Encinitas Restaurants
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Javier's - La Jolla
Price: Moderate•Mexican•4.6(3,825)La Jolla - 2
Duke's La Jolla
Price: Moderate•Hawaii Regional Cuisine•4.6(6,808)La Jolla - 3
Steak 48 - Del Mar
Price: Very Expensive•Steakhouse•4.9(1,958)Del Mar - 4
Culinary Dropout - Del Mar
Price: Moderate•American•4.6(74)Carmel Valley - 5
Wildland
Price: Moderate•Californian•4.6(143)Carlsbad
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The Marine Room
Price: Very Expensive•Seafood•4.7(8,462)La Jolla - 2
Raised by Wolves
Price: Moderate•Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service•4.8(3,005)La Jolla - 3
Campfire
Price: Moderate•American•4.8(5,490)Carlsbad - 4
Addison by William Bradley
Price: Very Expensive•Californian•4.8(1,875)Del Mar - 5
The Amalfi Llama - San Diego
Price: Very Expensive•Steakhouse•4.5(509)University City/Golden Triangle
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Jeune et Jolie
Price: Very Expensive•Contemporary French•4.9(4,279)Carlsbad - 2
Le Coq
Price: Very Expensive•Contemporary French•4.5(483)La Jolla - 3
RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla
Price: Expensive•Contemporary Mexican•4.4(2,800)La Jolla - 4
The Whaling Bar
Price: Expensive•Californian•4.6(126)La Jolla - 5
AR Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Price: Very Expensive•Farm-to-table•4.6(2,511)La Jolla
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Check out diners' favorite restaurants in Encinitas
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Firenze Trattoria
Price: Expensive•Italian•4.8(1,791)OPEN FOR DINE IN~ We are accepting online and phone reservations. Please be patient with wait times **IF YOU HAVE A SEATING PREFERENCE FOR EITHER THE INSIDE DINING ROOM OR OUTSIDE HEATED PATIO, PLEASE SPECIFY WHEN MAKING YOUR RESERVATION. **SEATING PREFERENCES CANNOT BE GUARANTEED**
Sun-splashed by day and romantically lantern-lit at night, Firenze's flower-bedecked patio, with it's gentle fountain, is like a private courtyard in some romantic Italian villa. Come see what all the buzz is about we are certain that you will enjoy this one of a kind experience in this beautiful San Diego Italian restaurant.Valentina
Price: Expensive•Contemporary European•4.8(1,907)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.
Buona Forchetta Encinitas
Price: Moderate•Italian•4.6(663)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.Kai Ola Sushi Encinitas
Price: Expensive•Sushi•4.7(9)Located in the beach town known as Leucadia, Kai Ola is Encinitas, California’s best sushi in a laid-back, casual atmosphere with Hawaiian vibes.
You will get the freshest, finest, and the best quality sushi at Kai Ola. We serve fresh, unique (as well as traditional) sushi and we take pride in how it tastes. Our chefs prepare top quality creations and we take pride in our work.
Kai Ola is not about the scene. While locals and visitors alike love to dine with us, this is not a fine dining experience. This is about the fish. Sandals, board shorts, and bathing suits are welcome.
Kai Ola has the true Aloha! spirit in everything we do. Please come join us for the best fish and sushi creations you have yet to taste.
Vigilucci's Trattoria Italiana
Price: Expensive•Italian•4.6(1,384)Vigilucci’s Trattoria Italiana features an exceptional menu of Italian favorites, steaks and the freshest seafood. Menu highlights include many of the company’s signature dishes, made from scratch pastas, salads, steaks, seafood, pizzas and calzones. Group dining space is available for large or small groups. Our casual yet sophisticated piano bar enhances the dining experience in the main dining room and front patio.
For off-site events and parties contact Cater@Vigiluccis.com
Catering to the most discerning palates for over 30 years,
Vigilucci’s catering team can custom create a unique and memorable menu for celebrating life’s special occasions.Herb & Sea
Price: Moderate•Californian•4.6(2,999)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
VAGA Restaurant & Bar
Price: Expensive•American•4.3(331)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.Cocina de Barrio Encinitas
Price: Moderate•Mexican•4.7(153)*Brunch hours are on a walk-in basis only.
Cocina de Barrio by Chef Jose J. Flores
Welcome 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!
Outdoor dining in San Diego
See what locals rave about in Encinitas
- CCarolSan Diego •3 reviews5.0Dined 6 days agoSat at the high top tables in the bar and had Happy Meals. All fabulous. We'll be back!More infoHerb & SeaPrice: Moderate• Californian• Encinitas•4.6
- MMariaNew York City •6 reviews5.0Dined on May 26, 2025Great food, excellent service, amazing views and ambiance. 10/10!More infoPacific Coast Grill - CardiffPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Cardiff By The Sea•4.7
- GGinaVIPSan Diego •5 reviews5.0Dined on May 24, 2025Everything was great! Delicious food and excellent service.More infoPuntamarPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Encinitas•4.4
- VVeronicaVIPLos Angeles •15 reviews5.0Dined on May 22, 2025Great food and wonderful service! The jidori chicken & lobster bao are the best. I also indulged in the No. 9 mocktail, which is so yummy!More infoSAGOPrice: Expensive• Asian• Encinitas•4.6
- KLKittyLyons81San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews5.0Dined on Mar 27, 2022Loved dancing at shelter and the good vibes !More infoSHELTERPrice: Moderate• Dining Bar• Encinitas•4.1
Trending dishes in Encinitas
Restaurant experiences trending in San Diego
Discover Encinitas
Encinitas, CA, boasts inviting accommodations, fun nightlife, a wealth of activities and consistent waves. It was once named one of the best surf towns in the world by National Geographic. Whether you choose to surf or just watch the antics, one thing you will not want to miss is eating in the local restaurants. Often people start their day with a healthy omelet prepared with locally grown ingredients like avocados and asparagus. Many seaside cafes offer lobster rolls, crab rolls, and shrimp rolls. It seems that tacos just taste better when they are eaten on Encinitas' beaches. As the sun begins to set, there are many upscale restaurants greeting guests with outstanding seafood and steaks along with gorgeous views.
Frequently asked questions
Healthy restaurants located in Encinitas include Haven, Waverly Restaurant & Lounge and Buona Forchetta Encinitas
Restaurants with gluten-free options in Encinitas are Haven, Buona Forchetta Encinitas and Waverly Restaurant & Lounge
Bottomless brunch in Encinitas is available at Waverly Restaurant & Lounge, Haven and VAGA Restaurant & Bar
The most romantic restaurant in Encinitas is VAGA Restaurant & Bar
Restaurants in Encinitas with a great view include VAGA Restaurant & Bar, Haven and Waverly Restaurant & Lounge
Explore OpenTable
- Rodeway Inn Encinitas North
- Moonlight State Beach
- Encinitas Village Shopping Center
- Leucadia Park
- Ecke Park
- Sea Cliff County Park
- Weidner's Gardens
- Forum Shopping Center
- Ada Harris Park
- Santa Fe Plaza Shopping Center
- Encinitas Viewpoint Park
- Tranquility by the Sea
- Village Square Shopping Center
- Oakcrest County Park
- Moonlight Modern
- Moonlight State Beach
- Weigand Plaza Shopping Center
- Encinitas Beach County Park
- The Black Orchid Bed and Breakfast
- Carlsbad State Beach