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Herb & Sea, Encinitas, CA

Herb & Sea

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Visa Dining Collection

4.6 (3033)
$30 and under
Californian
131 W D St, Encinitas, CA 92024-3516

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2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 38 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Lively
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
  • 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.
  • 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

What 3,033 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

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • North San Diego

    Californian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Herb & Sea delivers a dynamic dining experience with "excellent service" and "delicious food." Standouts include the "mussel toast" and "Bone Marrow," with creative, seasonal dishes that surprise and delight. While noise levels can be high, the vibrant atmosphere and "friendly staff" make it a "neighborhood gem."
3,033 Reviews
  1. Christine VIP

    San Diego7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Herb & Sea never disappoints! It’s our favorite neighbor restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Tom VIP

    San Diego2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing Happy Meal and drinks! Highly recommend eating here.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Isabel

    San Francisco Bay Area1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food and ambience is incredible with quality service. Nick is an amazing waiter who takes great care of all diners and I strongly recommend the mussel toast along with the ceviche. If you are able to come when they serve tuna that's the fish to eat! All cocktails are superb as well. We 100% will be returning!

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  4. Rich

    San Francisco Bay Area1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is the best restaurant in Encinitas. It's our go to for special occasions.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Wendi VIP

    San Diego7 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was amazing. A little rough in getting us seated and order taken. But once we got settled in the food far surpassed the little snafu's we had. Everything was amazing. Order all of the vegetable sides worth every bite!

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  6. Nick

    San Diego3 reviews

    2.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    We had a Friday night dinner for two, got straight in at our reservation time was smooth. Had reserved one of their high top tables in the bar area. The Bar side was busy, had a good ambiance on a Friday night. Ordered an old fashioned, didn’t love it. Seemed really clear when it arrived and a bunch of small ice chunkers. Didn’t really have a flavor or style to it. Had the oysters first which were nothing special, then way too much sauce on the yellowtail appetizer, the Baja shrimp were amazing, for entre had the ragu which I loved last time but this wasn’t as good as before, different kinda of pasta, it was some kinda black pasta this time was ok just didn’t love it. Overall nice night out, but a blah dinner with a steep price tag.

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  7. Cat VIP

    San Diego86 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on June 27, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Enjoyed our server, Becky, who was very busy but never flustered. We had come from another “acclaimed” restaurant where our service was really awful (bar). When Becky didn’t know something, she calmly got the answers. This other place was just the opposite. Thank Herb and Sea for a pleasant experience.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Gabby

    Seattle / Eastern Washington5 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on June 23, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was delicious. However two of the dishes we ordered seemed a tad overpriced for what we got. Great food!

    1 person found this helpful

  9. Christine VIP

    San Diego8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing as always, our favorite neighborhood restaurant!

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  10. Mark VIP

    Seattle / Eastern Washington7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious food, including bluefin tartare and Caesar salad. Outstanding service and very friendly staff. The only caveat is that parking can be a problem. That said, it's worth a short stroll. I plan to go back.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Herb & Sea is rated 4.6 stars by 3033 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego
  4. North San Diego
  5. Encinitas

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 38 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
  • 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
  • Phone number
  • 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.
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