Valentina

Name: Valentina
Address: 810 N Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA, United States, 92024-2073
Telephone: (760) 943-6686
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

1503 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary European

Top Tags:

We look forward to welcoming you.

Valentina is casual neighborhood bistro and wine bar located in Leucadia along Hwy 101. Named after the owner's daughter, Valentina is a casual and welcoming spot that patrons can enjoy for good food, wine and the company of good friends. An eclectic mix of seasonal plates has been inspired by the owners’ passion for travel, reflecting the style of the classic bistros of Mexico City, Spain, and France.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 38 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Home Style
Cuisines
Contemporary European, Basque, Spanish
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(760) 943-6686
Website
http://www.restaurantvalentina.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Jonathan Freyberg
Catering
Please contact us for private events and catering.
Private party facilities
Please contact us for private events and catering.

Location
810 N Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024-2073
Neighborhood
Encinitas
Cross street
Europa
Parking details
Street parking only.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

A Guide to the Best Date Spots in San Diego

Popular dishes

What 1,503 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

4.7Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

1,503 Reviews

CG
CharoG
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The waiters are amzing and knowledgeable. Good luck a always on point.
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MW
MaryW
San Diego
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall4food5service5ambience3
Music way too loud to enjoy such delicious food and converse with friends and family
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h
hungryallthetime
Los Angeles
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a favorite!!! Food, service, vibe…all 10 out of 10
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MC
MonicaC
San Diego
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was well conceived and innovative - once there, I understood the description of an European flair/touch to the food. We were there for a Sat brunch - nice array of savory and sweet. Had a savory Dutch Pancake, my husband had a wonderful steak sandwich on a baguette. Very nice wine menu. Will definitely be coming back for lunch and dinner!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
It was a nice experience! Food is good! Service is very good!
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MM
MMCo
San Diego
2 reviews
vip
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience4
Kimi is a great server. We really enjoyed talking to her.
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S
Steph
New York Area
8 reviews
2.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2023
overall2food4service1ambience3
Unfortunately our server was terrible. She was incredibly rude and seemed irritated the entire time. We ended up ordering less food and drinks than we would have otherwise, just so we could leave. It was very disappointing.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Kimmy was amazing! Great service and experience. Will definitely be coming back.
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LR
LizR
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 22, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Great staff - Kimmie was excellent as our server. Nice ambiance and the food was good - not totally amazing but pretty good. We just shared some of the tapas - croquetas, eggplant dip, smashed artichoke and mussels. The mussels were the highlight- plump and delicious. We should have ordered a side of bread to mop up the juice/sauce.
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DK
DanielK
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
We are close to dark and the lights were a bit too dark. Even with candle it was a bit much.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We had a wonderful experience with exceptionally tasting plates and an amazing staff.
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t
trisha
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was delicious and our waiter was great about helping us understand the menu and making recommendations.
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LW
LaurenW
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Valentina exceeded our expectations! A sweet and comfortable setting with an incredible menu. The octopus and yellowtail did not disappoint and we loved the hangar steak and paella. Our server was lovely, attentive and knowledgeable about the wine list. A wonderful evening with friends made ever sweeter with great food/wine and service!
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S
sharonS
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best dinner in Leucadia/Encinitas Staff was exemplary Food was perfect
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j
jules
San Diego
36 reviews
5.0
36 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous in every way!! Outstanding service. Incredible food. Fun and unique wine list. Definitely a favorite spot!!!
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C
Chris
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience3
Great food, small plates, a bit pricey for serving size, service was great but kitchen is understandably slow. Try the squid
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W
Wildcheetah
Denver
52 reviews
vip
5.0
52 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was perfect!!! Everything we ordered was great! We loved the artichokes the best. Only the thing is the train track is right next to it and when the trains comes by, it gets really loud but I like the atmosphere 🩵 I want to come back again!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We beat the crowd with a 5pm dinner. The yellowfin ceviche appetizer was so perfect - light and delicious. Chef special orange juice braised carrots with Spanish paprika was the perfect combination of sweet, spiced and smoked. My entree was the sea bass in a buerre blanc sauce and mashed potatoes sounds ordinary, but it wasn’t…it was perfection, my favorite. My husbands hanger streak and frites served rare was perfect for him. I can’t wait to go back!
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RM
RomaM
Los Angeles
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
wonderful meal and wonderful service. we found the crispy rice Paella dish too 'crispy'. everything else was just perfect!
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F
Fachoy
Orange County
77 reviews
vip
4.0
77 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Oysters served with olive oil and sea salt were quite delicious. Seafood paella with rice prepared crispy was absolutely fabulous and our favorite selection was the local seared baby squids, a unique delicacie we totally enjoyed. Cocktails were great as well.
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TB
TerreB
San Diego
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
The Tapas were all very good. I would not recommend the octopus salad but everything else was great, even the french fries. Our favorite was the yellowtail crudite. We brought our own wine, but it looks like their list has been upgraded and they're using wine glasses finally.
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BZ
BZ92007
San Diego
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our first brunch at Valentina was perfect. An excellent Saturday treat. Thanks.
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PP
PayalP
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall3food3service1ambience4
I think Service could be improved. Not a lot of vegetarian options or flexibility so just a warning with parties that don’t eat fish/meat. Ambience is great.
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EN
ElenaN
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is amazing! All staff are very friendly. We had a great time here.
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MM
MollyM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing tapas bar, reminded me of Spain, reasonably priced with great service
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Exclusive
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Decided to order multiple apps to try as much as we could since we were only visiting the area. We got the baby squid, oysters, ceviche and mussels. All were excellent!! If you get the mussels make sure to get it with bread and not fries. Bread went really well with it and dipping in the butter white wine sauce was chef’s kiss. Wasn’t sure if we wanted mains but ordered anyway. We got the paella and the rib eye steak. Both were okay, steak cooked at the correct temp. The appetizers did outshine the mains in my opinion. And for the dessert we tried basque cake with vanilla ice cream. Holy this was SO. GOOD. A must order for every visit! Definitely would come back.
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FD
FordhamDad
New York Area
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Madison was our server, she was as outstanding and memorable as the wonderful tapas we enjoyed at her suggestions. Excellent dinner.
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T
Terhoune
San Francisco
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great local restaurant. Service is great and the food is fantastic. Really good vibe. Highly recommend.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and food. Ribeye = amazing Must get Basque cake. Highly recommend!!
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GZ
GregZ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went there for our anniversary. They made our evening very special.service was as amazing as the food!
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BD
BethD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Kimmy our server was awesome. She had great recommendations and entire experience was great.
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s
sharonredbarron
San Diego
62 reviews
vip
5.0
62 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Noticed Valentina on a drive up the coast. Booked it for my BD dinner. Not disappointed! Great Spanish/Med foods, lovely Spanish wine. Will definitely visit again.
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L
Lovefood
New York Area
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
Food is amazing!!! We ordered almost the entire menu and everything was absolutely delicious. Service was pretty good as well: timely, friendly and attentive. The restaurant has a pretty cool vibe, great decor, reminded us of NY’s good old Schillers/Pastis (iykyk) or a French/Belgian bistro. Took a star off because of the noise level, music was too loud! Also, it was pretty expensive but if that’s what we have to pay to have a superb meal in Encinitas, we will pay it again. We will definitely be back and maybe next time we’ll ask to lower the music a bit 🙉
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AD
AmyDinMV
Orange County
63 reviews
vip
5.0
63 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Just Lovely! Excellent food, superb service, wonderful front of the house (often overlooked but a huge impact on the first impression). Valentina is a terrific experience- we loved every minute of our evening. Great wine list and our server was knowledgeable and helpful with every aspect of the food and wine. We are excited to return and try more at Valentina!
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PK
PatriciaK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful setting and interesting menu. Enjoyed our evening
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m
monicab
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on August 22, 2023
overall2food2service5ambience5
There is literally zero options for a vegetarian. Used to have at least one option and now gone. No entrees whatsoever on the menu. Definitely would not return until menu is changed.
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EE
ErinE
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love this place. Quirky small place that has quite the passionate chefs and staff. Their menu really is farm to table. I always get the whatever the daily special is and never regret it. Thanks to my waiter who sold be on my first ever yellow tail collar bone. If I wasn’t in public I would have eaten that like a rib lol. So good.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A memorable experience at Valentina focused on the food which is outstanding, every dish delicious with new flavors and textures and the got the leche de tigre ceviche just right. The chef and kitchen team doing a remarkable job. The service was attentive all the way round. The food came out not too soon and not to much time between dishes. Definitely a place to come back to and support and enjoy with family and friends.
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BE
BillandElisa
Orange County
154 reviews
vip
5.0
154 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our first time dining at Valentina which is a great find in Leucadia/Encinitas. Ambiance 4.5: cool hang especially outdoors although it can be a bit tight, noisy, and 'echo-ey' inside. Service 5.0: is very friendly, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and helpful from everyone - nicely done. Food 5.0+: fantastic tapas dishes that are creative, well-conceived and executed to perfection. Flavors are amazing. A candidate for one of our favorites and we will certainly be back soon!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service, food and ambiance. David was so attentive and lovely. Will definitely be back!
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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
- Contactless payment available

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Valentina is rated 4.7 stars by 1503 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 38 times today

810 N Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024-2073

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Europa
Neighborhood
Encinitas
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Contemporary European, Basque, Spanish
Dining style
Home Style
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street parking only.
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Jonathan Freyberg
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.restaurantvalentina.com/
Phone number
(760) 943-6686
Catering
Please contact us for private events and catering.
Private party facilities
Please contact us for private events and catering.

Featured in

A Guide to the Best Date Spots in San Diego

Valentina

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

A Guide to the Best Date Spots in San Diego

Popular dishes

Ostras Oysters

Pastel Vasco Basque Cake

Tartare de Buey Steak Tartare

Menu

What 1,503 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

How is Valentina restaurant rated?

Is Valentina currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

A Guide to the Best Date Spots in San Diego