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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Encinitas

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35 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Herb & Sea restaurant
1. Herb & Sea
4.6
Exceptional(2926)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Encinitas
Booked 70 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 Buona Forchetta Encinitas restaurant
2. Buona Forchetta Encinitas
4.7
Exceptional(619)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Encinitas
Booked 42 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
3. Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff
4.8
Exceptional(9359)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 52 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. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge
4.8
Exceptional(172)
Price: Expensive
• American • Encinitas
Booked 61 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
5. Le Papagayo Encinitas
4.5
Awesome(2277)
Price: Moderate
• American • Encinitas
Booked 22 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 Chandler's Oceanfront Dining- Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort & Spa restaurant
6. Chandler's Oceanfront Dining- Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort & Spa
4.6
Exceptional(1528)
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
7. Ki's Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1044)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 9 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
8. Firenze Trattoria
4.7
Exceptional(1783)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Encinitas
Booked 9 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 Sunny Side Solana restaurant
9. Sunny Side Solana
4.4
Awesome(83)
Price: Moderate
• Breakfast • Solana Beach
Booked 3 times today
WELCOME TO SUNNY SIDE SOLANA.WHETHER YOU ARE STOPPING BY FROM FAR AWAY,OR YOU ARE ONE OF OUR BELOVED LOCALS.WE OFFER SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.A WARM WELCOMING SPOT,WITH A FRIENDLY STAFF,SERVING FOOD YOU LOVE TO EAT.IN THE BEAUTIFUL SUNNY SOLANA BEACH.COME ALONE, BRING A FRIEND, A FAMILYOR A WHOLE HAPPY BUS LOAD.THE COFFEE IS HOTAND THE JUICE IS FRESH AND SWEET.SO JUST DIRECT YOUR FEET TO THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET !
A photo of Campfire restaurant
10. Campfire
4.8
Exceptional(5371)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Carlsbad
Booked 69 times today
A New American restaurant and cocktail bar with a focus on market driven live-fire cooking, Campfire is a return to the origins of cooking and hospitality, and celebrates the spirit of the name by creating an environment in which we gather around a fire, create honest food, and share it with friends.

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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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