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Herb & Sea, Encinitas, CA

Herb & Sea

4.6
4.6
2915 Reviews
$30 and under
Californian

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 49 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Lively
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighbourhood gem
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

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Seafood, Oyster Bar
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (760) 704-8300
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Brian Malarkey and Sara Harris
  • Private party facilities
    Herb & Sea’s chic coastal ambiance meets a neighborhood-friendly vibe that can fit events of all shapes and sizes. The concept shines with a menu that focuses on simple, clean, bright flavors. Come into our home, where we think of it all so that you don't have to.
  • Area
    Encinitas
  • Cross Street
    D Street and 2nd Street
  • Parking details
    Convenient street parking is available. The entrance is located between West D Street and West E Street on the East side. You are more than welcome to call the restaurant, (760) 704-8300, if you have further questions!
  • Public transit
    Encinitas Train Station: 25 E D St, Encinitas, CA 92024
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Dudley Market x Herb & Sea

    20 Mar 2025 only
    On Thursday, March 20th, we're excited to welcome Chef Gabriel Lindsey and CDC Danny Miller of Dudley Market in Venice, Los Angeles for a special one-night-only collaboration. Together with Chef Aidan Owens, the chefs will craft an à la carte menu celebrating the best of locally sourced seafood and seasonal ingredients. Expect vibrant dishes like Aidan’s Local Rock Cod Crudo with orange, sour grape, pickled mustard seed, and castlefranco, alongside Dudley's Baja Kanpachi Crudo with lime leaf ponzu, radish, and bay leaf oil. The two will also come together to create exclusive, one-night-only dishes that merge their distinct coastal influences. Join us for an evening where L.A. meets Encinitas, a celebration of sustainable and ingredient-driven cooking.
    Dudley Market x Herb & Sea photo

What 2,915 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • North San Diego

    Californian

  • North San Diego

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Herb & Sea offers an exquisite dining experience with a creative menu and exceptional service. The atmosphere is lively and "fun and energetic," with standout dishes like "mussel toast" and "halibut" praised for their flavor. Despite occasional service delays, the restaurant remains a top choice for special occasions, promising a memorable meal every time.

2,915 Reviews
  1. david

    Palm Springs

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We used to come here a lot during Covid and it was the best we ever had. We came back a few times in the past couple years and it was never the same and not as good. HOWEVER, we heard they changed chefs and the menu was different so we decided to try again. THANK YOU HERB AND SEA!!! You are back to your top notch self and impressed us greatly!! What a fantastic dining experience. We will be back again.

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  2. Jill

    VIP

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    We ordered the halibut and it took over 45 minutes between the appetizer and was soo over cooked and dry that we had to send it back. By that time we just wanted our check and go home. No one from management stopped by to ask us how they could change our mind. What a bummer! Was looking forward to eating here for a long time!!

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  3. zuzana

    VIP

    San Diego

    58 reviews

    5.0

    58 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    This was our second time in the restaurant. We shared the beets in a pistachio butter with pickled onions, absolutely amazing, i hope this will be a staple on the menu, I wanted to lick the bowl clean. We also shared roasted carrots with cashew sesame relish and Aleppo yogurt, also amazing, my husband’s favorite. My husband ordered chorizo pizza with green apple. He asked to have it crispy as he hates floppy pizza and it was crispy and delicious. I had seabass with jalapeño yoghurt, great combination and not spicy at all. I love how the chef mixes unexpected flavors with delicious results. We did not try any desert as we were already too full. Service was attentive and very pleasant. We will definitely return.

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  4. Melanie

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing dinner tonight at Herb and Sea! Can't go wrong with the Muscle toast, the carrots and the Sea bass. Cocktails were on point. Service was excellent, we had Andrea as our server and she was fantastic! Can't wait to go back!

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  5. Gregory

    VIP

    Tahoe

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had high expectations as I was there with a few local friends who are regulars. But the sea bass was dry and overcooked to the point of being charred in the outside. So that was pretty disappointing. The appetizers were great though.

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  6. Sol

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The entire experience was wonderful. We went to dine for my wife's birthday. We arrived early and asked if we could be seated. The hostess accommodated and we were sat near the kitchen. Which my son enjoyed, because he could see the "magic". The cocktails were delicious. Appetizer of Roasted Oysters and Bone Marrow was fantastic. The breadcrumbs on the oysters was fun. I ordered the Shrimp Linguine, my son ordered the Rigatoni, my wife ordered the Halibut. All were delicious and perfectly cooked. Even the breadcrumbs added to each dish. Which was interesting, since they were on the Appetizer. Okay. No big deal. For dessert, we ordered the Chocolate, (it wasn't a cake. More like a pie?) It was tasty, my wife and son said. But, far too sweet for me. There was salt added to the top of the chocolate, which was okay, but made it bitter. The restaurant even provided a small ice cream with a birthday candle. That was sweet and awesome. The only thing was, there were the breadcrumbs again. The same ones from the appetizer and the entrees. Once was cute and tasty. Twice was interesting. A third time was a little overkill and made it fall flat. All in all, the evening was great. My wife was so happy. We all were. Thank you.

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  7. Briana

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had a great time at the happy hour! Food was delicious, drinks were perfect and the service was incredible. 🌟🌟 love coming here, never disappoints!

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  8. Ashley

    VIP

    Los Angeles

    229 reviews

    4.0

    229 reviews

    Dined on 17 February 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Zach was an awesome waiter The halibut was cooked perfectly

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  9. Nicole

    Los Angeles

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on 16 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We wanted to try a new restaurant during visit to the area. Aside from having to wait with a reservation, we both this place was amazing. The energy, decor, service and of course the food. We tried all the vegetables, which were some of the best veggies I have every had anywhere. We also tried the pizza, there is only one which also did not disappoint. We will definitely return.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 16 February 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Shrimp cocktail was just a bit over seasoned. Crispy potatoes were a solid vegetable dish and enough for two. Seared Barramundi was great! Would I dine there again? Probably. Do I need to rush back? No. Don’t show up early they will just shoo you to the bar with no seating. Noisy environment.

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FAQs

Herb & Sea is rated 4.6 stars by 2915 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 49 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Herb & Sea

131 W D St, Encinitas, CA 92024-3516

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    D Street and 2nd Street
  • Area
    Encinitas
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Seafood, Oyster Bar
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Convenient street parking is available. The entrance is located between West D Street and West E Street on the East side. You are more than welcome to call the restaurant, (760) 704-8300, if you have further questions!
  • Public transit
    Encinitas Train Station: 25 E D St, Encinitas, CA 92024
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Brian Malarkey and Sara Harris
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (760) 704-8300
  • Private party facilities
    Herb & Sea’s chic coastal ambiance meets a neighborhood-friendly vibe that can fit events of all shapes and sizes. The concept shines with a menu that focuses on simple, clean, bright flavors. Come into our home, where we think of it all so that you don't have to.
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