Campfire

Marty Fletcher

8 months ago

My family has been coming to Campfire for years, but this past weekend we made it official: Campfire is our favorite restaurant! Always the best service and the most flavorful and unique dishes (and drinks). Thank you Campfire!

Tamara Dull

5 months ago

This was our first Campfire experience, and we went with a group of six. Was it worth it? Yes, and here’s why. This place is built for groups. The menu makes it easy to mix and match, whether you order individually or go all-in on shared plates. We chose the sharing route and covered a lot of ground: two Trailhead items (cornbread and porridge bread), three Kindling dishes (crudo, carrot, and their famous broccoli), and two from The Fire (cavatelli and the ribeye with cast iron roasted potatoes). For dessert, we doubled up on the s’mores. Check out the photos. Overall, the food landed at about a 4. The cornbread, broccoli, and cavatelli were clear standouts. The porridge bread had a great texture but needed a little more flavor on its own. The biggest surprise and disappointment was the 18 oz ribeye, which is also the $97 menu item. I had three slices. One slice was nearly half fat, and the other two were tough to cut with noticeable muscle fibers. At that price, I expect all slices to cut like butter. The s’mores were fun and definitely part of the experience, but the vegan marshmallows took a long time to melt. Either smaller marshmallows or hotter baby "campfires" would make a big difference. The vibe here is a big part of the appeal. We lucked out with a table just outside along the street, complete with an overhead heater. It was a nice escape from the high energy inside. That said, even with a reservation for six and arriving on time, we still waited about 10-15 minutes to be seated, even though our table appeared ready. Tony, our main server, however, did a great job guiding us through the menu and keeping everything flowing at a good pace. Would we come back? Yes, absolutely. But we’ve heard they have a whole family of restaurants along State Street, so we may explore those next before circling back. If you found this review helpful, give it a like so it can help others too.

Jonathan Zupnik

6 months ago

If you are in Carlsbad CA and want to have a wonderful dining experience go to Campfire - the atmosphere, service and food are excellent. Fresh selections expertly cooked over open fire. The incredible mixologists that craft wonderful drinks. On the pricier side but it is worth every bit of it. Can’t recommend enough! Just go!

Cinda Woodard

2 months ago

In Carlsbad for a week. Had birthday dinner there night 2 and loved everything from the starting cocktail to the ending dessert. Also loved the bonus birthday cupcakes! We went back for our final dinner in Carlsbad before flying home to Seattle. Looking forward to next time!

Jarred Pinn

11 months ago

We went for so many things in the menu and they were all terrific! Oyster warmed over coals, smoked oxtail dashi, pickled onion Bluefin crudo, strawberry, rhubarb, mint Carrots charred, preserved huckleberry, honeycomb, fromage blanc Charred broccoli, chermoula, lime, peanut Pork belly smoked, rainbow carrot, pistachios Koji dry aged ribeye, chimichurri Potato Au gratin with double smoked bacon, charred onion and raclette cheese Passion fruit sorbet Baked Alaska to finish it off. Service was excellent, ambiance was very nice for a date. It’s mid and family friendly too.

Deniz Kivrak

2 months ago

I'd been wanting to come to Campfire for years, and I honestly thought the hype I'd built up in my head would make it impossible to live up to my expectations—but somehow it exceeded them. Our server was incredibly kind, attentive, patient as we worked through the menu, and so accommodating of our family's dietary restrictions. I would come back for the cornbread alone—it was that good. We also loved the prawns, broccoli, market fish, and of course the s'mores (all components of which are made in house). The Johnny Rooke and Flamekeeper were both refreshing, well-balanced cocktails that perfectly complemented the meal. From the drinks and appetizers to the mains and dessert, every course was outstanding. Campfire isn't just a place to have dinner—it's an experience. My family and I left completely blown away, and I can't wait to come back.

FoodieMayito

5 months ago

Campfire is one of mine and my girlfriend’s favorite restaurants. We love everything in the restaurant starting with the atmosphere when you walk in, it’s a vibe it feels great and the service is outstanding. We start with drinks, always fresh and delicious then appetizers. Enjoy the place the moment. Then the main course comes and it hits the spot every time. Everything is so fresh and seasonal but save room for dessert you just need to end with something sweet. Please let me know if you feel the same.

rachel domask

2 months ago

Dear goodness, this place was amazing. Based on the quick Maps description when searching for nearby food options, we assumed this place was a wood-fired pizza place but were happy to discover delicious, delightful, creative cuisine. The food was so much fancier that we'd expected but the feel of the place was still comfortable and casual. Will definitely check out this place again if I ever make it back to Carlsbad Village.

Jessica Brooks

2 months ago

100000000/10. WOW. We had an exceptional time at Campfire. I truly cannot wait to return. This was the best meal I have had in/around San Diego by a landslide. Every dish and drink was exquisite. Our server, Summer, took excellent care of us. She walked us through the menu in detail and answered all of our questions with ease and warmth, and made our experience special and so delightful. Do not skip the broccoli or the cornbread.

LN

2 months ago

I've had Campfire bookmarked for a couple years but just never found the opportunity to try it until recently. I was beyond satisfied with the food, everything came out well seasoned and flavor combo of each dish was perfect. Food: We ordered the cornbread, broccoli, crudo, trout, and chicken. I'd order the crudo and broccoli over and over again. The other items were very good but those 2 were my absolute favorite. At first seeing pictures of the broccoli make you wonder what all the rave is about, it's charred broccoli, what could be so special? Like I said, the chef(s) season each item so well and the ingredients they choose to pair the items with, perfection. We were trying to finish up all the sauces for each dish because it was so good. Service: Our waiter and 2nd waiter?? Were nice but it was kind of weird to have 2 and repeat the same things to each and each coming back to say the same things at different times. We didn't mind, but it was just strange. They were quick to clear the table as we finished items and also asked if we wanted fresh plates which was appreciated. Atmosphere: It's quite loud from the blaring music, we opted to sit outside for less noise but it was still extremely loud. All the seating, tables, etc all looked very nice and well kept, but we really wish they'd turn the music down so you can actually hear each other talk. All in all, another favorite restaurant to add to our list. Their menu is seasonal so I'd want to come back during another season to try newish items.