Located in Carlsbad, there is free street parking if you're lucky. In front of there restaurant, there are about 6 parking spots. You can also park in the lot next door, but it costs around $17 ACE parking. Everything is good here. Seafood is good. I came here highly recommended. The bruschetta appetizer is a highlight! You really can't go wrong. I'm not going to recommend items. I would say try everything. Great business lunch place. read more

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Posted menu out front is known to be old, with outdated prices. Management apparently knows and does not care. Same for the website. $30 chicken Alfredo was bland. Chicken was bland, my whiteclaw had more flavor POS system was constantly lagging/freezing, a common occurrence for the staff. There was no manager on duty, so the staff self-manage extremely well. The entire staff in house today was very friendly, and were apologetic about the menu issues. TLDR: food is mid. Management doesn't care. read more

We were down at Carlsbad State Beach for the recent holiday and thought let's have dinner at Jay's. We thought we make a night of it so we went in at 4 o'clock started with the Caesar salad for two. Had wine and beer. Waited about 20 minutes then had the pasta Fazoli, and oh my gosh, it was amazing. Wait another 20 minutes and have the seafood linguine and it was out of this world. The fish was so fresh. After that would wait another 20 minutes and had a wonderful tiramisu. Two hours of Eating and we felt amazing. Only way to eat Italian food! Gotta go in early though it gets packed! Unless you just wanna catch a quick pizza and some pasta. We've been going to Jay's for 40 years when we come to town to visit. read more

Jay's Gourmet may be small, but the food is anything but. The complimentary warm bread they bring out is like a flatbread and it's so good. I ordered the Pasta Alla Pesto, it had romano, sun dried tomatoes, and pine nuts over angel hair pasta. It came with a salad with creamy Italian dressing. The pasta was ridiculously good -- a huge portion that easily could have been split. I ended up bringing half back to the hotel for my daughter, who also loved it! My husband ordered a bowl of Clam Chowder and then had the Linguine with White Wine Garlic Clam Sauce. I tried a bite -- it was delicious, full of flavor, and another generous serving. You really can't go wrong with Jay's. Everything was so good and perfectly garlicky. It's a small spot inside, but we sat outside at a little two-top in the parking lot, which honestly adds to the charm. Jay's has been around forever, and it's fun to sit outside and watch the buzz of the busy intersection nearby. So good! read more

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Been here before but today I felt discriminated was asked to comeback in 30 mins waited host acknowledge my party was here and then got ignored. People that came after us were getting seated. They cleaned tables and keeped getting handed to different people. read more

Amazing food. Pizza is my go too and it's always fire. Never disappoints. I can get the pizza late evenings and it tastes the exact same as if I get it at lunch time. Really like that consistency Jay's provides. Lastly, right next to the beach really a really nice ambience and friendly staff bring the place to life. Couldn't recommend this place more. read more

Absolutely five stars for Jay's Gourmet in Carlsbad! My boyfriend and I couldn't decide between pizza or pasta--so we got both and shared, and honestly, best decision ever. We ordered The Works pizza on gluten-free crust and the pesto pasta with gluten-free noodles. The pizza was really good, albeit there wasn't much cheese. Being gluten free, it was flatbread, and it was pretty standard for a gf pizza. The pasta, however, completely stole the spotlight. It was rich, creamy, and had this amazing flavor that reminded us of lobster bisque--totally unexpected and seriously delicious. We showed up around 6pm and were pleasantly surprised that there was no wait at all. The restaurant has a cozy, relaxed vibe, and even though it's close to the beach, it wasn't too cold to sit comfortably. The staff was super friendly without being overbearing, but it did take a while for us to get the check. All around a great experience--we left full, happy, and already planning what to order next time. Highly recommend for a casual date night or just a great meal close to the beach. read more

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Amazing food and service we go every two weeks best food in Carlsbad California never disappointed

Jay's has been a family favorite for 30 years! The inside is so charming and cozy and the staff is always so friendly and kind. I always get the chicken Sorrentino, which is not on the menu any longer, but they can still make it. It's my absolute favorite dish! Chicken breast, topped with mozzarella, swimming in a light, almost Marsala like sauce but with a hint more of sweetness, with olives, mushrooms, and bacon. So incredible! I also love the minestrone soup, the salad with creamy Italian dressing is ridiculously good, the side spaghetti has such a delicious sauce and the pasta is always perfectly cooked. The sausage roll is a must order appetizer! Portions are huge and worth every penny! read more

This place is located on the corner of Carlsbad Village Dr. and Carlsbad Blvd. The menu has a good variety to choose from. My visits have always been great. The waiters are helpful and attentive. Me and the hubby had the Jay's Seafood Combo wow it was more than enough for two had to take home leftovers. Added a glass of pinot grigio to that meal hmmm! Recommend this eatery! read more

It was Saturday night and we wanted to go to Jay's with out of town friends. We were concerned because it was a weekend, and in the season, and because Jay's doesn't take reservations. The memories of good food triumphed and we went anyway. We were all so happy that we did. We were seated immediately. The servers went out of their way to explain the dishes and to offer to modify ingredients for one of us who has food sensitivities. We all got something different and everything was so savory and unique. We are already making plans to return. Oh, BTW, the bread that they served was extremely fresh and delicious! read more

Jay's Gourmet Seafood is phenomenal. We had the Sea Bass and the Halibut, and both dishes were prepared to perfection. A special shout-out to the bread basket as well--it is absolutely amazing and a must-try. The service has always been consistently great, and the atmosphere is incredibly cute and quaint. It's the perfect spot for a high-quality, cozy meal! read more

Well I'm not sure about the other reviews at this point because we ordered pizza and it was great! We chose half The Works (a combo) and half Canadian Bacon and Pineapple. The veggies still had a nice bite to them, the sausage was super flavorful, and the pie was nice and hot. The crust was not too thin but raise at the edges for a nice bite. Kinda bummed we decided on pizza before we got here because the pastas and seafood options looked amazing! The service was good (they were all pretty chatty behind the bar near where we were seated) but happy and friendly. The place is pretty small so chatter was normal but not too loud. All in all it was a great experience and we'll be back next year when we visit again read more

At Jay's, it all about the food. Had the seafood salad and it's as good as I remember. I crave this dish and am willing to drive 40 minutes to get it! It's got chunks of salmon, calamari, etc, with the creamy Italian dressing, just perfect. All of their red sauces are delicious, with the fra diavolo just spicy enough. Jay's is a bit of a dive, but in that laid back, beachy way. It's in the heart of downtown Carlsbad, with plenty of windows for people watching. They've added Caymus, by the glass to the menu, if the above wasn't incentive enough! read more

Jay's Gourmet - View from Jay's - Pizza Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Great food and service, Love the relaxed atmosphere Everyone makes you feel at home and quick service read more

Worst $100 meal I've had. We shared the seafood combo $64. It had 8 mussels that had been cooked to the point where the meat looked like a pencil eraser, hard to imagine professional cooks taking over an hour to deliver such inedible Gruel. read more

Jay's a great local spot. We've been coming here for 30 years. Today is super busy and the A team is kicking a$$. Brandy is taking great care of all of us without missing a beat. Juan running the show in the kitchen takes pride in every dish & pizza he puts up in the window. I've personally admired all of his works of art as they pass by our table to their final destination. Each plate presented is welcomed with a big smile. Conversations and laughs is surly a sign we are all enjoying ourselves. Sure happy to be a local today. Thanks Brandy and Juan for lunch today and the whole staff that offers the same great experience time after time. read more

Had a wonderful dinner at Jay's Gourmet. They give you a hot basket of baked flatbread strips with parmesan cheese to start off with. I loved it. Tried the linguine with clam sauce and the chicken marsala. Both dishes were delicious! Ended the dinner with a pistachio cake and it was really light and not too sweet at all. The portion size was just right. Since the restaurant was really close to the beach it was an easy choice. However it is really pricey. The service was great. read more

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Cute, intimate restaurant that we always like to visit while in Carlsbad. Quick and friendly service. The food is always solid and comforting. I had the clam chowder and lasagna. My husband always gets the pizza. Great place to go if you want seafood or Italian food! read more

Jay's Gourmet has been steadily going downhill. I used to go regularly and the food was fantastic. Last year I went and was very disappointed. I thought the passage of a year would matter. It did not. I ordered chicken limon. Emphasis on limon. What I got was a black pepper sauce with no lemon flavor and one lemon wedge. The chicken was rubbery and not tender at all. It was genuinely terrible. I thought, well, maybe the pasta with red sauce that came with it would be good. Nope. Bland. Most marinara sauces in jars exceed this. The only good thing was the salad dressing, but I can easily make that. I have been a customer for 30 years. I will never go back and suggest you stay away too. Oh- and the tip choices were 18, 20, 25 and 30%. So presumptuous. read more

My family have been loyal customers of Jay's Gourmet for over 30 years. Today we brought our guest from Florida, bragging of the delicious food and service is. Never have we had such low quality food and questionable service. The clam chowder was so watery with little to no clams. Our order of angel hair pasta primavera was delivered with a different noodle and was sent back. The hot garlic bread was replaced by a flavorless flatbread cracker. The clam chowder was horrible. We gladly pay and tip well for gourmet dining. Today it was a complete tragedy and horror. I asked if they had a new chef. The attendant said that some times the chowder gets watery. Really? You don't say! I asked where was Jay? I was told Jay was at Norte's across the street. We will not return to pay gourmet prices for such bad, food and service. Blue Gill here we come, as they have been noted for the best chowder in town. Bye bye Felicia. No more Jay's Gourmet. read more

The entree's were amazingly good. We were the only ones in the place so service was quick. The place has a beach feel with a small bar. The scallops were perfectly cooked and the white wine and garlic sauce were tasty. The swordfish, shrimp and artichoke were totally awesome. This place is definitely worth a stop for lunch or dinner. The plates were $$$ but worth it. read more

Jay's Gourmet - Fresh Scallops - Pizza Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Food was amazing very friendly people, would love to visit the place again, ambiance is so cozy

A bit of a wait - hostess was great though. Very busy night - a few large groups. Bread was great - salad cold & crisp & best house salad in a long time. I had lasagne - really good - portion very good size - could only eat half - great cold a few hours later. Wife had Jays seafood platter - white wine - really good - tons of seafood - shrimp very large - will come back again in heart beat read more

Jay's Gourmet in Carlsbad is a hidden gem for seafood lovers. My recent visit was a delightful culinary adventure that left me thoroughly impressed. If you're a fan of fresh and delicious seafood, this place is definitely worth a visit. Upon arrival, I was immediately struck by the cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The decor is charming, with a nautical theme that sets the mood for a great seafood meal. The staff were friendly and attentive, making sure we felt comfortable and well taken care of throughout our dining experience. For starters, I ordered the sausage rolls. These were quite large and generously filled with flavorful meat. The sausage was perfectly seasoned, making each bite a savory treat. However, the meat sauce that accompanied the rolls was a bit too watery for my liking. It didn't detract too much from the overall experience, but it could have been a bit thicker to better complement the hearty rolls. The highlight of the meal was undoubtedly the cioppino. This dish was enormous and packed with a variety of seafood that made it a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The cioppino included giant shrimp, crab legs, salmon, halibut, and mussels. Every component was cooked to perfection. The shrimp were so large they looked like small lobsters, and they were incredibly succulent. The crab legs were a real treat, full of sweet, tender meat. The salmon and halibut were both fresh and flaky, adding a rich texture to the dish, while the mussels were plump and delicious. The broth was flavorful and aromatic, tying all the ingredients together beautifully. The portion sizes at Jay's Gourmet are generous, and the cioppino was no exception. It was more than enough to satisfy a big appetite, and every bite was a testament to the quality and freshness of the seafood. The rich, savory flavors made it a standout dish that I would highly recommend to any seafood enthusiast. Throughout the meal, the service was excellent. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and provided great recommendations. They checked in on us regularly to ensure we had everything we needed without being intrusive. In addition to the food, the ambiance of Jay's Gourmet adds to the overall dining experience. The restaurant has a relaxed and inviting feel, making it a perfect spot for both casual meals and special occasions. The attention to detail in both the decor and the presentation of the food shows the care and pride that goes into running this establishment. In conclusion, Jay's Gourmet in Carlsbad is a fantastic place for anyone looking to enjoy high-quality seafood. Despite a minor hiccup with the sausage roll sauce, the overall experience was outstanding. The cioppino, in particular, was a seafood lover's dream, with its abundant, perfectly cooked seafood and delicious broth. Combined with the friendly service and charming atmosphere, it's a place I'll definitely be returning to. read more

Jay's Gourmet - Pizza Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Excellent food and centrally located in the village!!! Small restaurant, a great environment with indoor and outdoor seating.

Feels like it has weathered the test of time and the perils of restaurant turn over. Absolutely fantastic eggplant parmigiana, with eggplant in thin slices. Delicious table bread with a garlic butter seasoning. Our waitress told us it was the same dough as the pizza crust. Kids menu. Some parking out front. Made this mama and her NJ Italian friend very happy! read more

Jay's Gourmet - Thrilled with his side dish of marinara to dip his bread - Pizza Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I wish I could post the photo's I took. Trying to find a menu with prices online was next to impossible but we did find lasagna listed for $12.00. I called and placed a to go order for lasagna and a pizza. I was told it would be ready in 20 to 30 minutes. I arrived in 25 minutes and found out the lasagna was actually $26.00. The girl in charge said she has told the owner many times to change the prices and that she had no control over it. The bill was $52.00. When I arrived home, the pizza was dry and cold, the "garlic bread" was thin, dry and cold and the lasagna was just cold. The lasagna was good after we warmed it but the pizza and garlic bread were inedible. We live here and have eaten at Jay's for many years and the food has always been delicious but this was the worst food ever. read more

Jays didn't disappoint.. Food, Service and Ambience on Point! Had a great time with my family and our server was wonderful. Thank you Jays.... We'll be Baaaack. Peace... Frankie G. read more

Jay's Gourmet - Pizza Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Not a bad place well located at the corner of Carlsbad Village Drive in N. Coast Highway aka Carlsbad Boulevard. It's a casual place you can sit inside or outside Some people have been coming here for many years with the favorite hangout for locals as well as folks from San Diego. The Caesar salad comes with the spaghetti and meatball s is really good. read more

I was pleasantly surprised by this little restaurant. The outside screams "seafood," and while they do offer that, they offer much more. We ordered a few pizzas and sides, and everything was very good. It was ready and hot when we arrived. The inside is small, and you feel like a local when there. It reminds me of the inside of a boat or a small bar in a fishing town. Don't overlook this place when you're in Carlsbad, it's definitely worth a stop. read more

Went here for a pre-Valentine's date night and was very impressed. It's conveniently located, right on the corner of Carlsbad Village and Coast Hwy. They have a very small parking lot, but there is additional parking behind the building. We were lucky, and found a spot in the small lot out front. The food was absolutely delicious. After being seated, they brought us some flavorful garlic bread with marinara. I ordered the chicken parmigiana and my fiancé ordered the fettuccine alfredo with shrimp. Both dishes were amazing!! I enjoyed an ice cold Ballast Point Sculpin IPA with my meal. They have about 4 or 5 beers on tap and a huge wine selection. Each meal game with your choice of a soup/salad. I had cesar salad and the lady had a cup of clam chowder. The serving sizes and prices were perfect as well. The service was on point! Our server, Scott, was very personable and professional. He was also knowledgeable in regards to the their menu and food options in general and gave us great input. He made the whole experience a great one! Thanks, Scott! We will definitely be back soon . read more

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We picked up 2 orders of the Clams Linguini (not the whole clams) with the red wine clam sauce. It was so delicious that I called to let them know! It totally hit the spot! Thank you Tino on pasta, I think that what they said his name is! Sooooooo good! read more

Jay's Gourmet - Clams Linguini in the Red Clam Sauce - Pizza Near Me - Carlsbad, California

This was my first visit to Jay's Gourmet. If you have ever visited or driven through Carlsbad along Carlsbad Boulevard you have probably driven and not have given it a second look or even bothered to stop here. It sits on the corner of Carlsbad Boulevard and Carlsbad Village Drive. As you walk into this restaurant it has that feel of a place more near the beach than an Italian restaurant. I guess since it is near a popular surfing area along Carlsbad Boulevard it has that vibe. I'm going to give you my take on Jay's. As soon as we walked in the server immediately took care of us. Gave us the menu and as we were looking over what was on the menu my wife pointed out to me that they had a special listed on their chalkboard. I took one glance at it and I didn't have to read the menu I knew what I was going to order. We had our drinks on our table already as our server took our order. No sooner than taking our orders, we had breadsticks with a marinara sauce to dip the yummy breadsticks in. Next came the antipasto salad that was large enough for more than the four of us and delicious as well. Next came the calamari with a delicious red sauce for all of us to share and delicious too. Next came my main course, which was the Seafood Volcano. Oh I couldn't wait to taste this dish. The risotto was cooked to perfection with sour cherry mushrooms which was to die for. My dish also contained jumbo shrimp, scallops, swordfish and salmon. Believe me everything I ate on this dish was incredibly delicious and cooked to perfection. I do have to admit that the prices are a bit high but the food speaks for itself. Now would I return here, absolutely. The only thing I regret is not asking the server her name as she deserves a shout out. They deserve notoriety for taking care of their customers especially good service. read more

Jay's Gourmet - Jay's Special! - Pizza Near Me - Carlsbad, California

This place is one of the best restaurants in Carlsbad! My husband is Italian and usually hates every Italian food we go to! This place he loves! Best pizza and fresh seafood (sometimes locally caught)! Small inside but very cozy! Highly recommended! read more

I don't live in Carlsbad California and whenever I'm in town I eat at Jay gourmet I've never had a bad dish, never had bad service, and always have a pleasant experience. This time I took a friend we both had the cioppino, and he did nothing but rave about how great it tasted. This is not my first review of Jay's. They were a fantastic restaurant, a staple of Carlsbad and if you're ever in town, I highly recommend eating at Jay gourmet. read more

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Finally, got to try this place but again we had a problem with reservations. I asked for the manager since this was the second time we had a problem with "reservations". The hostess was young but mature and took care of the problem without me having to deal with the manager. We were a party of five, and it was busy but she promised we would be the next table and we were. We had a nice waitress serve us. We got our drinks and ordered our food. The place is small inside and loud but cozy at the same time. Like a big Italian family around the dinner table. I personally didn't think the pizza was anything to rave about but my brothers loved it. I had the lasagna and it was okay. The service was good but a little slow. The waitress was very busy, so you gotta give her break. You can eat inside or out. My brothers will come back for sure, but when I come to visit, I will not. July 1, 2023 read more

Came for a quick beer. Topped off perfect. (I don't want that foam) Cold crisp Italian lager. Vibes are heavy Quick easy spot enjoy yourself enjoy your time Great service by the ladies read more

Jay's Gourmet - Beer - Pizza Near Me - Carlsbad, California

First, I'll say, we LOVE this restaurant, and the food is fabulous. On our last visit from Tucson, it was a bit disappointing. Our salad came out and after maybe 3 bites, our entrees came out. We therefore couldn't eat the salads, which we love, or our seafood dishes would have gotten cold and overcooked. Our server asked if she could keep it under the warmer which isn't optimal. Another complaint is, please don't call the scallops 'jumbo'. There were 3 medium and 1 small scallop for over $40.00. I wouldn't mind paying that if they WERE jumbo. We'll still go back because the food is delicious, and the atmosphere is great. Please don't serve the entrees almost immediately after the salads are brought out. Thank you. read more

WOW! The food is remarkable, however it is expensive. But, if you are in the mood for some truly great Italian food, this is the place to go. ENJOY!!! read more