Michelle’s Carlsbad guidebook
Food scene
This chain scoops ice cream & frozen yogurt (including fat-free options) in a variety of flavors.
35 locals recommend
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
2825 State StThis chain scoops ice cream & frozen yogurt (including fat-free options) in a variety of flavors.
Lots of outside seating available at this local favorite breakfast spot. I especially love the Crack 'n Benedict
(Hollandaise over poached eggs and trip-tip on an English muffin). With the famous crack from Seaside, it's the best of both worlds!
37 locals recommend
Café Topes
3091 Roosevelt StLots of outside seating available at this local favorite breakfast spot. I especially love the Crack 'n Benedict
(Hollandaise over poached eggs and trip-tip on an English muffin). With the famous crack from Seaside, it's the best of both worlds!
My kids will happily scooter 4 miles from our house to get a donut from here. Artisan donuts, and quality stumptown coffee. A winning combination.
21 locals recommend
The Goods
2965 State StMy kids will happily scooter 4 miles from our house to get a donut from here. Artisan donuts, and quality stumptown coffee. A winning combination.
Leucadia Pizza Kitchen
959 Tamarack AvenueOur go to for pizza delivery.
They do not deliver but a quick drive to pick up take out. Refined Thai, Lao & Vietnamese dishes made with thoughtfully sourced & organic ingredients.
45 locals recommend
Birdseye Kitchen
540 N Coast Hwy 101They do not deliver but a quick drive to pick up take out. Refined Thai, Lao & Vietnamese dishes made with thoughtfully sourced & organic ingredients.
You can not visit San Diego without trying a breakfast burrito, or later in the day a California burrito and/or fish tacos!
16 locals recommend
Kotija Jr. Taco Shop
852 N Coast Hwy 101You can not visit San Diego without trying a breakfast burrito, or later in the day a California burrito and/or fish tacos!
Bologna Gourmet
5661 Palmer WayThey deliver! A hidden gem. Lots of house made fresh pasta.
Another local favorite, people drive from all over the area to get their pizza fix.
Spirito's Italian Diner
2508 El Camino RealAnother local favorite, people drive from all over the area to get their pizza fix.
Cash and take out only. Closed on Sundays. Open at 10.30am and closes when sold out. We have arrived at 11.30am on a Tuesday to find they are already sold out of the salmon rolls so I would suggest getting there as early as you can. Always very fresh and good prices!
Yoshino's Japanese Restaurant
1790 W Washington StCash and take out only. Closed on Sundays. Open at 10.30am and closes when sold out. We have arrived at 11.30am on a Tuesday to find they are already sold out of the salmon rolls so I would suggest getting there as early as you can. Always very fresh and good prices!
With several locations around San Diego we were very excited when they came to Carlsbad. Excellent seafood.
10 locals recommend
Fish District
2675 Gateway RdWith several locations around San Diego we were very excited when they came to Carlsbad. Excellent seafood.
Extremely popular seafood restaurant just up the road in Leucadia. Nowhere does a fish sandwich better in my opinion. Kids love their fish and chips.
138 locals recommend
Fish 101 Leucadia
1468 N Coast Hwy 101Extremely popular seafood restaurant just up the road in Leucadia. Nowhere does a fish sandwich better in my opinion. Kids love their fish and chips.
Nectarine Grove
948 N Coast Hwy 101Also, in nearby Leucadia. Pricey but very tasty healthy meals.
Small restaurant serving delicious American food. Reservations recommended.
95 locals recommend
Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen
509 Mission AveSmall restaurant serving delicious American food. Reservations recommended.
Campfire
2725 State StGood food. Beautiful restaurant with lots of outside seating.
This restaurant does breakfast, lunch and dinner all very well. Lots of outdoor seating.
I have only been to their Leucadia location. They recently opened in Carlsbad
114 locals recommend
Le Papagayo
1002 N Coast Hwy 101This restaurant does breakfast, lunch and dinner all very well. Lots of outdoor seating.
I have only been to their Leucadia location. They recently opened in Carlsbad
Fun dining experience. The restaurant brings out the food and a hot broth which you then cook your meat/veggies in.
Tabu Shabu Bressi Ranch
2674 Gateway RoadFun dining experience. The restaurant brings out the food and a hot broth which you then cook your meat/veggies in.
Beautiful restaurant with a lot of outdoor seating. Reservations recommended.
10 locals recommend
Black Rail Kitchen + Bar
6981 El Camino RealBeautiful restaurant with a lot of outdoor seating. Reservations recommended.
Upmarket food hall and bar. Outdoor seating. Something for everyone.
15 locals recommend
Windmill Food Hall
890 Palomar Airport RdUpmarket food hall and bar. Outdoor seating. Something for everyone.
Several locations all over San Diego and they are all busy. If you are lucky enough to get a table you will enjoy your meal here.
35 locals recommend
Buona Forchetta - Encinitas
250 N Coast Hwy 101Several locations all over San Diego and they are all busy. If you are lucky enough to get a table you will enjoy your meal here.
If you are in the mood for fried chicken then this is the place to get your fix.
26 locals recommend
The Crack Shack - Encinitas
407 Encinitas BlvdIf you are in the mood for fried chicken then this is the place to get your fix.
This place is amazing. Plant based meals that even my carnivores husband enjoyed.
22 locals recommend
The Plot
1733 S Coast HwyThis place is amazing. Plant based meals that even my carnivores husband enjoyed.
If you are looking for a place that you can walk to then the Ramen Factory is always good. We all enjoy the Chicken Karaage (fried chicken) along with their Spicy Ramen.
Ramen Factory
7040 Avenida EncinasIf you are looking for a place that you can walk to then the Ramen Factory is always good. We all enjoy the Chicken Karaage (fried chicken) along with their Spicy Ramen.
We are very excited for the opening of the Camp Store. Located in the South Carlsbad Campground overlooking the Pacific Ocean. They will be offering wood fired pizza along with drinks, ice cream, snacks etc
The Camp Store
7201 Carlsbad BlvdWe are very excited for the opening of the Camp Store. Located in the South Carlsbad Campground overlooking the Pacific Ocean. They will be offering wood fired pizza along with drinks, ice cream, snacks etc
Now offering an outdoor, tasting-menu-only dining experience that beckons you to enjoy an evening "en terrasse" beneath olives trees and twinkling stars. The 5-Course menu is $95 per guest, and includes tax and tip. A real treat.
40 locals recommend
Jeune et Jolie
2659 State StNow offering an outdoor, tasting-menu-only dining experience that beckons you to enjoy an evening "en terrasse" beneath olives trees and twinkling stars. The 5-Course menu is $95 per guest, and includes tax and tip. A real treat.
If you are looking for fine dining, then this new restaurant is the place to go. Just up the road at the Hyatt Aviara. Gorgeous views overlooking the golf course with excellent food from acclaimed chef Richard Blais.
8 locals recommend
Ember & Rye
7447 Batiquitos DriveIf you are looking for fine dining, then this new restaurant is the place to go. Just up the road at the Hyatt Aviara. Gorgeous views overlooking the golf course with excellent food from acclaimed chef Richard Blais.
Coffee Shops
Just around the corner opposite the train station. Lovely outdoor seating area and great coffee.
INVITA
6806 Embarcadero LaneJust around the corner opposite the train station. Lovely outdoor seating area and great coffee.
Sleeping Tiger Coffees
2906 Carlsbad BlvdIf in need of coffee while in Carlsbad Village this is the place to go to.
Cool, modern spot featuring small-batch, house-roasted coffee & espresso, along with baked goods.
17 locals recommend
Ironsmith Coffee Roasters
458 S Coast Hwy 101Cool, modern spot featuring small-batch, house-roasted coffee & espresso, along with baked goods.
Winery
Urban Winery. Decent wines. Pre Covid we used to bring our sushi from Yoshin’s to eat here with a glass of their Rose. Haven’t been back since unfortunately.
17 locals recommend
Carruth Cellars Tasting Room
2727 State StUrban Winery. Decent wines. Pre Covid we used to bring our sushi from Yoshin’s to eat here with a glass of their Rose. Haven’t been back since unfortunately.
If you want to hike San Diego’s infamous Potato Chip Rock then stopping by here for a glass of wine to enjoy on their outdoor patio overlooking the vineyards is a great post hike reward. Only open Saturday and Sunday.
Castelli Family Vineyards
17870 Oak Grove RdIf you want to hike San Diego’s infamous Potato Chip Rock then stopping by here for a glass of wine to enjoy on their outdoor patio overlooking the vineyards is a great post hike reward. Only open Saturday and Sunday.
Make a lunch reservation and enjoy al fresco dining with vineyard views.
104 locals recommend
Leoness Cellars
38311 De Portola RdMake a lunch reservation and enjoy al fresco dining with vineyard views.
Brewery
Located in the heart of Carlsbad Village on bustling State Street, this brewery and outdoor tap room
has it all. From on-site brewing to west-facing views and even an open-air patio with a tree lending a
tropical "biergarden" vibe, this location is a true Pure Project original.
10 locals recommend
Pure Project Carlsbad
2825 State StLocated in the heart of Carlsbad Village on bustling State Street, this brewery and outdoor tap room
has it all. From on-site brewing to west-facing views and even an open-air patio with a tree lending a
tropical "biergarden" vibe, this location is a true Pure Project original.
Excellent beer. Enjoy there, or bring them home. A Carlsbad favorite.
7 locals recommend
Burgeon Beer Co.
6350 Yarrow DrExcellent beer. Enjoy there, or bring them home. A Carlsbad favorite.
Heading down to see the city of San Diego. Then make sure to fit in a stop here on your way back. My favorite brewery in San Diego.
31 locals recommend
Societe Brewing Company
8262 Clairemont Mesa BlvdHeading down to see the city of San Diego. Then make sure to fit in a stop here on your way back. My favorite brewery in San Diego.
If you feel like a drive or are visiting the San Diego Wild Animal Park, then stopping by this beautiful brewery is a worthy detour. The gardens are beautiful! Beer is good, food I have never been happy with. But such a beautiful spot to relax in.
232 locals recommend
Stone Brewing
1999 Citracado ParkwyIf you feel like a drive or are visiting the San Diego Wild Animal Park, then stopping by this beautiful brewery is a worthy detour. The gardens are beautiful! Beer is good, food I have never been happy with. But such a beautiful spot to relax in.
If you are going to hike Torrey Pines then be sure to make a booking for a post hike beer and food here. Beautiful venue offering house-brewed beer & gastropub fare in an industrial-chic waterfront setting.
33 locals recommend
Viewpoint Brewing Company
2201 San Dieguito DrIf you are going to hike Torrey Pines then be sure to make a booking for a post hike beer and food here. Beautiful venue offering house-brewed beer & gastropub fare in an industrial-chic waterfront setting.
Market
Gourmet grocery store popular for prepared foods, including their famous tri-tip known by locals as the “Cardiff Crack”, with an outdoor eating area.
176 locals recommend
Cardiff Seaside Market
2087 San Elijo AveGourmet grocery store popular for prepared foods, including their famous tri-tip known by locals as the “Cardiff Crack”, with an outdoor eating area.
Specializes in locally sourced produce, organic products and distinctive
international foods. Also have excellent prepared meals to go.
Peachy's Market & Grill
362 N El Camino RealSpecializes in locally sourced produce, organic products and distinctive
international foods. Also have excellent prepared meals to go.
Next to Ralphs. A great spot to walk to buy your fresh fish or get a meal to go.
13 locals recommend
Pelly's Fish Market & Cafe
7110 Avenida EncinasNext to Ralphs. A great spot to walk to buy your fresh fish or get a meal to go.
Butcher shop & a sit-down delicatessen with breakfast, lunch & dinner eats, plus draft beer & wine.
26 locals recommend
Tip Top Meats
6118 Paseo Del NorteButcher shop & a sit-down delicatessen with breakfast, lunch & dinner eats, plus draft beer & wine.
State Street Farmers Market
2907 State StEvery Wednesday from 2.30pm
Oceanside Sunset Market
The Thursday AM market is currently open. No word on when the PM market will return. Very excited for the return of the evening market.
109 locals recommend
Oceanside Sunset Market
401 Pier View WayOceanside Sunset Market
The Thursday AM market is currently open. No word on when the PM market will return. Very excited for the return of the evening market.
Sightseeing
This nearly five-mile stretch of beach is popular with families but also draws surfers and skin divers to the water and runners and cyclists to the boulevard bordering the beach. At low tide check out the tide pools at Terramar Beach
51 locals recommend
South Carlsbad State Beach
This nearly five-mile stretch of beach is popular with families but also draws surfers and skin divers to the water and runners and cyclists to the boulevard bordering the beach. At low tide check out the tide pools at Terramar Beach
Nice flat area to take a walk along the lagoon. Some good bird watching. Nice little nature center when open. If you walk from west to the east - you came upon Aviara Golf Course which you can enter have a drink of water (dogs too & a treat) and even partake sitting outside at the restaurant lounge.
38 locals recommend
Batiquitos Lagoon
Nice flat area to take a walk along the lagoon. Some good bird watching. Nice little nature center when open. If you walk from west to the east - you came upon Aviara Golf Course which you can enter have a drink of water (dogs too & a treat) and even partake sitting outside at the restaurant lounge.
Annie's Canyon, formerly known as the “Mushroom Caves,” in San Elijo Lagoon has quickly become one of San Diego's “must-do” hikes. Great lagoon views and a fun climb through the slot canyon
53 locals recommend
Annie's Canyon Trail
2550 Solana Hills TrailAnnie's Canyon, formerly known as the “Mushroom Caves,” in San Elijo Lagoon has quickly become one of San Diego's “must-do” hikes. Great lagoon views and a fun climb through the slot canyon
Moonlight State Beach is a state beach in Encinitas, California. It is located one fifth of a mile beyond the point where Encinitas Boulevard turns into B Street after it crosses Highway 101. The beach area is well equipped for both children's and adults' recreation.
322 locals recommend
Moonlight Beach
400 B StMoonlight State Beach is a state beach in Encinitas, California. It is located one fifth of a mile beyond the point where Encinitas Boulevard turns into B Street after it crosses Highway 101. The beach area is well equipped for both children's and adults' recreation.
Balboa Park is where you will find the majority of San Diego’s museums and the zoo. Though things are different now with COVID, Balboa Park is still a beautiful area to walk through. You can still enjoy the gardens and the beautiful architecture. The zoo is also open and a lovely day can be spent exploring there.
3290 locals recommend
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is where you will find the majority of San Diego’s museums and the zoo. Though things are different now with COVID, Balboa Park is still a beautiful area to walk through. You can still enjoy the gardens and the beautiful architecture. The zoo is also open and a lovely day can be spent exploring there.
A lovely place to spend the day enjoying the harbor views and fresh air.
seaportvillage.com
762 locals recommend
Seaport Village
849 W Harbor DrA lovely place to spend the day enjoying the harbor views and fresh air.
seaportvillage.com
Perhaps the prettiest beach in San Diego. Home to the famous Hotel Del.
297 locals recommend
Coronado Beach
Perhaps the prettiest beach in San Diego. Home to the famous Hotel Del.
No visit to San Diego is complete without a visit to La Jolla and Torrey Pines.
La Jolla is a smart seaside area, known for its rugged coastline. Trails wind past pine trees and sandstone canyons in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, while the 2 courses at world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course sit atop sea cliffs. La Jolla Cove has sweeping ocean views, and the Shell Beach tide pools are home to anemones and crabs. Posh boutiques and waterfront restaurants dot walkable La Jolla Village. If you have time stop at Mount Soledad on your way for sweeping 360 views of all of San Diego.
268 locals recommend
Torrey Pines State Beach
No visit to San Diego is complete without a visit to La Jolla and Torrey Pines.
La Jolla is a smart seaside area, known for its rugged coastline. Trails wind past pine trees and sandstone canyons in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, while the 2 courses at world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course sit atop sea cliffs. La Jolla Cove has sweeping ocean views, and the Shell Beach tide pools are home to anemones and crabs. Posh boutiques and waterfront restaurants dot walkable La Jolla Village. If you have time stop at Mount Soledad on your way for sweeping 360 views of all of San Diego.