Best restaurants near me in Encinitas, CA

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$$
$$$
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AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

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All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

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BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

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Accessibility

Wheelchair access

814 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Cocina de Barrio Encinitas restaurant

1. Cocina de Barrio Encinitas

4.7

Exceptional(151)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Encinitas

Booked 20 times today

*Brunch hours are on a walk-in basis only.Cocina de Barrio by Chef Jose J. FloresWelcome to Cocina de Barrio, the newest modern-urban Mexican restaurant located in Encinitas, CA! We are proud to feature the culinary richness of Oaxaca as well as other Mexican regions. Stop by and enjoy our bar stocked with plenty of tequila and mezcal selections, beer, and wines sourced from Valle Guadalupe.Don't forget to join us during our daily brunch (where we add a Mexican kick) and our happy hour every Monday-Friday from 3-5pm! Stay Chido!

2. Echale Encinitas

4.6

Exceptional(145)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Encinitas

Nestled in the serene beach town of Encinitas, our California Bistro and Natural Wine Bar offers a mix of traditional Spanish flavors with a modern Mediterranean twist, complemented by an exquisite selection of natural wines. Menu favorites include the Maitake Mushroom toast and tahini "aioli", our Green Chile Burger with gruyere cheese, and our locally sourced blue fin tuna crudo with citrus vinaigrette. We play a mix of Brazilian funk, late 90's hip-hop, and French pop all through our vintage Marantz receiver and JBl speakers. Our dimly lit cozy restaurant is ideal for date nights and post-surf hangs.

3. Herb & Sea

4.6

Exceptional(2987)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Encinitas

Booked 50 times today

Blending classic East Coast culinary traditions with a modern Californian sensibility, Herb & Sea is Chef Brian Malarkey’s venerable companion restaurant to the much-loved Herb & Wood in Little Italy. Quickly becoming one of the most sought-after tables in town, the concept shines with a menu that focuses on simple, clean, bright flavors. Located steps from Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, the vibrant space is housed in a 1920’s art deco building that has been restored to its original glory.Daily operations are helmed by Executive Chef Aidan Owens. The menu includes a mix of raw bar staples, fresh seafood, meat dishes, and roasted vegetables. A variety of pizzas and pastas round out the offerings, alongside dessert and a dedicated kids’ menu.The spirits program is bright and playful, emphasizing citrus and floral notes that utilize the same ingredients found on the menu. The wine list offers a similar sense of whimsy, highlighting labels meant to complemen

A photo of Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff restaurant

4. Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff

4.7

Exceptional(9480)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Cardiff By The Sea

Booked 101 times today

Pacific Coast Grill's oceanfront venue features unique Pacific Coastal cuisine, an oyster bar, select sushi rolls, and a plethora of seafood choices, delicious steaks and more! There are two levels of dining at the new PCG with every dining seat in the house carefully planned to have an ocean view. There are bars on both levels and a heated outdoor patio and a deck with one of the best views of the Pacific Ocean and the line up at Cardiff Reef. You can watch surfers, kite surfers, dolphins, whales and spectacular sunsets from throughout the restaurant.

A photo of Waverly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

5. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge

4.7

Exceptional(219)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Encinitas

Booked 58 times today

Located in beautiful Cardiff by The Sea, Waverly is a full-service restaurant serving Progressive American cuisine & specialty cocktails with a European influence.Evening Dining Reservation tables will be reserved for 1 hour and 45 minutes for parties of up to 2 and for 2 hours for parties of up to 6.Reservations are weather permitting and may be rescheduled if inclement weather is forecast. You will be contacted by one of our Hospitality Leaders should modifications need to be made to your reservation.*We offer a limited menu happy hour Tuesday through Sunday from 3 to 5 PM. No reservations needed – first come, first served

6. SAGO

4.6

Exceptional(152)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Asian • Encinitas

Booked 37 times today

SAGO is a new and exciting dining and nightlife concept, steps from Encinitas beaches. Looking forward to greeting our guests and giving them and outstanding experience.

A photo of Buona Forchetta Encinitas restaurant

7. Buona Forchetta Encinitas

4.6

Exceptional(653)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Encinitas

Booked 61 times today

Buona Forchetta Encinitas, our third location, blends award winning Neapolitan-style pizzas and Northern Italian upscale entrees in a family-friendly, approachable space. Located in Encinitas, this location boasts a indoor seating as well as an outside patio and a small room for private events. Inside, a gilded oven churns out classic creations, while the main kitchen serves up chef-driven pastas and entree dishes. Owner Matteo Cattaneo brought the Italian warehouse-style eatery to life.

A photo of Chart House Restaurant - Cardiff restaurant

8. Chart House Restaurant - Cardiff

4.4

Awesome(7359)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Solana Beach

Booked 63 times today

Chart House is a fine dining restaurant serving seafood & steak and famous for their spectacular views. For more than 50 years, Chart House has redefined the ideal dining experience. With 27 waterfront and showcase locations ranging from the historic to the unforgettable, Chart House restaurants specialize in dazzling views, unique cuisine and exceptional service. From fresh fish specialties to slow-roasted prime rib, the renowned chefs of Chart House have tailored a menu that adds a unique touch to local flavors. And the Chart House happy hour is a guest favorite, where guest favor our signature cocktails and delicious bites you are sure to enjoy. Our original Hot Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect end to a memorable dining experience at Chart House. Chart House offers the ideal setting for your next event. We would be happy to assist you with all the details of your special occasion.

A photo of Rustic Root - Solana Beach restaurant

9. Rustic Root - Solana Beach

4.3

Awesome(127)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Del Mar

Booked 78 times today

The concept behind Rustic Root is simple: Create the kind of neighborhood place you can eat at every week and never get tired of going back.

10. Valentina

4.8

Exceptional(1899)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary European • Encinitas

Booked 20 times today

A small neighborhood Spanish restaurant in a cute California beach town called Leucadia.we play music and serve wine, tapas, some cocktails and thoughtful hospitality with some dim lighting in a lively environment.We look forward to welcoming you.

Dining near Encinitas, CA at a glance

Updated on 5/17/2025

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From verified diners like you

E
EmilyVIP
Philadelphia County •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Amazing food and awesome service every time I come here! Highly recommend.
More info
Pacific Coast Grill - CardiffPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Cardiff By The Sea
•
4.7
D
Dr CynthiaVIP
Los Angeles •18 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
I have eaten fish from Indonesia to Maine I have never had fish prepared as perfectly as the barramundi at Herb & Sea!! Flavors perfectly balanced on the palette The smoky flavor of the fish enhanced by the smokiness and zing of the jalapeño yogurt The greens added texture and the chips the ideal crunch. The Stags Leap Chardonnay I had with it added a buttery , herbaceous complexity. And the butterscotch budino? Pure pleasure !!! A Lucious finish to a fantastic repast!! The entire experience was elevated by my server Spencer. Friendly, knowledgeable and polished professional service. He was there when I needed him but never overreacted. His command of the menu was as impressive as the food . I live in Santa Monica I will make Herb & Sea first on my list whenever I am in Encinitas.
More info
Herb & SeaPrice: Moderate• Californian• Encinitas
•
4.6
P
PamelaVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
I might not have booked a reservation if I had known this place was in a strip mall, but I’m glad I did. The ambience inside was lovely. Our server was great. And the food was truly phenomenal. Try the ceviche and the wines from Valle de Guadalupe.
More info
Cocina de Barrio EncinitasPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Encinitas
•
4.7
N
Nick
Phoenix / Arizona •1 review
5.0
Dined on May 8, 2025
Was fantastic my date and I sat on the couches. Friendly staff, fun ambiance, great food and drinks. Would hit it again on a weekend for a DJ set as well.
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SAGOPrice: Expensive• Asian• Encinitas
•
4.6
B
Brendan
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 29, 2025
One of the best things to ever happen in this town. Sad to see them go, excited for when they come back 🤙
More info
Echale EncinitasPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Encinitas
•
4.6

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Best restaurants near me in Encinitas, CA

Price

Cuisine

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

814 restaurants available nearby

1. Cocina de Barrio Encinitas

2. Echale Encinitas

3. Herb & Sea

4. Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff

5. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge

6. SAGO

7. Buona Forchetta Encinitas

8. Chart House Restaurant - Cardiff

9. Rustic Root - Solana Beach

10. Valentina

Dining near Encinitas, CA at a glance

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