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Best Lunch Restaurants in Encinitas

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76 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Herb & Sea restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2927)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Encinitas
Booked 72 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(619)
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 Waverly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(172)
Price: Expensive
• American • Encinitas
Booked 53 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 Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(9359)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 63 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 Chart House Restaurant - Cardiff restaurant
4.4
Awesome(7310)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Solana Beach
Booked 45 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(140)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Encinitas
Booked 15 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 Ember & Rye restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1297)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Carlsbad
Booked 16 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 Le Papagayo Encinitas restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2277)
Price: Moderate
• American • Encinitas
Booked 32 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 VAGA Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(274)
Price: Expensive
• American • Encinitas
Booked 34 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
4.6
Exceptional(1363)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Encinitas
Booked 12 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • JaneVIP
    San Diego •61 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Beautiful day at the beach. Food very good, but coconut shrimp getting smaller. Service excellent.
    More info
    Chart House Restaurant - CardiffPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Solana Beach
    4.4
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Came to Pacific Coast Grill for dinner and had a great experience overall. Our server was friendly, attentive, and checked in often without being overbearing. The Hot Stone Surf & Turf was a fun, interactive dish, though a little anxiety-inducing making sure everything was cooked correctly. The ahi was definitely better than the filet. The shrimp dumplings were the favorite of the night—the texture was phenomenal, and the sauce was sweet and flavorful. The sea bass had a light sauce that complemented it nicely. The salmon was cooked well, though it could have used a bit more sauce to balance out the amount of rice. It leaned on the sweeter side, which matched the menu description. The lobster was cooked well though there was nothing remarkable about it. For dessert, the tempura bananas and apple pie were a perfect way to end the night. Definitely a great spot for a meal with a view! You should plan on valeting your car.
    More info
    Pacific Coast Grill - CardiffPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Cardiff By The Sea
    4.8
  • HeatherVIP
    New York City •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We love Waverly and we appreciate Max’s knowledge and attention to detail!
    More info
    Waverly Restaurant & LoungePrice: Expensive• American• Encinitas
    4.8
  • OpenTable DinerVIP
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Celebrated my bday here and had an amazing time and Nick our waiter was amazing. He had great recommendations. The food and drinks were amazing.
    More info
    Herb & SeaPrice: Moderate• Californian• Encinitas
    4.6
  • CarolynP
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 2 Mar 2025
    First of all we are old school Italians who cook and travel to Italy every year we like to try all the Italian restaurants in north county, and Buona Forchetta is one of the best. You will never go wrong with any of their dishes and the pizza is very good. Make sure to make reservations as the restaurant is small and always busy.
    More info
    Buona Forchetta EncinitasPrice: Moderate• Italian• Encinitas
    4.7
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