Village Faire
Shopping mall · Carlsbad ·

Village Faire

Shopping mall · Carlsbad ·

Boutique shops, restaurants, and services around a fountain

shopping
restaurants
parking
live music
shops
fountain
family friendly
coffee shops
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null
Village Faire by null

Information

300 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008 Get directions

$$

Restroom
Credit card accepted
Debit card accepted
Contactless accepted
Free street parking

Information

Static Map

300 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008 Get directions

+1 760 434 3838
shopvillagefaire.com
@carlsbadshops
𝕏
@villagefaire

$$

Features

•Restroom
•Credit card accepted
•Debit card accepted
•Contactless accepted
•Free street parking
•LGBTQ friendly
•Trans safe
•Wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Jan 16, 2026

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2026 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,992 Cities

Clara Opens in Carlsbad With Cocktails and Coastal Cuisine | Eater San Diego

"I found Clara just a block from the ocean in Carlsbad at the Village Faire shopping center; the newly remodeled 2,000-square-foot restaurant and bar, styled by local graphic designer Jess Hicks, includes two outdoor patios and a nine-seat bar that serves as the centerpiece of the dining room. Open now from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. with lunch and weekend brunch launching next month, the kitchen—led by Alex Carballo (Moto Deli, Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens)—focuses on seasonally specific California cuisine with an emphasis on vegetable-based dishes such as fire roasted asparagus with lemon caper sauce and balsamic pearls, chile arbol-braised cauliflower tacos, and lettuce wraps filled with lemongrass tofu and mushrooms in a tamarind sweet chili glaze. Housemade flatbreads also highlight vegetables, from a beet crust topped with creamy dijon goat cheese sauce, sliced beets, arugula, sliced almonds, and honey drizzle to a ricotta- and mozzarella-topped dough with sliced zucchini and red pepper flakes. Heftier entrees include sous-vide lemon herb chicken served with sweet potato hash, cipollini, zucchini, tomato and chicken demi-glace, and scallops with sunchoke purée, asparagus fennel salad, and tarragon vinaigrette. Behind the bar, Seth Marquez (Campfire, Sycamore Den) offers a cocktail list of sessionable, low-ABV drinks that incorporate locally grown produce as well as liqueurs, fortified wines, and sherries, with several cocktails designed to be shareable and served in a classic porrón or Spanish wine pitcher." - Candice Woo

https://sandiego.eater.com/2018/8/27/17786494/clara-cocktail-bar-restaurant-carlsbad-north-county
Village Faire

Rodney R.

Google
Neat spot to walk around and find a nice quiet spot to grab a bite, drink or shop. Places to sit and take a break and people watch.

Jean-Claude D.

Google
Great place to spend time on the beach, see superb sunsets, shop, and attend the farmer’s market. This will become my vacation routine.

J P.

Google
Really gorgeous! Lovely and kind of an easy find with lots of hidden shops. I could see this as a great spot for college age adults or just a fun hangout for some unexpected family time. Lots going on and very courteous to those who enjoy going around and taking a look around!

Ayad K.

Google
Village Faire is one of Carlsbad’s hidden gems. The moment you step in, you’re greeted with a cozy coastal atmosphere, charming architecture, and a relaxing energy that makes it a perfect spot for a stroll—especially at night. The highlight for me is the beautiful central fountain, which lights up in vibrant colors after sunset. It creates a peaceful, almost magical ambiance that makes evening walks feel extra special. You’ll find a nice mix of local shops, boutique stores, and great restaurants all around the courtyard. Whether you’re grabbing a bite, hunting for a unique gift, or just enjoying a warm California evening, this place delivers a memorable experience. A great spot for locals and visitors alike—highly recommend if you’re in the Carlsbad area.

Billy C.

Google
Bought souvenirs to go back to NC. While we was in town visiting, we had to stop by, this place makes me feel like moving back to San Diego.

Renaissance Man R.

Google
Quaint but lively outdoor mall near the city center

Jan N.

Google
Small two-story pleasant-looking shopping center with gift shops, real estate offices, restaurants and drinking establishments, a few clothing stores, a game store, and a wonderful Gelato shop. The Taste of the Himalayas is a good restaurant with a full menu of Indian and Himalayan foods. There is a new game shop in the plaza that will eventually have food and drink. The open grassy plaza in center is a nice place for families to hang out. There's even a giant chess board with equally large chess pieces.

Maxwell M.

Google
Awesome place if you're looking for the busy entertaining vibe of a weekend evening! Lots of eateries, shops, come for lunch, walk around, go to the beach (5 minute walk) to watch the sunset, then come back to get a few drinks. Parking is a nightmare tho. Pro tip: park somewhere else, then take the train in (train station next block over).
google avatar

Neelam B.

Yelp
Its charming outdoor shopping center with a laid-back coastal vibe. Located just steps from the beach, it offers a diverse mix of boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a perfect spot to spend a leisurely afternoon. The open-air layout is beautifully landscaped, featuring fountains and plenty of seating areas to relax. I found unique clothing, jewelry, and gift stores, while food options range from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants, catering to a variety of tastes, including vegetarian choice, coffee shops and ice cream parlors for a quick treat. Parking can be a bit tricky during peak times, the ambiance and proximity to Carlsbad Village's other attractions make it worthwhile. Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a special gift, or just a stroll, Village Faire offers a delightful mix of coastal charm and convenience.
google avatar

Eva G.

Yelp
Cute peaceful place. We listened to live music of a gifted musician while enjoying our brunch at the "Naked Cafe" What a nice discovery. Nice shops in the area as well.
google avatar

Robert S.

Yelp
Cute open air shopping center in the Carlsbad Village shopping area. There are a number of places to eat, shop for souvenirs, home decor, clothing, t-shirts, artwork, etc. The architecture of the shopping center reminds you of New England-style architecture with a Caribbean flare. This enclave of over 36 restaurants, shops and services surrounds a family friendly fountain courtyard, it's conveniently located just a block from the beach and the train station. Several times a week, there's live music being played in here. Just a cute shopping area perfect for strolling around or relaxing. There's some parking around the buildings and around the block, so be patient and look carefully for free spaces...Many areas of downtown Carlsbad have free street parking as well, so easily you can find parking within a block or two.

Lugi L.

Yelp
I've been shopping here for 20 years countless times. I've never gotten a parking ticket. I was at Vanaka enjoying coffee this morning and got a parking ticket. I will never come here again.
google avatar

Rohini M.

Yelp
Such a beautiful place to spend some good time with family. Has many options for eating and shopping and kids can run around the grass and play. Overall a cute little place to hangout! Plenty of parking and this space is always lively and fun.
google avatar

Faye L.

Yelp
I've been to this center a few times now . Today we visited after brunch nearby . We've never had an issue finding parking in their private lot . Even on weekends . Maybe we've been lucky . It seems to be a more touristy center . There are two levels so remember to visit the second floor . I just noticed a restaurant (Gregorio's) that I had never noticed before until today . They have live music but it was an older gentleman playing lounge-y music . The courtyard has a fountain and seating area . There's also a life size chess area with playing pieces! I also saw that Mazen@106 closed down and is now a Himalayan restaurant. Coyote Bar still had live music in its outdoor patio . They are also one of the few restaurants here that had ac on (thank goodness!). Overall a cute center that's worth a visit if you're in the area .
google avatar

Aiko M.

Yelp
I love this little plaza and its boutique shops, but one whole star off because parking absolutely sucks! There's cute restaurants like Naked Cafe and the Himalayan spot, as well as dessert places like Gaia Gelato and Vinaka Cafe. Craft Burger was so-so; I wouldn't go back on my own. I mostly come to wander around for gift ideas. The sock store is a fun shop where I always find something, as well as Earth Elements. Jewelry, crystals, candles... it's my zen place lol. Overall, it's a nice central place to kill some time, grab a bite or even stay for a drink. Pros: - location, near other activities - shops - kid friendly (mini playground) Cons: - locked restrooms - limited parking - parking is timed
google avatar

Charlene G.

Yelp
What a cute little shopping center! The place where we had lunch today (The Naked Cafe) is located in this cute shopping facility. Majority of the shops here are real estate office (2nd floor) but the few trinket shops on the first floors had a lot of fun things. Parking is available throughout the building and it's free! There is a nice fountain in the center of the shopping area which is a nice place to have lunch.
google avatar

C R.

Yelp
Ya'll got algae in the fountain. That means there is no sanitizer and the water could have bacteria. I hope someone from your maintenance department sees this. If you need referrals to a good pool/fountain company I will send you info.
google avatar

Cynthia T.

Yelp
I'm really of fan of this strip mall. Vinaka cafe is a great local cafe that serves a great cup of coffee or tea and has natural ice cream too. The coyote cafe is a fun place, as is the sushi place and pub. There is a Barre studio that is comfortable that I highly recommend, even if you were like me, trying it for the first time. Today, I went to Linda's gifts. Its a cute little store that offers a little of this and a little of that. Many of the items are made in the US. My only complaint about the shop is that the service is not attentive or overly friendly. Its not just this occasion but for the entire time I have been a customer which is a long time. You'll be lucky if they look up from whatever they are doing to acknowledge your presence. So, just don't expect any over the top life changing customer service and your expectations will be met. :-)
google avatar

Dia R.

Yelp
Nice place. Went with my aunts in the evening. Most of the boutiques were closed and a few restaurants were hopping with music, beer and dancing people, one of the few simple things that makes me smile. It had a nice little quad with grass, trees and benches around the quad. I did plan to visit in the day time but never made it. Perhaps next time I visit.
google avatar

Marcus F.

Yelp
A Family Friendly find on a Friday night. Like any touristy village shopping center there's a lot of everything at one centralized location. Food, Snacks, sweets, music, goofy t-shit shops, and a courtyard where tourists can sit and relax from a day of beach / shopping. Our family and friends made an impromptu trip to Carlsbad. We found a public lot across the street from the mall and walked on over. We arrived about 8PM on a Friday night, pretty late by our standards, but this place was very active with families and kids running around playing tag and chase around the fountain. While watching my kids run around I noticed the busy Gaia Gelato gelateria in one of the shops. A late night frozen treat was a real crowd pleaser. There are several bars in this shopping center too, so you also get free cover band music on Friday night, albeit not very good Note - The fake grass by the fountain might be a dog peeing place so keep that in mind if you let your kids roll around on the "grass". - Gaia Gelato - Vinaka - Belly Dancer at Mazen106.
google avatar

Julie G.

Yelp
Carlsbad Village Faire is a great place to shop and just hang out. With a beautiful Nantucket-style appearance and great fountain in the center, this two story plaza has really cool shops and a great all around vibe. It kind of grew around Nieman's which is now called Ocean House Restaurant. They cater to original shops such as Vinaka Cafe and Coffee House and Gregorio's Italian Restaurant to raw foods eatery Cilantro Live as well as the hopping Coyote Bar & Grill. The only recognizable name here is Submarina but event that sort of blends in. The other shops are eclectic and offer something different. There is even a major yoga center here called the Yoga Center and a artists colony called Carlsbad-Oceanside Art League (Coal Gallery). I've reviewed many of the shops individually so check them out and come down and visit. They hold great concerts in August in the courtyard area as a few throughout the year. Enjoy your shopping or eating experience.
google avatar

P A.

Yelp
One of my favorite shopping centers in Carlsbad. There are several restaurants and shops that we like. Our favorite is the Coyote Bar & Grill. They have large portions of food, great happy hour specials, and live music. The parking lot can get full on evenings and weekends. Also, be careful as Carlsbad PD increases it's presence in the parking lot during those busy times to look out for DUI's. Take a cab home if you've had too much to drink. If you're staying in Carlsbad or the area, this is a fun place to visit. Return Factor - 95%

Tobiah B.

Yelp
Was laughed at our had then did respect me due to my living arrangements but won't give me a job to be able to fix it just wanted to make fun of and that's not cool. There are only 2 businesses in the home complex that Took me serious.... thank you coyotes bar and grill and always popping for not being rude and disrespecting
google avatar

Trish S.

Yelp
This review might turn into an ode to how much I love the people in North County...but to start-a little scenery: I sit as I type in the beloved Vinaka, a cafe on the upper level of this quaint shopping center. From my corner the early risers of Carlsbad order their brews-with locally roasted beans. They stroll into and out of the Extend Barre studio across they way, pick up their Jamba juices and Starbucks orders, or bike in packs up the PCH. A pixie of a little girl with blond hair drags her mom to see "the fountain, the fountains!" and patrons sit in the sun as they start their NCSD days...all before 9 AM. The Village Faire offers 3 hours of free parking, and a significant amount of some chains as mentioned but mostly local food, offices, shops, and is actually a little hub for a local art colony and galleries. There's ballroom dancing frequented by the older generation to big band music at the Ocean House during the week-or check out the live music, with firepits, on the patio at Coyote every night. The folks are friendly and polite, a line forms, but no one seems impatient. The businesses serve with a smile...I used to live here when I first came to SoCal before moving a bit south. If you want a smooth transition, this is ze place. Carlsbad isn't abrupt, it's subtle living, The folks spending their hard earned dollars here this morning prove the vibe...maybe it's all that sunshine! C-bad is rad, and the Village Faire will give you a little taste.
google avatar

A K.

Yelp
This review is both for Carlsbad Village Faire and Western Towing. I parked my car on the south side of the lot, in front of the UPS. There were no "3 hour parking" signs in front of any parking spots within my section. There was a "20 minute violation leads to towing" sign, so I parked on a white curb. I head up to Vinaka for a group project. Seeing that I am in graduate school, my group projects are close to a 4 hour deal. When I get back to my car... it's MISSING! A worker in the nearby shop indicated that I need to find the security guard. Found the security guard, then gave a call to the towing company. "You car is on its way to a lot in San Marcos." I tell the dispatcher that my cell phone battery has 2% and ask when I can pick up my car and the address. She indicates that she is not able to give me an address due to security reasons. But, she needs my phone number to give me a call within the next few hours to determine if I can even pick up my car that day. I told her my phone is dying, I have no car, and my classmates just left. "Sorry, I can't give you a time or location to pick up your car." My friend LUCKILY came back, and I called again from her cell. Finally, when they called back, they indicated that I could pick up my car at 6pm, but if I didn't arrive between 6pm-6:30pm, then I would have to come back the next day. The attendant didn't even show up until 6:50pm. THIS COMPANY WINS THE AWARD FOR THE MOST UNHELPFUL COMPANY IN THE WORLD. I honestly can't believe Carlsbad Village Faire affiliates itself with a company THIS horrible.
google avatar

Angela K.

Yelp
This was my home-base when I lived in SD! I can't come here without stopping in at Vinakas! There is a mix in this shopping center of more independent hippy artistic little spots and chains like starbucks and jamba juice. Restaurant turned dance club, gift shops, yoga studios and even a cougar bar (Coyote)! Cute little fountain and seating in the middle. 5 minute walk from the beach. Free 3 hour parking!

Marcia P.

Yelp
RESPONSE TO Lisa -- Well Lisa I may have miscounted the number of designated Handicap spaces but the problem remains the same - they are always taken because there aren't enough of them. These spaces may have been there for 12 years however look around you - there is an increase in the aging population using wheelchairs, scooters and walkers and because of ADA laws and mobility devices, the opportunity to go to places previously unavailable to full wheelchair disabled has increased in the last 12 years. Where these spaces are located does not alter the fact that I have to drive around the parking lot for 15 - 20 min or more, trying to find a suitable spot to let out the ramp. The correct response would be, "we will encourage the management company to increase the number of designated Handicap spaces, perhaps by making some of the MANY empty 1 hour or 20 min parking spaces usable as handicap spaces without a time limit when a handicapped placard is visible." My point in all of this is to warn my fellow caregivers and handicapped people of the challenges they may face going to the Village Faire Shopping Center - they may want to go to a more accommodating establishment and avoid the stress.
google avatar

Sherrie M.

Yelp
I love street fairs and festivals and this is by far the best one I've been to. There are hundreds of vendors and great bands to listen to. They don't sell the same things you see at every street fair. Most of the businesses along the street are also open so you can stop in to browse or get a bite to eat and get out of the sun for a bit. Highly recommended and the parking was easy as well despite the huge crowd of people that were there.

Mark S.

Yelp
The parking rules are making this place impossible to visit for dinner. We arrived here recently BEFORE 6:00 PM and the only available parking spots were restricted to one hour UNTIL 9:00 PM. When we checked on the car 65 minutes later, there was a big red warning tag on the car. We were going to stop and get gelato before leaving, but figured why should we stay where we are not wanted. We left and won't rush back. Who wants to have to eat within one hour. I can understand that management wants to keep out beach parkers, but this could be accomplished with a one hour restriction that ends at 5:30 PM. To add insult to injury, a number of spaces have been reserved for valet parking for a whopping $6:00. No one was using them when we left. Does management think this is the Gaslamp District?
google avatar

Scott H.

Yelp
I love this faire, but it seems to be getting worse and worse. I used to be locals seeing items, but now it is overran with professional companies selling things. I liked it better when it was a mom and pop faire.
google avatar

M O.

Yelp
Great food, lousy narrow and sparse parking in center.

Christine G.

Yelp
Went to visit based on reviews and ate at Craftburger. Food was good but overall shopping experience was just average, no wow factor although I enjoyed the live music coming from one of the restaurants.

Stephanie H.

Yelp
Great staff, very knowledgeable and welcoming. Great energy! And...the food is AMAZING! Not to mention, the wine is fantastic!

Richard W.

Yelp
Stores are very good and I go to Vinaka often. But the maintenance team that works the shopping center needs to change their hours! Every morning between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, just when people are settling in for coffee at one of the several cafes, The blower boys are out, determined to make life miserable for all of us. Sure, they all wear sound suppressing headsets so they don't care and apparently the maintenance manager doesn't have a clue. These are some of the loudest leaf blowers I have ever heard and they are used under the walkways where the sound gets amplified. Stay away in the mornings or wear ear plugs