Encinitas Restaurants
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Javier's - La Jolla
Price: Moderate•Mexican•4.6(3,866)La Jolla - 2
Duke's La Jolla
Price: Moderate•Hawaii Regional Cuisine•4.6(6,834)La Jolla - 3
Steak 48 - Del Mar
Price: Very Expensive•Steakhouse•4.9(2,006)Del Mar - 4
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens
Price: Moderate•Beer Garden•4.6(7,250)Escondido - 5
Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff
Price: Very Expensive•Seafood•4.7(9,550)Cardiff By The Sea
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The Marine Room
Price: Very Expensive•Seafood•4.7(8,478)La Jolla - 2
Raised by Wolves
Price: Moderate•Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service•4.8(3,020)La Jolla - 3
Addison by William Bradley
Price: Very Expensive•Californian•4.8(1,874)Del Mar - 4
Lilo
Price: Very Expensive•Californian•5(58)Carlsbad - 5
The Amalfi Llama - San Diego
Price: Very Expensive•Steakhouse•4.5(530)University City/Golden Triangle
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Jeune et Jolie
Price: Very Expensive•Contemporary French•4.9(4,298)Carlsbad - 2
Le Coq
Price: Very Expensive•Contemporary French•4.5(496)La Jolla - 3
Matsu
Price: Very Expensive•Creative Japanese•4.8(102)Oceanside - 4
NINE-TEN
Price: Expensive•Californian•4.8(3,020)La Jolla - 5
The Whaling Bar
Price: Expensive•Californian•4.7(130)La Jolla
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Firenze Trattoria
Price: Expensive•Italian•4.8(1,794)OPEN FOR DINE IN~ We are accepting online and phone reservations. Please be patient with wait times **IF YOU HAVE A SEATING PREFERENCE FOR EITHER THE INSIDE DINING ROOM OR OUTSIDE HEATED PATIO, PLEASE SPECIFY WHEN MAKING YOUR RESERVATION. **SEATING PREFERENCES CANNOT BE GUARANTEED**
Sun-splashed by day and romantically lantern-lit at night, Firenze's flower-bedecked patio, with it's gentle fountain, is like a private courtyard in some romantic Italian villa. Come see what all the buzz is about we are certain that you will enjoy this one of a kind experience in this beautiful San Diego Italian restaurant.Temaki Bar
Price: Moderate•Japanese•4.8(28)Translating to “hand roll,” Temaki Bar celebrates the tradition that all perfect hand rolls should be eaten within seconds of the chef passing them across the counter — while the rice is still warm and the fish, fresh and chilled.
Delivery and in-person to-go orders are now available!
Temaki Bar does not take reservations. We encourage guests to put their name on the online waitlist up to an hour prior to their expected arrival. The online waitlist can be accessed via our website,
temakibarsushi.com, or on OpenTable. Parties larger than 4 guests cannot be guaranteed to be seated together.
EAT HERE || LIVE FOREVER
Kai Ola Sushi Encinitas
Price: Expensive•Sushi•4.7(10)Located in the beach town known as Leucadia, Kai Ola is Encinitas, California’s best sushi in a laid-back, casual atmosphere with Hawaiian vibes.
You will get the freshest, finest, and the best quality sushi at Kai Ola. We serve fresh, unique (as well as traditional) sushi and we take pride in how it tastes. Our chefs prepare top quality creations and we take pride in our work.
Kai Ola is not about the scene. While locals and visitors alike love to dine with us, this is not a fine dining experience. This is about the fish. Sandals, board shorts, and bathing suits are welcome.
Kai Ola has the true Aloha! spirit in everything we do. Please come join us for the best fish and sushi creations you have yet to taste.Cocina de Barrio Encinitas
Price: Moderate•Mexican•4.8(158)*Brunch hours are on a walk-in basis only.
Cocina de Barrio by Chef Jose J. Flores
Welcome 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!
Vigilucci's Trattoria Italiana
Price: Expensive•Italian•4.7(1,386)Vigilucci’s Trattoria Italiana features an exceptional menu of Italian favorites, steaks and the freshest seafood. Menu highlights include many of the company’s signature dishes, made from scratch pastas, salads, steaks, seafood, pizzas and calzones. Group dining space is available for large or small groups. Our casual yet sophisticated piano bar enhances the dining experience in the main dining room and front patio.
For off-site events and parties contact Cater@Vigiluccis.com
Catering to the most discerning palates for over 30 years,
Vigilucci’s catering team can custom create a unique and memorable menu for celebrating life’s special occasions.Echale Encinitas
Price: Moderate•Mediterranean•4.5(145)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.
Herb & Sea
Price: Moderate•Californian•4.6(3,021)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 complemenVAGA Restaurant & Bar
Price: Expensive•American•4.3(342)For a true “vaga”, the journey is never-ending; the spirit and palate, always curious. Drawing ingredients and inspiration from near and far, VAGA explores San Diego’s ever-changing confluence of culture and wanderlust. From its perch on a coastal bluff in Encinitas, California, VAGA keeps one hand in the ocean, one hand in the farm, and both eyes on the horizon.
VAGA Restaurant & Bar is located on Level 2 of Alila Marea Beach Resort. Valet parking is available through the resort for $5.00 per car before 5 pm with validation only. After 5 pm, valet parking is $10.00 per car with no validation required. Self-parking is not available.
Outdoor dining in San Diego
See what locals rave about in Encinitas
- MmichelleVIPSan Diego •81 reviews5.0Dined 2 days agoFabulous ❤️❤️ The Maji Maji sandwich and fries are the Best!! Elena was excellent!!!!!More infoPacific Coast Grill - CardiffPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Cardiff By The Sea•4.7
- WWillLos Angeles •1 review5.0Dined 4 days agoGreat. Super interesting menu which was delicious and staff very niceMore infoHerb & SeaPrice: Moderate• Californian• Encinitas•4.6
- AAlainSan Diego •4 reviews5.0Dined on Jun 12, 2025We had a great time. Great food, great service and nice ambiance.More infoSAGOPrice: Expensive• Asian• Encinitas•4.7
- GGinaVIPSan Diego •5 reviews5.0Dined on May 24, 2025Everything was great! Delicious food and excellent service.More infoPuntamarPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Encinitas•4.5
- KLKittyLyons81San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews5.0Dined on Mar 27, 2022Loved dancing at shelter and the good vibes !More infoSHELTERPrice: Moderate• Dining Bar• Encinitas•4.1
Trending dishes in Encinitas
Restaurant experiences trending in San Diego
Discover Encinitas
Encinitas, CA, boasts inviting accommodations, fun nightlife, a wealth of activities and consistent waves. It was once named one of the best surf towns in the world by National Geographic. Whether you choose to surf or just watch the antics, one thing you will not want to miss is eating in the local restaurants. Often people start their day with a healthy omelet prepared with locally grown ingredients like avocados and asparagus. Many seaside cafes offer lobster rolls, crab rolls, and shrimp rolls. It seems that tacos just taste better when they are eaten on Encinitas' beaches. As the sun begins to set, there are many upscale restaurants greeting guests with outstanding seafood and steaks along with gorgeous views.
Frequently asked questions
Healthy restaurants located in Encinitas include Haven, Waverly Restaurant & Lounge and Herb & Sea
Restaurants with gluten-free options in Encinitas are Haven, Buona Forchetta Encinitas and VAGA Restaurant & Bar
Bottomless brunch in Encinitas is available at Haven, Waverly Restaurant & Lounge and VAGA Restaurant & Bar
The most romantic restaurant in Encinitas is VAGA Restaurant & Bar
Restaurants in Encinitas with a great view include Haven, Waverly Restaurant & Lounge and VAGA Restaurant & Bar
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