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Herb & Sea, Encinitas, CA

Herb & Sea

4.6
4.6
2905 Reviews
$30 and under
Californian

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2 people
19:00
Booked 68 times today
  • 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
  • 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

What 2,905 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 shines with "excellent food", a "fantastic happy hour", and a "lovely ambience". Diners rave about the "creative delicious food" and "great service", making it a top choice in North County. While some reviews mention noise and service hiccups, the "exceptional" dishes and vibrant atmosphere remain highlights.

2,905 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    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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  2. Tracy

    VIP

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Wow! Happy Valentine’s Day to us! Zack was an amazing server! We asked him to for “dealers choice” and he provided us with the most amazing meals we have had in a long time! He was very personable and fun and had great drink recommenrations, too! The “little stickler” was a great tequila cocktail and made fiancée enjoyed supping Ocho Tequila all night. Thank you for a memorable Valentine’s Day night! 💕🥂🥰

    Is this helpful?

  3. Jesus

    San Diego

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was amazing!! Only issue was that it took a long time to get our food. From start to finish took us 2 hours and 10minutes.

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  4. Scott

    VIP

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Expensive but worth a special occasion. Great food and great service. Probably best restaurant in north county.

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  5. Carisa

    Palm Springs

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was fantastic! Our waiter, Robert I believe, was attentive and informative. Great service!

    Is this helpful?

  6. rachel

    Indiana

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I had such a good experience at this restaurant. Great service, food and drinks were amazing.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Tina

    VIP

    San Diego

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great Happy Hour! The smash burger was super delicious, and the service was excellent.

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  8. Jennifer

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 9 February 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    My daughter raved about this place a few years ago which prompted me to give it a try. The best thing were their cocktails for sure. I ordered the cod and it was so dry the butter knife couldn’t cut through the top crust. The service was great in the beginning but faltered as the food was served. Basically they did a “fly by” when dropping the food off and saw them again when the check was dropped off. For almost a $400 check there are so many other establishments that I will patronize over this one.

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  9. Debby

    San Diego

    13 reviews

    3.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on 9 February 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    As much as the food was tasty, it took so long to get drinks, then to the app/salad course, to entree, no oyster forks, no flatware for entree, waiting again, waiting forever to pay, the server was a sweetheart, however tough to get her attention on several occasions grabbing anyone who after awhile was able to accommodate, was very frustrating...I don't blame servers as much as however their system is set up...something is not smooth, too choppy sort of disrupted the experience sorry to say.

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  10. lsbg

    VIP

    San Diego

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on 9 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    The food was terrific, the wait staff was outstanding, and the noise level was overwhelming. Visually a very nice place, but the noise really distracted. We will probably go again, but we sure miss the old patio. It was quieter and much more pleasant than indoors.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Herb & Sea is rated 4.6 stars by 2905 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 68 times today
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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