The best restaurants in Carlsbad
419 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.
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Pinned in Carlsbad today
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Two pinned places a day in Carlsbad — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →Paid placements are always marked.
Restaurant Vallarta
RestaurantsFast-casual restaurant serving a variety of Mexican meals, including seafood, along with cocktails and wine.
Restaurant Vallarta
RestaurantsRosa's Kitchen
RestaurantsBurritos and other Mexican plates are offered by this unpretentious restaurant with a hot sauce bar.
Rosa's Kitchen
RestaurantsWhata Lotta Pizza
RestaurantsLocal pizzeria chain serving classic & creative pies, plus wings, in a low-key setting.
Whata Lotta Pizza
RestaurantsLa Villa
RestaurantsModest Mexican-American eatery with classic plates, breakfast, burgers & ribs in diner surrounds.
La Villa
RestaurantsROL Hand Roll Bar - Irvine
RestaurantsCasual eatery for sushi and hand rolls served one at a time, along with beer and wine.
ROL Hand Roll Bar - Irvine
RestaurantsPuesto Park Place
RestaurantsFamily-owned option for tacos and other classic Mexican eats, plus margaritas, beer, and wine.
Puesto Park Place
RestaurantsBest Pizza & Brew Vista
RestaurantsNeighborhood pizzeria serving pies toppings and slices, plus beer on tap and in bottles.
Best Pizza & Brew Vista
RestaurantsSOL Mexican Cocina
RestaurantsStylish local Mexican chain serving mesquite-grilled steak & seafood dishes, plus margaritas.
SOL Mexican Cocina
RestaurantsLamppost Pizza & Backstreet Brewery
RestaurantsPizzeria chain with specialty pies, pasta & sandwiches, plus TVs tuned to sports.
Lamppost Pizza & Backstreet Brewery
RestaurantsLa Bufadora Baja Grill Mission Grove
RestaurantsRelaxed, quick-serve stop serving Baja-style Mexican grub such as fish tacos, ceviche & burritos.
La Bufadora Baja Grill Mission Grove
RestaurantsThe lowkey poke joint
RestaurantsCheerful eatery specializing in custom poke bowls (Japanese-Hawaiian cuisine rolled in bamboo rice), plus sushi burritos.
The lowkey poke joint
RestaurantsEl Rinconcito Fine Mexican and Seafood
RestaurantsCasual, lively eatery featuring Mexican staples such as tacos and enchiladas, plus karaoke.
El Rinconcito Fine Mexican and Seafood
RestaurantsRafael's Pizza (Rafael Kitchen + Pizza)
RestaurantsCreate-your-own pizzas come in several sizes at this basic take-out spot also dishing pasta & salad.
Rafael's Pizza (Rafael Kitchen + Pizza)
RestaurantsLa Torta Loca
RestaurantsTacos, burritos, and other traditional Mexican eats served in a casual, family-friendly restaurant.
La Torta Loca
RestaurantsTortilleria Los Reyes
RestaurantsGrocery store specializing in Mexican products, such as tamales and salsas, plus fresh tortillas.
Tortilleria Los Reyes
RestaurantsLeo's Kitchen
RestaurantsCasual eatery offering vegan options and sushi platters alongside poké bowls.
Leo's Kitchen
RestaurantsPietro's Italian Cuisine
RestaurantsLong-standing outfit in a strip mall preparing pizza & other classic Italian dishes in relaxed digs.
Pietro's Italian Cuisine
RestaurantsCash-only Mexican eatery offers counter-serve Mexican fare & fountain sodas in a basic setting.
Joe & Ernie's Pizzeria
RestaurantsCasual joint offering pizza by the slice or pie, including vegan options, and calzones.
Joe & Ernie's Pizzeria
RestaurantsBrio Italian Grille
RestaurantsRelaxed Italian chain eatery serving Tuscan-inspired grill fare, plus wine & cocktails.
Brio Italian Grille
RestaurantsOggi's Vista
RestaurantsChain sports bar & pizzeria offers plasma TVs, house-brewed beers & a wide menu of casual eats.
Oggi's Vista
RestaurantsLA TAKIZA
RestaurantsCasual restaurant serving Mexican dishes, including tacos made with handmade tortillas.
LA TAKIZA
RestaurantsPizza Boy
RestaurantsPizzas by the slice or pie are served in a basic space along with sandwiches, salads, wings & more.
Pizza Boy
RestaurantsMIKKO SUSHI VISTA
RestaurantsCasual, wood-clad eatery featuring Japanese staples such as sushi, sashimi, teriyaki & tempura.
MIKKO SUSHI VISTA
RestaurantsMing's Revolving Sushi & Bar
RestaurantsSushi spot where plates of rolls move around the restaurant on a conveyor belt for diners to pick at will.
Ming's Revolving Sushi & Bar
RestaurantsMarcello's Pizza & Pasta
RestaurantsLocal Italian chain serving a menu of pizza, pasta & sandwiches in a low-key setting.
Marcello's Pizza & Pasta
RestaurantsEl Rincon Restaurante
RestaurantsFamily-run venture dishing up Guadalajara cuisine in a bright red landmark with a low-key interior.
El Rincon Restaurante
RestaurantsMama Roscoe's Pizzeria
RestaurantsRelaxed, clean eatery, specializing in pizza by the slice and featuring beer and wine.
Mama Roscoe's Pizzeria
RestaurantsKura Revolving Sushi Bar
RestaurantsAn array of sushi & other Japanese dishes drifts past diners on a conveyor belt at this simple spot.
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
RestaurantsPizza Twist
RestaurantsFamily-run eatery specializing in pizzas and wings infused with Indian flavors like paneer and curry.
Pizza Twist
RestaurantsMario's Place
RestaurantsUpscale Northern Italian spot offering a classy patio-enhanced atmosphere & late-night weekend jazz.
Mario's Place
RestaurantsD'Caesaro Pizza & Italian
RestaurantsCozy, low-key Italian restaurant offering pizza, pasta, sandwiches & salads for dine-in or takeout.
D'Caesaro Pizza & Italian
RestaurantsEl Trigo Restaurant
RestaurantsUnassuming, family-run eatery offering homestyle Mexican food, including handmade tortillas.
El Trigo Restaurant
RestaurantsCasual, counter-service sushi restaurant in an airport business center supplying specialty rolls, sashimi, and entrees.
Vamos a Texcoco
RestaurantsLamb dishes served family-style at this casual eatery offering tacos and quesadillas as well as burritos.
Vamos a Texcoco
RestaurantsRubio's Coastal Grill
RestaurantsBeach-themed chain known for Baja-style fish tacos & Mexican-inspired seafood entrees.
Rubio's Coastal Grill
RestaurantsAmagi Sushi
RestaurantsSmall, relaxed sushi bar with a menu of classic rolls and other options like poke bowls and fried gyoza.
Amagi Sushi
RestaurantsEl Patrón Downtown Riverside
RestaurantsEnchiladas, quesadillas & other Mexican favorites presented in an enduring locale.
El Patrón Downtown Riverside
RestaurantsMain Street Pizza & Cafe
RestaurantsFamily-friendly Italian eatery serving staples including pizza, pasta & sandwiches.
Main Street Pizza & Cafe
RestaurantsSushi Ok riverside
RestaurantsCasual eatery in a strip mall provides a wide array of sushi & classic Japanese entrees, plus sake.
Sushi Ok riverside
RestaurantsCasa Nori Sushi Bar & Grill
RestaurantsJapanese restaurant offering sushi and other traditional plates, plus a full bar.
Casa Nori Sushi Bar & Grill
RestaurantsRamiro's Cocina Mexicana
RestaurantsCasual Mexican restaurant serving classic favorites such as enchiladas and tamales for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Ramiro's Cocina Mexicana
RestaurantsHabanero | Mexican Grill
RestaurantsMexican cuisine & imported beer served in a narrow, relaxed space with a warm vibe.
Habanero | Mexican Grill
RestaurantsRiverCrust Deli
RestaurantsDeli known for sandwiches including a popular Philly cheesesteak, plus pizzas and salads.
RiverCrust Deli
RestaurantsHako
RestaurantsDeep-fried pork and seafood cutlets, plus noodles and sushi rolls.
Hako
RestaurantsMariscos Chinola and Mexican Food Restaurant
RestaurantsLaid-back eatery featuring seafood dishes, tacos and ceviche, plus beers and cocktails.
Mariscos Chinola and Mexican Food Restaurant
RestaurantsLa Familia Street Tacos & More
RestaurantsAuthentic Mexican comfort food such as tacos, mulitas, and burritos served in a casual atmosphere.
La Familia Street Tacos & More
RestaurantsBruegger's Bagels
RestaurantsCafe/bakery chain preparing small-batch, New York-style bagels, plus breakfast & lunch sandwiches.
Bruegger's Bagels
RestaurantsOut of the Park Pizza
RestaurantsBuzzy, casual bar & grill offering pizzas & rotating menu of craft beers, plus TVs & pool tables.
Out of the Park Pizza
RestaurantsAntonio Pizza
RestaurantsInformal restaurant offering specialty pies, classic Italian pasta entrees & submarine sandwiches.
Antonio Pizza
RestaurantsOhana Sushi
RestaurantsThis Japanese restaurant serves sushi & nigiri alongside other fare like gyoza & tempura.
Ohana Sushi
RestaurantsPapa Joe's Pizza
RestaurantsFamily-owned pizza joint serving thin-crust pies, wings and sandwiches, with a beer selection. Arcade games and darts are on hand too.
Papa Joe's Pizza
RestaurantsMiches De La Baja
RestaurantsTacos, seafood, and other Mexican dishes served in a relaxed atmosphere with beers and cocktails.
Miches De La Baja
RestaurantsCocina 35
RestaurantsTacos, burritos & other Mexican favorites presented in an industrial-chic setting.
Cocina 35
RestaurantsMamma Mia
RestaurantsCasual eatery specializing in pizza, pasta dishes and seafood entrees, plus beer and wine.
Mamma Mia
RestaurantsItalianissimo Trattoria
RestaurantsCharming eatery featuring a menu of familiar Italian dishes backed by a robust wine list.
Italianissimo Trattoria
RestaurantsURBN Coal Fired Pizza
RestaurantsBack-to-basics pizzeria chain serves coal-fired pies with choose-your-own gourmet toppings.
URBN Coal Fired Pizza
RestaurantsCalaca Mamas Cantina
RestaurantsCasual Mexican option for familiar dishes, cocktails, and margaritas, plus a churro cart.
Calaca Mamas Cantina
RestaurantsPozolería Doña Elena
RestaurantsCasual eatery with a menu of classic Mexican soups, stews, tacos and other favorites, plus a friendly staff.
Pozolería Doña Elena
RestaurantsItalian Pizza Rosa
RestaurantsSnug, simple joint turning out pizzas with a variety of toppings, plus slices, pastas & subs.
Italian Pizza Rosa
RestaurantsSushi R91
RestaurantsSleek, contemporary Japanese option with a sushi bar, a full kitchen menu, fusion dishes & full bar.
Sushi R91
RestaurantsFrancisco's Mexican Deli
RestaurantsLaid-back option offering traditional Mexican eats, including tacos and burritos.
Francisco's Mexican Deli
RestaurantsSushiya
RestaurantsRaw fare & cooked Japanese entrees are offered with beer & wine in a modern branch with a sushi bar.
Sushiya
RestaurantsThe Modern Churro mexican food
RestaurantsCasual Cuban restaurant with counter service, serving popular dishes like the Cuban sandwich.
The Modern Churro mexican food
RestaurantsRubio's Coastal Grill
RestaurantsBeach-themed chain known for Baja-style fish tacos & Mexican-inspired seafood entrees.
Rubio's Coastal Grill
RestaurantsAvila's El Ranchito
RestaurantsFamily-owned local restaurant chain offering homestyle Mexican dishes & drinks in a casual setting.
Avila's El Ranchito
RestaurantsLos Cabos Mexican & Seafood
RestaurantsCasual Mexican restaurant serving comfort food such as seafood burritos in a family-friendly space.
Los Cabos Mexican & Seafood
RestaurantsLatte Da Ristorante
RestaurantsUncompromising approach to homemade Italian dishes served in a casual, comfortable setting.
Latte Da Ristorante
RestaurantsPizza Factory
RestaurantsOrder-at-the-counter chain serving lots of specialty pies & other Italian basics.
Pizza Factory
RestaurantsPizzo's Pizzeria and Wine Bar
RestaurantsThis cozy shopping center eatery offers Neapolitan pizzas, wine & salads, plus outdoor seating.
Pizzo's Pizzeria and Wine Bar
RestaurantsEXO Sushi
RestaurantsCasual restaurant serving sushi rolls, sake, and wine, plus happy-hour specials.
EXO Sushi
RestaurantsMomo Sushi
RestaurantsPosh sushi eatery (including sashimi) that offers an omakase menu, as well as an à la carte offering.
Momo Sushi
RestaurantsMi Ranchito Mexican Food
RestaurantsTraditional Mexican meals such as tacos, chilaquiles, and burritos served in a casual atmosphere.
Mi Ranchito Mexican Food
RestaurantsSushi Times
RestaurantsJapanese dishes (sushi and sashimi included) are served at this casual eatery, along with ramen, tempura, curry and beer.
Sushi Times
RestaurantsCielito Lindo
RestaurantsCasual Mexican restaurant offering comfort food, late-night hours, and live music.
Cielito Lindo
RestaurantsIguana's Mexican Food
RestaurantsCasual restaurant featuring traditional Mexican fare such as burritos and tacos, plus breakfast tacos.
Iguana's Mexican Food
RestaurantsThe Trails Eatery
RestaurantsElevated diner fare & gluten-free brunches served in a sleek, modern space inside a strip mall.
The Trails Eatery
RestaurantsTacos El Gordo
RestaurantsNo-frills Mexican counter-serve joint featuring Tijuana tacos, mulas, loaded fries & more.
Tacos El Gordo
RestaurantsRaising Cane's Chicken Fingers
RestaurantsFast-food chain specializing in fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries & Texas toast.
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
RestaurantsChick-fil-A
RestaurantsFast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.
Chick-fil-A
RestaurantsIn-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsClassic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.
In-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsIn-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsClassic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.
In-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsIslands Restaurant Vista
RestaurantsBeachy gourmet burger chain also serving beer & tropical drinks in laid-back surroundings.
Islands Restaurant Vista
RestaurantsEinstein Bros. Bagels
RestaurantsChain for bagels and breakfast sandwiches as well as muffins, coffee and the like.
Einstein Bros. Bagels
RestaurantsBambinos Pizza Deli 3 (Federal Blvd)
RestaurantsLocal chain pizzeria offering pies, calzones & pasta plus American classics like chicken wings.
Bambinos Pizza Deli 3 (Federal Blvd)
RestaurantsBeach Sports Grill & Bar
RestaurantsSports bar serving American grill fare & drinks in an upbeat space with TVs, pool table & DJ nights.
Beach Sports Grill & Bar
RestaurantsPho Truc Xanh
RestaurantsVibrantly colored eatery serving a Chinese-Vietnamese menu of banh mi, pho, fried rice & lo mein.
Pho Truc Xanh
RestaurantsCheba Hut "Toasted" Subs
RestaurantsLaid-back sandwich-shop chain for creative toasted subs, plus snacks & desserts.
Cheba Hut "Toasted" Subs
RestaurantsTaco Nazo
RestaurantsCounter-serve eatery known for its fish tacos & other Baja-style Mexican food favorites.
Taco Nazo
RestaurantsIn-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsClassic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.
In-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsEl Gallo Giro
RestaurantsBasic Mexican eatery, part of a local chain, serving homestyle fare & fruit drinks.
El Gallo Giro
RestaurantsIn-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsClassic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.
In-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsNORMS Restaurant
RestaurantsThis week, NORMS Restaurant nails the SoCal diner vibe with hand-cut steaks, fluffy hotcakes, and all-day breakfast made to order. Grab the…
NORMS Restaurant
RestaurantsAll That Barbecue
RestaurantsWhen the meat mood hits, All That Barbecue brings 30+ grill-it-yourself proteins to the table, from filet mignon and brisket to beef belly…
All That Barbecue
RestaurantsKoreana Grill
RestaurantsSometimes you just want straight-up tasty Korean BBQ without the scene. Koreana Grill in nearby Riverside keeps it simple with…
Koreana Grill
RestaurantsnFuse Restaurant, Bar & Lounge
RestaurantsnFuse Restaurant, Bar & Lounge gives California comfort a fresh twist with locally sourced ingredients, bold seasonal dishes, 28 taps of…
nFuse Restaurant, Bar & Lounge
RestaurantsWrench and Rodent Seabasstropub
RestaurantsWrench and Rodent Seabasstropub turns whatever’s freshest into playful sushi and seafood that surprises in the best way. Their no-waste…
Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub
RestaurantsOB Noodle House & Sake Bar
RestaurantsOB Noodle House & Sake Bar serves steamy pho, char-kissed Vietnamese BBQ, and crispy egg noodles, backed by a deep sake lineup, cocktails,…
OB Noodle House & Sake Bar
RestaurantsRasta Rita Margarita and Beverage Truck
RestaurantsWhether it's a backyard hang, team mixer, or wedding afterglow, Rasta Rita Margarita and Beverage Truck rolls up with handcrafted…
Rasta Rita Margarita and Beverage Truck
RestaurantsHooked on Sushi- Carlsbad
RestaurantsHooked on Sushi- Carlsbad is your North County go-to for fresh, sea-to-table rolls, generous portions, and a massive menu that even your…
Hooked on Sushi- Carlsbad
RestaurantsNEP Cafe - Irvine
RestaurantsRelaxed venue for creatively reimagined Vietnamese food, along with cocktails, beer and wine.
NEP Cafe - Irvine
RestaurantsPrimo Pizza & Pasta
RestaurantsLaid-back pizzeria offering specialty pies, pastas & other familiar Italian eats, plus beer & wine.
Primo Pizza & Pasta
RestaurantsEl Puerto Street Tacos
RestaurantsRelaxed spot for tacos and burritos plus vegetarian options and quick bites.
El Puerto Street Tacos
RestaurantsEl Cubano
RestaurantsFamily-run restaurant (including takeout) serving homemade Cuban staples from sandwiches and roasted pork to stews and beans.
El Cubano
RestaurantsFive Guys
RestaurantsFast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.
Five Guys
RestaurantsMimi's Cafe
RestaurantsCasual chain restaurant serving French & American staples in a rustic-inspired setting.
Mimi's Cafe
RestaurantsYoshino's Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsSimple Japanese mainstay for a variety of sushi, including specialty rolls, plus teriyaki & udon.
Yoshino's Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsPezzi del mio Cuore
RestaurantsHandmade, gluten-free pastas and a menu of Italian comfort foods are served at this eatery.
Pezzi del mio Cuore
RestaurantsBuffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsChain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.
Buffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsMalibu Farm San Diego
RestaurantsStylish eatery featuring locally sourced eats and drinks, plus scenic harbor and ocean views.
Malibu Farm San Diego
RestaurantsTrattoria I Trulli
RestaurantsBustling servers zip around a cozy dining room carrying Italian eats including homemade ravioli.
Trattoria I Trulli
RestaurantsBella Italia
RestaurantsCasual restaurant serving Italian pasta, pizza & grill dishes, with a special children's menu.
Bella Italia
RestaurantsSmokin J's BBQ & Taphouse
RestaurantsLocal draft beer accompanies smoked meats at this BBQ joint with a casual atmosphere and a weekend brunch.
Smokin J's BBQ & Taphouse
RestaurantsBluewater Grill
RestaurantsLocal chain serving a wide variety of seafood dishes in a relaxed, nautically themed space.
Bluewater Grill
RestaurantsPho Ba Co
RestaurantsCasual Vietnamese cafe serving up an extensive menu of soups, noodles & bubble teas.
Pho Ba Co
RestaurantsLos de Juarez Burritos
RestaurantsRelaxed restaurant offering Mexican dishes, including burritos and carne en su jugo.
Los de Juarez Burritos
RestaurantsPizza Port Bressi Ranch
RestaurantsLocal pizza chain known for its craft brews, popular with families, beer fans & surfers alike.
Pizza Port Bressi Ranch
RestaurantsIn-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsClassic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.
In-N-Out Burger
RestaurantsRustic Root
RestaurantsModern rooftop destination featuring local, seasonal cuisine & craft cocktails in stylish surrounds.
Rustic Root
RestaurantsSole Toscano Italian Cafe
RestaurantsCasual cafe serving Italian-style sandwiches (piadinas), flatbreads, salads, pasta and beer.
Sole Toscano Italian Cafe
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