Restaurants in Encinitas
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Best Restaurants
“Great service too! My mouth watered the entire time and was completely satiated and beyond happy with all that we ate! New menu apparently, but I gotta get back before they change it again!”
“Ambiance 😀, service and uniqueness. Had the Carajillo for an after dinner treat. Sooo good!”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“Best elevated Mexican food I’ve had in San Diego! We got the shrimp ceviche, the grilled octopus, and the chicken mole. Perfect portion sizes and the tostada chips and salsa were addicting. That was the best mole I’ve had, but that octopus is really something else. Definitely coming back for that and we want to try more on the menu! SD, put this place on!”
“Luna Grill never disappoints! The food is always fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The grilled proteins are perfectly seasoned, and the sides—especially the rice, hummus, and salads—taste like they’re made with real care. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the restaurant is consistently clean and welcoming. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or sitting down for dinner, Luna Grill delivers amazing Mediterranean flavors every time. Highly recommend!”
Restaurants with Delivery
“Best elevated Mexican food I’ve had in San Diego! We got the shrimp ceviche, the grilled octopus, and the chicken mole. Perfect portion sizes and the tostada chips and salsa were addicting. That was the best mole I’ve had, but that octopus is really something else. Definitely coming back for that and we want to try more on the menu! SD, put this place on!”
“I appreciate having a local cafe where I can eat almost everything! They use no seed oils; it's 100% GF and have many dairy free options. They use homemade almond milk without the additives. I can enjoy a latte, a baked good like their pumpkin cupcake which is delicious, and they have amazing vegan bacon on their Sammy sandwich.”
“Luna Grill never disappoints! The food is always fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The grilled proteins are perfectly seasoned, and the sides—especially the rice, hummus, and salads—taste like they’re made with real care. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the restaurant is consistently clean and welcoming. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or sitting down for dinner, Luna Grill delivers amazing Mediterranean flavors every time. Highly recommend!”
“Great food and even better service. Everything we ordered was fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. What really stood out, though, was the service, Mel, the manager, went above and beyond to make sure we were taken care of and genuinely happy with our experience. You can tell they care about both the food and the customers. We’ll definitely be back and highly recommend this spot.”
“Great food and even better service. Everything we ordered was fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. What really stood out, though, was the service, Mel, the manager, went above and beyond to make sure we were taken care of and genuinely happy with our experience. You can tell they care about both the food and the customers. We’ll definitely be back and highly recommend this spot.”
“Authentic Tokyo style sushi and sashimi for Jim and great choices for us non fish eaters. We eat there every week.”
Outdoor Dining
“First time visiting. This is a must visit for all food lovers who also appreciates quality Californian ingredients. I had all tonics on the menu, the Turkish eggs & the Spanish French toast. Absolutely yummy! I was super nervous to try the French toast so a super sweet couple sitting next to me shared some their French toast with me & I’m so glad they did. I’ll be coming back for sure for the French toast! I absolutely loved the ambience and customer service. I felt at home and I can’t say that for half of the restaurants in San Diego. Definitely a must visit! I highly recommend! I will definitely return!!
Reservation is better but not required
Accepts Applepay
Free street parking
Most seating are outside so bring a jacket”
“I have found a legitimate broker who has helped me in so many ways in the aspect of forex & cryptocurrency. At first, I was really skeptical that it won't work but I still kept the faith going until I saw a recommendation about Mrs Craig Vanessa who changed my financial status from grass to grace. Once again I'm really grateful for your help and support towards me and my family in this tough time of the year. If you are looking for a change in your finances, then connect to Mrs. Craig Vanessa today on WhatsApp through Facebook via Mrs Craig Vanessa”
“Feels like You’re eating Sunday dinner at grandmas, but any day of the week you choose.”
“Haggos is the best!!!! We live a few blocks away and it's our go-to for a delicious, healthy meal! Whether we're grabbing a drink and some food on a Friday night or just need something quick to pick up during the week, Haggos is always the move. We rave about how good it is every dang time so now we are raving about it here 😂. We love the Chicken Bowl, Beef Bowl, any of the burritos - and their tortilla soup is SO good too. Highly recommend!”
“This place has excellent food and wine. Super cool staff. I’ve been before and we’ll be back again. Killer outdoor spot to eat also. I highly recommend it.”
“I have found a legitimate broker who has helped me in so many ways in the aspect of forex & cryptocurrency. At first, I was really skeptical that it won't work but I still kept the faith going until I saw a recommendation about Mrs Craig Vanessa who changed my financial status from grass to grace. Once again I'm really grateful for your help and support towards me and my family in this tough time of the year. If you are looking for a change in your finances, then connect to Mrs. Craig Vanessa today on WhatsApp through Facebook via Mrs Craig Vanessa”
Online Reservation Available
“Greasy Spoon Series, Part 2
When I reflect on my childhood, I suppose that many aspects of it were pretty normal. While I had individual interests and priorities, the adults in my life imposed a certain amount of structure for my well-being and development. However, a recurring period of time when I was permitted some “me time” was Saturday mornings. Back in those days there were no cable channels devoted entirely to kid centric programming, so Saturday mornings were a youngster’s “primetime” and the cartoons that were featured would become the fodder of deep playground discussions the following week.
Madison Avenue knew exactly who their target audience was during those hours, so we were “fed” a steady stream of cereal commercials. While all of us kids were focused on the glorious sugary aspects promised by those cereals, our parents were likely horrified by our behavior after being primed with hyperactive jet fuel. In order to assuage those parental fears, the ad campaigns frequently included the phrase “part of a complete breakfast.” That phrase (clearly recommended by the legal department) absolved the product from contributing any nutritional value whatsoever (because the other items visible in the background provided ALL of the nutrition for that breakfast).
While I don’t intend to comment on the nutritional value of the breakfasts that I’ve enjoyed at the Encinitas Cafe, I can assert that a breakfast here is “complete.” For me “a complete breakfast” within the “greasy spoon” genre must prominently and unabashedly feature unlimited coffee, eggs, bacon, hash browns (extra crispy), and pancakes. 😋
I salute the Encinitas Cafe for remaining faithful to the cause of proudly serving a simple breakfast, offered at a fair price, with friendly service included at no extra charge. 🫡
If you choose to visit you may find parking a challenge along South Coast Highway, but there is a parking lot directly behind the restaurant that offers convenient access to a back entrance.
And that’s…Henry’s Take.
#greasyspoonseries”
“As always, it was a lovely time at Firenze.  From the hostess to the waiters and bus staff, everyone was friendly and gracious. I had the simply grilled trout with a side of pasta and broccoli. Everything was done perfectly. It's especially nice that the broccoli is cooked but with some crunch left! Yum.”
“This restaurant has it all. The food is excellent with the best flavors of Mexico's finest dining experiences. The vegan options are delicious, not just an afterthought as is usually the case in so many restaurants. I had the Caldo de Piedra which is a very flavorful seafood soup and which wasn't overly spicy but just spicy enough. It had a wide variety of the freshest seafood, and was brought out in a steaming rock bowl. A chef made our guacamole right by our table side with the freshest ingredients, and then they handed us the best, tasty, house-made tortilla chips. That was a unique and creative experience. Our main server, Christian, was attentive and charming. The whole evening was outstanding.”
“Casual spot with some of the best poolside food! The beer and tequila clams were some of the best I’ve ever had and my steak frites was cooked perfectly to medium rare. It typically comes with chimichurri but I couldn’t have that, so chef prepared a delicious garlic and herb compound butter for me instead. Thoroughly enjoyed how delicious my meal was and it was made all the better by great service and atmosphere. Attentive service from Zack and an all round fantastic dining experience with some fabulous views of the sunset.”
“Service and food here is amazing! A gem of Encinitas; the staff are professional, engaging, and go above and beyond. The owner is personable and greeted us in person.The food is absolutely amazing literally the best Italian we've ever had. Encinitas is worth coming back too just for this Italian experience.”
“Feels like You’re eating Sunday dinner at grandmas, but any day of the week you choose.”
“Had ordered Salad and pizza’s all were fantastic . Server was awesome !!!! We love your pie’s Buona 😍😍😍😍”
24 Hour Restaurants
“I come here specifically for their Chile relleno burrito, and it’s consistently outstanding. The pepper is prepared with care, deseeded, properly battered, and filled with just the right amount of cheese. The attention to detail sets this place apart, since many others miss at least one of those steps. For a fast-food option, its well crafted, and I’d highly recommend trying it if you want a burrito that truly delivers.”
“As always, it was a lovely time at Firenze.  From the hostess to the waiters and bus staff, everyone was friendly and gracious. I had the simply grilled trout with a side of pasta and broccoli. Everything was done perfectly. It's especially nice that the broccoli is cooked but with some crunch left! Yum.”
Takeout Restaurants
“The manager is incredible and friendly. The prices are reasonable and the vibe is welcoming and fun. There’s outdoor and indoor seating, great side street location, and a short walk from the campground and library. We came here after trying Bump, which wasn’t good coffee. We ended up ordering another round of caffeine because it was so close and tasty!”
“I don’t say this lightly—this place is hands down one of the best Mexican restaurants I’ve ever been to. The décor is colorful without being over-the-top, and the music added just the right energy to the dining experience.
Now, the food—absolutely incredible. We started with the super nachos, the guacamole inside was perfectly seasoned with just the right kick of lime and jalapeño. For the main course, I ordered the carne asada tacos, and they were out of this world. The meat was tender, juicy, and full of flavor, served on soft, handmade corn tortillas. My friend had the enchiladas verdes, and she couldn’t stop raving about the tangy green sauce and how everything was cooked to perfection.
What really stood out, though, was the attention to detail and authenticity. You can tell everything is made from scratch and with love. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive without being overbearing—our server even recommended a house-made horchata that turned out to be the best I’ve ever had.
If you’re looking for authentic Mexican cuisine that’s both comforting and flavorful, this spot is a must. I’ll definitely be coming back—and bringing more friends with me next time!”
“I had a wonderful experience at this restaurant, thanks in large part to the server. She was attentive, friendly, and made excellent recommendations. The food was also outstanding – delicious and beautifully presented. I highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely be back.”
“Amazing food!!! We got a few things on the menu today. We got the firebird , cali dip , kids meal chicken nuggets . Let’s start with the firebird .. amazing sweet and spicy taste with big nice pickles to maintain the heat overall recommend this sandwich . The Cali Dip was delicious sweet and so much flavor I’d have to say one of the best “Tortas” I ever ate . The fries are the best !!! Sauces are so yummy. Everything was about $47 but SO WORTH IT!”
“I just happen to be in the area and came across this cute little wine store and tapas restaurant. I love the warm and inviting atmosphere, very clean, and the staff was friendly, dressed nicely and attentive. My friend and I ordered some delicious Zinfandel and the hummus plate was excellent. I'll be back.”
“I love this place and the sweet people who work here! My favorite meal is the trifecta of a basil chicken wrap, naked salad, and the best carrot ginger soup ever! It’s not on the regular menu anymore, but can be requested as it’s still in their computer listing. The new back grass patio dining area beneath giant old pines is a hidden treasure that opened during CoVid.”
“I just happen to be in the area and came across this cute little wine store and tapas restaurant. I love the warm and inviting atmosphere, very clean, and the staff was friendly, dressed nicely and attentive. My friend and I ordered some delicious Zinfandel and the hummus plate was excellent. I'll be back.”
“This restaurant has it all. The food is excellent with the best flavors of Mexico's finest dining experiences. The vegan options are delicious, not just an afterthought as is usually the case in so many restaurants. I had the Caldo de Piedra which is a very flavorful seafood soup and which wasn't overly spicy but just spicy enough. It had a wide variety of the freshest seafood, and was brought out in a steaming rock bowl. A chef made our guacamole right by our table side with the freshest ingredients, and then they handed us the best, tasty, house-made tortilla chips. That was a unique and creative experience. Our main server, Christian, was attentive and charming. The whole evening was outstanding.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“As someone who has Celiac im surprised I didnt know about this place sooner, as im always looking for dedicated gf places! Hope was so helpful last wk when I went in - the bagel and green smoothie were exactly what I needed. Will def be back to sit and do some work, good atmosphere friendly staff and omg the BAGEL texture is amazing wouldnt believe it was gf”
“My husband and I have been here for the very first time and we immediately fell in love with this place. The staff is amazing, they know how to treat you and make you feel at home. Alice is very passionate about her job and we loved her homemade desserts sooo much. A special mention to Michele, a very young yet extremely professional waiter, who contributed to create a cozy and pleasant atmosphere! As Italian, I can say it's hard to find place such Alice's where you feel so vividly the warm of our country. We will definitely come back!”
“This is going to be my poke spot. The portion was so generous. I don’t know what mammoth size poke bowl people are used to but I was stuffed after getting a regular. The fish, the avocado - everything was so fresh. The server recommended the eel sauce which was so umami and delicious.”
“April Cardenas is the skill behind the scenes/in the kitchen. 100% respect to her commitment to this long standing little gem of Leucadia. The personal touch she infuses in everything she does cannot be quantified in dollars nor words. And the beautiful women at the counter are professional and nice.”
“We have been here since it first opened with the heavy Neapolitan oven. Menu is regularly updated as well as decor and quality control. From Neapolitan to new york style, now back to authentic Sicilian home taste. The mulberry pizza has been upgraded/renamed to italia, more chewy flavorful thinner dough and ripe cherry tomatoes fresh basil with great cheese. The garlic sticks are chewy pizza dough, not typical italian bread. The ceasar salad dressing is top notch. The expresso coffee machine is back, to complement the light and creamy spongy ricotta pistachio cake! Service is very attentive and now reservations are accepted. PS Feel free to speak Italian 🤣”
“You are a restaurant that cooks from the heart, and I really enjoy your cooking and service.”
“My husband and I have been here for the very first time and we immediately fell in love with this place. The staff is amazing, they know how to treat you and make you feel at home. Alice is very passionate about her job and we loved her homemade desserts sooo much. A special mention to Michele, a very young yet extremely professional waiter, who contributed to create a cozy and pleasant atmosphere! As Italian, I can say it's hard to find place such Alice's where you feel so vividly the warm of our country. We will definitely come back!”
Cheap Eats
“So flavorful! I like the Pokra as an appetizer and the Malai Kofta, Ram Torya, or Bhanta Aloo as entrees. The naan is really flavorful too.
In the year after first trying the Malai Kofta here, I ordered this at every other Indian restaurant to compare. No other curry and kofta was able to match here. Himalayan Kitchen was the best”
“The best juice in the world. Truly the best sugar cane juice I’ve ever had even in a tropical country! It’s grown right here in San Diego, and it’s the sweetest and freshest ever!
Plus if you didn’t know sugar cane juice is so healthy and healing, don’t be afraid of the sugar and go get yourself some nectar of the gods, pure liquid gold, natures Gatorade, pure magic ?”
“I want to say yes and recommend them. But I can't because I have a subscription to their coffee but they sent me the wrong coffee. it's been about a week, I've call a few times, left two voice mail messages, I've emailed as well and I have not gotten any response at all. The coffee I bought and subscribed to is good, but I can't continue to do business with a company that won't respond to their customers to fix their mistakes.”
“Indian/Nepalese cuisine is one of my favorite cuisines. I am South African and grew up eating eating variety of traditional curries and stews. I travel a lot for work and have had the fortune of trying some of the best Indian restaurants in the nation, including dozens of places in SoCal. Everest Himalayan Cuisine is by far, the best restaurant I've ever been to. This cozy casual restaurant opened in November originally for take-out. I am a big fan of dine-in, so I was excited to find out that they recently opened for dine-in. I came with my best friend (we're always looking for new favorite restaurants). We decided to get a couple things to share. Started off with the Lamb Momos. They were such a wonderful treat. For Entrees, we went with the Lamb Tikka Masala and the Butter Chicken with Cilantro Garlic Naan. While eating our Momos, an adjacent table received their Tandoori Chicken and Lamb. It smelled and sounded so good, we decided that we would have to order more (we also ordered Chicken Vindaloo and Chicken Tandoori). Our food came, and when I dipped my Naan into the sauce, I nearly cried it was so good. It reminded me of a better version of my grandmas famous Tikka Masala. It's was then, that I knew this would become my new favorite place. It was so flavorful and luscious. All the meat was so tender. The Naan was supple, while pillowy and stretchy at the same time, (clearly proofed perfectly). Every dish we tried was the best iteration of the dish I've ever had. I usually order my food quite spicy (9-10), but if you like a flavorful warm heat, get a 5 to 7. We ordered another order of the Cilantro Garlic Naan to get every bit of the sauce. I know I'll be back soon. I really would like to try more of their dishes and their desserts. They also have a nice Lunch Special, I'd like to try. Thank you for sticking around, and reading to the end. I hope more people discover this new place; there's nothing like it, especially in San Diego.”
“IE native here who just moved to Encinitas recently! Serranos is our go-to spot for fast friendly service and delicious food. I love the breakfast burritos, chile verde, al pastor tacos, fish tacos, best taquitos everrrr, and of course their AMAZING salsas. Lucia and the kitchen staff are always kind. Thank you for always filling our bellies and the amazing prices. You can’t beat $8 burritos and $1 tacos.”
“Best Juice in town. I usually go in a couple of times a week to get the V6. It has beets, apples, carrots, and celery. I usually add an orange to it also. Makes me feel energized and clean. They also have a pretty tasty Acai bowl with granola and peanut butter. Very accommodating if you have allergies. Has been in business almost 20 years with the same owner. You have to give them a shot. Every couple of weeks, I do the 3 day cleanse. If I'm feeling brave, I do the 6 day cleanse. My girlfriend likes the raspberry smoothie.
Vegetarian options: Clean juices with just veggies.
Dietary restrictions: Very accommodating if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.
Parking: Very easy to park.”
“We always received great service at Jersey Mikes and this location Encinitas with no exception. The line was out the door when you arrive during Saturday's lunch rush but we had our food in no time at all. The service was awesome and even know they were super busy employee still had a smile on their face. Will definitely be returning this location because their food is amazing as well”
“The best sandwich restaurant in San Diego. Subnman, there were very fresh ingredients in various types of bread. Really I was very satisfied because it was so delicious, the amount was abundant, and the price was cheap. I can't forget Subman, the best sandwich restaurant located in Encinitas, so I want to visit again.”
“fantastic food! one the best Italian spots in so. cal. friendly service.”
“great atmosphere and excellent food! you can't go wrong stopping by and checking this place out.”
Latest Reviews
“The best sandwich restaurant in San Diego. Subnman, there were very fresh ingredients in various types of bread. Really I was very satisfied because it was so delicious, the amount was abundant, and the price was cheap. I can't forget Subman, the best sandwich restaurant located in Encinitas, so I want to visit again.”
“I appreciate having a local cafe where I can eat almost everything! They use no seed oils; it's 100% GF and have many dairy free options. They use homemade almond milk without the additives. I can enjoy a latte, a baked good like their pumpkin cupcake which is delicious, and they have amazing vegan bacon on their Sammy sandwich.”
Most Popular Restaurants
“I had a wonderful experience at this restaurant, thanks in large part to the server. She was attentive, friendly, and made excellent recommendations. The food was also outstanding – delicious and beautifully presented. I highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely be back.”
“I recently went to Sago and honestly loved the whole experience. The vibe was very tropical Tulum-inspired super cute, aesthetic, and perfect for a cute date, night out with girls or content spot!
We tried a few dishes and everything was so good:
The kimchi marble potatoes were crispy and flavorful with the cilantro, chimichurri, and chive crema (definitely one of my favorites). The cucumber salad was really fresh and light with a nice kick from the serrano and ponzu. We also had the hamachi ceviche, which tasted super fresh, and the Japanese fried chicken with chive kaluga caviar which was crispy, juicy, and just a really fun, unique dish.
The drinks were also super refreshing and slightly tropical, perfect with the food.
Overall, the atmosphere, presentation, and flavors were all on point. Such a cute Encinitas spot and I’ll definitely be back to try more.”
“Service and food here is amazing! A gem of Encinitas; the staff are professional, engaging, and go above and beyond. The owner is personable and greeted us in person.The food is absolutely amazing literally the best Italian we've ever had. Encinitas is worth coming back too just for this Italian experience.”
“Amazing food!!! We got a few things on the menu today. We got the firebird , cali dip , kids meal chicken nuggets . Let’s start with the firebird .. amazing sweet and spicy taste with big nice pickles to maintain the heat overall recommend this sandwich . The Cali Dip was delicious sweet and so much flavor I’d have to say one of the best “Tortas” I ever ate . The fries are the best !!! Sauces are so yummy. Everything was about $47 but SO WORTH IT!”
New Restaurants
“I had a great experience at this spot. The ingredients tasted fresh, the portions were generous, and everything was made quickly without sacrificing quality.
Neiko was amazing—super friendly, attentive, and made the experience even better with great service.
Definitely a solid go-to if you’re craving a filling and flavorful meal. I’ll be coming back.”
“I don't know what to say about this place except it WAS short lived for me yet MAGICAL🤩
WAS, meaning she's looking for a new building to plug into & coexists with!! If you're a Lucadia business woman or man looking for an amazing community coffee cart ran by a community driven badass boss babe, REACH OUT TO REM!!
Legit has a massive community following for such a tiny entity💓 I've made forever friends (pun intended) thanks to her & her mini wknd event popups. SAD to see her leave her 1st space, yet eagerly excited to help find a new community gathering space with her! Looking for a business equally appreciative as we would be to them.
2026 won't be the same 😒 ... Unless we help her find a new parking spot 💖🙏🏽👀”
“So, I think I’ve almost tried everything on their menu at this point. Their loaded elite fries were the best appetizer choice- the flavor and ingredients mixed all together were so damn good. My parents and I went together to kick off the weekend and each got a completely different slider to try (3 each) - the most noteworthy ones for me were the fried chicken slider, which tasted like a true southern- style chicken and waffles which were great.
My mom is a little pickier, so we had her enjoy the classic slider and Rosie’s Mac slider, and she was raving.
My dad got a few, and one of the most surprisingly delicious ones was their slider with arugula and bacon jam- that tasted like the “Monte Cristo” of sliders, except way more flavorful and absolutely spectacular.
We loved every single thing we ordered off the menu. And we all have very different interests when it comes to food, so that’s really saying something, in my opinion!
Their service is awesome, the entire staff is friendly and works hard, and they offer a great sit down atmosphere in the heart of downtown Encinitas. Their dessert/ gelato spot next door also slaps.
You gotta go!!!”
“That was genuinely one of the best all you can eat experiences I have ever had in my entire life. Food was amazing, service was lovely, and they even had boba and desserts included. Got my stamp of approval as a Viet that grew up eating dim sum. Highlights were the fried xiao long bao and dumplings and shumai. SO WORTH IT.”
“First time visiting. This is a must visit for all food lovers who also appreciates quality Californian ingredients. I had all tonics on the menu, the Turkish eggs & the Spanish French toast. Absolutely yummy! I was super nervous to try the French toast so a super sweet couple sitting next to me shared some their French toast with me & I’m so glad they did. I’ll be coming back for sure for the French toast! I absolutely loved the ambience and customer service. I felt at home and I can’t say that for half of the restaurants in San Diego. Definitely a must visit! I highly recommend! I will definitely return!!
Reservation is better but not required
Accepts Applepay
Free street parking
Most seating are outside so bring a jacket”