Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Carlsbad

Located on the second story of a trendy Carlsbad shopping arena, Gregorio's Italian Restaurant sports a modern atmosphere and top-notch cuisine. Inside, black and white decor creates a contemporary look. Customers are seated among black tables and chairs, or at the sleek bar. On the outside, several umbrella-topped tables line the balcony, overlooking downtown Carlsbad. Specialty pizzas are popular. Consider eggplant pizza, with mozzarella, plum tomatoes, fresh garlic and eggplant. The restaurant serves delicious pasta entrees as well. Pasta Emilia offers vodka cream sauce with peas and mushrooms.

Within steps of the cliffs overlooking Carlsbad State Beach, Las Olas offers a glimpse into San Diego's culture that visitors cannot get elsewhere. Located on the west side of the famous Highway 101, on the outside Las Olas may not look busy, though most days their combination of daily lunch specials, happy hour, take out, delivery, and catering makes them a favorite Mexican hang out for locals and visitors. Among their less traditional dishes, Las Olas offers a Smokin' Quesadilla Pizza for starters, as well as a vegetable quesadilla, fresh local "Puerto Nuevo Style" lobster, Mexican Seafood Sautée, and so much more. - Erick Pettersen

Coyote Bar & Grill combines a Southwestern theme, hip cuisine and live entertainment. Wooden furniture features Southwestern-style carvings and Native American symbols are painted on the stone fireplace. Real cactus plants are scattered throughout the restaurant. While the inside hosts a large bar and dining area, the fast-paced action is outdoors. Live entertainment, from disc jockeys to karaoke, enlivens the patio dining section. Popular entrees include swordfish tacos, the vegetable burrito and Chile relleno.

Vinaka means 'thank you' in the islands of Fiji. This cafe certainly honors its name with an atmosphere of kindness and courtesy. Guests are encouraged to chat with friends or read literature for hours, while dining on quiche and espresso. Hanging racks hold magazines, which customers are welcome to scan. Board games are stacked on a shelf. Feel free to select one and begin a game right in the restaurant. Meanwhile, try Cocoa Cafe (brewed coffee and hot chocolate) or the Cappuccino Float (espresso, milk and ice cream).