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    Ponto Lago

    4.4 (194 reviews)
    Closed • 7:00 am - 11:00 AM, 5:00 pm - 8:30 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

    Ponto Lago Photos

    PONTO LAGO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Trendy
    Romantic
    Classy

    Recommended Reviews - Ponto Lago

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    Uni and asparagus tostado. Yum!!!
    Caren L.

    Every course was delicious. This was fabulous along with the hamachi tostada, the Herron tomato and peach salad, the incredible arepas, the beans and the tostones. Also excellent was Alejandro and Aiden. Fabulous experience.

    Complimentary arepas with avocado crema
    Melissa F.

    Delicious baja inspired dinner at the Park Hyatt Aviara Parking Valet parking only. Service/Wait Time/Aesthetic Not busy at all for dinner with quiet music. Really clean layout with an open kitchen. Our server Norma was really very kind and friendly! Food/Drinks They bring you complimentary arepa with avocado crema and it is very tasty! The potatoes tostones were very good- perfectly charred and very flavorful. I also had the Wood Grilled Whole Fish which was a red sea snapper. It was perfectly cooked and butterflied out so there weren't too many bones. The churros are a must, a non skip item. I am aware they are $14 and that seems crazy, but it is the highest quality churro I have ever had. The white cream cheese sauce is the best dipping sauce, with the seasonal fruit compote and spiced mayan chocolate sauce being okay. Overall, I would recommend coming here for a fancier meal if you are staying at the Park Hyatt!

    18oz Koji Aged Rib Eye* ***
    Clara K.

    Not many hotel restaurants provide top notch meals. This one definitely deserve 5 stars. We had dinner and breakfast twice during our stay. Everything was great including their service. We tried oysters, ceviche, steak, seafood paella, churros, French toast and omelette. Oysters and ceviche were so fresh!!!! Steak was high quality and well cooked with full of flavor. You will enjoy the luxurious ambience and food!

    Brena E.

    This is a bright, pretty restaurant. I ate there three times for breakfast and one time for dinner. The breakfast was four stars. The food was good as was the service, but I thought it had a pretty limited menu for the entrées. Dinner was a five star experience though. As I read through other reviews, Alejandro was also my server and was amazing! He was so knowledgeable, helpful, attentive. He definitely stood out. There was a little amuse bouche, and I loved it so much that I would definitely order it as an appetizer. I ordered the lobster taco and thought it was delicious as was the wine pairing that he suggested.

    Arepa*
    Annie D.

    Beautiful dining room. Excellent service, you get new silverware with every course. Complimentary arepas were delicious. Wish a Pom was tasted like a pomegranate martini with tequila. It was good but I think I expected something a little more exciting at a higher end restaurant. Lobster taco and chicken enmolda were cooked perfectly. The enchilada the chicken entree came with was my least favorite item. Potatoes tostones are a definite yes. Love the crispy bits and the super interesting flavor profile. Seafood paella didn't have the classic crust as other reviewers mentioned but was a generous portion. The aioli really complimented the rice. Overall the food was tasty but on the saltier side. They validate valet. Although the hostess acknowledged we were here for a birthday the servers didn't really do anything else special for us.

    Passion fruit marg
    Jane S.

    Food was outstanding but the service topped that if it's even possible! They treated us like loyalty even though we were with my toddler who skipped a nap. What a wonderful surprise after a long travel day! We had the ceviche, pork belly app, chicken, and some desserts! What a beautiful spread and exquisitely presented

    N. L.

    This restaurant is amazing. First off the service.. as if the staff was there just for you. Alejandro was perfect. Knowledgeable and so friendly. But the food!!! Wow! The ceviche app was the BEST I've ever had. The halibut was grilled to perfection. The desserts.... A wonderful place to go for a special date or just to get out and be pampered. Thank you!

    Whole Snapper
    Rick J.

    Well Ponto Lago has definitely raised its standards over the past 3 years in terms of service. Alejandro from Spain took care of me and made it one of the most memorable dining experiences I had in quite a long time in any restaurant. From the moment i sat down until the check was brought me and my son were treated like royalty. I was blown away. We ordered the blue corn tortillas with guacamole to start. Made to order delicious tasting guacamole with just the right texture and light crunch chips. I do not like really thick crunchy tortilla chips so these mini saucers brought it all home for me. My son ordered the house chicken with mole sauce. He swallowed it up like no tommorow. I had to fork try the mole sauce. Three words: TO DIE FOR. I ordered the whole fish. Yes, steep at $78 but worth every penny. Bar none. I am one of the few customers at Ponto that order it just for me and not to share. Bragging rights? No just the best darn fish on the planet that I am not sharing! Dessert was the unique eclectic pineapple dessert created my a true sweets artist. Incredible. Never seen anything quite like it. Ask for Alejandro!

    David S.

    This restaurant is located within the Park Hyatt hotel in Carlsbad. You have to use valet but they do validate which is a a huge bonus. The restaurant was aesthetically nice and we were quickly greeted by the host who was amazing. She welcomed us and mentioned "you guys are celebrating a birthday..." that was nice to notice and we were offered a corner booth or table. The seating was very comfortable and had a great view of the patio with beautiful backdrops. This was our second time here but the menu has changed over 1 yr which was nice to try new things. My wife got a delicious cocktail which paired nicely with the dinner. First up were the arepas which came as a pair. The presentation was slightly off with them facing towards the server but we fixes that for the photo. Just a small detail. They were just a little salty but were very flavorful. Next was the butter poached lobster taco which was amazing. It had a ton of lobster and the mix of two different tortillas really made it stand out. The potato tostones were one of my favorite things on the menu. They were beautifully seasoned and the cream paired amazing with it. For the mains we got the seafood paella without mussels. The shrimp and mussels were perfectly cooked. However, the rice was crunchy as you would expect for this dish. Just a little too soft to make it a paella. The fish was the opah which was also the local catch of the day. The last dish was the chicken breast which was perfectly cooked and was not dry at all. Packed with flavor and a light crunch on the skin, it was perfect and highly recommend trying it. We were to full for dessert but it would have been nice to have them offer a complimentary dessert for her birthday. Other than that the service was amazing from start to finish. If you're ever in that area or at the Hyatt, go check out this restaurant.

    Lobster taco

    Wow, we couldn't have asked for a more perfect evening. The food, service and atmosphere were top notch.

    Angela C.

    A dreamy coastal date-night kind of spot where the oysters are fresh, the chardonnay is Cakebread, and the seafood is as gorgeous as it is flavorful. The ceviche could've used more chips (and a bowl, please!), but the smoky crudo and grilled octopus more than made up for it. Finished with warm churro rolls and dipping sauces that felt like a hug. Fancy without being stuffy. I'll be back--with a date or a dinner-worthy client.

    Amy R.

    I've been wanting to try Ponto Lago for a while and when I saw they were doing a local spiny lobster special on Fridays (during lobster season) I could not resist! The service was THE BEST we have experienced in a very long time. Alejandro explained the restaurants concept and development, and even pointed out the chefs and what they each do in the sections of their open kitchen. He offered us some cava for our celebration, which was delicious. When I couldn't decide on a wine, he brought tastes of the ones I was considering. The sunset views here are absolutely amazing (I would imagine during warmer weather they may serve on the outdoor space which would be even more amazing). And I haven't even gotten to the food yet! The little corn cakes and avocado they give as your bread- omg so good. My husband got the dish with 3 kinds of meat and they were all fantastic (especially the flavor on the ribs), my lobster- I have never had a fresher, more perfectly cooked/ textured spiny lobster in my life! The octopus was flavorful and plated beautifully, but it was a little tough. I didn't get a picture of my husband's drink but it was like a pineapple Margarita and was gorgeous! He said it was the best and most balanced cocktail he's ever had. They brought us churros for desert but we were so full they were impossible to finish- but they sure were delicious. This has become our new go-to for a fancy/ celebratory meal in the area.

    Arepa

    Amazing dinner! The food was great and I think even better than ember and rye ( other on property restaurant) also our the servers were phenomenal! Alejandro and Oscar were such good hosts. Alejandro was so sweet and explained the food and introduced all the different chefs to my son ( who was so enamored bc he loves the whole restaurant industry). Too notch! Everyone should give it a try even if you don't stay here. Octopus was great. Chicken was also super tasty.

    Half dozen oysters

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    Atmosphere nice. Food was lackluster. Seafood overcooked including the pasta. Service was prompt and courteous.

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    Ask the Community - Ponto Lago

    Do they have any vegan friendly options?

    Yes!

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    Tower39 Rooftop Lounge - Tower39 Rooftop Lounge Firepit Seating

    Tower39 Rooftop Lounge

    4.3(203 reviews)
    5.4 mi

    We went for a GNO and stopped by this rooftop bar. The hosts/management were very welcoming when we…read morewalked in, and sat us in a couch area where we had a beautiful view of the ocean. It was the perfect atmosphere for having drinks! The service was also outstanding. We were so appreciative and will be coming back! Everything about the experience was perfect. 10/10 would recommend!!

    Food: 5 Service: 5…read moreAmbiance: 5 We were in the area and looking for a late lunch when we found Tower 39. Once we saw that it was a rooftop bar, we were definitely interested! We happened to come right in between lunch and happy hour, so it was pretty quiet, which was actually really nice. We ordered at the bar, they gave us a number, and then we found a spot to sit. The rooftop area isn't very large, but WOW, it's beautiful! You have a view of the beach, umbrellas, little chairs and couches, and just an overall relaxing vibe. It's such a nice place to hang out, enjoy the view, and grab something to eat or drink. We ordered the summer salad and a flatbread, although I can't remember the name of the flatbread. Both were actually very, very tasty! I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the food. Everything came out quickly too. The service was also great, both from the person helping us at the bar and the person who brought out our food. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. I would definitely come back here to grab a bite, have a drink, and enjoy that beautiful view. Great food, great service, and such a nice rooftop atmosphere. Five stars all the way!

    Photos
    Tower39 Rooftop Lounge - Tower39 Rooftop Lounge Seating

    Tower39 Rooftop Lounge Seating

    Tower39 Rooftop Lounge - Tower39 Rooftop Bar

    Tower39 Rooftop Bar

    Tower39 Rooftop Lounge - Tower39 Rooftop High-Table Seating

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    Tower39 Rooftop High-Table Seating

    The Pocket - Gorgeous view

    The Pocket

    4.0(23 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    My wife and I recently took a trip to San Diego, and for one night, we stayed at the Alila Maria…read moreBeach Resort Encinitas. There are three restaurants onsite. One is a nice, sit-down restaurant. One is a coffee house. The third is the Pocket Pool and Bar. We found the service to be good, but we really didn't enjoy the drinks. The space was rather empty in the middle of a Sunday afternoon. We received coupons good for two welcome beverages at The Pocket when checking in at the resort. When we arrived at The Pocket after checking in but while waiting for our room to be ready, we found ourselves to be the only guests there. No reservations were needed. The clouds were out but it would soon be nice and sunny. We sat down and each ordered a zero proof cocktail. The ask was for something fruity and sweet. We ordered a variation of the Feeling Peachy, consisting of peach puree, citrus, mint, and bubbles. We did choose to give the bartender the freedom to make drinks that would be fruity and sweet as none of the drinks on the menu sounded like what we were feeling for. The bartender brought us drinks that we tried and decided we wouldn't have ordered if we didn't have vouchers for free drinks. As such, we acknowledged they weren't for us, though if we would have paid for them, we would have been disappointed. As such, I'd encourage anyone ordering drinks at The Pocket to stick with drinks on the menu. Speaking of the menu, the menu offers beach bites like smashed guacamole, craklin' buffalo wings, elote fries, quesadilla, sunset ceviche, and dirty nachos. The main event dishes include blackened Baja fish tacos, the wagyu double smash, millionaire's BLT, coastal Cali burrito, and Pacific poke. The balanced-ish menu items include pocket Caesar, the wedge, paradise bowl, and the Santorini. Treat Yourself dishes include cookie sando, assorted fresh fruit, and seasonal sorbet. Beverages include cocktails, wine, drafts, cans, zero proof. The Pocket is a surf-inspired bar with a view. There are televisions to watch sports games, and with the bar being part indoors and part outdoors, you can catch the nice weather or escape from it depending on if it is sunny or rainy. You can make a reservation on OpenTable. The bar hours are open daily from 11 AM to 7 PM. The kitchen is open Monday through Thursday from 12 noon to 6 PM, Friday and Saturday from 12 noon to 7:30 PM, and Sunday from 12 noon to 6 PM. Should we visit the Alila Maria Beach Resort Encinitas again, we may give The Pocket a try again but more for the atmosphere, good service, and perhaps some bites instead of drinks.

    Very chill restaurant by the pool with the ocean views. Great dining option if you are staying on…read morethe resort. Steak was perfectly cooked and the swordfish sandwich was very nicely seasoned and juicy. Staff were friendly and attentive ensuring we were taken care of. We enjoyed a nice dinner after check in and enjoyed the sunset right outside.

    Photos
    The Pocket
    The Pocket
    The Pocket - Ponto Passion!

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    Ponto Passion!

    Ladies Love Outlaws

    Ladies Love Outlaws

    4.3(3 reviews)
    6.6 mi

    I'm so glad the Heritage crew decided to utilize this space. Urge had the vision, but not the…read moreexecution to make 101 Proof really shine. They had fantastic bartenders and menu, but the speakeasy concept has been outdated for a while. Now, a Honky Tonk is a very different, good thing. The tunes are something North County has been wanting, but been missing in favor of larger venue DJ's, but the juke box here has been curated with classics. It's far too small to dance unless you're slow or maybe 2 stepping in the corner. The ambiance is dim, relaxed, fun. The drinks are just as good as some of the top bars around, helmed by Wyatt who you may remember from Switchboard and KNVS is a staple in Oceanside. Prices are excellent, staff is great. While you can get a cocktail here, you don't have to. A classic shot and a beer is just as likely to be had here as a stemmed glass proper cocktail. When it's jamming it is near a standing room all the way around. No doorman asking for a password, no re-entry on nights when Heritage are open (Monday is this exception). It's funny to watch South O locals wander in here and realize maybe it's time to stop trying to change places to be like other places and enjoy the experience shown.

    Drinks are solid and served in kitschy mugs or fun appropriate to their name glasses. The…read morebartenders were as good looking as the drinks and knew how to make them, but the ambiance is lacking in a huge way. Cheaply done from the tables to decor and even though we went on a Saturday night the place was slow. Music was also good, but the DJ stopped playing about 20 min after we'd gotten there. That was a bummer. One round and we moved on.

    Photos
    Ladies Love Outlaws
    Ladies Love Outlaws - Mac and cheese with Tri Tip

    Mac and cheese with Tri Tip

    Ladies Love Outlaws

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    Sound by the Sea

    Sound by the Sea

    4.2(123 reviews)
    8.3 mi
    •$$

    What a very cool listening lounge and I'm so glad I stopped in to check it out!…read more I came here on a Friday night as they also have a market set up in their outdoor area, so it was fun to see all the vendors' wares. Everything from clothing to sourdough bread on offer here. I then wandered into the lounge and loved the way the bar is set up, very inviting and super chill. The DJ was also spinning some nice beats and the ambiance was laid back, classy with ocean vibes. I wanted to stay longer and enjoy a drink, but my tummy was calling for me to get some food... I'll come back again another night to enjoy the space as I really liked the vibe a lot!

    I loved Sound by the Sea! Spent a Saturday night here enjoying the vibes. It's a cool, loungy…read morespot and they have a rotating schedule of open deck nights, where anyone can DJ. That evening's DJ was great and kept the vibe going. The service was ok; it took a little while to get someone to take our order, but as soon as they did, the drinks and food came quickly. I got one of the specials (2 empanadas and 2 glasses of wine for $30). All their drinks are made with Korean Soju. They also have a selection of wine and beer. My DIL had the Norwegian Wood and it was delicious - it also packed quite a punch! The food portions were small, but delicious. The truffle popcorn was amazing, as were the beef empanadas. I will definitely be back the next time I am in Oceanside!

    Photos
    Sound by the Sea - Preparing for the DJ/live music collaboration.

    Preparing for the DJ/live music collaboration.

    Sound by the Sea - Food: Prosciutto Flatbread. Drinks: Tropical Princess

    Food: Prosciutto Flatbread. Drinks: Tropical Princess

    Sound by the Sea - Dean Martini

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    Dean Martini

    Ponto Lago - newamerican - Updated September 2026

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