This is where we go each year when we visit Oceanside, CA. Excellent Service-Food-Atmosphere...love love!

It would actually be a 4.5 but choosing to go up because of the overall experience. Dini's is your neighborhood spot for all things good people, chill vibes, good drinks, and beautiful views of the beach sunset. As a non-local I was still greeted promptly and received amazing service, only to realize when my local friend arrived she was absolutely a regular and knew everyone. This definitely speaks VOLUMES to the staff and overall vibe to be just as welcoming to non-locals - KUDOS! Espresso martini was on point! Perfect for a little happy hour pick me up with some oysters which were also wonderful. Actually went back the next night and I couldn't decided between the prime rib and the king crab so got both to share with my friend LOL. The prime rib was cooked perfectly, however the king crab was absolutely disgusting, I don't know what they did to it but I couldn't eat it. Didn't seem fresh or wasn't steamed properly, etc. read more

This place was busy on a Friday afternoon for a reason. Randomly found this place after a day at the beach and it didn't disappoint. Highly recommend the Shrimp & Garlic Flatbread. The combination of those ingredients with pesto, artichoke, red onion, & Mozzarella cheese was just the thing I was looking for. The ocean view made this place a hidden gem. read more

Dini's By The Sea - Chips & Guacamole - Seafood Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Staying next door and didn't want to drive anywhere for dinner. The ocean views looked great from this restaurant and the sun was about to set, so decided to give this place a try. My husband ordered the salmon. I ordered the charbroiled oysters and crab cakes. My daughter ordered the steak/fries. The oysters were small and were just okay. Luckily they didn't cost that much. The crab cakes I could have done without. They did not have any crunch or flakiness to them. They were very bland with next to no flavor. Thank goodness for the aioli sauce or I would have sent them back. My husband said his food was just okay. Honestly, it looked dry. My daughter said her food was just okay as well. The service was cool but we will not be returning to this restaurant. read more

I've been to this laid-back coastal spot a few times and it was either a hit or a miss or sometimes both. The food was pretty decent and the happy hour menu was actually reasonable. The staffs' professionalism and service are always my utmost importance so improvements are recommended. I really tried to like this place but I guess it depends on the day or the time for a more positive experience. At this point, I do have a mixed feelings about recommending it. read more

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So last night we went looking for our FAVORITE waitress Charli, but she was on vacation! Instead we got Micaela who was WONDERFUL. Both ladies make you feel like you're the only one in the Restaurant. I've been in the Restaurant Biz all my life and Dinis has impeccable Crew. Also I love Sarah the Bartender. Both OWNERS are good buddies and I bartended with the namesake Michael Dini. He was fastest Bartender I have ever seen. We bartended at Texas Street BULLY'S back some 44 years ago. I even married a Bully's Waitress in Vegas and the best man was my cab driver. Needless to say that lasted a MONTH! read more

Dini's By The Sea - Seafood Near Me - Carlsbad, California

This is one of my favorite places to dine. Get a table on the patio around sunset, and you won't be disappointed. Anytime I have friends or family visiting from out of town, I bring them to Dini's! They have really great clam chowder, hands down the best around! They have a very large variety of seafood, but also have sandwiches, salads, and breakfast anytime. They have a really delicious infused margarita too, and an extensive wine and craft beer list. Something for everyone. Happy hour mon-fri 4-7pm read more

Dini's By The Sea - Seafood Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Came here for the brunch menu, but found out it was only on the weekends. Brendan took great care of us, but the food was mediocre at best. I was really bummed out after eating my meal. The crab cakes weren't that good at all and my baja fish taco was barely ok. I was disappointed that the fish for the taco wasn't even local. There are other places in the area that use local guys for their fish. If you are only in town for a few days like we were, there are many better options. The bloody Mary was the highlight of my meal. read more

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With a lovely sunset ocean view, this restaurant has no doubt stayed in business for 50 years (impressive!) due to its location in Carlsbad. Most other restaurants in Carlsbad are tucked into the main drag. Outdoor seating is still protected from the elements by screens. The food was fine - pricing is to be expected for CA with $22 as the average entree price (plus apps around $15 each). I had the salmon BLT which had a yogurt dill sauce (not the best salmon BLT, but it was good enough to finish my plate). Fries were fantastic. We also got the BBQ chicken flatbread which had an appropriate SoCal twist with fresh avocado cubes as the topper. Ceviche appetizer was small but tasty. All in all - the scenery would bring me back, and the food lives up to bar food expectations. read more

place rocks! come here a decent amount to sit on the patio with some beers but also to grab a snack. the crab cakes are different but pretty good! nachos are a great share plate to have on the patio. my dog loves it here too. perfect sunset and drink combo place read more

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What a great place to catch the sunset and a few drinks with friends!! The drink choices were great everything from mezcal to beers, the food was okay was great for the prices, sunset quick dinner, tons of seafood. Want to shout out Elijah our waiter, who was so attentive and quick and witty!! Elijah was very kind and understanding when we failed to ask for separate checks by couple at the start of our night. He was really patient and kind throughout the whole service! Will soon be back for a lovely sunset and drinks soon! read more

I guess the only nice thing to say is - The Sunsets nice How do people eat here - It is NOT good at all, it's down right terrible read more

Decent place for dinner and drinks. Beautiful sunset. Staff friendly. We were seated outside and noise level was average. We walked here as parking seemed challenging since this is on a main road read more

Dini's By The Sea - Great view - Seafood Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Not bad for a happy hour. It's very loud at the bar. The outdoor area is nice and more relaxing but gets packed quick. read more

Dini's By The Sea - HH oysters - Seafood Near Me - Carlsbad, California

This restaurant is at a nice location if you are able to get a table where you can watch the sunset. Unfortunately I wasn't seated at that location and it was not time for the sunset. I was there for a late lunch, around 2pm. The table we had was a booth in the back. The space between the table and the seat is quite tight and it was not the most comfortable. Luckily I am not a large person or I would not be able to fit. Although the seating we had was not ideal, we enjoyed the food very much. We ordered the following dishes: Steamer combo with added fettuccine (5/5): it was delicious. A good serving of clams and mussels served in a wine and garlic broth. Cheese and garlic bread comes with the meal. Blacken chicken with pasta (5/5). Also delicious. The pasta is slightly spicy but not too spicy. Just right. Service staff were friendly and efficient. read more

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Dini's By The Sea never disappoints. We enjoyed a pitcher of Pacifico while watching one of the most beautiful sunsets on the Carlsbad coast. The atmosphere is exactly what you hope for from a beachfront restaurant--relaxed, welcoming, and with unbeatable ocean views. The food was excellent. We had the wings, shrimp cocktail, fish tacos, and seafood with linguini, and every dish was fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned. The service was attentive, friendly, and made the entire experience even better. If you're looking for great seafood, cold beer, outstanding service, and a front-row seat to an amazing sunset, Dini's is a must-visit. We'll definitely be back. read more

I get the ahi tostadas and a burger every time. Best burger in north county. The steamer combo is good too. Happy hour deals are great. Drinks are stiff. The best employees. Ocean view all around. The bar gets busy at night, definitely a party over there, formal dining on the other side of the restaurant. read more

Dini's By The Sea - Ahi tostadas - Seafood Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Mediocre to poor food and bad service. The only saving grace was the tortilla soup and stunning views. But everything else was meh - shrimp cocktail, coconut shrimp, and $45 catch of the day (the halibut was so dry). The truffle fries, which we paid extra for, didn't taste like truffle. The poke tacos came with mayo that we asked for on the side. Servers never checked on us. read more

We arrived and Howard rolls were served. I got the eggs Benedict n it was excellent. Wait staff was wonderful. read more

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We stopped for a lunch by the ocean with our two dogs. They had a patio perfect for us where we could see the ocean. Our waitress was very friendly and attentive. We had calamari, Oysters Rockefeller and a French dip. We enjoyed everything only the French dip needed a harder roll, the hamburger bun was too soft. We'll be back. read more

Dini's By The Sea - Oysters Rockefeller - Seafood Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Love the Food Perfect location Sitting outside and watching the ocean and the sunset is the most beautiful at this restaurant service was quick. Drinks were delicious. read more

Dini's By The Sea - Hard kombucha on tap A delicious green tea shot And the best dirty martini ever - Seafood Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Food was good, and services was great and great view of the sunset A little need of repairs, not to clean in the patio But I only only sayin it could use a clean up and paint But I didn't pick this place read more

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For a Sunday brunch, this place was very open with lots of tables, though they had a hard time accommodating our group of 7 without blocking one of their many walkways. The food on the other hand sounded delicious on paper, but the execution was just meh. Everything lacked flavor. I wouldn't eat here again. read more

Dini's By The Sea - Egg sandwich with potatoes - Seafood Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Dini's is our go-to beachside spot. It has its own parking, which is already a dream, and the ocean views are incredible. The happy hour is fab (get the nachos, but be careful .. they come out hot hot hot), and I love the blackened chicken salad. Or the salmon BLT. Honestly, it's all good. It's fun, it's beachy, it's local and it always hits the spot. read more

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Okay this is the place for everything. You can have lunch, dinner or just stop in for that adult beverage and appetizer. Service has always been great we have visited many times. Just a good relaxing environment across the street from the water no better way to relax. Highly recommend for any occasion. read more

This spot is just across the street from the beach and has indoor and patio seating. It's connected to the hotel so very conveniently located. Menu had plenty of options and everything we ordered was delicious. The oysters were fresh and yummy. My favorite was the pear and prosciutto flatbread. It was full of flavor and amazing!!! Service was quick and friendly. read more

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Ate in the restaurant portion of this location today. We had a nice table outside and the view was nice. Menu was a little limited on options but we got what we wanted. I had a burger and it was alright. The sweet potato fries were good. Our server was alright too. read more

Not friendly or welcoming. Approached hostess for a table and was told that there was a 2 hour wait although many empty tables inside and outside at patio. We would be seated after the restaurant closed and therefore couldn't even be added to waitlist. How about adding our name should the empty tables (that were visible from hostess stand) not get filled? Seemed like they didn't want or appreciate the patronage. Hard pass. Going a few doors down to a more hospitable restaurant. (Also- peep their health score review linked in Yelp. Didn't see it until I came to post this review and think it was God's way of preventing a cleanliness/food safety issue by having not eaten here.) read more

Had a great experience at Dini's By The Sea in Carlsbad. The food was fresh and really well done, the seafood dishes especially stood out, and everything was presented nicely. The service was friendly and attentive, which made the whole meal even more enjoyable. It is a bit on the pricey side, but you're definitely paying for that incredible ocean view. Sitting by the water while enjoying a good meal made it well worth it. I'd absolutely come back. read more

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Great oceanfront spot!! Enjoy sitting on the patio and watch a great sunset. Delicious food and drinks and stay for the bar side after. Definitely will be back! read more

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Best sunset view in town hands down, then there's Charlie, a true Angel! Friendly, hospitable service with a smile that you can count on, if you want to sit outside for sunset, you best make friends with her and you will be smiling all sunset! read more

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We had a great culinary experience at this Dini's. The only draw back is that our waitress was a little distracted by her work buddies. The ambiance of the place had a nice vibe. When I asked the waitress if they had a stout on tap/bottle she didn't know and the couple sitting next to us said they had Guinness Beer. Maybe a little more attention to training and a little less attention to social hour? Anyways we loved it and we will probably be back for some more good food! Great job Chef! read more

Everything is amazing. The atmosphere on the patio with a view of the ocean is perfect. But the food is even better. I recommend the Cajun shrimp taco with pineapple salsa. It was sweet and tart with just the right amount t of heat. They have wonderful battered French fries and delicious clam chowder. I had mine in a bread bowl!. You should give Dini's a try if you haven't already. They've been open for 50 years for a reason! read more

Really good fresh made ceviche paired with a bottle of champagne for mimosas. 82 degrees and a patio table. Hard to beat on all fronts. Great service too. read more

Come for early dinner, poke tostadas,oysters,calamari. And a few drinks. Everything was excellent. But most of all our waiter Elijah was fantastic. He made an excellent experience even better. Thank you so much. read more

Staff is warm and attentive, good restaurant and bar with outdoor seating viewing the ocean, patio is great for watching sunset. Eggs Benedict was good, the potatoes are flavorful and the feta cheese and green onions add great flavor read more

Dini's By The Sea - Eggs Benedict with potatoes - Seafood Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Beautifully plated, their own parking, literally by the ocean, friendly service... honestly better than I expected. read more

Dini's By The Sea - Seafood Near Me - Carlsbad, California

This is a great place for a drink and some food. The ambiance is good and offers great views of the sunset. The nachos are a great price during happy hour. The bar is fun even if you are just stopping for a drink. Give it a try! read more

We've ended up here every time when visiting the area. The view, being right across from the ocean. Back patio has literally the best sunset view in town. Such chill, beachy community energy that it just feels right to be there. Anyway after three wonderful experiences, I decided I should leave a review. I even took photos to share with you all because yes it's that good. Okay so far we've always sat in the back patio and timed dinner with the sunset. Happy hour though is killer and ends at 6pm. So you can make both happen. Literally craved the same things every time, so figured why switch it up now! Ceviche, Clam Chowder, Steamed Bucket which is mussels, clams in this delicious broth with parsley and shallots. Placed underneath the shells is pasta and it comes with delicious garlic bread. My compliments to the kitchen... Then to end it all nice and sweet they have a lovely Crème Brulee... Menu says desserts are made in house. Can't say enough great things about this place and yes I'll continue to dine here, when we're in town. Might even try something new next time but that's just a might. read more

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Took grandkids and we all loved food and service and esp the View! Waiter was spot.on.. timely pleasant perfect meal,! read more