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Best Lunch Restaurants in Encinitas

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78 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Herb & Sea restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2845)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Encinitas
Booked 61 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
A photo of Valentina restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1812)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary European • Encinitas
Booked 30 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.
A photo of Buona Forchetta Encinitas restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(590)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Encinitas
Booked 60 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 Ember & Rye restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1227)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Carlsbad
Booked 41 times today
Dine overlooking the 18th green at this Richard Blais steakhouse... of sorts. This delightful collaboration with acclaimed chef and television personality offers delectable steaks and fresh seafood dishes rooted in fine local ingredients, served in a casual, vintage clubhouse setting located at the signature Arnold Palmer designed Aviara Golf Club.
A photo of Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(9193)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 117 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.
A photo of Waverly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(108)
Price: Expensive
• American • Encinitas
Booked 66 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
A photo of UNION Kitchen & Tap restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1056)
Price: Moderate
• American • Encinitas
*** WE HAVE MOVED RESERVATION PLATFORMS *** Book your reservation at [https://www.exploretock.com/union-encinitas]Situated at the southern end of Downtown Encinitas on the historic 101 highway, UNION Kitchen & Tap offers New American Cuisine in an inviting, warm, and comfortable restaurant setting. Executive Chef, Jared Saunders, created a frequently changing menu that relies heavily on local and organic ingredients. The menu features a variety of options to choose from including seasonal salads, hearty sandwiches, prime steak and chops, and a number of signature dishes for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. UNION Kitchen & Tap also offers a full complement of local craft beers, boutique wines, and signature cocktails.
A photo of Cocina de Barrio Encinitas restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(125)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Encinitas
Booked 17 times today
*Brunch hours are on a walk-in basis only.Cocina de Barrio by Chef Jose J. FloresWelcome to Cocina de Barrio, the newest modern-urban Mexican restaurant located in Encinitas, CA! We are proud to feature the culinary richness of Oaxaca as well as other Mexican regions. Stop by and enjoy our bar stocked with plenty of tequila and mezcal selections, beer, and wines sourced from Valle Guadalupe.Don't forget to join us during our daily brunch (where we add a Mexican kick) and our happy hour every Monday-Friday from 3-5pm! Stay Chido!
A photo of Chart House Restaurant - Cardiff restaurant
4.4
Awesome(7195)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Solana Beach
Booked 87 times today
Chart House is a fine dining restaurant serving seafood & steak and famous for their spectacular views. For more than 50 years, Chart House has redefined the ideal dining experience. With 27 waterfront and showcase locations ranging from the historic to the unforgettable, Chart House restaurants specialize in dazzling views, unique cuisine and exceptional service. From fresh fish specialties to slow-roasted prime rib, the renowned chefs of Chart House have tailored a menu that adds a unique touch to local flavors. And the Chart House happy hour is a guest favorite, where guest favor our signature cocktails and delicious bites you are sure to enjoy. Our original Hot Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect end to a memorable dining experience at Chart House. Chart House offers the ideal setting for your next event. We would be happy to assist you with all the details of your special occasion.
A photo of Le Papagayo Encinitas restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2259)
Price: Moderate
• American • Encinitas
Booked 34 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
From verified diners like you
  • Robert
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    This was such a good selection for a date night out while on a big family vacation in Encinitas. Our server was very friendly, knowled,and attentive. The ambiance was somewhat rustic but a very keen eye for detail. We started with the beef tartare special and it was a great start to a fantastic experience. Everything was delicious. Great restaurant.
    More info
    ValentinaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary European• Encinitas
    4.7
  • FrankVIP
    Los Angeles •564 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    From start to finish a well run restaurant. The hostess was friendly and our waiter was excellent. The food was exceptional with lots of flavor. It was also a very busy Christmas Eve dinner slot. Thank you! PS. Put some lights in the parking area since there’s no valet because it was very dark walking to the restaurant.
    More info
    Ember & RyePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Carlsbad
    4.6
  • Kiinani
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    First off, we had the most amazing, upbeat server, Rachel. She was efficient, helpful and very sweet. The food was amazing. My family tried many very different dishes. We were all surprised with the delicious flavors and presentation. We plan to eat at Herb & Sea again and highly recommend it to others!
    More info
    Herb & SeaPrice: Moderate• Californian• Encinitas
    4.6
  • Frank
    San Diego •12 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Another great meal but didn’t have the anchovy pizza my wife loved
    More info
    Buona Forchetta EncinitasPrice: Moderate• Italian• Encinitas
    4.7
  • Richard
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We were greeted with a welcome and they remembered from my reservation that this was my wedding anniversary. We choose an indoor seat by the window. The waves looked nice as we could see them roll in. The food was very good. We had the Shrimp Dumplings which was good--sort of like a Chinese potsticker, but soft. I had the Lobster and Shrimp Chowder, excellent. My wife had the Mixed Organic Greens, very good. We shared both. For our main course I had the Seafood Pasta lobster, shrimp, scallop & mahi with smoked tomato sauce, Thai basil & parmesan. I liked it very much. My wife had the Pacific Paella grilled lobster tail, mahi, clams, scallops, shrimp & saffron Arborio rice, very good. The quantity of those dishes was more than what we expected--we could have just ordered one or the other and shared.
    More info
    Pacific Coast Grill - CardiffPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Cardiff By The Sea
    4.8
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