Best Casual Restaurants in Rancho Santa Fe

We were greeted with a welcome and they remembered from my reservation that this was my wedding anniversary. We choose an indoor seat by the window. The waves looked nice as we could see them roll in. The food was very good. We had the Shrimp Dumplings which was good--sort of like a Chinese potsticker, but soft. I had the Lobster and Shrimp Chowder, excellent. My wife had the Mixed Organic Greens, very good. We shared both. For our main course I had the Seafood Pasta lobster, shrimp, scallop & mahi with smoked tomato sauce, Thai basil & parmesan. I liked it very much. My wife had the Pacific Paella grilled lobster tail, mahi, clams, scallops, shrimp & saffron Arborio rice, very good. The quantity of those dishes was more than what we expected--we could have just ordered one or the other and shared.

We adore the Pony Room. Chris, our server, and his team do a tremendous job making us feel welcome, helping us with menu selections, and anticipating our every need. The food last night was outstanding and we enjoyed the seasonal drinks as well. The live music is a special touch, though we sit outside where the music is a bit muted and easier for us to carry on conversation. Rancho Valencia is especially beautiful this time of year with the holiday declarations and lights. Worth the splurge!

The sunset special was amazing—I would highly recommend the cioppino dish and the the curry! Super affordable for a high quality large meal.

Loved it as always. So glad a place like Waverly exists in Cardiff for casual evenings out to the most celebratory dinner.

What a find in the middle of Rancho Santa Fe! All the decorative lights on, quaint wood framed windows, protected patio out front- we chose a corner table inside, cozy crates of wine and poinsettias piled around, soft conversations from the tables, the gentle maîtred, the comforting waitress. What an ambiance. The Norwegian salmon and New York steak were special. Extensive wine menu. We loved the experience !