Herb & Sea

Name: Herb & Sea
Address: 131 W D St, Encinitas, CA, United States, 92024-3516
Telephone: (760) 704-8300
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.5

4.5

2871 Reviews

$30 and under

Californian

Make a booking

2 people

13 Jan 2025

19:30

Booked 48 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 17:00–21:00
Phone number
(760) 704-8300
Website
http://herbandsea.com/
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.

Location
131 W D St, Encinitas, CA 92024-3516
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

3 Nights at Sea: The Plot x Herb & Sea
US$65.00 per person
26 Jan 2025 only
For three unforgettable nights, Herb & Sea is thrilled to host a special collaboration with our talented chef friends from North County. Local legend Chef Davin Waite (The Plot, Wrench & Rodent), a trailblazer in the sustainable food movement, will join forces with Chef Aidan to create an exclusive four-course menu. Together, they’ll craft innovative plant-based dishes that showcase the freshest local produce in a truly memorable culinary experience. Sunday, January 26th - $65 per person - price exclusive of tax and gratuity.
3 Nights at Sea: Matsu x Herb & Sea
US$100.00 per person
2 Feb 2025 only
On our second night at sea, we’re excited to welcome Chef William Eick of Matsu, a modern Japanese fine-dining restaurant that seamlessly blends time-honored Japanese traditions with the vibrant flavors of local produce. Together, Chef William and Chef Aidan will craft a special five-course menu, celebrating the artistry and essence of this unique culinary philosophy. Sunday, February 2nd - $100 per person - price exclusive of tax and gratuity.
3 Nights at Sea: Valle x Herb & Sea
US$100.00 per person
5 Feb 2025 only
For our final night at sea, we are honored to host Chef Roberto Alcocer of Valle, a Michelin-starred restaurant that masterfully celebrates the bold, vibrant flavors of Baja California cuisine. Chef Roberto and Chef Aidan will collaborate on an exquisite five-course menu, showcasing the region’s rich culinary heritage through locally sourced ingredients and innovative techniques. Wednesday, February 5th - $100 per person - price exclusive of tax and gratuity. **WE WILL NOT BE OFFERING HAPPY HOUR THIS EVENING**

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 2,871 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.5Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

North San Diego
Californian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Herb & Sea is a vibrant dining spot known for "amazing food" and "fantastic service." Guests rave about the creative menu, especially the mussel toast and unique cocktails. While some find the ambiance a bit loud, the energetic vibe and attentive staff create a memorable experience. Highly recommended for special occasions!

2,871 Reviews

N
Nancy
Los Angeles
26 reviews
3.0
26 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The appetizers and veggies were wonderful, and delicious! The entrees were barely passable, and not passable for the expensive prices. They were so not tasty, that 0 of 3 wanted to eat the leftovers for the next day's lunch. We had the chicken fried swordfish: not great: MEH. Husband had the halibut in Chorizo. Whoever thought that was a good idea was really off. It was chewy, the sauce was not great and had a kick of hot spice to it. We all took bites, and none were really good, or worth the high price. The appetizers were good, and that is all that I would come for again. The wine was barely ok for $25 a glass! I asked for another brand, and was mistakenly not told that my order was not available by the glass, so the server opted me in for a $25/glass of chardonnay without letting me know. I would never have opted for that, and to his credit, he removed it from the bill. In short, we paid over $300 for 3 meals that we did not like the entrees. Something has changed, because the last time that we were here, the food was extraordinarily great in all ways. I am concerned that they may not make it, if they do not adjust to a better pallet. Since they do such amazing appetizers, I know that they must know what is good or not. I am hoping that they change back, so I can come again.
Is this helpful?
S
Sam
New Orleans
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This place is actually insane. Best meal I’ve had in a long time and it’s not even close. The filet, oysters/bonemarrow, Caesar salad, hush puppies, potatoes, and gnocchi were all superb. Ambiance is swanky with great art and really amazing service. These people are on it!!!!
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L
Lexie
VIP
San Diego
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Lovely ambience but the actual food can be very and hit and miss. This visit was a miss - food came out cold, took a long time to be served / checked on by our server, and the food overall was not up to standard of past visits.
Is this helpful?
H
Hayden
New York City
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
I'm so disappointed you got rid of the Parker house rolls! They were amazing and certainly a draw for me to come to the restaurant. The food was good, but our server was awesome!
Is this helpful?
S
Sierra
VIP
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was really good and service was even better. Will always come back.
Is this helpful?
B
Blake
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Just had the best yellowtail of my life, and I order fish as my entree pretty much any time I am out to dinner. Herb and Sea never ceases to impress. And there's always fun new things on the m menu.
Is this helpful?
A
Alex
Detroit
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Food and service were exceptional. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Is this helpful?
r
robert
San Diego
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 1
It was noisy, too noisy--no tablecloths, no rugs, just bare surfaces which magnified the sound. It was dark, so dark that we had to set the table's candle on top of the menu to read it. The food listings were way too spicy, far too much use of jalapeño and spicy sausage--on fish dishes!. All the accompanying vegetables had to be purchased separately from the entree. We ordered glasses of champagne and it was served in a wine glass, not in a champagne glass. In all a disappointing experience. We recommend going somewhere else, not here.
Is this helpful?
A
Andrew
Orlando
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Awesome experience with great ambiance and the food was fresh and tasty
Is this helpful?
J
Jane
VIP
San Diego
53 reviews
5.0
53 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Truly amazing food!!! Loved the mussel toast the best. Halibut was perfect. Best Caesar salad i’ve ever had at a restaurant. It’s expensive, but the experience was fabulous.
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FAQs

Herb & Sea is rated 4.5 stars by 2871 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

13 Jan 2025

19:30

Booked 48 times today

Experiences are available.

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

Website
http://herbandsea.com/
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.

Herb & Sea

Make a booking

Additional information

3 Nights at Sea: The Plot x Herb & Sea

3 Nights at Sea: Matsu x Herb & Sea

3 Nights at Sea: Valle x Herb & Sea

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

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