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Herb & Sea, Encinitas, CA

Herb & Sea

4.7
4.7
2122 Reviews
$30 and under
Californian
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 Sara Harris. 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

Make a reservation

2 people

8:00 PM


Booked 29 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Californian, Seafood, Oyster Bar

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (760) 704-8300

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Owned/operated by

    Women

  • Executive chef

    Brian Malarkey and Sara Harris

  • Private party facilities

    Herb & Sea’s chic coastal ambiance meets a neighborhood-friendly vibe that can fit events of all shapes and sizes. The concept shines with a menu that focuses on simple, clean, bright flavors. Come into our home, where we think of it all so that you don't have to.

  • Private party contact

    Jarrod Zimpfer: (760) 704-8300

  • Neighborhood

    Encinitas

  • Cross street

    D Street and 2nd Street

  • Parking details

    Convenient street parking is available. The entrance is located between West D Street and West E Street on the East side. You are more than welcome to call the restaurant, (760) 704-8300, if you have further questions!

  • Public transit

    Encinitas Train Station: 25 E D St, Encinitas, CA 92024

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 2,122 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Diego

    Californian

  • North San Diego

    Innovative

  • North San Diego

    Californian

  • North San Diego

    Most Booked

Sort by

  1. Casey

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was my first time here with a family who’ve made this the annual birthday spot. Now I understand why! This place is all-around awesome. Great food, great service, great vibe. Will absolutely be back!
  2. JamesC

    Houston

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Most excellent ambiance, decor, service and food Highly recommend
  3. ShawnE

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Jamison was awesome… food was excellent and service matched the quality of the food.. best dinner we’ve had in a long while.. recommend the Filet Mignon and Ahi
  4. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall3food3service4ambience2
    Underwhelming. We love herb and sea in little Italy … so maybe our expectations were too high. Hosts are not friendly and didn’t greet us in a high vibe way. Server was sweet. She got busy and could have been more attentive- but she had some help so it worked out. Not a fan of ambiance. Seats are really uncomfortable and the ac was blasting on a cool day. food was good just nothing special — for bone marrow and oysters and a fennel sausage pizza. Prices and food quality don’t align. Prob won’t be back
  5. JoniS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went there for my birthday. We got seated right away. Our waiter let us know the specials and asked if we had any questions. We ordered the bone marrow and cooked oysters first. They were fantastic. Then we ordered the catch of the day which was sheepshead (fish). So ugly but so delicious. Also got the baby carrots which were a little too spicy for me and the brussel sprouts which were very good. We had a great time and the food was spectacular. Would definitely recommend Herb and Sea.
  6. SummerG

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is one of my favorite restaurants. It never disappoints. The food is delicious. Amazing drinks. And the service is top notch. We had a wonderful night.
  7. Erika

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best restaurant in Encinitas. I can't wait to try the other location in Little Italy (Herb & Wood)
  8. CFlores

    San Diego

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    we had a great time with friends celebrating a birthday, the food and service both were great!
  9. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Music was too loud for my family and grandparents. The food and service was exceptional, we will definitely be back!
  10. PatriciaB

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    We have always been impressed with Herb & Sea so maybe it was a bad night. Our service was poor- server never refilled water or asked if we wanted second drinks and it took a long time to find her. The food was mixed- some overcooked, some good and some excellent. The ambiance outside it great - sooo loud indoors. So, an off night ? We'll try again, based on our past experience.
  11. JemmaS

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and wonderful selection
  12. CynS

    New Orleans

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was awesome! I’m sorry I don’t remember her name. All of the service was top notch, the food was delicious and the cocktails were great!
  13. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience5
    Really bad service. Waited for over an hour for our food, came out and was all cold. Waitress didn’t really care — comped one of the dishes but it was all cold and essentially inedible
  14. Jody

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Delicious menu, with lots of creativity. Pricey, especially that entrees do not include a side. The 4% added fee was a bit of a surprise.
  15. LauraR

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This continues to be one of our most favorite restaurants in San Diego area. The food is superb and delicious every single time. The service is always top notch, but especially if you’re lucky enough to have Anneliese as your waitress. She makes you feel like you are her only customer and her recommendations have always been amazing! The wine selection and cocktails are fabulous! To those sensitive to noise, we always book the outdoor seating on their lively patio as the indoor seating is way too loud. Otherwise, you can’t go wrong at Herb and Sea!
  16. ScottD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was absolutely delicious. The flavor combinations in the dishes were stunning. The service was 15 out of 10.
  17. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    10/10 Chef Carlo and Laz from the bar were incredible! The food, ambiance and atmosphere could not have been any better! Thank you for an amazing dining experience Herb and Sea.
  18. Momof3

    San Diego

    158 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    158 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Mothers Day brunch was just amazing ! The pre fix was so much food. The blueberry lemon danish was amazing . The smoked salmon toast was so good. And the crab cakes Benedict was so delicious- the eggs were perfectly poached. The service was amazing and the manager even checked in on us and wished me a happy Mother’s Day ! Great service too
  19. ChristyH

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a family of six for Mother's Day, the second year in a row, we loved the menu and food was amazing! I would definitely recommend! Brunch was reasonable.
  20. ToddD

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Enjoyed our Mother's Day brunch. Very accommodating to us adding a couple chairs to our reservation. Food was good but portions could be a little bigger. Overall really happy!
  21. tttt

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience2
    Service was absent during our Saturday evening meal. The cocktails and appetizers were great (best carrots of my life!) but our main courses were not well prepared - one fish dish was undercooked and the other was overcooked. The place is really loud and busy. The bill was enormous and they added 4% surcharge automatically. For the prices I expect an incredible experience - just didn't live up to that.
  22. NicoleH

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Herb and sea is one of our favorite restaurants in SD!
  23. VanessaS

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Our dinner was great but with them being slammed our main courses took over an hour to be served. By that time our kids had enough of being out so we asked to have our food packed up for to go. Maybe not go before a holiday … We will come back as the seafood was great!
  24. TammyR

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience3
    Habachi & carrot hummus were amazing. Brussels sprouts excellent, not unique Pork chop DRY Sauce was excellent, but not enough Steaks were cooked perfectly and outstanding Pasta incredible Wine was okay. Value for price, not so good. Desserts. OML. They were certainly something special!!
  25. Dans

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience3
    1.25 hours between appetizer and main course is just too much. Pork chops and filet were over cooked when they finally came. Very disappointed. People were nice but kitchen just couldn’t deliver.
  26. Norma

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service were amazing! A special thanks to our server Michael! Place was buzzing and Michael was pretty busy, even so he went above and beyond!
  27. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and great service not much else to say.
  28. AshleyM

    Portland

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The guava mezcal drink and the ahi puttanesca were to die for! Great good, good atmosphere. Perfect for date night
  29. Ryan12

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall1food2service5ambience5
    Appetizers and service were great. The restaurant was extremely noisy. The entrees were not very good. Our steak was raw and had to be returned. The pork chop was beyond overcooked. Being in the service industry for a long time the prices do not reflect the quality of food. I walked away with a $330 bill and left a great tip, because that is not waiters fault with food quality. There are plenty of better spots to eat for that price range in North County. We will not be back and I would not recommend to anyone.
  30. ShawnY

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Very nice place. The ceviche with plantains was awesome. My wife loved the brussel sprouts. Good service. Like the total open concept
  31. Janelle

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great Service! Our server was more than happy to talk about the menu and offer recommendations! The food was so dang good! The endive salad was one of the best salads I’ve ever had! I will say the pizza was good but I wouldn’t go there for the pizza. The seafood and steak is where it’s at!
  32. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We celebrated my husband’s birthday tonight. Indulging on appetizers, beautiful entrees, tasty sides, cocktails and desserts. We were seated right away. Service was impeccable. The decor and playlist was bright and vibey. We ordered the ceviche and plantains along w the roasted oysters and bone marrow. Absolutely delicious. So flavorful! The presentation of the bone marrow was on point. Then came the entrees: roasted branzino, filet, and ribeye. Branzino was light and bright. Loved the olives! Perfect size. The filet was like butter. And the ribeye was so tender and smoky. The sauces were the perfect addition. We ended with the semifreddo and butterscotch lavender crème. So decadent. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and will be back again! Highly recommend.
  33. RICHARDW

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    Our 3rd visit. The Ceviche was our favorite until this visit It was too spicy and the banana chips were very salty. The pasta dishes were to rich and salty.
  34. EricaK

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an amazing dinner here for a friend’s 50th birthday. Our server, Andrea, was fabulous. Best service I’ve had in a long time. Food was delicious! Thank you!
  35. VonJovi

    Los Angeles

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    After hearing so many positive reviews about this restaurants, we were excited to check it out. We arrived late from our reservation due to parking issue. H&S doesn't have its own parking structure. Parking is on the street, if it's available. As soon as we entered the establishment, we were greeted by the hostess and led us to our table. Glad that we made a reservation. The ambience is oK. I didn't like much the decoration, especially the ugly paintings on the wall. Their menu has a nice mix of Italian and American dishes. We ordered the Gem Salad, Fired Whole Branzino and Shrimp Linguini, plus the Strawberry Napoleon for dessert. The food were delicious, but the portion is smaller than the usual American plate. As for the price, I think, it is overpriced. Besides it is already expensive, there is a 4% surcharge on the bill. What the heck!!! I don't think it's fair to charge more the consumer for what they don't deserve. With this, based on today's experience, we probably won't come back anytime soon.
  36. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Herb & Sea was a great restaurant for a double date night. Fantastic food and service!
  37. KenI

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    The food was excellent and the service was also quite good. Under noise level you do not have a choice to pick "extremely loud" but that's what it was.
  38. gagikt

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    i like it .........................................
  39. ChristieM

    Nashville

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, great vibe, beautiful restaurant, perfect service (thank you Ael)! We can’t wait to come back!
  40. SueS

    Nashville

    17 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    There were many unique items on the menu but also some more simple dishes. Flavors were great, however we ordered the Branzino that we were told was deboned and it was not. My first bite was full of bones and I tried a second bite also full of bones. So I didn't eat any more. Reported to the server and she said it's deboned as much as possible. Certainly sub par.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Herb & Sea is rated 4.7 stars by 2122 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

8:00 PM


Booked 29 times today
Google Map for Herb & Sea

131 W D St, Encinitas, CA 92024-3516

Additional information

  • Cross street

    D Street and 2nd Street

  • Neighborhood

    Encinitas

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Californian, Seafood, Oyster Bar

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    Convenient street parking is available. The entrance is located between West D Street and West E Street on the East side. You are more than welcome to call the restaurant, (760) 704-8300, if you have further questions!

  • Public transit

    Encinitas Train Station: 25 E D St, Encinitas, CA 92024

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Owned/operated by

    Women

  • Executive chef

    Brian Malarkey and Sara Harris

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (760) 704-8300

  • Private party facilities

    Herb & Sea’s chic coastal ambiance meets a neighborhood-friendly vibe that can fit events of all shapes and sizes. The concept shines with a menu that focuses on simple, clean, bright flavors. Come into our home, where we think of it all so that you don't have to.

  • Private party contact

    Jarrod Zimpfer: (760) 704-8300

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