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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Encinitas

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44 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Herb & Sea restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2905)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Encinitas
Booked 69 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
4.7
Exceptional(610)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Encinitas
Booked 57 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(9310)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 96 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 Le Papagayo Encinitas restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2271)
Price: Moderate
• American • Encinitas
Booked 20 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 Vigilucci's Trattoria Italiana restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1357)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Encinitas
Booked 13 times today
Vigilucci’s Trattoria Italiana features an exceptional menu of Italian favorites, steaks and the freshest seafood. Menu highlights include many of the company’s signature dishes, made from scratch pastas, salads, steaks, seafood, pizzas and calzones. Group dining space is available for large or small groups. Our casual yet sophisticated piano bar enhances the dining experience in the main dining room and front patio.For off-site events and parties contact Cater@Vigiluccis.comCatering to the most discerning palates for over 30 years,Vigilucci’s catering team can custom create a unique and memorable menu for celebrating life’s special occasions.
A photo of Ember & Rye restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1276)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Carlsbad
Booked 26 times today
Ember & Rye is a special occasion restaurant with its delightful steaks and fresh seafood dishes, served in a vintage clubhouse setting. Many reviewers noted it as a great choice for special events, like birthdays and anniversaries, and appreciated the attentive service and fantastic food. The stunning views over the 18th green also add to the charm.
A photo of Chart House Restaurant - Cardiff restaurant
4.4
Awesome(7281)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Solana Beach
Booked 47 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 Bob’s Steak & Chop House – La Costa restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1731)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Carlsbad
Booked 6 times today
Bob’s Steak & Chop House – La Costa is a nationally renowned steak house specializing in the finest corn-fed, Midwestern prime beef. The menu formula is simple: incredible meat, gigantic shrimp, fabulous salads and decadent desserts. Classic steak house food prepared and presented in a manner that Bon Appétit calls "the kind of fare you"ll want to go back for again and again."Quality and service are two of the main ingredients that make up the culture. Because of the caliber of the product, servers exude a friendly confidence that charges the atmosphere and restaurants with vitality. Award-winning food, educated service and warm, classic décor make dining at Bob's Steak & Chop House an outstanding experience. All Valet parking is complimentary at the resort for Bob's guests!
A photo of Chandler's Oceanfront Dining- Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort & Spa restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1514)
Price: Moderate
• Unspecified • Carlsbad
Booked 26 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
4.6
Exceptional(1040)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 14 times today
Daytime service is as it always has been: order at the counter and the food will be brought to you in the seating area upstairs or out under our tent. Night-time is full service in the upstairs seating area. On Friday nights, we also have live music from 7-9pm.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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • TracyVIP
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Wow! Happy Valentine’s Day to us! Zack was an amazing server! We asked him to for “dealers choice” and he provided us with the most amazing meals we have had in a long time! He was very personable and fun and had great drink recommenrations, too! The “little stickler” was a great tequila cocktail and made fiancée enjoyed supping Ocho Tequila all night. Thank you for a memorable Valentine’s Day night! 💕🥂🥰
    More info
    Herb & SeaPrice: Moderate• Californian• Encinitas
    4.6
  • KenVIP
    Los Angeles •84 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The service was excellent; our server, Oscar, was great! We were surprised that it was a special menu (I’ll assume responsibility for not asking the question, but I don’t recall seeing anything on Open Table about a special menu). That was fine (although somewhat disappointing because there was no Bolognese on the menu), but based on the pricing it appeared there was a desire to take advantage of the Valentine’s Day “holiday”. Won’t keep us from coming back, but not the best experience.
    More info
    Vigilucci's Trattoria ItalianaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Encinitas
    4.7
  • Breanne
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Pacific Coast Grill has truly become our favorite restaurant, and we make it a point to celebrate all of our special occasions here. Every time we visit, the food never disappoints, but this time there were a couple of standouts that really made our experience unforgettable. The Cardiff Reef Roll was absolutely incredible, and the Alaskan Halibut was cooked to perfection—so flavorful and tender, it truly exceeded our expectations. Even though Pacific Coast Grill isn't a dedicated sushi spot, their sushi is unbelievable. It's always fresh, flavorful, and crafted with such care. It’s a pleasant surprise every time. We also really enjoyed the Pinot Gris from Willamette, which was the perfect pairing with our meal. The wine selection here always complements the dishes so well. Lastly, the valet service was impeccable. They were kind, professional, and made sure our car was parked right up front, so we didn't have to wait in the rain. It’s little touches like this that make a big difference in the overall experience. We can't wait to come back and continue celebrating more special moments here!
    More info
    Pacific Coast Grill - CardiffPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Cardiff By The Sea
    4.8
  • JayVIP
    San Diego •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Perfect place for a low key date night. Arguably the best pizza on the coast highway. Salads are huge and tasty. Servers are friendly and professional.
    More info
    Buona Forchetta EncinitasPrice: Moderate• Italian• Encinitas
    4.7
  • Jeff
    Greater Boston •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 7 Feb 2025
    Live the vibe, music, food, and location. Service was also great from time I checked in
    More info
    Le Papagayo EncinitasPrice: Moderate• American• Encinitas
    4.4

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Encinitas

Discover the perfect dining destinations for special occasions in Encinitas, North San Diego. This charming coastal area boasts a vibrant dining scene that caters to a variety of tastes and preferences, making it an ideal location for celebrating those memorable moments. Whether you're planning an intimate dinner for two or a larger gathering, the restaurants here offer a mix of ambiance, from cozy and romantic to lively and festive. Each establishment is renowned for providing exceptional service and a diverse menu that highlights fresh, local ingredients. The attention to detail in both cuisine and setting ensures a dining experience that not only satisfies the palate but also creates lasting memories. Encinitas's restaurant scene is uniquely positioned to offer an unforgettable culinary journey, making every special occasion truly extraordinary.

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