Encontro North Park

Just moved from Chicago. Everything was amazing. Food, service & atmosphere. However, place was dead. It was 530p on a Tuesday. Still doesn't make sense to me. I didn't really see anything what around that would compete.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I came here the other day for the first time, this spot had been recommended to us by a friend. And I can definitely say I had a great first impression! We came on a Saturday for brunch and the spot had a really nice vibe to it. Great for groups, families, or just with a friend or partner. The staff was very helpful and friendly! We definitely recommend trying the items in the boxes on the menu. The Cardiff crack steak and eggs or steak sandwich, the house made bread which comes from a special recipe, truffle Mac and cheese, poke tacos, warm brussel sprouts salad and definitely get the dessert. The butter cake was a little tooo delicious, hard to stop eating! I’d come back here. Good food and good vibes in North Park! Oh and they also have a dog and kids menu! Love that.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

When we walked into Encontro North Park last night, we could not have predicted the miraculous dining experience that followed. Nights like this is why restaurants exist.

The team at Encontro is so kind, knowledgeable about their menu, passionate about their restaurant, and of course they’re dog lovers!

The menu is delectable and there is something for everyone! They also have an extensive dog menu! Thanks for having us, Jason & Ellie! 💕

Meal details:
Appetizer: Hot & Fresh Bread by Pat & Oscar
Dessert: Butter Cake
Side to share: Truffle Fries
Ruthie’s mom: Diet Coke & Cardiff Crack Burger
Shaylee’s Mom: Pineapple Sangria & Mary’s Fried Chicken Sliders
Ruthie: Pup Patty
Shaylee’s Mom: Pup Melt

🦴 Note: due to San Diego zoning rules and Encontro’s restaurant set up, well behaved dogs are welcome to dine indoors or outside on their patio.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Encontro is a strong choice if you’re seeking a relaxed, stylish neighborhood spot with good food, local vibes, and a lively bar scene. Dog Friendly is always 5 stars 👍🏼

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place is awesome the staff were friendly and attentive. I had the truffle Mac and Cheese with Cardiff Crack, my favorite. Chef Jason always has new creative dishes on the menu.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

What an experience!!! I was new to the area and the locals told me I had to try this place and boy was I impressed. Great food, great drinks and great location! Can we just talk about the Mac n cheese for a second!! And don’t even get me started on the butter cake! I will definitely be going back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Encontro is not only modern and trendy with a cool bar, but the food is amazing.
I have been for brunch and dinners.
The belgium waffle is amazing with a mimosa. For dinner, I highly recommend the mac and cheese! The tots are delicious, excellent burger too. Save room for the butter cake. You will not be disappointed in this restaurant. The employees are really nice, which makes the dining experience perfect.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely love Encontro North Park! The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed — perfect for everything from a casual lunch to a night out with friends. The food is consistently fresh and creative (their fries and Brussels sprouts are next-level!), and the craft beer selection never disappoints. Staff are friendly, quick, and always make you feel welcome. I also appreciate how dog-friendly and community-oriented the place feels. One of my favorite go-to spots in North Park — highly recommend!

I have even used them for catering on several occasions and everyone is always thrilled!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The portions are tiny for the price, and the food takes forever to come out. The food itself is decent but I won’t be coming back ever again.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

This place continues to be a disappointment. I just got their Cardiff crack sando and the bun was hard, the meat was dry and chewy. The only real flavor was the slight burn to it. I also got the Brussel sprouts which were entirely white and really only tasted like the apple cider vinegar that they were cooked in, not particularly like Brussel sprouts. Between that and their color I think the vegetable was just really not well picked. The location and vibe of this place is great but im pretty aggravated I spent any money here.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 3

My fiance and I came here for dinner before a concert at the observatory on a Monday. The area was calm and lowkey, the food was delicious, and the drinks were strong. Highly recommend if you're looking for a nice, casual restaurant in North Park!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

What a gem of a place! Had the fresh bread and portobello fries to start. The boar burger is savory and the mix of the burger with the blue cheese, green apple and BBQ sauce is amazing. Sweet potato tots are great. Desserts are out of this world. Butter cake is so flavorful and slightly crispy outside. Perfect pairing with the vanilla ice cream and shaved coconut.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We went in on a Wednesday night. Ordered the ahi tuna tacos - best I’ve ever had! Then had the Baja Jalepeno salad, which had so much flavor and was dressed perfectly! Staff was friendly and service was quick - will come back to try brunch.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Overpriced

1st time here and my family loved it. We had an amazing waitress named Cheyenne. She got us a table right away. She was helpful with the menu, quick with the drinks, and had a fantastic bubbly disposition! Food was great and we enjoyed the environment as well. We will definitely be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5