Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego
  4. North San Diego
  5. Encinitas
Valentina, Encinitas, CA

Valentina

4.7
4.7
1542 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

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 32 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Home Style
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • 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

What 1,542 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
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

1,542 Reviews

  1. ChipR

    Wilmington

    65 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    65 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The appetizers of oysters and fresh fish were outstanding, the steak frittes were excellent, and the Thanksgiving plates were well done. All in all, a very successful Thanksgiving!

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went for Thanksgiving. Great food, great service, cute ambiance. Would definitely go back.

    Is this helpful?

  3. TerryH

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food great service and recommendations. Definitely plan to return when we next visit Encinitas

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was super good! Ambient and decoration pretty The bread amazing

    Is this helpful?

  5. MariaG

    Austin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent dinner! Favorites were mussels, steak, rice, and basque cake! Highly recommend

    Is this helpful?

  6. BluGoose

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best meals and restaurant experiences I've had! If you haven't been, you're missing out!! Already planning to return this week!

    Is this helpful?

  7. KelleyM

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent as always! Never disappoints! Excellent food, service and ambiance!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Pasmal

    San Francisco

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food is always good here, service is excellent, servers are knowledgeable and helpful. It’s a bit noisy, but could be testament to everyone enjoying themselves. Our server, Kimmie, was great!

    Is this helpful?

  9. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Fabulous food. And the kitchen doesn’t close at 9!

    Is this helpful?

  10. ColleenV

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a wonderful dining experience made even better by our friendly, knowledgable, and awesome server, Luis. He gave us great dining advice and chatted with us periodically throughout our dinner. The food and drinks were excellent. All of the staff were great. It was a welcoming, comfortable dining experience! Luis sat down with us for a minute or two at the end of our dinner. We felt like we got to know him as a person which is unusual in this day and age. Highly recommended restaurant!

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Their duck and desserts are amazing. We will be returning. Going to sit outside next time though as it looked warmer than inside with all the heaters and the building doors left open.

    Is this helpful?

  12. GeoffreyR

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Valentina is fabulous! The food is uniformly excellent and the menu is diverse and well thought-out. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. We go there often and always feel it's a treat.

    Is this helpful?

  13. Jobi

    San Diego

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a pleasure - great service great food! One of our go-to spots :-)

    Is this helpful?

  14. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an incredible experience. Our server Harvey made the evening so special for us. The food was incredible . Highly recommend it !!

    Is this helpful?

  15. HappyHedonists

    Wilmington

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the gambas (very spicy!), and the artichoke to start, then the sea bass for our main course. Everything g was perfectly prepared and our server, Camilla, was very helpful and attentive.

    Is this helpful?

  16. MinehE

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall1food4service3ambience3
    We felt very rushed the entire time but food was good.

    Is this helpful?

  17. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything about Valentina was 5 star. Delicious food, great recommendations and a beautiful setting. Highly recommended!!

    Is this helpful?

  18. Terrible

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely evening and great food. Service was friendly and not overly intrusive.

    Is this helpful?

  19. HectorM

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    We were greeted and welcomed in a warm and amiable way.  The ambience was definitely right out of Greenpoint in Brooklyn. The subway tiles surrounding the bar and the main dining room looked like they’ve been there for 100 years. We loved it. Candice, our server was very helpful explaining the specials and the tapas style of food that was on the menu that evening. Everything we ordered had great flavor and balance, particularly the Peruvian style yellowtail ceviche. We definitely look forward to our next dining experience there to taste more of the menu. 

    Is this helpful?

  20. NicoleC

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was amazing as was service! First time to try sangria there, best I have had, very light and tasty. Desert was beyond beat we had as well! Cake and donuts like option.

    Is this helpful?

  21. Teri

    Los Angeles

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The whole evening was so great- all the small dishes were so delicious and the crispy paella and cod entrees spectacular. Feels like a favorite neighborhood place you never tire

    Is this helpful?

  22. Hank

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was exquisite. Service impeccable. Lovely ambience. Perfect in every way.

    Is this helpful?

  23. Mandi

    Columbus

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect dinner, lots if flavor! Our server was great. Overall wonderful experience!

    Is this helpful?

  24. LUXURYConcierge

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server Kim was AMAZING! I LOVED their RIBEYE!

    Is this helpful?

  25. Ekek

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Paella excellent. Side dish olives was not as good as before, maybe Covid related cost cutting?

    Is this helpful?

  26. AlexisR

    Seattle

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and drink, our waiter was so kind.

    Is this helpful?

  27. Encinitasfoodie

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best dinner spot in town. Great selections of wine and seafood

    Is this helpful?

  28. Mauimike

    Las Vegas

    10 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall3food2service2ambience5
    Started out great. Ambiance, appetizers were good and then it was down hill from there. The server couldn’t keep our main order straight? The main course took 20 minutes to arrive. The sea bass was overcooked and so was my girlfriends crispy seafood paella. We will not be returning!

    Is this helpful?

  29. OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love this place. This was our second time at Valentina, and it did not disappoint. San Diego has so many good dining options, but this is our favorite.

    Is this helpful?

  30. wino2

    Los Angeles

    76 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    76 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Really great food, and good ambience. Had to wait a little to be seated, but not terribly long. The service was good, but I think we could have had a little more attention. Otherwise, everything was excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  31. FrankS

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every dish was tasty and different .. the paella was excellent! the shrimp was awesome! got to get some warm bread so you can dip in the sauce .. got to try to Basque Cake (tip from our daughter) This is probably our favorite restaurant up in North County.

    Is this helpful?

  32. AllisonL

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing meal! The Leche de Tigre app and steak frites were excellent. Perfect date night spot.

    Is this helpful?

  33. Terhoune

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic restaurant. This has turned into my favorite go-to restaurant in Encinitas.

    Is this helpful?

  34. LisaC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We arrived one hour before our reservation and understandably our table was still occupied. However there was seating available outside which worked perfectly for us. We visited Spain this year and miss the amazing food. The tapas here were fantastic, every one of them. Our server made suggestions and they were spot on. Will definitely go again next time we are in San Diego

    Is this helpful?

  35. paulab

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Im from Spain and I can say those croquetas were like my grandma’s croquetas! And the basque desert was amazing😍

    Is this helpful?

  36. VJWTravel

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great location, friendly and helpful staff, delicious food. A real gem.

    Is this helpful?

  37. JH10

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 6, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Our waiter was great, food delicious! Favorites: croquettes and crème brûlée Dessert,

    Is this helpful?

  38. GrantyJ

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Valentina is a local gem with fantastic food and great service. From fresh fish dishes to the Pork Schnitzel, one of my favorites, you really can't go wrong. I do recommend making a reservation as the place does fill up.

    Is this helpful?

  39. HappyHedonists

    Wilmington

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on October 5, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The yellowtail ceviche was outstanding. The pork schnitzel was a little tough but had great flavor-mustard and capers.

    Is this helpful?

  40. CharoG

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The waiters are amzing and knowledgeable. Good luck a always on point.

    Is this helpful?

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 1542 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 32 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
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • 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

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo