Seafood RestaurantSteak HouseFine Dining RestaurantAmerican RestaurantRestaurantBanquet Hall
Southern California skies greet guests at their tables at Chart House, one of the best seafood restaurants in Cardiff. With the new modern décor and floor to ceiling windows, the entire dining room is open to the natural environment, giving every table a fabulous ocean view. Guests enjoy the ambiance with delectable meals from our chef, or happy hour specials in our lounge.
When it comes to the cuisine, Chart House serves the best steak and seafood Cardiff has to offer, with dishes just as jaw-dropping as the view. Taste famous Chart House specialties like Mac Nut Mahi, Savory Shrimp Scampi, or the best Prime Rib Cardiff diners have experienced. No matter what you're looking for, Chart House has a new waterfront view of fine dining.
Mixed reviews on food quality; some dishes praised while others criticized for being bland or poorly presented.
Service Issues
Service quality varies significantly; some customers report excellent service while others experienced inattentive or slow service.
Location and Ambiance
The oceanfront location and views are consistently highlighted as a major positive aspect of the dining experience.
Reservation Management
Frequent complaints about poor handling of reservations, including long wait times and seating issues.
Cleanliness Concerns
Several reviews mention cleanliness issues, particularly in bathrooms and dining areas.
VP
Vickie Pyland
1 day ago
1.0
The setting was spectacular and the service perfect. But my dish was cold. Mine took a long time to come to the table. The broccoli was not cooked thoroughly and hard to cut and eat. The coconut shrimp was tiny and disappointing. Food had no seasoning and very bland. Would not go back.
MI
Melissa Niedrauer Ivey
Nov 17, 2025
3.0
This restaurant has amazing views of the ocean, but we were not overly impressed with the food. The Caesar salad was very unique and was served in a cheese bow, highly recommend trying that. My husband’s prime rib was 75% fat, but the swordfish on mango sticky rice was delicious. The sauce was so good. We didn’t love the lava cake, even though it was highly recommended. The crème brûlée trio was good though.
DR
Daniel Reyes
Nov 11, 2025
2.0
Another subpar experience due to lacking effort on service. Very hard to reach on the phone, even with minimal customers present, they still struggle to be attentive to other customers’ needs. This while trying to enjoy my Veterans’ Day with family.
MB
Matthew Booher
Nov 7, 2025
5.0
One of our faves when in Carlsbad! We come for Happy Hour. Pro-tip: Check with the restaurant to confirm HH hours. Current is 3pm-6pm, M-F.
The service is excellent and the appetizers are as well! We love the Firecracker Shrimp, the Calamari and the Truffle Fries! Then, select one of the Sliders or Steak HH offerings to top off your meal.
VO
Viviana Olenoski
Oct 26, 2025
5.0
My husband and I celebrated our one year anniversary here and it was so special. Ashlyn, our wonderful waitress, went out of her way to ensure we had a memorable experience. She ordered us a special anniversary dessert and even took our picture at the end of the meal! Such a sweet and impactful gesture. Zach, our valet guy, was respectful, courteous and professional, started and ended our night on a great note. Chart house is blessed to have these two working for them, may God Bless you two. Thank you for a wonderful evening. - The Olenoskis
Yes, Chart House accepts reservations to secure your dining experience.
What are the dining hours at Chart House on weekdays?
Chart House is open Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM.
Does Chart House offer happy hour specials? If so, when?
Yes, Chart House has a happy hour from Monday to Friday, 3 PM to 6 PM.
What types of pickup and delivery services does Chart House provide?
Chart House offers in-store pickup, curbside pickup, and delivery services.
What types of cuisine and specialties can I expect at Chart House?
Chart House serves fresh seafood, including specialties like Mac Nut Mahi and Slow-Roasted Prime Rib, all with beautiful ocean views.
What payment options are accepted at Chart House?
Chart House accepts American Express, Cash, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Travelers Checks, and Visa.
Is Chart House family-friendly and accessible?
Yes, Chart House welcomes families, offers high chairs, has wheelchair accessible entrances, parking, seating, and restrooms.
Are there any beaches near Chart House for a visit before or after dining?
Yes, nearby beaches include Cardiff State Beach, South Cardiff State Beach, and Encinitas Beach, perfect for a relaxing stroll before or after your meal.
What other dining options are close to Chart House?
Nearby dining options include Ki's Restaurant, Tower 13, Cardiff Beach Bar at Tower 13, and Pacific Coast Grill, offering a variety of cuisines within walking distance.
How can I conveniently get to Chart House using local services?
You can use San Diego Electric Bike for bike rentals nearby or ride with Uber; Chart House has branding available to view their menu and get directions.