Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Oceanside

What a phenomenal experience! The service was excellent, the food absolutely incredible and ambience was so pleasant (minus the very loud table of patrons right next to us). We had the Caesar salad (enough for two people to share with very rich and flavorful dressing); the crabcakes (again, enough for two to share); spaghetti with meatballs (the meatballs I will make the 2 hour drive to experience again); and the risotto of the day (which happened to have the most tender short ribs ever); creme' Brule and chocolate gelato. From start to finish, everything was better than we expected. We will absolutely return.

The food and service were absolutely amazing. Our waiter was so nice and very accommodating for vegetarians . I hope to come back. We had the eggplant parm appetizer-it was the best we all have ever had! And rigatoni alla vodka was also amazing. Our party ordered the Chilean sea bass-also amazing, short rib parpadelle, chicken parm. Everyone loved everything! The waiter made the experience all that much better.

Fantastic service from Taylor and others. Thoroughly enjoyed our evening with friends to celebrate a birthday and the holidays.

This was by far the best dining experience I have ever had. Every single person who helped us - from the host attendants to the bar team and Caden, our server - was patient, thoughtful and hospitable. We never felt rushed and felt so taken care of. Cocktails were complex and perfectly balanced. The bartenders were patient despite having a full bar and walked us through the menu. The server “assistants” were already aware we are pescatarian which we noted on OpenTable and let us know what alternatives they could offer for different menu items. This really never happens at other restaurants. You note it but it is not taken into consideration at the restaurant or servers are not made aware. This was a really thoughtful touch for us. Caden was so helpful in making recommendations and guiding us through the menu. The food was spectacular. We had the prawns, oysters, crudo, broccoli, cavatelli and market fish. Complex, layered flavors and interesting textures. Very ingredient driven. Each plate was small enough that we could try many things, but we were properly stuffed by the end! I cannot wait to come back. It is a MUST TRY. **While it’s never the most important characteristic for us, the ambiance and decor were cozy and added to the overall experience and the music playlist was great and not overpowering.

I've been to Cocina Fresca several times for lunch and dinner. Obviously if I keep going it must be good. I've gone with my husband and also with gal friends. The food is always amazing and the staff super nice and attentive, but not in your face. All the people I've gone with have ordered different items on the menu and they are all excellently prepared. I highly recommend this restaurant. Plus you will be in the heart of Carlsbad; a great place to walk on the beach or window shop all the fun stores.