Herb & Sea

4.6

2930 Reviews

$30 and under

Californian

Make a booking

2 people

15 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 69 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Lively
Neighbourhood gem
Good for special occasions

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

Location
131 W D St, Encinitas, CA 92024-3516
Phone number
(760) 704-8300
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Californian, Seafood, Oyster Bar
Hours of Operation
Dinner Tue–Sun 17:00–21:00
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!
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Brian Malarkey and Sara Harris

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.
WILDCOAST Dinner
US$120.00 per person
Prepaid
6 Apr 2025 only
Join us for an unforgettable evening in support of ocean conservation at this year’s WILDCOAST Dinner. Chefs Aidan Owens, Drew Deckman, and Davin Waite are coming together for a four-course, family-style feast spotlighting locally sourced seafood, paired with wines from Niner Winery, tequila from Solento, and brews from Pure Project. Kick off the night on the Moonlight Deck with welcome cocktails and bites from each chef before diving into an interactive, open-air dining experience—where the chefs will be cooking live, bringing the flavors of the sea to life. 100% of ticket profits directly fund WILDCOAST’s mission to protect our planet’s most critical ecosystems. Ticket price includes beverages, taxes, and fees.
Easter Brunch
US$68.00 per person
20 Apr 2025 only
Gather your family and friendsto join us at Herb & Sea for a pre-fixe brunch for the Easter Holiday. Pricing will be $68 for a 3 course brunch experience. We are looking forward to hosting your Easter holiday!

Private dining

Popular dishes

Oysters on the Half ShellUS$24.89
lemon cocktail sauce, apple mignonette, house hot sauce
Ahi PuttanescaUS$28.43
cured olives, tomatoes, capers, california balsamico, calabrian chili, crispy garlic
CevicheUS$22.91
halibut, leche de tigre, coconut, plantain chips
Hamachi CrudoUS$23.77
white ponzu, sprouts, pickled fresno, sunflower seed, citrus, avocado
Beef TartareUS$28.56
pickled mustard seed, capers, egg yolk, micro arugula
Two Fish TartareUS$23.24
tuna belly, seabass, shaved fennel, basil oil, milk bread crouton

Appetizers

Carrot HummusUS$15.72
tahini, roasted garlic, za'atar, flatbread
Gem SaladUS$16.74
feta, pickled onion, sunflower seed, everything spice, buttermilk dill dressing
Endive SaladUS$18.24
frika, pine nuts, grana padano, meyer lemon vinaigrette
Roasted Oysters & Bone MarrowUS$29.01
pernod, kale, lemon, gruyere, breadcrumb
Broiled ScallopsUS$23.33
tomato béchamel, smoked tuna lardon, fontina, gremolata
Seared ShrimpUS$23.10
green harissa, lime pulp, micro cilantro
HoecakeUS$28.67
brown butter corn cake, smoked striped sea bass rillette, white sturgeon caviar, honey butter

Vegetables

Roasted Baby CarrotsUS$14.27
cashew sesame relish, aleppo yogurt, carrot top pesto
Braised LeeksUS$14.14
porcini butter, hollandaise, fried shallots
Crispy Boardwalk PotatoesUS$13.66
old bay, malt vinegar, lemon aioli
Spring Peas & StrawberriesUS$14.20
brown sugar vinegar, too much butter
Brussel SproutsUS$14.06
caramelized shallot agrodolce, horseradish "cream", fried walnuts, watermelon radish

Entrees

Oak Grilled SteelheadUS$42.24
beurre blanc, toro de oro pepper, leek oil, chive
Plancha Fired Whole BranzinoUS$36.35
castelvetrano olive, calabrian chili, citrus, fennel
Oak Grilled EggplantUS$24.44
sugar snap peas, black sesame miso puree, chimichurri, harissa
Roasted Half ChickenUS$32.67
salsa verde, tuscan kale, lemon, caper
Oak Grilled Pork ChopUS$38.29
date & orange jam, rainbow chard, herbs
8oz Prime FiletUS$52.35
caramelized onion demi-glace, stilton cream, crispy shallots
10 oz HangerUS$38.78
brown butter hollandaise, chimichurri, sherry demi-glace, shishito peppers
20 oz Coffee Rubbed Bone-In RibeyeUS$85.32
bone marrow butter, madre mezcal jus, chimichurri

Pizza + Pasta

RigatoniUS$32.54
short rib ragu, lemon, grana padano, garlic confit
Shrimp LinguiniUS$29.65
preserved lemon, capers, parsley, callabrian chili
Fennel Sausage PizzaUS$24.89
broccolini, garlic, lemon, tomato, ricotta, grana, parsley
Mushroom PizzaUS$22.82
maitake mushroom, red onion, goat cheese, calabrian chili, truffle pesto
Hawaiian PizzaUS$25.43
crispy speck, coal roasted pineapple, taleggio, red onion

Cocktails

Refreshing

Beets by HerbUS$16.00
pisco, vermouth, beet shrub, lemon, meringue
Guavamente BessameUS$16.00
jalapeno tequila, guava, lime, house made tajin
Oaxacan AffairUS$16.00
mezcal, cognac, macadamia nut orgeat, lemon, rum float
Razzle DazzleUS$16.00
vodka, framboise, chareau, raspberry agave, lemon
Ord To JfkUS$18.00
bourbon, lemon, cabernet sauvignon, clarified with milk
Dirty OnceUS$16.00
olive oil washed gin, cake, lemon
H & Spressotini (Nitro)US$16.00
vodka, mr. black coffee liquor, ironsmith espresso, madagascar vanilla

Direct

Ash & VineUS$17.00
wine barrel aged bourbon, montepulciano, rosé vermouth, curaçao, grape stem dust
H&S Old FashionedUS$15.00
bourbon, amaro lucano, cynar, honey, orange twist
Martinez de MezcalUS$16.00
mezcal, dolin rogue, maraschino, house made orange bitters

Spirit-Free

Never Have I HeatherUS$9.00
lemon juice, dragon fruit, basil
Brûlée & BlackUS$9.00
charred lemon iced tea, turmeric-black pepper honey, brûléed lemon
Kollo Iced TeaUS$9.00
cold brewed, whole leaf, single origin

Wine by the Glass

Sparkling

Bisol, Brut Prosecco, "Jeio", ItalyUS$15.00
Victorine de Chastenay, Brut Rose NV, Crémant de Bourgogne, FranceUS$15.00

White

Pinot Grigio, Livio Felluga, Friuli, ItalyUS$16.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Tinpot Hut, Marlborough, New ZealandUS$17.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Paul Buisse, Tourraine, FranceUS$17.00
Chardonnay, Jordan, Russian River Valley, CaliforniaUS$20.00
Chenin Blanc, Babylonstoren, Franschhoek, South AfricaUS$16.00

Rosé

Cinsault Blend, Peyrassol, Méditerranée, FranceUS$16.00
Grenache Blend, Stolpman, Ballard Canyon, CaliforniaUS$15.00

Red

Cabernet Sauvignon, Niner, Paso Robles, CaliforniaUS$20.00
Malbec, Mary Taylor, Cahors, FranceUS$17.00
Pinot Noir, Au Bon Climat "Pmc Block", Santa Maria Valley, CaliforinaUS$22.00
Cabernet Franc, Marcel Martin, "Les Bernieres", Chinon, FranceUS$16.00
Grenache / Syrah Blend, Vignerons Ardechois, Rhône Valley, FranceUS$16.00
Montepulciano, Abbondanza, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, ItalyUS$15.00

Beer

Tap

Kook Slams, West Coast India Pale Ale, Duck Foot Brewing, 7.5%, San DiegoUS$10.00
Rumbler, Double Dry Hopped Pale Ale, Harland Brewing, 5.4%, San DiegoUS$10.00
Harbor Cruise, Kolsch Style Ale, Eppig, 4.9%, San DiegoUS$10.00

What 2,930 people are saying

Herb & Sea reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

North San Diego
Californian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Herb & Sea offers a delightful dining experience with "amazing food" and "outstanding service." Known for its imaginative menu and creative cocktails, it's a perfect spot for special occasions. While the noise level can be high, the restaurant's vibrant atmosphere and "locally sourced" dishes make it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

2,930 Reviews

C
Chris VIP
Palm Springs22 reviews
5.0
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Overall great experience. Food was just a little off...lettuce in salad was not as fresh as we would have liked. My Halibut was tasty but a little dry. Wine selection is good, the linguini was excellent and the west coast oysters with their homemade hot sauce were superb. Overall great experience and we will go back.
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T
Tiffanie
Fayetteville7 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What an fantastic experience! We were a group of 4 that split the mussel toast and hush puppies both delicious, don't skip the honey herb butter . We enjoyed the ragu, yellow tail, carrots, beets, and bone marrow app. We enjoyed every item we ordered. Robert and his lovely manager took such great care of us and seating us in an area better suited for my FIL. The noise level isn't in anyone's control, so if you are wanting a quiet dinner go earlier or later. It is a happening spot where every is having a great time, so be ready. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. ❤
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s
susan VIP
Chicago2 reviews
3.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Nice staff and ambience and my husband’s meal was delicious, but the shrimp linguini pasta was not good. Pasta was gummy and stuck clumps. Probably just the result of it being cooked too much in advance. Would go again, just would not order the pasta.
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TD
TracyD VIP
Los Angeles2 reviews
4.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Really slow service and loud Staff nice and food good but pricy Staff attentive to allergies though… cute restaurant but had high expectations… not met
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KM
KimberlyM
San Diego5 reviews
3.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great for drinks and appetizers, pass on dinner. Surprisingly the main entree, cooked local halibut, didn’t come out well. Raw seafood was fresh and delicious. Staff were great and removed the halibut dish from our bill.
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OT
OpenTable Diner VIP
San Diego3 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
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.
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M
Martine VIP
Denver14 reviews
5.0
Dined on 6 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We ate here twice! The service the first night was very good as was the food. We started with a shrimp cocktail- fantastic perfectly cooked shrimp and delicious sauces- the cocktail red sauce smoky, spicy,a hint of sweet and a pinch of herbs- delicious! Caesar salad too heavily dressed and way too much anchovie. Halibut a bit overcooked sat on a delicious orzo studded with chorizo and lots of paprika. Pasta with shrimp and caper ,toasted crumb and Italian chilies delicious! Brownie dessert yummy served with pistachio gelato which hardly tasted of pistachio especially pared with the dark chocolate brownie and ganache top. Last night, we started with lamb meatballs yum but overly salty, another try at the Ceaser we asked for easy dressing but it was soaked and again way too much anchovy. Roasted carrots so spicy my taste buds screamed, followed by a delicious red sauce with beef like a traditional meat sauce and a curly pasta wonderful. Because we were there the night before they served us a delicious olive oil cake with pear, a perfect caramel, and a delicious vanilla gelato. What can I say, pasta perfection, dessert chef very very good.Attention to detail and very goo d service makes this a great restaurant in Encinitas.
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M
Monique VIP
Detroit2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 2 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We could not have asked for a better, more fun, more delicious dinner to celebrate my son-in-law’s birthday. He is a chef so I obviously wanted to impress him. The food was great and the service exceptional…..mission accomplished!
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H
Heather VIP
San Diego11 reviews
5.0
Dined on 2 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Ajay (AJ) was an incredible server. He was kind, attentive, really helpful with the ordering process. Everytime we come here the service is impeccable. A rare find and nice to have excellent service. Food delicious as always.
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J
Jennifer
San Diego7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 1 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent service and food!! Would highly recommend.
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FAQs

Herb & Sea is rated 4.6 stars by 2930 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

15 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 69 times today

Experiences are available.

131 W D St, Encinitas, CA 92024-3516

Additional information

Phone number
(760) 704-8300
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Californian, Seafood, Oyster Bar
Hours of Operation
Dinner Tue–Sun 17:00–21:00
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!
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Brian Malarkey and Sara Harris

Herb & Sea

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Additional information

Dudley Market x Herb & Sea

WILDCOAST Dinner

Easter Brunch

West Room

Moonlight Deck

Full Venue

Custom inquiry

Roasted Baby Carrots

Hamachi Crudo

Shrimp Linguini

Raw Bar

Oysters on the Half ShellUS$24.89

Ahi PuttanescaUS$28.43

CevicheUS$22.91

Hamachi CrudoUS$23.77

Beef TartareUS$28.56

Two Fish TartareUS$23.24

Appetizers

Carrot HummusUS$15.72

Gem SaladUS$16.74

Endive SaladUS$18.24

Roasted Oysters & Bone MarrowUS$29.01

Broiled ScallopsUS$23.33

Seared ShrimpUS$23.10

HoecakeUS$28.67

Vegetables

Roasted Baby CarrotsUS$14.27

Braised LeeksUS$14.14

Crispy Boardwalk PotatoesUS$13.66

Spring Peas & StrawberriesUS$14.20

Brussel SproutsUS$14.06

Entrees

Oak Grilled SteelheadUS$42.24

Plancha Fired Whole BranzinoUS$36.35

Oak Grilled EggplantUS$24.44

Roasted Half ChickenUS$32.67

Oak Grilled Pork ChopUS$38.29

8oz Prime FiletUS$52.35

10 oz HangerUS$38.78

20 oz Coffee Rubbed Bone-In RibeyeUS$85.32

Pizza + Pasta

RigatoniUS$32.54

Shrimp LinguiniUS$29.65

Fennel Sausage PizzaUS$24.89

Mushroom PizzaUS$22.82

Hawaiian PizzaUS$25.43

Cocktails

Refreshing

Beets by HerbUS$16.00

Guavamente BessameUS$16.00

Oaxacan AffairUS$16.00

Razzle DazzleUS$16.00

Ord To JfkUS$18.00

Dirty OnceUS$16.00

H & Spressotini (Nitro)US$16.00

Direct

Ash & VineUS$17.00

H&S Old FashionedUS$15.00

Martinez de MezcalUS$16.00

Spirit-Free

Never Have I HeatherUS$9.00

Brûlée & BlackUS$9.00

Kollo Iced TeaUS$9.00

Wine by the Glass

Sparkling

Bisol, Brut Prosecco, "Jeio", ItalyUS$15.00

Victorine de Chastenay, Brut Rose NV, Crémant de Bourgogne, FranceUS$15.00

White

Pinot Grigio, Livio Felluga, Friuli, ItalyUS$16.00

Sauvignon Blanc, Tinpot Hut, Marlborough, New ZealandUS$17.00

Sauvignon Blanc, Paul Buisse, Tourraine, FranceUS$17.00

Chardonnay, Jordan, Russian River Valley, CaliforniaUS$20.00

Chenin Blanc, Babylonstoren, Franschhoek, South AfricaUS$16.00

Rosé

Cinsault Blend, Peyrassol, Méditerranée, FranceUS$16.00

Grenache Blend, Stolpman, Ballard Canyon, CaliforniaUS$15.00