Top Best American Restaurants in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

"A little ways outside of downtown, there’s nothing that compares to the view of Mister A’s. Big ol’ jet airliners will ride past on approach and departure, using the ocean as backdrop with the city skyline showing off its wares. The hype is real, with the food and drinks perfecting the tableau."

"An elegant dining room is enhanced by jaw-dropping city views that peer out over to the harbour. At night, you can sip on champagne and watch the city light up in a twinkling display of beauty. Crisp white linen and high-backed chairs ensure the entire evening is an elegant affair."

"With roots as a jacket-required dinner room, Bertrand's has since turned to a more casual atmosphere while continuing to provide one of the best penthouse restaurant experiences in California.[Learn more]"

"With an all-star chef at the helm, nearly every menu item features free-range, organic chicken marinated to juicy perfection. You’ll also find sides like deviled eggs, Schmaltz fries, and mini biscuits. If you have time, you can hang out and play a game of bocce ball, or pull up to the bar for a craft beer."

"Lil Cluckers” can take their pick fromnuggets, tenders, grilled chix, or grilled cheese, with carrots or petite fries on the side, plus a juice box and a cookie before checking out the bocce ball court and giant chicken statue here."

"What is it: This lively upscale restaurant is the centerpiece of San Diego’s food and drink-obsessed Little Italy. Why go: The airy dining room here continues to be packed out by locals, thanks to chef Anthony Wells' continually shifting, inventive menu. We're talking delicious small plates and culinary-inspired cocktails."

"A practitioner of ingredient-driven, “left-coast cookery”, the fine dining restaurant is operating a lovely extended outdoor dining room called Under the Stars as well as offering the Juniper and Ivy “at Home” experience from chef Anthony Wells."

"The food here is delicate and unique, with flavors meant to be slowly enjoyed just like your experience there. Fish and other high end meats are the top selections here for one of the best dinner spots in San Diego ."

"PrepKitchen has several locations all over San Diego, including this one. It's popular for simple, locally-sourced ingredients and great artisanal cocktails. Locals rave about the shared plates including charred octopus with chorizo and fava beans, roasted pork belly with pickled rhubarb and the cutting board, an amazing display of gourmet cured meats, mustards and artisanal cheese."

"Modern, trendy, small plates, PrepKitchen is the sort of place where you’ll foodies posting instagrams throughout their meal. This is a food focused place where the chefs are serious about using the best ingredients served in a casual setting. Everything is seasonal and every plate is well thought out and served with a unique spin."

"I usually pick up food from here every other week, and they have always been great. Smooth ordering experience and the pick up hardly takes any time."

"This place is fancy, young, trendy with the plates nearly as beautiful as the people. Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine is located in the Gaslamp area inside an ultra cool upscale hotel. Lionfish does everything from sashimi to small plates to share to full on instagram worthy entrees."

"Restaurants in San Diego’s touristy Gaslamp Quarter haven't had to try very hard in the past, but the 2017 opening of the swanky Pendry Hotel infused the neighborhood with new culinary energy. Of the hotel's six drinking and dining venues..."

"A post shared by Nina Jacobson (@cr1snina) on Aug 20, 2013 at 9:50am PDT. Firehouse American Eatery & Lounge is a local legend in San Diego, having excellent natural lighting accompanied by great architecture for the best beach views. Even the entrance will enthrall the visitors with its Japanese shou sugi ban wood."

"The menu at Firehouse, a short walk from the hotel, puts quirky twists on American classics. Feel like a bacon-fat mac and cheese?. How about mini Chicago dogs?"

"It's not stunning skyline views you'll find here at Bartiquitos Lagoon, but great views of a different sort: endangered birds that occupy the tranquil lagoons situated near the hustle and bustle of San Diego. Located between Carlsbad and Encinitas and identified as one of the few remaining tidal wetlands in southern California, the area is perfect for hiking and provides outstanding opportunities for bird watching. Interpretive signs along the trails assist with identifying these rare birds."

"With various parking areas on the northern side, Batiquitos Lagoon is a great stop for a two-mile hike. Just east of Interstate 5, the area is home to 610 acres of lagoon space and has been preserved for public enjoyment from oceanic silt buildup. Bicycles are not allowed, though pets are – provided they are on a leash."

"You can also volunteer for monthly trail maintenance and lagoon cleanups. During normal times, docents lead tours along the trails, pointing out various flora and fauna along the way. (Location: Carlsbad)"

"Another fun thing to do when in town is to watch the San Diego Padres play baseball at the state-of-the-art Petco Park. Considered to be one of the best stadiums in Major League Baseball, it exhibits some lovely architecture and boasts fantastic views over the skyscraper-dotted downtown. Opened in 2004, the striking stadium is clad in sandstone, stucco, and white steel which are meant to evoke the sandy color of the city’s beaches and cliffs."

"Right in downtown San Diego, the state-of-the-art Petco Park is lauded as one of Major League Baseball’s best stadiums. In the stands you’ll get incredible vistas of the Sand Diego skyline and San Diego Bay at one of 81 regular season games (more if the Padres have a successful season). Petco Park opened in 2004, before which the San Diego Padres had to share the Jack Murphy Stadium with NFL’s Chargers."

"First, it’s close to Petco Park, and second, it’s rooftop bar, Altitudes, is a great spot for a sunset cocktail!. There are several Marriotts in the Gaslamp quarter, so make sure to double-check the name when you make your reservation!"

"This beautiful bridge connects two sections of the Lake Hodges hiking trails which allow hikers to access either side of the lake. There is a desolate terrain with a very few houses overlooking the awesome canyon. The area attracts mountain bikers as well as mountain hikers."