Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Herb & Sea, Encinitas, CA

Herb & Sea

Visa logo badge

Visa Dining Collection

4.6 (2993)
$30 and under
Californian
131 W D St, Encinitas, CA 92024-3516

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 PM
Booked 50 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Lively
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

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Seafood, Oyster Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Brian Malarkey and Sara Harris
  • Private party facilities
    Herb & Sea’s chic coastal ambiance meets a neighborhood-friendly vibe that can fit events of all shapes and sizes. The concept shines with a menu that focuses on simple, clean, bright flavors. Come into our home, where we think of it all so that you don't have to.
  • Neighborhood
    Encinitas
  • Cross street
    D Street and 2nd Street
  • Parking details
    Convenient street parking is available. The entrance is located between West D Street and West E Street on the East side. You are more than welcome to call the restaurant, (760) 704-8300, if you have further questions!
  • Public transit
    Encinitas Train Station: 25 E D St, Encinitas, CA 92024
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 2,993 people are saying

Herb & Sea reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • North San Diego

    Californian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Herb & Sea offers an eclectic dining experience with "delicious food and excellent service." Notable dishes include the "perfectly cooked halibut" and "mussel toast," while the menu's creativity shines with unique flavor combinations. Despite occasional noise levels and service hiccups, the restaurant is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and consistently flavorful meals.
2,993 Reviews
  1. Daniel VIP

    Chicago73 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love this place- great combination of cool vibe, great food, fun environment and knowledgeable staff.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Carmen

    San Francisco1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Tosh was amazing, patient and loved his reccommendations!! I love the food so much. I wanna try to re-create it at home because I wanna be able to eat it whenever I want so so so good those blistered peas were amazing, ceviche the fish on Reyes everything and the dessert wow so great! The only thing I don’t like is that I have to go work out at the gym so much more for the next few days!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Colleen VIP

    San Diego76 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We went on a Sunday evening, so the restaurant was not terribly busy. We started with the potatoes, carrots and peas on the vegetable section, which were incredible. Then each of us ordered something a little different from each other: trout, chicken, pizza and pasta and all were incredible. Everything was delicious and service was excellent. Had been wanting to dine here for a while and was very happy we had that opportunity to finally experience this place. We will certainly be back.

    Is this helpful?

  4. John VIP

    San Diego141 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a great date night at Herb & Sea. We started with the caviar and then had the trout and the filet. The food was good and the service was great. We look forward to returning again soon.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Susan

    Yosemite / Mammoth Lakes3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious cocktails and small plates! Try the mussel toast and scallop aguachile😍

    Is this helpful?

  6. Dr Cynthia VIP

    Los Angeles18 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I have eaten fish from Indonesia to Maine I have never had fish prepared as perfectly as the barramundi at Herb & Sea!! Flavors perfectly balanced on the palette The smoky flavor of the fish enhanced by the smokiness and zing of the jalapeño yogurt The greens added texture and the chips the ideal crunch. The Stags Leap Chardonnay I had with it added a buttery , herbaceous complexity. And the butterscotch budino? Pure pleasure !!! A Lucious finish to a fantastic repast!! The entire experience was elevated by my server Spencer. Friendly, knowledgeable and polished professional service. He was there when I needed him but never overreacted. His command of the menu was as impressive as the food . I live in Santa Monica I will make Herb & Sea first on my list whenever I am in Encinitas.

    1 person found this helpful

  7. Lawrence VIP

    San Diego3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 12, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding food and service with a varied menu. We especially enjoyed the seafood items!

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 12, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We have dined at Herb & Sea a number of times and were not disappointed this time, even on a holiday. I was pleasantly surprised on Mother’s Day, everything lived up to expectations. They timed seatings so both front and kitchen did not get overwhelmed. Food and service was great. Well done!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Debbe VIP

    San Diego3 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on May 12, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was over priced for what you get. Plus they charge a 4% surcharge. Music was extremely loud for concrete floors and high ceiling’s. The food to be hot and better. Our food was lukewarm not good.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Polly

    St. Louis5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our party of four, with a baby in stroller, began a little slow on the uptake with the waitstaff. However, after asking the dining room host about it, they were on. We were there for the Mother’s Day Brunch. They had a set menu to choose from — not including cocktails. I ordered a peach Bellini which was quite tasty. My spouse had the Bloody Mary and he enjoyed it too. For starters, two of us had the avocado toast on rustic bread with soft cheese crumbleo— so good and perfectly seasoned. Two had the pork belly and polenta, again they completely enjoyed the dishes. For the main it was lobster rolls all around. The lobster pieces were huge and cooked perfectly on soft butter rolls that had been crisped up. The lobster rolls are the stuff of sweet dreams. The sides were roasted, smashed baby potatoes and uber fresh salad greens mix. We ate every bite of every generously portioned sides. So even after a slow start, I have to give a perfect score, and I hope we go again for dinner.

    1 person found this helpful

FAQs

Herb & Sea is rated 4.6 stars by 2993 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego
  4. North San Diego
  5. Encinitas

Make a reservation


Booked 50 times today
Google Map for Herb & Sea

131 W D St, Encinitas, CA 92024-3516

Additional information

  • Cross street
    D Street and 2nd Street
  • Neighborhood
    Encinitas
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Seafood, Oyster Bar
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Convenient street parking is available. The entrance is located between West D Street and West E Street on the East side. You are more than welcome to call the restaurant, (760) 704-8300, if you have further questions!
  • Public transit
    Encinitas Train Station: 25 E D St, Encinitas, CA 92024
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Brian Malarkey and Sara Harris
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Private party facilities
    Herb & Sea’s chic coastal ambiance meets a neighborhood-friendly vibe that can fit events of all shapes and sizes. The concept shines with a menu that focuses on simple, clean, bright flavors. Come into our home, where we think of it all so that you don't have to.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 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
OpenTable Logo