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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Encinitas

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40 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Buona Forchetta Encinitas restaurant
1. Buona Forchetta Encinitas
4.7
Exceptional(610)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Encinitas
Booked 46 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
2. Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff
4.8
Exceptional(9314)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 105 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
3. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge
4.7
Exceptional(161)
Price: Expensive
• American • Encinitas
Booked 59 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 Le Papagayo Encinitas restaurant
4. Le Papagayo Encinitas
4.4
Awesome(2271)
Price: Moderate
• American • Encinitas
Booked 29 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.
A photo of Ember & Rye restaurant
5. Ember & Rye
4.6
Exceptional(1278)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Carlsbad
Booked 21 times today
Ember & Rye is a neighborhood gem that offers a delightful blend of fine local ingredients, served in a casual vintage clubhouse setting. Reviewers consistently praise the outstanding service, exceptional food, and beautiful ambiance. As one reviewer puts it, 'phenomenal food, beautiful setting, great service.' It's a perfect spot for a special occasion or a casual dinner with friends.
A photo of Bob’s Steak & Chop House – La Costa restaurant
6. Bob’s Steak & Chop House – La Costa
4.6
Exceptional(1732)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Carlsbad
Booked 10 times today
Bob’s Steak & Chop House – La Costa is a nationally renowned steak house specializing in the finest corn-fed, Midwestern prime beef. The menu formula is simple: incredible meat, gigantic shrimp, fabulous salads and decadent desserts. Classic steak house food prepared and presented in a manner that Bon Appétit calls "the kind of fare you"ll want to go back for again and again."Quality and service are two of the main ingredients that make up the culture. Because of the caliber of the product, servers exude a friendly confidence that charges the atmosphere and restaurants with vitality. Award-winning food, educated service and warm, classic décor make dining at Bob's Steak & Chop House an outstanding experience. All Valet parking is complimentary at the resort for Bob's guests!
A photo of Chandler's Oceanfront Dining- Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort & Spa restaurant
7. Chandler's Oceanfront Dining- Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort & Spa
4.6
Exceptional(1517)
Price: Moderate
• Unspecified • Carlsbad
Booked 22 times today
Relish in coastal California cuisine handcrafted with a fresh and flavorful approach at our ocean view restaurant in Carlsbad, CA. Our menu continues to be reinvented with innovation and craft, but always with upscale ingredients to savor with every bite. Ocean views served complimentary. Discover this coastal and comfortable gem right here in North County San Diego.
A photo of Ki's Restaurant restaurant
8. Ki's Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1040)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 8 times today
Ki's Restaurant is a beloved gem in the heart of the beach community in Cardiff By The Sea. It offers a unique dining experience with its Californian cuisine that caters to the local health-conscious crowd. Reviews rave about the restaurant's cozy, welcoming ambiance, the ocean and lagoon views, and the 'fresh, whole foods expertly prepared'. The restaurant's staff is praised for being friendly, competent, and professional. It's a perfect spot for a casual meal, date night, or a visit with family and friends.
A photo of Firenze Trattoria restaurant
9. Firenze Trattoria
4.7
Exceptional(1777)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Encinitas
Booked 18 times today
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.
A photo of Red Tracton's restaurant
10. Red Tracton's
4.4
Awesome(1727)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Del Mar
Booked 6 times today
East coast style Steakhouse and Supper Club with roots dating back 75 years plus . Red Tracton's is know for serving only the finest in Prime Beef and Seafood. Quality and quantity is Reds trademark. Live entertainment Tuesday - Saturday at the Piano bar.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Randy
    San Diego •27 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Pacific Coast Grill is my favorite restaurant in California. It has the most amazing views and there ia not a bad seat in the place,."" The staff skilled, efficient, friendly, and amazingly accommodating... AND THE FOOD!!! INCREDIBLE, CREATIVE, perfectly prepared and presented. Menu is heavily seafood, but with enough items for the non-fish lover. And save room for the amazing desserts! The one dish one has to try is the shrimp dumpling appetizer. Nothing like it!!
    More info
    Pacific Coast Grill - CardiffPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Cardiff By The Sea
    •
    4.8
  • MariaVIP
    San Diego •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Love Ember & Rye restaurant. Most delicious meal. Many favorites, as I keep coming back. We enjoyed the Wedge salad, Filet Mignon, Ahi Tuna Tostada, Shrimp Cocktail & Osetra Caviar dip, simply the best.!! Perfection!! Pepared by Chef Jon and his team. Amazing service by Jessie. Perfect location, stunning views of the Aviara golf course.
    More info
    Ember & RyePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Carlsbad
    •
    4.6
  • MariaVIP
    San Diego •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    It truly is one of my favorite restaurants. Come often. Warm welcome by Max, as always, I feel like I'm a part of Waverly family every time I come. Most delicious Kale salad, my favorite and delicious Mocktail. Thank you for your hospitality and the best service. I will see you soon.
    More info
    Waverly Restaurant & LoungePrice: Expensive• American• Encinitas
    •
    4.7
  • JayVIP
    San Diego •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Perfect place for a low key date night. Arguably the best pizza on the coast highway. Salads are huge and tasty. Servers are friendly and professional.
    More info
    Buona Forchetta EncinitasPrice: Moderate• Italian• Encinitas
    •
    4.7
  • Jeff
    Greater Boston •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 7, 2025
    Live the vibe, music, food, and location. Service was also great from time I checked in
    More info
    Le Papagayo EncinitasPrice: Moderate• American• Encinitas
    •
    4.4

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Encinitas

Discover the hidden culinary treasures of Encinitas, a vibrant part of North San Diego known for its laid-back vibe and picturesque settings. Our curated selection of neighborhood gems in Encinitas offers a delightful dining experience, each bringing a unique flavor and charm to the table. These restaurants excel in providing a cozy, intimate atmosphere making them perfect spots for both locals and visitors seeking a memorable meal. Whether you're in the mood for innovative American cuisine, authentic Mexican-Spanish dishes, or something entirely different, each establishment ensures a high-quality dining experience with friendly service and a commitment to excellence. The dining scene in Encinitas is characterized by its casual elegance and a focus on locally-sourced ingredients, reflecting the community's love for fresh, sustainable fare. Embrace the charm of North San Diego by visiting these neighborhood gems, where each meal is served with a slice of coastal serenity. Whether for a special occasion or a casual outing, these restaurants promise to offer a satisfying experience that caters to a variety of tastes and preferences.

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