Herb & Sea

Name: Herb & Sea
Address: 131 W D St, Encinitas, CA, United States, 92024-3516
Telephone: (760) 704-8300
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

Visa Dining Collection

4.6 (2979)

$30 and under

Californian

131 W D St, Encinitas, CA 92024-3516

Make a reservation

2 people

May 11, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 56 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions
Hot spot

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

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Californian, Seafood, Oyster Bar
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(760) 704-8300
Website
http://herbandsea.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
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.

Location
131 W D St, Encinitas, CA 92024-3516
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

Experiences

Mother's Day Brunch
$68.00 per person
May 11, 2025 only
Celebrate your mom at Herb & Sea! We are offering a pre-fixe brunch menu to spoil your mom on her special day. The pricing for the menu will be $68 per person. We are excited to host you and your loved ones on this holiday.
Found Oyster x Herb & Sea
$20.00 per party
Prepaid
May 14, 2025 only
Join us at Herb & Sea for a special evening with Chef Ari Kolender of LA’s celebrated seafood spot, Found Oyster—recognized by the Michelin Guide and the Los Angeles Times 101 Best Restaurants list—as we celebrate the release of his debut cookbook, How to Cook the Finest Things in the Sea. For one night only, Chef Kolender will team up with Chef Aidan Owens to create an à la carte menu of ocean-inspired dishes drawn from the new book and beyond. Reservations are $20 and include a copy of Kolender’s cookbook. Food and beverage will be charged à la carte, with optional wine, cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverages available throughout the night.

Popular dishes

Oysters on the Half Shell$24.89
lemon cocktail sauce, apple mignonette, house hot sauce
Ahi Puttanesca$28.43
cured olives, tomatoes, capers, california balsamico, calabrian chili, crispy garlic
Ceviche$22.91
halibut, leche de tigre, coconut, plantain chips
Hamachi Crudo$23.77
white ponzu, sprouts, pickled fresno, sunflower seed, citrus, avocado
Beef Tartare$28.56
pickled mustard seed, capers, egg yolk, micro arugula
Two Fish Tartare$23.24
tuna belly, seabass, shaved fennel, basil oil, milk bread crouton

Appetizers

Carrot Hummus$15.72
tahini, roasted garlic, za'atar, flatbread
Gem Salad$16.74
feta, pickled onion, sunflower seed, everything spice, buttermilk dill dressing
Endive Salad$18.24
frika, pine nuts, grana padano, meyer lemon vinaigrette
Roasted Oysters & Bone Marrow$29.01
pernod, kale, lemon, gruyere, breadcrumb
Broiled Scallops$23.33
tomato béchamel, smoked tuna lardon, fontina, gremolata
Seared Shrimp$23.10
green harissa, lime pulp, micro cilantro
Hoecake$28.67
brown butter corn cake, smoked striped sea bass rillette, white sturgeon caviar, honey butter

Vegetables

Roasted Baby Carrots$14.27
cashew sesame relish, aleppo yogurt, carrot top pesto
Braised Leeks$14.14
porcini butter, hollandaise, fried shallots
Crispy Boardwalk Potatoes$13.66
old bay, malt vinegar, lemon aioli
Spring Peas & Strawberries$14.20
brown sugar vinegar, too much butter
Brussel Sprouts$14.06
caramelized shallot agrodolce, horseradish "cream", fried walnuts, watermelon radish

Entrees

Oak Grilled Steelhead$42.24
beurre blanc, toro de oro pepper, leek oil, chive
Plancha Fired Whole Branzino$36.35
castelvetrano olive, calabrian chili, citrus, fennel
Oak Grilled Eggplant$24.44
sugar snap peas, black sesame miso puree, chimichurri, harissa
Roasted Half Chicken$32.67
salsa verde, tuscan kale, lemon, caper
Oak Grilled Pork Chop$38.29
date & orange jam, rainbow chard, herbs
8oz Prime Filet$52.35
caramelized onion demi-glace, stilton cream, crispy shallots
10 oz Hanger$38.78
brown butter hollandaise, chimichurri, sherry demi-glace, shishito peppers
20 oz Coffee Rubbed Bone-In Ribeye$85.32
bone marrow butter, madre mezcal jus, chimichurri

Pizza + Pasta

Rigatoni$32.54
short rib ragu, lemon, grana padano, garlic confit
Shrimp Linguini$29.65
preserved lemon, capers, parsley, callabrian chili
Fennel Sausage Pizza$24.89
broccolini, garlic, lemon, tomato, ricotta, grana, parsley
Mushroom Pizza$22.82
maitake mushroom, red onion, goat cheese, calabrian chili, truffle pesto
Hawaiian Pizza$25.43
crispy speck, coal roasted pineapple, taleggio, red onion

Cocktails

Refreshing

Beets by Herb$16.00
pisco, vermouth, beet shrub, lemon, meringue
Guavamente Bessame$16.00
jalapeno tequila, guava, lime, house made tajin
Oaxacan Affair$16.00
mezcal, cognac, macadamia nut orgeat, lemon, rum float
Razzle Dazzle$16.00
vodka, framboise, chareau, raspberry agave, lemon
Ord To Jfk$18.00
bourbon, lemon, cabernet sauvignon, clarified with milk
Dirty Once$16.00
olive oil washed gin, cake, lemon
H & Spressotini (Nitro)$16.00
vodka, mr. black coffee liquor, ironsmith espresso, madagascar vanilla

Direct

Ash & Vine$17.00
wine barrel aged bourbon, montepulciano, rosé vermouth, curaçao, grape stem dust
H&S Old Fashioned$15.00
bourbon, amaro lucano, cynar, honey, orange twist
Martinez de Mezcal$16.00
mezcal, dolin rogue, maraschino, house made orange bitters

Spirit-Free

Never Have I Heather$9.00
lemon juice, dragon fruit, basil
Brûlée & Black$9.00
charred lemon iced tea, turmeric-black pepper honey, brûléed lemon
Kollo Iced Tea$9.00
cold brewed, whole leaf, single origin

Wine by the Glass

Sparkling

Bisol, Brut Prosecco, "Jeio", Italy$15.00
Victorine de Chastenay, Brut Rose NV, Crémant de Bourgogne, France$15.00

White

Pinot Grigio, Livio Felluga, Friuli, Italy$16.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Tinpot Hut, Marlborough, New Zealand$17.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Paul Buisse, Tourraine, France$17.00
Chardonnay, Jordan, Russian River Valley, California$20.00
Chenin Blanc, Babylonstoren, Franschhoek, South Africa$16.00

Rosé

Cinsault Blend, Peyrassol, Méditerranée, France$16.00
Grenache Blend, Stolpman, Ballard Canyon, California$15.00

Red

Cabernet Sauvignon, Niner, Paso Robles, California$20.00
Malbec, Mary Taylor, Cahors, France$17.00
Pinot Noir, Au Bon Climat "Pmc Block", Santa Maria Valley, Califorina$22.00
Cabernet Franc, Marcel Martin, "Les Bernieres", Chinon, France$16.00
Grenache / Syrah Blend, Vignerons Ardechois, Rhône Valley, France$16.00
Montepulciano, Abbondanza, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Italy$15.00

Beer

Tap

Kook Slams, West Coast India Pale Ale, Duck Foot Brewing, 7.5%, San Diego$10.00
Rumbler, Double Dry Hopped Pale Ale, Harland Brewing, 5.4%, San Diego$10.00
Harbor Cruise, Kolsch Style Ale, Eppig, 4.9%, San Diego$10.00

What 2,979 people are saying

Herb & Sea reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.7Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

North San Diego
Californian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Herb & Sea offers an energetic atmosphere with standout dishes like mussel toast and creative seafood options. Service is often "exceptional," with attentive staff enhancing the dining experience. While some find noise levels high, the vibrant ambiance and "amazing" food attract diners seeking a lively night out.

2,979 Reviews

a
alberto
Orange County16 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Been wanting to try this place for some time and when I heard about the Mother’s Day brunch, made a reservation. Great food, very courteous and friendly staff, very nice place. Will definitely come again for date night!
Is this helpful?
D
Daniel
San Diego2 reviews
2.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 5
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
Extremely long wait time for entrees. Tasty food and drinks.
Is this helpful?
J
Jay
San Diego2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Really good food. Robert was our amazing server who made sure we got everything we wanted. 10/10 for Robert!! This place can get loud! And you should always make reservations. So be ready for a fun and energized experience with flavors that will impress you.
Is this helpful?
J
Joey
Denver1 review
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
I don’t think this place is doing anything special outside of Happy Hour. There’s value, space and excitement for that one little hour every night and none of that extends to the dining room at any other time. The host was friendly and staff is maybe too laid back for this kind of dining. We did wait a while at the table for anyone to come. Our server was pleasant but made a few mistakes. Can’t stand when the waiter forgets drinks. Absolutely No Way an app should arrive before drinks and if it does the food runner and the waiter need to lay down some apologies and make it right. It’s lazy. $100 a person and lazy should Never be there. That’s the real thing here, most the reviewers are right, value at Herb and Sea is not there at all. The food is mediocre and far from spectacular. The filets not superb and the whole fish, though quite good, was so salty. Overkill with the sauce on the whole fish. Oysters are good but I can’t compliment the restaurant on opening an oyster. The accoutrements are trash and so over priced. Ambiance is loud and managers and staff pay more attention to certain guests. Clear and obvious. Skip this place unless it’s happy hour or you know they know you from $$, tv or sports. Otherwise they don’t care if you’re there or not. Far superior restaurants in Encinitas let alone the greater San Diego area. Kind of surprised Malarkey is still in business here given his celebrity chef profile. Hopefully Herb and Wood is better.
Is this helpful?
A
Angela VIP
London12 reviews
3.0
Dined on May 4, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The Caesar salad was soaking in dressing and there was no one to pick up plates and refill the water glasses.
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L
Lee
San Diego1 review
3.0
Dined on May 3, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great location, ambiance and good service. I think it’s a bit overall over priced. I said it was my gf’s bday but it went unnoticed.
Is this helpful?
B
Bruce
Palm Springs8 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Went for happy hour. It is the best deal in town. The burger is outstanding.
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M
Michelle VIP
San Diego12 reviews
4.0
Dined on April 30, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The food was excellent & Hayden, our waiter, was so sweet and very attentive.
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T
Ty
Portland11 reviews
3.0
Dined on April 28, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
The food was tasty but a poor value. The service was slow and inconsistent. Way over priced, not a big fan nor willing to go back.
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R
Ryan
Baltimore22 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very good restaurant, everything was perfect. The service was great and we will be going back.
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FAQs

Herb & Sea is rated 4.6 stars by 2979 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

May 11, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 56 times today

Experiences are available.

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
Price
$30 and under
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
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

Website
http://herbandsea.com/
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.

Herb & Sea

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Mother's Day Brunch

Found Oyster x Herb & Sea

Roasted Baby Carrots

Hamachi Crudo

Shrimp Linguini

Raw Bar

Oysters on the Half Shell$24.89

Ahi Puttanesca$28.43

Ceviche$22.91

Hamachi Crudo$23.77

Beef Tartare$28.56

Two Fish Tartare$23.24

Appetizers

Carrot Hummus$15.72

Gem Salad$16.74

Endive Salad$18.24

Roasted Oysters & Bone Marrow$29.01

Broiled Scallops$23.33

Seared Shrimp$23.10

Hoecake$28.67

Vegetables

Roasted Baby Carrots$14.27

Braised Leeks$14.14

Crispy Boardwalk Potatoes$13.66

Spring Peas & Strawberries$14.20

Brussel Sprouts$14.06

Entrees

Oak Grilled Steelhead$42.24

Plancha Fired Whole Branzino$36.35

Oak Grilled Eggplant$24.44

Roasted Half Chicken$32.67

Oak Grilled Pork Chop$38.29

8oz Prime Filet$52.35

10 oz Hanger$38.78

20 oz Coffee Rubbed Bone-In Ribeye$85.32

Pizza + Pasta

Rigatoni$32.54

Shrimp Linguini$29.65

Fennel Sausage Pizza$24.89

Mushroom Pizza$22.82

Hawaiian Pizza$25.43

Cocktails

Refreshing

Beets by Herb$16.00

Guavamente Bessame$16.00

Oaxacan Affair$16.00

Razzle Dazzle$16.00

Ord To Jfk$18.00

Dirty Once$16.00

H & Spressotini (Nitro)$16.00

Direct

Ash & Vine$17.00

H&S Old Fashioned$15.00

Martinez de Mezcal$16.00

Spirit-Free

Never Have I Heather$9.00

Brûlée & Black$9.00

Kollo Iced Tea$9.00

Wine by the Glass

Sparkling

Bisol, Brut Prosecco, "Jeio", Italy$15.00

Victorine de Chastenay, Brut Rose NV, Crémant de Bourgogne, France$15.00

White

Pinot Grigio, Livio Felluga, Friuli, Italy$16.00

Sauvignon Blanc, Tinpot Hut, Marlborough, New Zealand$17.00

Sauvignon Blanc, Paul Buisse, Tourraine, France$17.00

Chardonnay, Jordan, Russian River Valley, California$20.00

Chenin Blanc, Babylonstoren, Franschhoek, South Africa$16.00

Rosé

Cinsault Blend, Peyrassol, Méditerranée, France$16.00

Grenache Blend, Stolpman, Ballard Canyon, California$15.00

Red

Cabernet Sauvignon, Niner, Paso Robles, California$20.00

Malbec, Mary Taylor, Cahors, France$17.00

Pinot Noir, Au Bon Climat "Pmc Block", Santa Maria Valley, Califorina$22.00

Cabernet Franc, Marcel Martin, "Les Bernieres", Chinon, France$16.00