Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 7th, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The 16th Annual Taste of Cardiff is returning to the streets of Encinitas, transforming downtown Cardiff-by-the-Sea into a sprawling culinary festival.
With over 20 food purveyors and 20+ beverage brands stationed throughout the local shops (our beloved “Sip Stops”), navigating the event requires a bit of strategy. To help you make the most of your evening, we’ve curated the ultimate hit-list based on this year’s participating businesses.
The “Must-Taste” Favorites
Before you dive into the full list, there are four stops that deserve a priority spot on your map:
- San Diego Pepper Company: For the spice lover! The go-to for anyone looking to add a little “kick” to their evening. Don’t leave without trying our lineup of 4 sauces!
Try Them All 4 Pack!
Try all 4 of San Diego Pepper Company’s local san diego sauces. San Diego Sauce, Indian Spice Sauce, Spicy Pupper Sauce, and 805 Heat!
- Seaside Market: The gold standard for reliability. They are famous for doing unique, high-quality bites every single year (and yes, we’re all hoping for a variation of their “Cardiff Crack” tri-tip).
- Besta Wan Pizza House: A local icon since 1965. Expect something funky, comforting, and quintessentially Cardiff from this neighborhood staple.
- Bump Coffee: The perfect palate cleanser or energy boost. Grab a pour or a cold brew to keep your stamina up as you walk the 101.
🍽️ The Tastes: Food Participants
Stroll through the village and sample these local culinary gems:
- Best Pizza and Brew
- Besta Wan Pizza House
- Bump Coffee
- Cardiff Seaside Market
- Cicciotti’s
- Chimi SD
- Cacao Adventures
- East Coast Pizza
- Fish 101
- The Giving Treats
- Jorge’s Mexicatessen
- Ki’s Restaurant
- Las Olas Restaurant
- Little Fox Cups+Cones
- Pacific Coast Grill
- Tower 13 Bar and Grill
- Trattoria Positano
- Sambazon
- Salsa Project
- Stoked on Salsa
- San Diego Pepper Co
- VG Donut & Bakery
- Waverly
🥂 The Sips: Beverage Participants
Whether you prefer a craft brew, a crisp wine, or a spirit-free soda, the beverage lineup is stacked:
- 19 Hole Spirits LLC
- Above Board
- Boochcraft
- Burtech Family Vineyard
- Camel Gin
- Cherry Coke
- Club Kokomo Spirits
- Duck Foot Brewing
- Edin Mill St. Andrews
- Latitude 33 Brewing
- Local Roots Kombucha
- Lost Abbey
- Mezo Agave Cocktails
- Ola Sol
- Otherwise Brewing
- Ration Ale Brewing
- Societe Brewing
- Solento Tequila
- Starbucks
- Strive Soda
- Surfside Iced Tea & Lemonade
- Terra Hava
- Topo Chico
📍 The Sip Stops: Where to Find Them
As you explore, these local businesses will be hosting the beverage brands listed above. It’s a great way to peek inside Cardiff’s best boutiques and offices!
- Braincare Performance
- Cardiff Animal Hospital
- Cardiff by the Sea Lodge
- Dentistry in the Round
- Earthwise Pet
- Fowlers Boutique
- PLSA
- Patagonia
- Shoreline Properties
- Starbucks – Cardiff
- Steele Realty – Compass
- Strut Hair Solutions
Pro-Tips for 2026:
- Commute Smart: Parking is notoriously difficult. We recommend biking, walking, or using a rideshare.
- Vote: Don’t forget to vote for the Morgan Mallory Golden Fork Award to crown this year’s best taste!
- Tickets: This event sells out every year. If you don’t have yours yet, head over to Cardiff 101 Main Street immediately.
See you on the 101!