Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego

Best Fun Restaurants in Encinitas

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Areas
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating options
Award-winning
Accessibility

88 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Herb & Sea restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2839)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Encinitas
Booked 42 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 SAGO restaurant
4.3
Awesome(94)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Encinitas
Booked 15 times today
SAGO is a new and exciting dining and nightlife concept, steps from Encinitas beaches. Looking forward to greeting our guests and giving them and outstanding experience.
A photo of Puntamar restaurant
4.3
Awesome(6)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Encinitas
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 SHELTER restaurant
4.1
Excellent(23)
Price: Moderate
• Dining Bar • Encinitas
"Open- air" cocktail lounge and nightclub in the heart of downtown Encinitas. DJ's nightly curating sexy house vibes. Reservations for bottle service are highly recommended. Shelter is a 21+ venue.
A photo of Haven restaurant
4.2
Awesome(150)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Encinitas
Booked 3 times today
Nestled in the hills of Leucadia, Fox Point Farms is home to Haven Farm + Table, a new Californian restaurant helmed by Chef de Cuisine Kelston Moore and General Manager and Wine Director Ricardo Zarate Jr. Haven features the bountiful produce of the three-acre regenerative farm located just steps away from the kitchen. Delight in innovative dishes such as the Jerk Pork Belly Mole while dining on the terrace overlooking our lush fields, or sip a cocktail designed by Phillip Laethem in the stately yet cozy dining room.
A photo of Buona Forchetta Encinitas restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(589)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Encinitas
Booked 37 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 Valentina restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1809)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary European • Encinitas
Booked 20 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 Waverly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(108)
Price: Expensive
• American • Encinitas
Booked 49 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 Cocina de Barrio Encinitas restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(124)
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 Echale Encinitas restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(114)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Encinitas
Booked 13 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.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Marianne
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Loved the wine from Mexico Valley Guadalupe. Great service.
    More info
    PuntamarPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Encinitas
    4.3
  • Guy
    Los Angeles •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Wonderful ambience, great food. It was my wife’s birthday and our waiter (Luca) was super nice and attentive to her. Very pleasurable experience!
    More info
    HavenPrice: Expensive• Californian• Encinitas
    4.2
  • Allan
    San Diego •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 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
  • Jorge
    San Diego •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 15 Dec 2024
    Food and drinks were outstanding and the pacing of it all was equally great (meaning staff didn’t just dump all tapas at one time). The drinks were their signature creative spins on an espresso martini and piña colada that were both delicious and unique. Music would not have started until 8PM but we had to leave for the Light Show at Botanical Gardens.
    More info
    SAGOPrice: Expensive• Asian• Encinitas
    4.3
  • KittyLyons81
    San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 27 Mar 2022
    Loved dancing at shelter and the good vibes !
    More info
    SHELTERPrice: Moderate• Dining Bar• Encinitas
    4.1

Discover best fun restaurants in Encinitas

Discover the vibrant and eclectic dining scene in Encinitas, North San Diego, where every restaurant embodies the essence of fun. Nestled in this lively locale, a variety of eateries offer unique atmospheres that range from casual and cozy to modern and upbeat. Each establishment is committed to providing exceptional service and a memorable dining experience, making them perfect spots for both locals and visitors. The menus are diverse, featuring everything from innovative local cuisine to international flavors, catering to all palates. Whether you're looking for a place with live music, outdoor seating, or a family-friendly environment, Encinitas has a restaurant that will meet your needs. The dining scene here is not just about food; it's about creating lasting memories in a fun and inviting setting. Explore the best that Encinitas has to offer and enjoy a meal that is as exciting as the town itself.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo