Lobster Lab

Great food, great service, fresh sushi, it's nice and quiet and calm which is what we were looking…read morefor on a chaotic Saturday afternoon

Seated immediately without a reservation on a Thursday. Spacious and comfortable interior. Got the…read moreseafood sampler and grilled Idaho rainbow trout with brussel sprouts and carrots + snap peas, kids got fried shrimp which they loved. I especially liked the scallop. Friendly service, excellent kid's activity book that came with temporary tattoos (huge hit). One of our favorite family-friendly restaurants.

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Miso Chilean Sea Bass--so yum!!

Pelly's Fish Market & Café

4.0(1.3k reviews)

1.6 mi

Popular spot at a strip mall with lots of parking space. It gets pretty crowded with plenty of…read morepeople coming in but the fresh seafood is worth the wait. We love the taco combo as you can try a shrimp taco and a fish taco. The meats are very tender and flavorful and filling. Surprisingly, they also have a sashimi platter with lots of pieces which is worth the price but the rice as a side dish is kind of pricy.... Just cook your own rice if possible.

3.5 stars Stopped by…read morePelly's Fish Market & Cafe for lunch on a Monday afternoon. There was a decent weekday crowd, with the restaurant about 60% occupied when we arrived. Ordered the Small Boston White Clam Chowder ($6.99), 3 Piece Fish & Chips with fries ($21.99), and the Sea Bass Plate ($25.99) which came with two sides - opted for Spanish rice and black beans. The clam chowder was just okay and nothing particularly special. The sea bass with garlic butter was a little bland and definitely needed some hot sauce or tartar sauce for extra flavor. The Spanish rice also tasted like it had been sitting out for a while and was a little dry. I did appreciate that the black beans came topped with some cheese and were served in a little tostada bowl - a nice touch. The fish and chips were hands down the best thing we ordered. The fish had a super crispy batter and the fries were crispy as well. Definitely the standout of the meal. Pelly's is located in a shared plaza with Ralphs, so there are plenty of parking spaces available. Both indoor and outdoor seating and it's a counter-service setup where you order at the counter and they'll bring the food out to your table.

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Sashimi Tray

Fish 101

4.3(1.6k reviews)

3.6 mi

Every year we travel to Carlsbad for family vacation, each time we want to look for new place to…read moretry as well as our old favorites! This time we wanted to try this new to us place, we were so happy to take rideshare to this location as parking is very limited with severely road work happening all around. This restaurant gives a beachy hole in the wall relaxing vibe which we love!! Menu was simple quite a few options, we went for their fish tacos and fish n chips. Between the 4 of us we shared the items to see if they are good before ordering more, the short version of the story is that the food was very good, not dry or fishy smell, taste fresh, succulent piece if fish fillers on the taco, the fish n chips batter was a bit on the thick side but still very tasty. Clam chowder was on point, creamy and not a cream breaking point. We would love going back again once all the road work are done. Service is quick and prompt, no frills. It is a hole in a wall place so expect a bit of self service like getting water or napkins. Overall a solid 5 stars a must try if you like fish tacos and fish n chips.

A wide range of fresh, high quality fish served in various form factors. The fish & chips were very…read moregood, with good quality cod (I think) and fresh cut fries that were reasonably crispy. But the batter was a bit too thick and salty for my taste. The side of tartar sauce was bland and needed a kick of sriracha and lemon. The Mahi three taco plate was very good and a fair value with decent sized pieces of fish and a tasty crema on the finely shredded cabbage and tomatoes. But the tortillas were too dry, which is inexplicable given the myriad great tortillerias in the region. Service was fast and efficient, and the ambience bustling with people jam-packed together scarfing their food. I really appreciate their ongoing excellent health inspection reports.

Inside

2 piece Fish and Chips

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Thirsty Thursday!!!!

Bluewater Grill Seafood Restaurant & Market Carlsbad

4.2(1.9k reviews)

3.0 mi

The best seafood around. We were looking for fresh seafood and Bluewater delivered. The drinks and…read moreshare plates are 10/10! Service was great and the setting was beautiful!

easy parking is free crab cakes and shrimp cocktail were…read moreawesome fish entrees were hot and yummy. could have eaten two butterfishes. dang.

Bluewater Grill Seafood Restaurant & Market Carlsbad

Bluewater Grill, Carlsbad.

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Crab Cake perfection!

Nick's On State

4.5(1k reviews)

3.2 mi

My friend and I came here with our two daughters after a late-night soccer tournament game. We left…read moretalking about how great the entire experience was. Jacob was our server, and he was fantastic. He was friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed without ever making us feel rushed. Later, Kaitlyn brought out our butter cake, and what started as a quick interaction turned into one of those unexpected conversations that give you a different perspective and refresh that we all need every once in a while. The food was just as impressive. We started with the Spinach & Artichoke Dip, which was the perfect appetizer. For dinner, we ordered the Center Cut Filet, Cha Cha's Spicy Rigatoni, and the Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Every dish was fresh, flavorful, and something we'd happily order again. If you're thinking about dessert, do yourself a favor and order the butter cake. It absolutely lives up to the hype. What stood out most, though, was the people. Working in a restaurant can be overstimulating and exhausting. Everyone we interacted with was kind and welcoming. It's easy to enjoy a great meal, but it's the people who make you want to come back. From the service to the food to the atmosphere, the entire team is doing an incredible job. Thank you to Jacob, Kaitlyn, the manager, kitchen staff, and everyone else who made our evening so enjoyable. We'll definitely be back.

First time for us at Nick's and it was amazing on every level! It was my husband's birthday and we…read morewere close by so we stop in for dinner without reservations. We were seated in 15 minutes. The restaurant has a beautiful atmosphere. The lighting was inviting and there are very cool design details everywhere from the bar to restaurant seating area. Our server, Fran, was so welcoming and let us take our time selecting a drink and then a starter dish to share to our final entrée. I had a small gift for my husband and Fran noticed so the restaurant of the evening she kept commenting on his birthday. Before the check was brought to the table Fran gave my husband a birthday card that was signed by all the staff. Such a sweet person touch. We enjoyed a complimentary chocolate dessert. Enjoy we ordered was a 10/10 but Fran made the evening unforgettable! Thank you! Well done!

Bar Seating.

Butter cake

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View from dining room showing the bar and kitchen where the glass windows are.

Shoots Fish & Beer

4.4(124 reviews)

3.0 mi

I love Shoots Fish & Beer. They have so many tasty options, it's hard for me to choose just one. It…read morealso makes me want to go back to try even more food. It's become a place that my husband and I return to, and take our visitors. My mouth is savoring at the thought of the fish and chips. The fish is delicate and the breading is just thick enough and crispy. The fries remind me of when McDonalds fries are at its best, We've tried tacos, which was nice and fresh. The seasoning and sauce were also delicious. I was a huge fan of the tuna in the sampler. There was a spicy option I wasn't a huge fan of. Doesn't have the most private seating but it is part of the Cottages complex.

Shoots Fish & Beer was a very satisfying experience. Even though I found the food I sampled to be…read more3-star, not 4-star, I liked the vibe of the place and it was easy to imagine returning for a similar light nosh and beer, which I think is the sweet-spot for enjoying the place. I sat inside which is a deceiving statement. The space has a roof on it but, as designed, the entrances are wide open and not much different than sitting outside. So why sit inside? Because you can opt for the counter/bar seating or because you want to watch the baseball game airing on the big screen. Many beers are offered here, and the satisfying Harland Nelson West Coast IPA was chosen. Accompanied by a Toro Handroll ($12), Musubi ($8), and Bang Bang Cauliflower ($8), this made a satisfying light meal for two. Despite fully consuming them, the food offerings didn't wow us. Some additional wasabi, ginger, and I know not what would amp up the flavor profiles and be more personally satisfying to me. But still? I liked the place and left saying that I could see returning. Nice vibe and perfect for a cold beer and a simple, small something to keep your stomach from grumbling.

That line is worth the wait

Yellowtail Ceviche

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Outside Patio, love the ambiance.

Ocean Buffet

3.8(178 reviews)

3.9 mi

One thing is for sure: when they say they close at a particular time, they close. And sit down…read moreright next to your table until you leave. I never show up at closing time figuring that even if they seat me you it's going to be 11 before I'm done. Usually I expect a bit of grace period between closing time and GTFO time. Ocean doesn't waffle on whether closing time should mean, "seating Intel" or "you don't have to go home but you can't stay here," I'm a pretty good sport and I try not to be a dick regarding showing up with less than half an hour until close, usually figuring that it's gonna take the staff a while with side work and cleaning and breaking things down stuff like that.. The buffet is really big, which is probably the best feature. Sushi is OK. A lot of stuff is OK, but just OK it would not surprise me to learn that this was the biggest buffet in North County San Diego, however it would surprise me if this place was considered the most flavorful buffet in North County. If you like lo mein, and this is gonna sound crazy, but oceans 11 Casino just north of the 78 Exit Mission St. has the best house lo mein I've ever tried oddly enough, they stopped serving Asian food at 11 PM even though you can get the rest of the menu out on the Poker floor 24 hours.

A decent visit while down in SD with the Mrs. Stopped in as we were in the area and it was fine for…read morethe price. Everything was "buffet grade" from the sushi to the dim sum (clearly prepackaged items) to the hot foods. As with most buffets, if you stick to the items freshly brought out, you are generally happier. On individual items: - snow crab, fine and plentiful although the body meat tasted freezer burned; - dim sum, ok for pre packed; - sushi, fine but nothing memorable or particularly flavorful; - hot items, stir fried beef was good although very heavy on baking soda used to soften meat, orange chicken was fine as was the eggplant - steamed fish fillets looked good and fresh but didn't have any flavor; - little chocolate ice cream cup was surprisingly fudgy Service was solid for an Asian buffet. Price was good for a Saturday night at $33 per person. Overall 3 stars. Worth a visit if you are in a buffet mood but nothing to write home about.

Seafood

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Peel shrimp

264 Fresco

4.1(2.6k reviews)

3.0 mi

Luigi was amazing!!! Such good food and incredible service. Love this place. Definitely try if…read moreyou're in the area!

Food and service was great. The rooftop ambience was nice, great for groups. Kylie was exceptional.read more

Interior.

Brussels Sprouts

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Caesar salad with anchovy breadcrumbs

Sinaloa Mexican & Seafood

4.6(507 reviews)

5.1 mi

What a treat! We were greeted so warmly the moment we…read morestepped up to order. Then the food - delicious battered fish and shrimp tacos with the tastiest salsas. Finished with the silkiest flan. Highly recommend Sinaloa!

This place has the beautiful vibe of small business and it almost feels like you're at a family…read morehome having a good meal. The people are nice and welcoming and even though it's order at the counter, we were checked on to make sure we didn't need anything. The food is solidly good-- flavorful meats, beans, rice--whatever your mood is, I'm pretty sure you'll like it. Another detail I liked is that the food is served on reusable plates instead of styrofoam or plastic containers. Everything just tastes that much better on real plates. :-) It's not far from the freeway, so if you get hungry passing through, please come & check them out.

Little plants adorn the restaurant.

Side of rice

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Refreshing Horchata

Fresco Cocina

The food and service were amazing! Matt helped us and couldn't have been more kind and positive…read more we had the tacos and all were 5/5!!

We came here for a 34th anniversary dinner and it was an excellent choice! It was our first time…read morehere! The atmosphere, waitstaff (Matt) and food were all superb!

Churrasco

Red Snapper Veracruz

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Mar Vista Deck

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17 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Sema A.

7

21

15

2 years ago

Lobster Lab - The Ultimate Lobster Roll Experience If you're a seafood lover, Lobster Lab is an absolute must-visit! Their lobster roll is hands down the best I've ever had--fresh, tender, and packed with flavor. The lobster meat is perfectly cooked, generously portioned, and served on a buttery, toasted bun that adds the perfect crunch. Every bite is rich, delicious, and melts in your mouth. Beyond the incredible food, the service at Lobster Lab is outstanding. The staff is friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about what they serve. They take the time to ensure every customer has a great experience, whether it's helping with menu recommendations or making sure everything is just right. What truly sets Lobster Lab apart is their commitment to quality. They use only the freshest ingredients, and it shows in the taste of every dish. From their signature lobster rolls to their creamy, flavorful lobster bisque, everything is made with care and precision. If you're craving top-notch seafood, look no further than Lobster Lab. It's a hidden gem that delivers an unforgettable experience every time! read more

C H.

1

23

42

11 months ago

My husband and I were out looking for phở, but while wandering around we came across this cozy little spot--and we're so glad we stopped in! From the moment we walked in, the owner greeted us with a big smile and such a warm, friendly vibe. You can just tell he loves what he does, and it made the whole experience feel so inviting. We decided to try the clam chowder, and let me just say... wow. It came out hot and hearty, served with two pieces of bread that were buttery, crispy, and absolutely perfect for dipping. Every bite was comforting and flavorful--we polished off the entire bowl in under 10 minutes! The service was fast, the food was on point, and the atmosphere was genuinely welcoming. If you're in the area, do yourself a favor and stop by. Highly recommend, and we'll definitely be back! read more

Jeremiah K.

153

48

32

5 months ago

Absolutely Outstanding Experience at Lobster Lab! From the moment we walked in, everything was top-notch. The lobster was incredibly fresh, perfectly prepared, and packed with flavor. Every bite tasted high quality, and you can tell they truly care about what they serve. The atmosphere was welcoming, clean, and enjoyable, making the whole experience even better. A special shoutout to Ridvan, the owner, who clearly takes pride in his business and goes above and beyond to make customers feel appreciated. Great food, great service, and great leadership. It's rare to find a place that gets everything right, but Lobster Lab absolutely does. Highly recommend to anyone looking for an amazing seafood experience -- we'll definitely be back! read more

KIsmete T.

0

24

23

3 years ago

l have discovered a small place in Carlsbad today . l have no idea that you can make a such a delicious lobster sandwich, perfectly done with perfect combination of ingredients put together to sensationalize your taste buds , it was delicious . fist not knowing how l would like it , l ordered the small size , but after enjoying it immensely l ordered one to go . it's really delicious and fulfilling . l tired their clam chowder while l waited and with a touch of Tabasco and fresh lemon it just hit the spot . give them a try next time you are in the area, it will not disappoint. read more

Jonathan D.

856

371

2310

2 years ago

I was curious about Lobster Lab and decided to try it out today--and I'm so glad I did! This little gem is conveniently located near the supercharger, making it a perfect stop. We ordered the lobster grilled cheese and the regular lobster sandwich, and both were absolutely delicious. However, if you're stuck on which to choose, I personally recommend the lobster grilled cheese--it was the standout for me! If you're looking for a place that will always hit the spot, this is it. Highly recommend! read more

Alphan Ş.

0

3

7

1 year ago

We made the trip from LA just to try the Lobster Roll, Lobster Grilled Cheese, and Caviar--and it was totally worth it. If you haven't tasted these amazing flavors yet, this spot should be at the top of your list. The portions are generous and the dishes are as beautifully presented as they are delicious. We're big fans of Lobster Lab! Also, they provide moist towelettes, which is something I haven't come across anywhere else in the U.S. read more

Denise B.

0

2

0

3 years ago

The best lobster roll and lobster grilled cheese I've ever had, heads down. It's very obvious that they care about their customers and the customer experience. The food is very delicious, fresh and high in quality. I loved that they didn't try to sell but rather really interested in what I like and dislike. I made my friends drive all the way from LA twice to eat here ;) I recommend everyone to try this place. Thanks! read more

Cenk K.

0

5

3

3 years ago

LobsterLab in the food court is a hidden gem! The grilled cheese lobster sandwich was a delightful surprise with its rich flavors, and the buttery dip was simply heavenly. The toasted bread added the perfect crunch, making it a satisfying and delicious choice. The staff's expertise and insightful recommendations made the visit even more enjoyable. LobsterLab is definitely a must-visit for lobster lovers! read more

Hailey G.

132

5

3

1 year ago

The service at Lobster Lab was very nice. Friendly and attentive staff made for a pleasant experience. The lobster grilled cheese was delicious, rich and perfectly toasted. However, the lobster roll was a letdown. It was bland and lacking the bold flavor you'd expect. To spend $80 on dinner, we expected a lot better. It was a big disappointment. read more

Umut T.

20

1

3 years ago

Lobster Lab Carlsbad is an exceptional seafood restaurant offering outstanding lobster dishes prepared with creativity and precision. With attentive service, a diverse menu, and a trendy ambiance, it's a must-visit destination for seafood lovers seeking an unforgettable dining experience. read more

Stephanie L.

4

137

111

3 years ago

Good food! Nice service! Couldn't tell that this establishment was already open at Windmill. LOVE the clam chowder- it's on the creamier side like New England style (as opposed to San Francisco style). Hard to find, and happy that this place is here! read more

Montonio K.

0

2

1

4 months ago

Tomar has the best seafood dishes you can find in California 100/10 you try if you are ever in the area he is a mastermind and a great human too got to speak to him for about an hour as well read more

Noah W.

0

1

0

3 years ago

Visiting from Arizona was looking for the best seafood and this was the best I found! Service is 10/10 food was 10/10 overall great experience! I wish they were in my hometown! read more

Nita R.

0

2

0

1 year ago

Everything was really good and definitely recommend this spot. Tara was very helpful with our choices. She was great.

Rıdvan Can K.

0

37

47

2 years ago

Combination of confit garlic, chives, lobster and that brioche bread. Elegant servive, and caring stuff, spectecular.

Tim G.

0

3

0

2 years ago

Food: Service: Excellent! Bravo! I loved the experience and good food. I highly recommend this place. read more

Gia C.

0

39

43

1 year ago

Lovely place for a great lunch date, great food, great customer service!!! 100% recommended!!!

Lobster Lab - sandwiches - Updated September 2026

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King's Fish House - Carlsbad

4.2

(1.6k reviews)

Great food, great service, fresh sushi, it's nice and quiet and calm which is what we were looking…read morefor on a chaotic Saturday afternoon

Seated immediately without a reservation on a Thursday. Spacious and comfortable interior. Got the…read moreseafood sampler and grilled Idaho rainbow trout with brussel sprouts and carrots + snap peas, kids got fried shrimp which they loved. I especially liked the scallop. Friendly service, excellent kid's activity book that came with temporary tattoos (huge hit). One of our favorite family-friendly restaurants.

Harbor Fish & Chips

3.9

(1.1k reviews)

Gorgeous harbor views + fire fish & chips = quite possibly the perfect meal!…read more Everything you've heard about this spot is true. The fish & chips are some of the best around! The cuts of cod are HUGE and the batter is sooo crispy and fresh. Their tartar sauce is delish and pairs perfectly. For sides, you can do fries, coleslaw, beans, or salad- seriously can't go wrong here. Try to snag a table outside with harbor views for the best vibes :)

I was recently given a gift certificate for this spot. It was finally cooling off a bit from the…read moreheatwave we've been having and eating outside sounded nice so we came to the harbor. When we arrived, there was no line which was pretty shocking because every other time I've been here there's always been quite a line. The girl who took our order was friendly and quick. We also had drinks, but they only had iced tea and lemonade, and sodas were all out. We were given a receipt with a number on it and we went to find seating. There are several big picnic tables, but they were all in the sun despite having umbrellas and the patio was full so we ended up having to eat inside, which was very hot. While we waited the line got pretty long. Our order didn't take too long and we brought it back to the table after getting condiments like ketchup for our fries, tartar sauce for the fish and plenty of napkins. The portions are huge and could definitely be split. Everything was too hot to eat (no complaints there) so we started with the slaw. I'm not a big slaw fan but it was good. I broke apart the fish so it would cool faster. The fries were perfectly crispy and delicious. The chowder was thick and tasty but mostly potatoes and very few clams. The shrimp were perfectly cooked inside the thick batter. The fish was well breaded and tasted good. I just wish it was a bit less greasy. This is definitely a divey spot but it's an Oceanside institution and hits the spot when I'm craving fish and chips.

Encinitas Fish Shop

4.1

(1.4k reviews)

Yum! They have a big choice of different kinds of fish (I mean, duh, it's in the name) - but that…read moremeans it's a better value for a fish sandwich than places like Burger Lounge that also sell them. I saw that they have a grilled version of Fish n chips! It was a huge, yummy piece of cod, with good French fries. Choice of seasonings (I did garlic butter). I'll definitely order from here again!

4.5 Food: 8.5/10…read moreService: 10/10 Ambiance: 10/10 Indoor and outdoor seating available. You order at the front and find a seat. Fish and chips were your typical but the fish was filling. Kids loved the popcorn shrimp. The special was a halibut taco and it was amazing and refreshing! Service was great with plenty of seating.

Oceanside Fish Shop

4.2

(129 reviews)

fantasiticsooo delicious 太霉味了！大米飯burrito完全是騙錢的全是米飯沒有肉！I love…read morethis refreshing tasteweekly menu is the best（完全是答。20刀餵狗。

Oceanside fish shop is an excellent lunch or dinner option! Parking is a bit tricky. Look for a…read morespot on the street. Lots of indoor and outdoor seating with an open concept. You will order at the counter and they bring the order to the table as well as bus the table. Meow took our order for a large group. She was extremely helpful and friendly. Sam also accommodated our large group. Very sweet girls. The food is excellent. Very fresh seafood. I enjoyed a crab cake salad. The poke bowl is a favorite as well. Fish tacos were excellent! Great spot for families or date night.

Shoots Fish & Beer

4.4

(124 reviews)

I love Shoots Fish & Beer. They have so many tasty options, it's hard for me to choose just one. It…read morealso makes me want to go back to try even more food. It's become a place that my husband and I return to, and take our visitors. My mouth is savoring at the thought of the fish and chips. The fish is delicate and the breading is just thick enough and crispy. The fries remind me of when McDonalds fries are at its best, We've tried tacos, which was nice and fresh. The seasoning and sauce were also delicious. I was a huge fan of the tuna in the sampler. There was a spicy option I wasn't a huge fan of. Doesn't have the most private seating but it is part of the Cottages complex.

Shoots Fish & Beer was a very satisfying experience. Even though I found the food I sampled to be…read more3-star, not 4-star, I liked the vibe of the place and it was easy to imagine returning for a similar light nosh and beer, which I think is the sweet-spot for enjoying the place. I sat inside which is a deceiving statement. The space has a roof on it but, as designed, the entrances are wide open and not much different than sitting outside. So why sit inside? Because you can opt for the counter/bar seating or because you want to watch the baseball game airing on the big screen. Many beers are offered here, and the satisfying Harland Nelson West Coast IPA was chosen. Accompanied by a Toro Handroll ($12), Musubi ($8), and Bang Bang Cauliflower ($8), this made a satisfying light meal for two. Despite fully consuming them, the food offerings didn't wow us. Some additional wasabi, ginger, and I know not what would amp up the flavor profiles and be more personally satisfying to me. But still? I liked the place and left saying that I could see returning. Nice vibe and perfect for a cold beer and a simple, small something to keep your stomach from grumbling.

333 Pacific

3.9

(2.6k reviews)

My family and I went in last night as a party of 3 with no reservations and it couldn't have gone…read moreany better. Our server was a tall gentleman named David and he nailed it. perfect timing. Appetizers. Half course oysters. Wedge chopped and tossed. The man was flawless. Martinis were perfect. The courses were perfect. There was nothing they could have done to make our experience any better. We are locals and will frequent this place again. Thank you, 333. Thank you, David.

Let me tell you... 333 Steakhouse & Seafood in Oceanside doesn't just give you a view, it gives you…read morea full cinematic oceanfront experience. The kind of view where you catch yourself staring at the water like you're in a dramatic movie scene, contemplating life, love, and whether you should order another martini. But today the bar area and atmosphere captured our attention. The place is clean, elegant, and effortlessly classy. Not pretentious, just that perfect "I'm on the coast living my best life" energy. The atmosphere is warm, breezy, and polished enough that even the silverware feels like it pays rent. Service was excellent, the team took care of us like VIP guests at a private tasting. Attentive, friendly, and smooth. No chaos, no attitude, no disappearing acts. Just genuine hospitality that makes you think, "Yeah... this is why Oceanside stays winning." We only stopped in for drinks, but you know, that did not happen. Now let's talk about the fresh, amazing ceviche tostada, because this thing deserves its own paragraph, its own applause, and honestly maybe its own mural. The fish, "Wow"...packed with flavor, Fresh...fresh. The citrus? Bright enough to wake your soul. The seasoning? Balanced like it studied meditation. And the fresh avocado? Thick, creamy slices that sit on side like royalty. This tostada didn't come to play, it came to change your mood, your day, and possibly your future plans. Now my martini is talking...ha ha ha. It's the kind of dish that makes you consider ordering two more "just to confirm the flavor profile." "Bloody Mary Oyster Shots" These shots were dangerously delicious. Spicy, briny, bold, and smoother than a pickup line from someone who actually knows what they're doing. You take one and immediately think: "Yep... we're definitely doing another round." They were fresh, flavorful, and honestly? A little too good. The kind of shot that makes you question why you ever settled for regular Bloody Marys in your life. This was the main reason for stopping by, the "Amazing Dirty Filthy Martinis" Ah yes... the dirty filthy martinis, the ones you enjoyed at the bar while soaking in the ambience and plotting your next visit. Perfectly chilled. Perfectly briny. Perfectly filthy. Mmmmmm hmmmm, These martinis were so good they should come with a warning label. And the bartenders? On point. Skilled, fast, friendly, and clearly proud of their craft. You can tell they're the type who could make a martini blindfolded and still nail it. The ceviche tasted like Poseidon himself personally approved it. The oyster shots were so good they convinced me to order a few more rounds. So delicious! And those martinis? Filthy enough to make you blush, classy enough to make you behave. This place is clean, elegant, delicious, and run so well. Special thanks to the staff and management! "Enjoying life...One bite...one sip at a time, foodie & drinkie style!" Miguel C.

Ponto Lago

4.4

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Prices are high but this is gourmet. Imagine freshly cracked scrambled eggs versus poured from a…read morecarton. Add the best egg white frittata you've ever had with equally solid croissants. Bacon and sausage were decent, we've all had better. It's a 9/10 overall though. Per usual families everywhere which is a plus. Our kids are still young but be prepared for crying kids in a venue that carries noise. This place is fantastic. Come check it out.

Perfect place for a big party…read more We had a company dinner at Ponto Lago and honestly, it was great. Service was fantastic and our server gave us such great recommendations. We ordered a variety of foods and appetizers and though our party had various dietary preferences, the menu was fantastic for selection and everyone had a great meal. The Koji Aged Rib Eye - Medium Rare was phenomenal. I think everything it came with complemented it so well. My friends (coworkers) and I ordered some additional corn tortillas to eat with our rib eyes and man those were so good. Dessert menu was great and I forgot what it was called but the one I ordered was fantastic. I will say, dining here is worth the price. You get such great foods, great service, and the view is just gorgeous. Will definitely be coming back. Overall rating: Food: 10/10 Service: 10/10 Menu: 10/10 Restaurant Vibes: 10/10 Price to Overall Dining (POD): 10/10

Campfire

4.3

(3.1k reviews)

it's saturday night. we don't have a reservation. they tell us the wait is over an hour. what do we…read moredo? we wait. and thank jebus we did, because this ended up being one of the best meals i've had in a while. we started with the prawn. we each got one, and given that they're $10 a skewer, our bill started off STRONG. the prawns were perfectly roasted with hints of mezcal and prickly pear. the candied habanero or whatever garnish of death was on there totally kicked my ass in terms of spice. in true Asian fashion, we ripped the heads off and sucked all the goodness out of them too. no shame. you don't waste the good stuff. then the cornbread showed up. the group collectively agreed we'd pass on this one next time. for me, the goat cheese threw me off, but that's entirely on me because i hate goat cheese and still knowingly ordered something with goat cheese. i played myself. there was absolutely nothing wrong with the dish, but compared to everything else we ate, there wasn't anything particularly standout about it either. but then. the fucking broccoli showed up. it is literally charred broccoli with chermoula, lime, and peanut. that's it. BROCCOLI. and after taking one bite, i learned that broccoli could, in fact, be life changing. suddenly i was a new woman. a woman who wanted nothing more than to sit there and stuff her face with massive amounts of broccoli. unfortunately, i couldn't because we still had dishes to taste. and so i moved on to the pork belly. when people describe something as "melting in your mouth," they are specifically referring to Campfire's pork belly. because that's exactly what it did. just melted all up in my mouth and lit my taste buds on fire. normally, i find pork belly prepared this way a little heavy and can only stomach a few bites, but i could have eaten the entire dish. but of course i didn't, because i'm a lady. and the octopus was about to show up. and show up it DID. i don't like celery, and this dish had plenty of it, but because it was shaved super thin, it was actually super palatable. the octopus was incredibly tender, and there were little bits of chorizo throughout that gave it the perfect balance. also, love me a good chimichurri sauce. and finally, last but truly not least, the chicken. a whole ass half bird, charred to perfection with roasted red pepper, kumquat, and fennel. apparently i like fennel now??? i didn't even know i liked fennel like that, but here we are. if i hadn't already been stuffed to the absolute brim, i could have destroyed this entire dish. the chicken was juicy and tender, and paired with the fennel, you're almost like just having a healthy dish??? LOL. although we went in with every intention of ending the night with s'mores, our bodies simply said no. there was no more room at the inn. see what i did there :P so instead, we left and went on a very long walk to digest all the delicious goodness that was Campfire. i cannot wait to go back. mostly for the broccoli, which is a sentence i never thought i'd write in my life. and this time, i will absolutely be making a reservation.

Oh, Campfire, I'm glad you're still here and still have a special place in my heart. That said, my…read morelast two visits have been underwhelming. I always order the same dishes: the porridge bread, roasted broccoli, and ribeye for two. Since nothing else on the menu particularly interests me, those dishes are generally good--but when I'm spending $250-$300 on dinner for two, I expect the food to be exceptional, and it just hasn't been. I also haven't found the cocktails especially impressive in recent years. Campfire helped bring craft cocktails to Carlsbad, and my husband and I still reminisce about drinks like the roasted beet and charred corn. Unfortunately, the current cocktail menu hasn't made the same impression. Campfire is worth trying if you've never been, but as a local, it's no longer a restaurant I look forward to visiting regularly. These days, I'd probably go about once a year.

Nómada

3.8

(103 reviews)

This place never ceases to amaze me. Food absolutely…read moredelicious. Cocktails and margaritas done just right. Customer service-on point. Kylie is seriously the BEST. She served us in the bar area and she's super friendly and efficient. So glad we had her again. However, there were other nice & kind helpers that brought other food & dessert out and cleared our table. These employees really add to the wonderful dining experience. The vibe in this place is warm but lively, makes you just want to hang out. We missed the salsa class that was going to start in 45 minutes which they have every Saturday night. They cleared out some of the tables in the bar area to accommodate it. So cool they have these events. We'll be back!

I came early and waited for my friends. I ordered a fish taco and wood fire oysters. Chose the…read moreChicha Morada non-alcoholic drink and it was good. I also enjoyed the Baja fish taco. The Birria Chimichanga bites were delicious! If you come for happy hour try that. The service was great! We were seating outdoors. It was ok until the sun hit our seating area. I'm sure it would be great to dine outside when it's cooler in the evening. Now, if it's too hot outside, you can choose to dine in inside the restaurant. Parking in this area gets full quickly.

Chick & Hawk

3.9

(206 reviews)