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Herb & Sea, Encinitas, CA

Herb & Sea

4.6
4.6
2814 Reviews
$30 and under
Californian

Make a booking

2 people
20:30
Booked 39 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Lively
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for creative cocktails
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 17:00–21:00
  • 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

  • Christmas Eve Dinner

    US$92.00 per person

    24 Dec 2024 only
    Gather your family and friends to come celebrate Christmas Eve with us at Herb & Sea! We are excited to offer a pre-fixe menu for all to enjoy. Pricing will be $92 for adults and $37 for children for this year's Holiday dinner. We look forward to celebrating with you and your loved ones this Christmas Eve.
    Christmas Eve Dinner photo
  • New Year's Eve

    US$100.00 per person

    31 Dec 2024 only
    Gather your family and friends to come celebrate New Years Eve with us at Herb & Sea! We are excited to offer a pre-fixe menu for all to enjoy. Pricing will be $100 for adults and $38 for children for this year's dinner. We look forward to ringing in the new year with you and your loved ones!
    New Year's Eve photo

What 2,814 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

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Herb & Sea offers a "delicious" dining experience with "amazing" food and a "cool vibe." Guests praise the creative menu with standout dishes like mussel toast and tuna specials. The service is often "excellent," enhancing the lively beach ambiance. Despite occasional noise, it's a favorite for "great food and celebrations."

2,814 Reviews
  1. Desa

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Had reservations for Thanksgiving night and arrived 30 minutes early.We were directed to the bar area, with no seating. Music was extremely loud and had to talk over to hold conversation. Not a good format to start with. Standing room only while waiting, reservation was 25 minutes late, told that table was being cleared for service. We were seated next to the kitchen and traffic for service area. Lots of movement and noise. Waitress was pleasant but not overly attentive. Was never asked how the meal was, or if we needed anything. Basically served each course and moved on. Dinner was paced, did not feel rushed. Overpriced meal and drink, not especially different from other restaurants in same price range, food was prepared well, seasoned, but no bells or whistles. Portions were average. Husband's dessert was over caramelized and tough (apple tart with vanilla ice cream), I requested the pecan pie and was given the apple tart which I took home. Leftovers were boxed. Be prepared to pay a service charge and 22%+ gratuity. A nice meal, but would not return.

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  2. Henrietta

    Denver

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Thank you for making our Thanksgiving dinner special and memorable. The meal was delicious and the service was exceptional.

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  3. terry

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Nick, our server was very attentive, suggestive and answered our questions. Food was delicious and removed promptly when finished. Even though it was packed because of Thanksgiving nothing was rushed and it was a delightful experience!

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  4. Corinne

    San Diego

    40 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was the best we’ve ever had at this restaurant. Great service and especially enjoyed the enthusiastic bar staff. Very fun time at the bar before dinner!

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  5. Alexa

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Disappointed there is a surcharge on top of what you pay in addition to taxes and tip. We paid $50 in surcharge and taxes which was absurd. I asked if we could take it off and it’s for uprising costs etc they can’t let covid go. During covid it was a covid surcharge and not that covid is over they just put it as an additional fee also disappointed as last year we came here for the thanksgiving and immediately sat. This year we had a reservation but had to wait 25 minutes Also the sides last year they gave you full family style sides in separate bowls and this year they put a few green beans and a little mashed potato crammed on one small plate which wasn’t much or enough for us all to have and share

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  6. Christine

    San Diego

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had an exceptional experience for Thanksgiving. The food and service was wonderful. Thank you!

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  7. Larry

    San Diego

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Went for Thanksgiving lunch. Definitely one of the best meals I have ever had. All of our party felt the same way. Look forward to eating here again.

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  8. Elle

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Wonderful experience at yet another Brian Malarkey restaurant. The perfect pre-fixe meal for the holidays.

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  9. Anne

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fabulous Thanksgiving meal! Everything was perfect.

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  10. Reginald

    Orlando

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great overall dinner! AJ took care of us. Loved the chorizo ragu dish. Thanks!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Herb & Sea is rated 4.6 stars by 2814 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
20:30
Booked 39 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 17:00–21:00
  • 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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