i would have thought where there'd be a demand for decent tortillas! OF COURSE i come here for my tortillas--you can usually get them while they're still warm. Then you can walk over to the refrigerated section next to the meat department and grab yourself a fresh tub of guacamole and: LUNCH! It's real guacamole, doesn't taste lemony nor are you biting into a bunch of onions like the supermarkets. Top notch ready-made guac. The meat department has some decent marinaded carne and pollo asado, I tried the chorizo, but i am extremely picky..it has good flavor, the one i got (was it Columbian? it was a South American version) had chunks of meat..On my list that wouldn't qualify as chorizo, but that's just me. That's not to say it didn't have good flavor, it probably would have tasted good made on the grill and eaten as chunks of carne asada. There are warm tamales sometimes, and on the counter you'll usually find new goodies, typically Mexican/South American (cookies, breads, tamales,etc). Lots of Mexican and South American spices/items that you don't find in regular stores.
Most Popular Seafood food in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Encinitas, California
5. Tony's Jacal
Overall Ratings
4 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By 2beans2000
Weâve been going to Tonyâs for 24 years and our friends have been going for 40!!Itâs a family-owned, family-run business with very authentic Mexican food in a friendly, family oriented environment.I love their carne asada, best ever, but this time I ordered the anniversary plate with a mini tamale, mini taco, mini chile relleno, and mini enchilada. A bit of everything to celebrate their ..... 60 years in business (I think itâs 60!!)My husband selected a combination of beef Colorado and carnitas.Often there will be mariachis singing table to table.Indoor and outdoor seating are both available.There is a wonderful area of birds that our kids used to love to watch, just off the bar.Plenty of parking, right by the restaurant and across the street.
4. Jorge's Mexicatessen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Steve M
We returned to Jorges after a two year break from holidaying in Encinitas and as usual I opted for the chicken tostadas.What an excellent choice!Arguably the tastiess and best presented tostada ever.I cannot recommend highly enough.Excellent price but quite frankly would have paid twice the sum for such delicious food.If you are ever in Encinitas visit Jorges!!!!
Best Cafe food near Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Encinitas, California
3. Casa de Bandini
Overall Ratings
4 based on 547 reviews
Indulge in authentic award-winning Mexican cuisine amidst lavish dining rooms and an enchanting outdoor patio at Casa de Bandini, located at The Forum in Carlsbad.
Reviewed By Don H
We visited with a large family of 10 this evening and were treated to excellent service. We started with one of their tasty margaritas and selected with some difficulty(many items to choose from) an entree off the extensive menu. Chili Colorado was my choice. I especialy enjoyed the housemade corn tortillas served with dinner. The large portions that were served satisfied our entire group. The old world decor and beautiful patio area as well as a large bar area made for an inviting dining experience.
Top 10 Pub food in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Encinitas, California
2. GOODONYA Organic Eatery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 54 reviews
Organic Restaurant on Main Street in downtown Encinitas 100% Non GMO and 99% Organic Real Food Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Drinks 7 days a week Featuring Local Craft Beer Biodynamic and Organic Wine
Reviewed By Mary Ann D
We had a delicious breakfast here. Greek style scrambled eggs was excellent. Lots of black olives in it. Poached eggs on avocado toast was the best. Also available is a variety of gluten free breads. Coffee was excellent with choice of cashew, coconut milk and soy I believe. So if you like cream, skim or regular milk in your coffee (like I do) you will have to Byo or be adventurous and try the vegan options. Beautiful space and excellent service, friendly staff.
Where to eat American food in Cardiff-by-the-Sea: The Best Restaurants and Bars
1. Las Olas Mexican Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 364 reviews
Since 1981, Las Olas Mexican Restaurant has served the best authentic fresh Mexican food near the beach!Please join us for margaritas, lunch and dinner specials, full bar and craft beers, Taco Tuesdays, Happy Hour Monday thru Friday till 6 pm, group parti
Reviewed By John R
Hard to beat this place for ambiance, friendly people, food and views. WE had a Flamed Chile Rellanno stuffed with cheese and all the fixins. Plus some Cadillac Margaritas. The bartendar's Matt and Jason are incredible and make the place what it is. Fantastic!!
Where to eat Sushi food in Cardiff-by-the-Sea: The Best Restaurants and Bars
