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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Encinitas

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21 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cocina de Barrio Encinitas restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(130)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Encinitas
Booked 25 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 Ember & Rye restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1235)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Carlsbad
Booked 36 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 Ponto Lago - Park Hyatt Aviara restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1034)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Carlsbad
Booked 7 times today
Immerse yourself into a refined modern setting featuring Baja-inspired cuisine and specialty cocktails composed of mezcal and tequila. Enjoy a show kitchen allowing you to get an inside look behind the scenes bringing Chef's creations to center stage. Locally sourced cuisine with a coastal flair is the cornerstone of this fine dining Baja-inspired experience.
A photo of Tavern restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(544)
Price: Moderate
• American • Solana Beach
Booked 20 times today
Newly remodeled, the much airier Tavern is all about art, music, and above all great food. Open for lunch and soon to include evening dining, the Tavern adds a distinctly Mexican/Pacific Coast set of flavors to the local fine dining scene.We are located in the heart of the Cedros Design District, within walking distance of the Amtrak station. The style is casual with indoor and outdoor dining ( plus bar seating). The patio, which can accommodate 18 guests, looks out onto the shop-lined Cedros Avenue and can be separated from the main dining area for private events.*Please note* Our restaurant welcomes walk-ins during our Lunch hours from 11:30 am- 3:30 pm. *Tavern restaurant will be closed for dinner (Lunch will remain open Monday and Tuesday when the belly up is dark)*Please check our website for the most up-to-date hours*
A photo of Pacific Point - Park Hyatt Aviara restaurant
4.2
Awesome(170)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Carlsbad
The perfect chic spot to sip your favorite cocktail and savor a bite to eat while watching one of Carlsbad’s finest sunsets from the indoor dining room or out on the terrace. Pacific Point's seating is available on a first come, first serve basis with limited reservations available.
A photo of Jeune et Jolie restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(4084)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French • Carlsbad
Booked 49 times today
A culinary experience celebrating the moment, Jeune et Jolie reimagines French cuisine through the vibrant lens of our Southern California landscape with a 4-course menu offered at $120 per guest. For those looking for a more casual evening, we feature "Le Menu du Bar”, an à la carte offering available for walk-in guests at our bar and lounge.
A photo of Mille Fleurs restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2299)
Price: Very Expensive
• French American • Rancho Santa Fe
Booked 11 times today
**Please note: Patio requests must call the restaurant to confirm availability for patio dining, as availability is very limited due to table spacing.* Nestled in the heart of the historic and charming village of Rancho Santa Fe, just four miles inland from Del Mar, Mille Fleurs offers magnificent California food presentation with extraordinary French flair. The exquisite yet comfortable French country décor with inviting outside patio provides an atmosphere that is gracious, warm and welcoming. Mille Fleurs has received numerous accolades including: "Top 25 in America" from Food & Wine Magazine "Far and away the best restaurant sampled in greater San Diego" quoted in The New York Times as well as "Best French" and "Best of the Best" in San Diego Magazine. Our award winning wine cellar offers over seven hundred choices spanning the globe and varying greatly in price. A mile down the road is the Chino's Family Farm where our chef heads every day to get fresh ingredients.
A photo of Green Dragon Tavern & Museum restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1485)
Price: Moderate
• American • Carlsbad
Booked 10 times today
Green Dragon Tavern & Museum is an award-winning eatery in Carlsbad, offering a unique dining experience. With its highly acclaimed menu, featuring Maine lobster rolls, Shepherd's Pie, and more, it's clear why patrons are consistently impressed. Plus, it's not just about the food - it's also a museum, allowing you to explore American history. The rave reviews speak for themselves, with guests calling it 'unique', 'historic', 'entertaining', and 'a great value'.
A photo of Vigilucci's Seafood & Steakhouse restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4620)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Carlsbad
Booked 40 times today
Vigilucci's Seafood and Steakhouse offers authentic Northern Italian cuisine. The location sits across from the Pacific on the historic 101 and has one of the best views in San Diego.Open seven days a week. Signature dishes include Caprese salad with bufallo mozzarella and Heirloom tomatoes, made from scratch stuffed pastas, Cioppino, prime steaks, fresh seafood including a warm or cold fresh seafood tower with oysters, clams, mussels, crab, lobster and jumbo prawn. (items may vary )Private Wine Cellar room available for private parties.For off-site events and parties contact Cater@Vigiluccis.comCatering to the most discerning palates for over 25 years.Vigilucci’s catering team can custom create a unique and memorable menu for celebrating life’s special occasions.
A photo of Lobby Lounge  at Fairmont Grand Del Mar restaurant
4.3
Awesome(14)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Carmel Valley
Booked 3 times today
The Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Grand Del Mar has been magnificently reimagined to combine the lavish splendor of Italian palazzos with the natural grandeur of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. Indulge in afternoon tea as the San Diego sun casts its golden light through large arched windows, or linger into the evening over inspired tapas, cocktails, and elevated programming under the warm glow of Venetian glass chandeliers. Take in the beauty of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve —or while sipping a craft cocktail in the bar. In a specially commissioned mural that spans all four walls, artist Jim Wodark pays homage to the canyon’s most iconic elements: its ancient rocks, cascading waterfall, and distant mountains.Live entertainment Fridays and Saturdays 8:00 pm - 12:00 am.LIVE LIMITLESS - Join the rewards program designed with you in mind. As a member of ALL – Accor Live Limitless, you’ll earn points on dining and hotel reservations worldwide. Enroll at https://bit.ly/3gvDtJG

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Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Encinitas

Discover exceptional culinary gems in North San Diego, particularly in the Encinitas area, where dining is truly "worth the drive." This region is celebrated for its unique blend of casual beachside eateries and upscale dining establishments, all of which offer an array of dishes that cater to diverse palates. The restaurants in this locale pride themselves on a commitment to quality, with many emphasizing local, organic ingredients and innovative culinary techniques. Whether you're craving artisan pizzas, gourmet steaks, or fresh, seasonal salads, the selected restaurants in Encinitas provide a dining experience that justifies the journey. Each establishment not only offers superb food but also boasts excellent service and a welcoming atmosphere, making them must-visit destinations for both locals and visitors. The dining scene in Encinitas is vibrant and eclectic, reflecting the laid-back yet sophisticated vibe of North San Diego. If you're looking for a dining adventure that is truly worth the drive, Encinitas has several options that promise to satisfy your culinary cravings.

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