Mexican
A fixture on Cardiff's Restaurant Row since 1981, Las Olas serves colorful, beachy Baja-style Mexican food just steps from Cardiff State Beach and the San Elijo Lagoon. It's often credited with helping put the San Diego fish taco on the map — and it's still a go-to for margaritas with an ocean breeze.
Come for the daily happy hour — house margaritas run around $3.50 — and don't skip all-day Taco Tuesday if you're in town midweek.
The menu leans seafood-forward, with Puerto Nuevo-style lobster, beer-battered cod and shrimp tacos, and a house Pineapple 'n' Chile margarita among the signatures. The dining room is casual and tropical, with patio seating that makes the most of the Restaurant Row location.
More than four decades in, Las Olas has earned its status as a beloved local institution — the kind of dependable, good-value spot that locals bring visitors to. Full bar, generous happy hour, and a kid-friendly room round out the appeal.
Monday 11:00 am - 8:30 pm; Tuesday 11:00 am - 8:30 pm; Wednesday 11:00 am - 8:30 pm; Thursday 11:00 am - 8:30 pm; Friday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm; Saturday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm; Sunday 11:00 am - 8:30 pm.
Las Olas is at 2655 S Coast Highway 101, Cardiff, CA 92007.
You can reach Las Olas at 760-942-1860.
Las Olas is good for lunch, dinner.
Yes — outdoor seating is available at Las Olas.
Yes — takeout is available.
Las Olas has full bar.
Yes — Las Olas is good for kids.
