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Best Casual Restaurants in Encinitas

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65 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Herb & Sea restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2845)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Encinitas
Booked 67 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 Puntamar restaurant
4.3
Awesome(6)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Encinitas
Booked 3 times today
Puntamar is more than just a restaurant; it’s an authentic experience celebrating quality in every detail. Here, fun and excellence merge to create unforgettable moments for our customers. Discover the true essence of Mexican cuisine, crafted with authentic ingredients and genuine flavors.
A photo of Valentina restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1811)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary European • Encinitas
Booked 40 times today
A small neighborhood Spanish restaurant in a cute California beach town called Leucadia.we play music and serve wine, tapas, some cocktails and thoughtful hospitality with some dim lighting in a lively environment.We look forward to welcoming you.
A photo of Buona Forchetta Encinitas restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(590)
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
4.8
Exceptional(9191)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 149 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 Echale Encinitas restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(116)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Encinitas
Booked 23 times today
Nestled in the serene beach town of Encinitas, our California Bistro and Natural Wine Bar offers a mix of traditional Spanish flavors with a modern Mediterranean twist, complemented by an exquisite selection of natural wines. Menu favorites include the Maitake Mushroom toast and tahini "aioli", our Green Chile Burger with gruyere cheese, and our locally sourced blue fin tuna crudo with citrus vinaigrette. We play a mix of Brazilian funk, late 90's hip-hop, and French pop all through our vintage Marantz receiver and JBl speakers. Our dimly lit cozy restaurant is ideal for date nights and post-surf hangs.
A photo of Waverly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(108)
Price: Expensive
• American • Encinitas
Booked 56 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 Ki's Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1026)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 11 times today
During these trying times, we are trying to adjust our service so that customers feel safe but still have a great Ki's experience. Daytime service is as it always has been: order at the counter and the food will be brought to you in the seating area we have created outside under the tents. Night-time is full service. Sunday through Thursday is upstairs. The tables are spaced far apart and there is an option of being out on the front deck for parties of two. On Friday and Saturday, we will be offering full service in both seating areas of upstairs and under the tents outside. Ki's is a perfect fit for its local beach community culture. We provide food options that serve the needs of people who enjoy the outdoors and have a high degree of awareness for their health, fitness and well being. And Ki's is more than just a 'health food' option for many. It is simply great food for anyone-professionals, families looking for a home-cooked meal or friends hanging out enjoying some tasty eats.
A photo of VAGA Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(222)
Price: Expensive
• American • Encinitas
Booked 57 times today
For a true “vaga”, the journey is never-ending; the spirit and palate, always curious. Drawing ingredients and inspiration from near and far, VAGA explores San Diego’s ever-changing confluence of culture and wanderlust. From its perch on a coastal bluff in Encinitas, California, VAGA keeps one hand in the ocean, one hand in the farm, and both eyes on the horizon.VAGA Restaurant & Bar is located on Level 2 of Alila Marea Beach Resort. Valet parking is available through the resort for $5.00 per car before 5 pm with validation only. After 5 pm, valet parking is $10.00 per car with no validation required. Self-parking is not available.
A photo of Vigilucci's Trattoria Italiana restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1340)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Encinitas
Booked 24 times today
Vigilucci’s Trattoria Italiana features an exceptional menu of Italian favorites, certified prime steaks and the freshest seafood. Open for over two decades, 2019 marks the 25 year anniversary of Vigilucci’s Trattoria formerly located in Encinitas. Menu highlights include many of the company’s signature dishes, made from scratch pastas, salads, steaks, seafood, pizzas and calzones. Private dining space is available for large or small groups. Our casual yet sophisticated piano bar enhances the dining experience.For off-site events and parties contact Cater@Vigiluccis.comCatering to the most discerning palates for over 20 years,Vigilucci’s catering team can custom create a unique and memorable menu for celebrating life’s special occasions.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Robert
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    This was such a good selection for a date night out while on a big family vacation in Encinitas. Our server was very friendly, knowled,and attentive. The ambiance was somewhat rustic but a very keen eye for detail. We started with the beef tartare special and it was a great start to a fantastic experience. Everything was delicious. Great restaurant.
    More info
    ValentinaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary European• Encinitas
    4.7
  • Kiinani
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    First off, we had the most amazing, upbeat server, Rachel. She was efficient, helpful and very sweet. The food was amazing. My family tried many very different dishes. We were all surprised with the delicious flavors and presentation. We plan to eat at Herb & Sea again and highly recommend it to others!
    More info
    Herb & SeaPrice: Moderate• Californian• Encinitas
    4.6
  • Frank
    San Diego •12 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Another great meal but didn’t have the anchovy pizza my wife loved
    More info
    Buona Forchetta EncinitasPrice: Moderate• Italian• Encinitas
    4.7
  • Richard
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We were greeted with a welcome and they remembered from my reservation that this was my wedding anniversary. We choose an indoor seat by the window. The waves looked nice as we could see them roll in. The food was very good. We had the Shrimp Dumplings which was good--sort of like a Chinese potsticker, but soft. I had the Lobster and Shrimp Chowder, excellent. My wife had the Mixed Organic Greens, very good. We shared both. For our main course I had the Seafood Pasta lobster, shrimp, scallop & mahi with smoked tomato sauce, Thai basil & parmesan. I liked it very much. My wife had the Pacific Paella grilled lobster tail, mahi, clams, scallops, shrimp & saffron Arborio rice, very good. The quantity of those dishes was more than what we expected--we could have just ordered one or the other and shared.
    More info
    Pacific Coast Grill - CardiffPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Cardiff By The Sea
    4.8
  • Marianne
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Loved the wine from Mexico Valley Guadalupe. Great service.
    More info
    PuntamarPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Encinitas
    4.3
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