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Valentina, Encinitas, CA

Valentina

4.7
4.7
1503 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary European
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

2 people

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
  • 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.
  • 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

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

NoiseModerate

1,503 Reviews
  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. 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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  11. 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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  12. 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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  13. 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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  14. 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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  15. 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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  16. 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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  17. 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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  18. 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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  19. 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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  20. 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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  21. 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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  22. 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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  23. 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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  24. 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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  25. 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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  26. 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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  27. 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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  28. 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.

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  29. 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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  30. 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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  31. 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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  32. 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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  33. 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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  34. 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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  35. 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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  36. 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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  37. 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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  38. 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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  39. 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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  40. 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

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 38 times today
Google Map for Valentina

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
  • 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.
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