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Best Lunch Restaurants in Encinitas

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79 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Herb & Sea restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2838)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Encinitas
Booked 50 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 Valentina restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1809)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary European • Encinitas
Booked 21 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(589)
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
4.8
Exceptional(9180)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 90 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 Ember & Rye restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1221)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Carlsbad
Booked 30 times today
Dine overlooking the 18th green at this Richard Blais steakhouse... of sorts. This delightful collaboration with acclaimed chef and television personality offers delectable steaks and fresh seafood dishes rooted in fine local ingredients, served in a casual, vintage clubhouse setting located at the signature Arnold Palmer designed Aviara Golf Club.
A photo of Waverly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(108)
Price: Expensive
• American • Encinitas
Booked 45 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 UNION Kitchen & Tap restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1056)
Price: Moderate
• American • Encinitas
*** WE HAVE MOVED RESERVATION PLATFORMS *** Book your reservation at [https://www.exploretock.com/union-encinitas]Situated at the southern end of Downtown Encinitas on the historic 101 highway, UNION Kitchen & Tap offers New American Cuisine in an inviting, warm, and comfortable restaurant setting. Executive Chef, Jared Saunders, created a frequently changing menu that relies heavily on local and organic ingredients. The menu features a variety of options to choose from including seasonal salads, hearty sandwiches, prime steak and chops, and a number of signature dishes for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. UNION Kitchen & Tap also offers a full complement of local craft beers, boutique wines, and signature cocktails.
A photo of Chart House Restaurant - Cardiff restaurant
4.5
Awesome(7175)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Solana Beach
Booked 59 times today
Chart House is a fine dining restaurant serving seafood & steak and famous for their spectacular views. For more than 50 years, Chart House has redefined the ideal dining experience. With 27 waterfront and showcase locations ranging from the historic to the unforgettable, Chart House restaurants specialize in dazzling views, unique cuisine and exceptional service. From fresh fish specialties to slow-roasted prime rib, the renowned chefs of Chart House have tailored a menu that adds a unique touch to local flavors. And the Chart House happy hour is a guest favorite, where guest favor our signature cocktails and delicious bites you are sure to enjoy. Our original Hot Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect end to a memorable dining experience at Chart House. Chart House offers the ideal setting for your next event. We would be happy to assist you with all the details of your special occasion.
A photo of Cocina de Barrio Encinitas restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(124)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Encinitas
Booked 5 times today
*Brunch hours are on a walk-in basis only.Cocina de Barrio by Chef Jose J. FloresWelcome to Cocina de Barrio, the newest modern-urban Mexican restaurant located in Encinitas, CA! We are proud to feature the culinary richness of Oaxaca as well as other Mexican regions. Stop by and enjoy our bar stocked with plenty of tequila and mezcal selections, beer, and wines sourced from Valle Guadalupe.Don't forget to join us during our daily brunch (where we add a Mexican kick) and our happy hour every Monday-Friday from 3-5pm! Stay Chido!
A photo of Le Papagayo Encinitas restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2257)
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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • ChadVIP
    New Mexico •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    My son (6) and I dined here, and while he was the only child in the restaurant, they took great care to make him feel welcome. The Ribeye was perfectly prepared and all other items complimented perfectly. Our server Kimi was fantastic and really catered to our needs and created a great experience for us.
    More info
    ValentinaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary European• Encinitas
    4.7
  • RichardVIP
    San Diego •23 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We heard that their gluten-free pizza was good. We were pleased to find that it was better than most we have tried in San Diego. Crust had better taste and better texture. As with most gluten-free crust it was more difficult than pizza dough to cut with a knife, but eating a slice held by hand worked very well. The menu was filled with choices. We liked the atmosphere at Buona Forchetta and we especially liked the attentive help we received as first time customers. We definitely will be coming back. Next time we will try the gluten-free pasta and gnocchi.
    More info
    Buona Forchetta EncinitasPrice: Moderate• Italian• Encinitas
    4.7
  • SusanVIP
    Hawaii •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Best OVERALL Restaurant on the coast. Nice enough to celebrate special occasions and casual enough to pop in for lunch and have a cocktail. LOVE THE SERVICE…because it’s rare to find good service. FOOD is excellent…can find something on the menu for everyone. (My favorites are the Seafood Pasta and the Seared Ahi!) Great appetizers and GREAT DRINKS!
    More info
    Pacific Coast Grill - CardiffPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Cardiff By The Sea
    4.8
  • Allan
    San Diego •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    amazing meal and service as always at H&S. Date night we got a high-top in the bar and grazed on the excellent starters such as the crude, cebiche, mussel toast, and more. Topping the evening off with the incredible potatoes and filet. Closed the place. We'll be back.
    More info
    Herb & SeaPrice: Moderate• Californian• Encinitas
    4.6
  • Pam
    San Diego •55 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Our party of nine dined for lunch in the middle room, next to the bar. Hardly any other diners were there so we had the room all to ourselves, which was wonderful. The wait staff was excellent—very accommodating and kind. Everyone was quite happy with their meals. Two of us had the hanger steak with a wedge salad. All of it tasted great. The steak was very tasty and cooked to perfection. A few had a hamburger. Again, delicious. Everyone liked the assortment ment of desserts we ordered. My only complain—$37 for salad and a very small steak is quite pricey.
    More info
    Ember & RyePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Carlsbad
    4.6
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