805 Heat from San Diego Pepper Company next to a chicken sandwich from the Crack Shack

The Ultimate Foodie’s Guide to Cardiff-by-the-Sea

At San Diego Pepper Company, we do more than make San Diego’s hot sauce. We are believers in highlighting the community and are regular participants in Taste of Cardiff,. Cardiff-by-the-Sea is a distinct “vibe” within Encinitas. It’s where the surf culture of San Elijo meets a sophisticated, localized culinary scene. To eat like a true local, you have to skip the PCH chains and duck into the spots where the floors are sandy and the ingredients are fresh. Here are the essential local spots for the ultimate Cardiff food crawl.

1. Ki’s Restaurant

The Vibe: For over 20 years, Ki’s has been the gold standard for “Cardiff healthy.” This multi-level spot offers a panoramic view of the Pacific that pairs perfectly with their commitment to organic, local ingredients. It feels like eating in a wealthy surf-obsessed friend’s living room. The menu is a massive bridge between “Californian healthy” and “Pacific Rim comfort,” making it the perfect spot for a post-surf sunset dinner.

Order This: Macadamia Coconut Mahi. It’s encrusted in a crunchy nut-and-coconut shell, served with a Thai peanut sauce that balances sweet and savory perfectly.

2. The Besta-Wan Pizza House

The Vibe: This is the definition of a “deep-cut” local hangout. Established in 1965, Besta-Wan is quirky, cluttered with vintage surf memorabilia, and unapologetically casual. While the name says pizza, the menu is surprisingly diverse, offering everything from massive salads to “New School” specialty pies. It’s the kind of place where the server likely knows half the patrons by name.

Order This: The Besta-Wan Special Pizza. A classic “Old School” pie loaded with ground beef, pepperoni, sausage, peppers, and onions.

3. Pipes Cafe

The Vibe: If you don’t see a line out the door at Pipes on a Saturday morning, check your watch—it’s probably 5:00 AM. This is the Cardiff breakfast institution. It’s fast, efficient, and very affordable. You order at the counter, grab a number, and try to snag a wooden bench on the patio. The portions are legendary, designed to fuel a four-hour session at Cardiff Reef.

Order This: The Big Breakfast. Scrambled eggs, choice of bacon or sausage, Pipes potatoes, and a giant stack of pancakes.

4. Seaside Market

The Vibe: It’s a grocery store, but it’s also the culinary heart of Cardiff. The deli counter here produces the most famous piece of protein in San Diego North County. Whether you’re grabbing a sandwich to take to the beach or raw meat to grill at the San Elijo campgrounds, this is a mandatory stop. The “Cardiff Crack” (their marinated tri-tip) has a cult following for a reason.

Order This: The Cardiff Crack Tri-Tip Sandwich. Thinly sliced, burgundy-pepper marinated tri-tip served on a fresh roll.

5. Pacific Coast Grill

The Vibe: This is Cardiff’s premier “fancy” spot, though “fancy” here still means you can wear nice flip-flops. Located literally on the sand, every seat has an ocean view. The architecture is stunning, featuring reclaimed wood and massive glass walls. It’s the best place in town for a celebratory dinner or a high-end date night where the sound of the crashing waves is the soundtrack.

Order This: Lobster Tacos. These aren’t your average street tacos; they are stuffed with succulent lobster meat and served with “PCG” signature coastal flair.

6. Las Olas

The Vibe: Las Olas has been serving Mexican “comfort food” across from the beach since 1981. It’s the quintessential “surf-Mex” spot. The margaritas are strong, the chips are thin and salty, and the atmosphere is perpetually festive. It’s an easy transition from the beach to the bar, and the patio is one of the best people-watching spots on Highway 101.

Order This: Crispy Fish Tacos. They use a light, traditional batter that stays crunchy even under a mountain of cabbage and crema.

7. Breakers

The Vibe: This is the ultimate Cardiff “insider” spot, run by pro-surfer and local legend Benji Weatherley. It perfectly captures the soul of the community with a modern Tiki-bar aesthetic that transitions from a world-class morning coffee station to a high-energy lounge at night. The decor is a love letter to surf history, and the atmosphere is pure “Good Vibes Only.” It’s the kind of place where you come for a latte and stay for a tropical cocktail as the sun goes down.

Order This: The Signature Tiki Cocktail & Coffee. Start with a perfectly pulled espresso in the morning, but come back for their craft Tiki drinks—the “Painkiller” variations are legendary.

8. VG Donut & Bakery

The Vibe: “VG” stands for “Very Good,” and they’ve been proving it since 1969. This is an old-school bakery that hasn’t succumbed to the “designer donut” trend. They focus on classic techniques: frying them fresh every morning and night. Expect a line of locals in wetsuits and pajamas every single morning. It’s a Cardiff rite of passage.

Order This: Old Fashioned Glazed. It’s heavy, perfectly craggly on the edges, and melts in your mouth.

9. Tower 13

The Vibe: Named after the lifeguard tower directly across the street, this is Cardiff’s premier sports bar and beach lounge. It’s a scratch kitchen, which is rare for a sports-centric spot. The atmosphere is high-energy, with plenty of TVs for the game but enough ocean breeze to remind you exactly where you are. The patios are dog-friendly, making it a local favorite for weekend afternoons.

Order This: The Tower Burger. A thick, juicy patty with all the fixings, perfectly paired with a local San Diego IPA.

10. Waverly

The Vibe: Located in the Cardiff Town Center, Waverly is the stylish, younger sibling of the Cardiff food scene. The interior design is “Coastal Chic” (think pastels, velvet, and gold accents). The menu is progressive, blending Australian cafe culture with Southern California ingredients. It’s arguably the best brunch spot in town for those who want something more sophisticated than a breakfast burrito.

Order This: Pig Mac Bao. A playful, high-end take on a burger using pork belly, pickles, and special sauce inside fluffy bao buns.

11. Sambazon Acai Cafe

The Vibe: Sambazon basically brought the Acai bowl to the US, and their Cardiff flagship is where it all feels most authentic. It’s a small, rustic spot tucked into the Seaside Market complex. The wood-heavy decor and outdoor seating create a relaxed, “after-yoga” atmosphere. It’s the fastest way to feel like a healthy Cardiff local.

Order This: The Machado Bowl. A classic blend topped with granola, banana, and honey—simple and perfect.

12. Cicciotti’s Trattoria

The Vibe: Authentic Italian food with a view of the Pacific. Gaetano Cicciotti brings a soulful, old-world approach to seafood and pasta. While many Cardiff spots go for “beachy,” Cicciotti’s feels like a cozy neighborhood bistro in Italy that just happened to land on the California coast. It’s warm, inviting, and smells heavenly from a block away.

Order This: Linguine alle Vongole. Fresh clams in the shell sautéed with olive oil, garlic, and white wine.

13. East Coast Pizza

The Vibe: For those who prefer a thin, foldable crust over the California style, this is the spot. It’s a no-frills, counter-service pizza joint that serves massive slices. It’s a favorite for local families and kids heading home from school. The dough is made fresh daily, and the sauce has that perfect New York-style herb balance.

Order This: White Pizza. A blend of Romano and Mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil, and plenty of fresh garlic.

14. The Confessional (Lost Abbey)

The Vibe: While primarily a tasting room for the legendary Lost Abbey brewery, The Confessional is a food destination because of its “bring your own food” policy and its proximity to the best snacks in town. You grab a world-class Belgian-style ale and pair it with a sandwich from Seaside Market next door. The outdoor patio is the “public square” of Cardiff.

Order This: A pint of “Duck Duck Gooze” (if available) or “Lost and Found” paired with a Seaside tri-tip sandwich.

15. Cardiff 101 Takeout (Bull Taco Heritage)

The Vibe: While the original “Bull Taco” at the campground has changed hands, the spirit of “Inauthentic Mexican” lives on through the various window-service spots along the 101. These spots are all about the view—sitting on a wooden rail overlooking the surf while eating a taco that might have duck or bacon in it.

Order This: Duck Power Taco. Rich duck meat with a spicy salsa that cuts through the fat beautifully.