The Fish Market Review (Solana Beach Restaurants)

Pricing:
Decent considering that they're selling fresh seafood.  Much will depend on what you feel like eating (lobster vs. salmon) and if it's in season or not.  Most of the entrees range from $16-28.


Distance:
Right off of the Via de la Valle exit.  About a 10-15 minute drive for Encinitas residents.


Thoughts:
I really enjoy The Fish Market.  Yes, it's a chain seafood restaurant but I think it's fair to say that you would never guess it walking in to any of locations.  The Solana Beach branch has been around forever.  Off the top of my head, I can't think of a better place around here to eat seafood (fish tacos don't count).

You wouldn't want to waltz in still covered in beach sand but the environment is very laid back.  I have a hard time enjoying myself at restaurants that feel a little too formal.  The Fish Market always feels cozy and friendly.

The food is fantastic but you have to like seafood.  Don't expect a whole lot of non-seafood options.  The entrees are filling all by themselves but many of their appetizers are just too tasty to pass up.  They have excellent clam chowder, shrimp cocktails, artichokes, etc...  They'll also do seasonal appetizers such as corn on the cob which I think is a nice touch.

When it's Del Mar Fair and Horse Racing seasons, this restaurant can be difficult to get into (it's right across the street from said locations).  Expect a 30 minute wait during those times.  The rest of the year, it's usually fairly easy to get seated.

Chart House Review (Cardiff by Sea Restaurants)

Pricing:
Expensive.  With fresh fish, steak and lobster, you could hardly expect otherwise.  Most of the entrees are between $20-32.


Distance:
A Cardiff restaurant on the Highway 101.  Right across the street from Las Olas.  Will be about a 10 minute drive for most Encinitas residents.


Thoughts:
The Chart House is practically a landmark in the Encinitas/Cardiff area.  It's kind of the go-to nice restaurant around here.  Yes, there is plenty of nice dining in Del Mar or La Jolla.  But in Encinitas, you go to Chart House to spend the big bucks.

The food is fantastic, the service is great and the view is unparalleled.  With windows on practically all sides of the restaurant, there's not a bad seat in the house.  Sometimes it seems like the food is just there to add to the view rather than the other way around.

Sure, you'll be forking over the big bucks to eat here.  But if you're celebrating a special occasion, it's really a classy way to go.  I've never had a meal here I didn't like.  The menu has a nice range of selection so there's sure to be something to please everyone.  Plus, their chocolate lava cake is died-and-gone-to-heaven delicious.

I would highly recommend making a point to visit the Chart House at least once if you haven't.  As I said before, it makes for a classy special occasion.  For everyday dining?  You'd have to have a lot more money than I.