Best Authentic Restaurants in San Marcos

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

North San Diego

Areas

CarlsbadEncinitasOceansideRancho Santa FeSan Marcos

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

17 restaurants available nearby

1. Fish Boon

4.8

Exceptional(64)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Sushi • Carlsbad

At Fish Boon, we see every meal as a celebration of freshness, quality, and flavor. Located in the hills of Carlsbad, our restaurant is committed to creating outstanding sushi experiences infused with warmth and elegance. We use handpicked, high-quality ingredients in our meticulously crafted dishes, inviting you to enjoy the blend of tradition and innovation. Join us on a journey where each bite weaves a story, making every visit feel like a homecoming. Welcome to where exceptional sushi meets authentic hospitality.

A photo of Buona Forchetta - San Marcos restaurant

2. Buona Forchetta - San Marcos

4.4

Awesome(462)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • San Marcos

Booked 15 times today

Buona Forchetta San Marcos, our fifth location, blends award winning Neapolitan-style pizzas and Northern Italian upscale entrees in a family-friendly, approachable space. Located in San Marcos’ North City; a cosmopolitan center, that sparks a strong sense of place and pride among the people who call it home. This location boasts beautiful indoor seating, built for comfort with a luxurious touch, as well as a large, shaded patio. Inside, a gilded oven churns out classic creations, while the main kitchen serves up chef-driven pastas and entrée dishes. Owner Matteo Cattaneo bringing yet another Italian eatery to life for North County residents and visitor

A photo of Buona Forchetta Encinitas restaurant

3. Buona Forchetta Encinitas

4.7

Exceptional(610)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Encinitas

Booked 50 times today

Buona Forchetta Encinitas is a hit among customers for its authentic Italian cuisine. One reviewer raved, 'If you are looking for an authentic taste of Italy, look no further.' Others echoed this sentiment, describing the food as 'authentic and delicious' and praising the restaurant for its 'authentic Italian cuisine.' The restaurant's owner, Matteo Cattaneo, has brought his warehouse-style Italian eatery to life in Encinitas, providing a family-friendly, approachable space with award-winning pizzas and upscale entrees.

4. Jeune et Jolie

4.9

Exceptional(4142)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary French • Carlsbad

Booked 21 times today

A culinary experience celebrating the moment, Jeune et Jolie reimagines French cuisine through the vibrant lens of our Southern California landscape with a 4-course menu offered at $120 per guest. For those looking for a more casual evening, we feature "Le Menu du Bar”, an à la carte offering available for walk-in guests at our bar and lounge.

A photo of Cocina de Barrio Encinitas restaurant

5. Cocina de Barrio Encinitas

4.7

Exceptional(138)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Encinitas

Booked 6 times today

*Brunch hours are on a walk-in basis only.Cocina de Barrio by Chef Jose J. FloresWelcome to Cocina de Barrio, the newest modern-urban Mexican restaurant located in Encinitas, CA! We are proud to feature the culinary richness of Oaxaca as well as other Mexican regions. Stop by and enjoy our bar stocked with plenty of tequila and mezcal selections, beer, and wines sourced from Valle Guadalupe.Don't forget to join us during our daily brunch (where we add a Mexican kick) and our happy hour every Monday-Friday from 3-5pm! Stay Chido!

A photo of Vigilucci's Seafood & Steakhouse restaurant

6. Vigilucci's Seafood & Steakhouse

4.7

Exceptional(4642)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Carlsbad

Booked 35 times today

Vigilucci's Seafood and Steakhouse offers authentic Northern Italian cuisine. The location sits across from the Pacific on the historic 101 and has one of the best views in San Diego.Open seven days a week. Signature dishes include Caprese salad with bufallo mozzarella and Heirloom tomatoes, made from scratch stuffed pastas, Cioppino, prime steaks, fresh seafood including a warm or cold fresh seafood tower with oysters, clams, mussels, crab, lobster and jumbo prawn. (items may vary )Private Wine Cellar room available for private parties.For off-site events and parties contact Cater@Vigiluccis.comCatering to the most discerning palates for over 25 years.Vigilucci’s catering team can custom create a unique and memorable menu for celebrating life’s special occasions.

A photo of Vigilucci's Cucina Italiana restaurant

7. Vigilucci's Cucina Italiana

4.6

Exceptional(2776)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Carlsbad

Booked 18 times today

Nestled in the heart of downtown Carlsbad, Vigilucci's Cucina Italiana offers fabulous Northern Italian cuisine and award-winning service. Enjoy lunch on the outdoor patio or start the evening off at their full-service bar before dinner. A great place for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, a company party or special event. Each of Vigilucci's three locations offer a notable wine menu, made from scratch pastas and sauces, fresh seafood specials, salads, prime steaks, chicken and veal dishes. For off-site events and parties contact Cater. Vigiluccis.comCatering to the most discerning palates for over 25 years,Vigilucci’s catering team can custom create a unique and memorable menu for celebrating life’s special occasions.

A photo of Texas de Brazil - Carlsbad restaurant

8. Texas de Brazil - Carlsbad

4.5

Awesome(1654)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Carlsbad

Booked 30 times today

Texas de Brazil, is a Brazilian steakhouse, or churrascaria, that features endless servings of flame-grilled beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and Brazilian sausage as well as an extravagant salad area with a wide array of seasonal chef-crafted items.

A photo of Buca di Beppo - Carlsbad restaurant

9. Buca di Beppo - Carlsbad

3.3

Good(459)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Carlsbad

Booked 4 times today

If you are looking for an Italian Restaurant in Carlsbad, CA then come to Buca. Our Italian Restaurant serves Authentic Family Style Italian Food. Located near the Forum of Carlsbad, your Carlsbad, CA Buca is ready to serve you all your favorite Italian specialties for lunch or dinner all week long. It's easy to see why we are everyone's favorite Italian restaurant. Our chefs create delicious, authentic Italian pastas, entrees, and pizzas and our attentive staff serves them up family style. From the moment you walk into your Carlsbad Buca, you know you are going to be well taken care of. You'll feel like family because we treat you like family. We love celebrations so be sure to book our semi-private dining rooms or set up catering for your next special event. Make your reservations or simply stop by to enjoy a meal today. We can't wait to see you!

A photo of Jalisco Cantina - Carlsbad restaurant

10. Jalisco Cantina - Carlsbad

4.4

Awesome(26)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Oceanside

Booked 9 times today

¡Bienvenido a Jalisco Cantina! Inspired by the rich culture of Jalisco, Mexico—a region famous for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and birthplace of the world’s finest tequilas—we bring this spirit to every dish and drink we serve. Our scratch kitchen uses the freshest ingredients to craft flavorful, authentic dishes like birria tacos, carnitas, and made-to-order guacamole.Pair your meal with our extensive selection of premium tequilas and handcrafted cocktails, carefully curated to reflect the essence of Jalisco. Join us at Jalisco Cantina for a dining experience that’s as vibrant and welcoming as the Mexican sun. ¡Salud!

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Marla
San Diego •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food was delightful. Don't expect your typical Mexican restaurant --the focus on Oaxacan food is really special. Servers were very attentive. We enjoyed our meal greatly.
More info
Cocina de Barrio EncinitasPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Encinitas
•
4.7
G
Guy
Los Angeles •16 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
A wonderful experience! Went with my wife to Valentine’s Day. She was immediately charmed by the relaxed ambience and then blown away by the five-course meal. The ingredients and taste combinations were delicious. I don’t drink so they paired each course with perfect no-alcoholic drinks . My wife’s food was paired with very interesting alcoholic beverages which enhanced her courses. Staff was excellent: smart, down-to-earth and attentive. Highly Recommended!
More info
Jeune et JoliePrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French• Carlsbad
•
4.9
J
JoniVIP
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Food was great! Service was awesome! Highly recommended!
More info
Fish BoonPrice: Moderate• Sushi• Carlsbad
•
4.8
D
David
San Diego •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Service was excellent n paid enough attention to us…overall it was a good even inning. G to return here.
More info
Buona Forchetta - San MarcosPrice: Moderate• Italian• San Marcos
•
4.4
J
JayVIP
San Diego •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Perfect place for a low key date night. Arguably the best pizza on the coast highway. Salads are huge and tasty. Servers are friendly and professional.
More info
Buona Forchetta EncinitasPrice: Moderate• Italian• Encinitas
•
4.7

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