Best Casual Restaurants in Encinitas

66 restaurants available nearby

1. Herb & Sea

4.6

Exceptional(2803)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Encinitas

Booked 52 times today

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

2. Valentina

4.8

Exceptional(1795)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary European • Encinitas

Booked 22 times today

A small neighborhood Spanish restaurant in a cute California beach town called Leucadia.we play music and serve wine, tapas, some cocktails and thoughtful hospitality with some dim lighting in a lively environment.We look forward to welcoming you.

3. Haven

4.2

Awesome(133)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Encinitas

Booked 18 times today

Nestled in the hills of Leucadia, Fox Point Farms is home to Haven Farm + Table, a new Californian restaurant helmed by Chef de Cuisine Kelston Moore and General Manager and Wine Director Ricardo Zarate Jr. Haven features the bountiful produce of the three-acre regenerative farm located just steps away from the kitchen. Delight in innovative dishes such as the Jerk Pork Belly Mole while dining on the terrace overlooking our lush fields, or sip a cocktail designed by Phillip Laethem in the stately yet cozy dining room.

A photo of Buona Forchetta Encinitas restaurant

4. Buona Forchetta Encinitas

4.7

Exceptional(579)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Encinitas

Booked 38 times today

Buona Forchetta Encinitas, our third location, blends award winning Neapolitan-style pizzas and Northern Italian upscale entrees in a family-friendly, approachable space. Located in Encinitas, this location boasts a indoor seating as well as an outside patio and a small room for private events. Inside, a gilded oven churns out classic creations, while the main kitchen serves up chef-driven pastas and entree dishes. Owner Matteo Cattaneo brought the Italian warehouse-style eatery to life.

A photo of Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff restaurant

5. Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff

4.7

Exceptional(9149)

Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Cardiff By The Sea

Booked 78 times today

Pacific Coast Grill's oceanfront venue features unique Pacific Coastal cuisine, an oyster bar, select sushi rolls, and a plethora of seafood choices, delicious steaks and more! There are two levels of dining at the new PCG with every dining seat in the house carefully planned to have an ocean view. There are bars on both levels and a heated outdoor patio and a deck with one of the best views of the Pacific Ocean and the line up at Cardiff Reef. You can watch surfers, kite surfers, dolphins, whales and spectacular sunsets from throughout the restaurant.

6. Echale Encinitas

4.7

Exceptional(104)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Encinitas

Booked 13 times today

Nestled in the serene beach town of Encinitas, our California Bistro and Natural Wine Bar offers a mix of traditional Spanish flavors with a modern Mediterranean twist, complemented by an exquisite selection of natural wines. Menu favorites include the Maitake Mushroom toast and tahini "aioli", our Green Chile Burger with gruyere cheese, and our locally sourced blue fin tuna crudo with citrus vinaigrette. We play a mix of Brazilian funk, late 90's hip-hop, and French pop all through our vintage Marantz receiver and JBl speakers. Our dimly lit cozy restaurant is ideal for date nights and post-surf hangs.

A photo of Waverly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

7. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge

4.6

Exceptional(98)

Price: Expensive

• American • Encinitas

Booked 56 times today

Located in beautiful Cardiff by The Sea, Waverly is a full-service restaurant serving Progressive American cuisine & specialty cocktails with a European influence.Evening Dining Reservation tables will be reserved for 1 hour and 45 minutes for parties of up to 2 and for 2 hours for parties of up to 6.Reservations are weather permitting and may be rescheduled if inclement weather is forecast. You will be contacted by one of our Hospitality Leaders should modifications need to be made to your reservation.*We offer a limited menu happy hour Tuesday through Sunday from 3 to 5 PM. No reservations needed – first come, first served

8. Ki's Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1019)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Cardiff By The Sea

Booked 8 times today

During these trying times, we are trying to adjust our service so that customers feel safe but still have a great Ki's experience. Daytime service is as it always has been: order at the counter and the food will be brought to you in the seating area we have created outside under the tents. Night-time is full service. Sunday through Thursday is upstairs. The tables are spaced far apart and there is an option of being out on the front deck for parties of two. On Friday and Saturday, we will be offering full service in both seating areas of upstairs and under the tents outside. Ki's is a perfect fit for its local beach community culture. We provide food options that serve the needs of people who enjoy the outdoors and have a high degree of awareness for their health, fitness and well being. And Ki's is more than just a 'health food' option for many. It is simply great food for anyone-professionals, families looking for a home-cooked meal or friends hanging out enjoying some tasty eats.

A photo of VAGA Restaurant & Bar restaurant

9. VAGA Restaurant & Bar

4.5

Awesome(201)

Price: Expensive

• American • Encinitas

Booked 30 times today

For a true “vaga”, the journey is never-ending; the spirit and palate, always curious. Drawing ingredients and inspiration from near and far, VAGA explores San Diego’s ever-changing confluence of culture and wanderlust. From its perch on a coastal bluff in Encinitas, California, VAGA keeps one hand in the ocean, one hand in the farm, and both eyes on the horizon.VAGA Restaurant & Bar is located on Level 2 of Alila Marea Beach Resort. Valet parking is available through the resort for $5.00 per car before 5 pm with validation only. After 5 pm, valet parking is $10.00 per car with no validation required. Self-parking is not available.

A photo of Le Papagayo Encinitas restaurant

10. Le Papagayo Encinitas

4.4

Awesome(2253)

Price: Moderate

• American • Encinitas

Booked 13 times today

Le Papagayo blends New American and Pacific Coast cuisine to create an amazing fine dining experience. The Chef and Myself combine the freshest of local ingredients and flavor to create a unique character for each meal created from scratch. Dining at Le Papagayo is a full experience that will delight all your senses. Amazing food and a warm and inviting dining room which looks like an art gallery are all part of the experience.We also offer a heated patio and unplugged live music every night.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
Robertvip
San Diego •239 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
There are always many ways to praise Valentina, but in few words it is one of the best, if not the best, dining experiences in all of San Diego county.
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ValentinaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary European• Encinitas
•
4.8
L
Lorinvip
San Diego •60 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Always a favorite! Look forward to great ambience and delicious food.
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Buona Forchetta EncinitasPrice: Moderate• Italian• Encinitas
•
4.7
A
Ann
San Diego •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food and the service here is above and beyond excellent. A bit pricey, as is everywhere else. Our only discomfort was the noise level - it was difficult to carry on a conversation. But this is one of our favorite go-to places and so will return - and highly recommend it!
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Pacific Coast Grill - CardiffPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Cardiff By The Sea
•
4.7
P
Pollyvip
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Great over-all with excellent service. Would have preferred a more varied menu with a couple of additional entrees- possibly a chicken option? and possibly a vegan option. Ceasar salad, bread and soup were very good~ and the flavored butters. A little chilly, but not bad considering is so open air inside. Savanah was a wonderful server xoxo
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HavenPrice: Expensive• Californian• Encinitas
•
4.2
B
Bethvip
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Rachel was a great server- knowledgeable and attentive. We were celebrating a birthday - was a great place to celebrate. Food was delicious and the mescal drink was great.
More info
Herb & SeaPrice: Moderate• Californian• Encinitas
•
4.6

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Best Casual Restaurants in Encinitas

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66 restaurants available nearby

1. Herb & Sea

2. Valentina

3. Haven

4. Buona Forchetta Encinitas

5. Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff

6. Echale Encinitas

7. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge

8. Ki's Restaurant

9. VAGA Restaurant & Bar

10. Le Papagayo Encinitas

See what locals rave about

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