With its prime location along the Pacific Coast, Encinitas, CA, is home to many excellent restaurants whether you’re looking for fresh fish, a vegetarian meal with locally sourced ingredients, or a wood-fired pizza with a unique combination of toppings. And if you’ve recently moved to an apartment in Encinitas or have lived in the city for some time and want a new restaurant to check out, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve collected a list of 15 must-try Encinitas restaurants that you may want to add to your rotation.
#1: Swami’s Café
Cuisine: Café and American restaurant
Address: 1163 S Coast Highway 101 Ste A, Encinitas, CA 92024
Swami’s Cafe’s Website
Swami’s Café is a stellar spot to check out in Encinitas. A café serving food like breakfast burritos, multigrain waffles, burgers and scrambles, Swami’s Café is a must for anyone in Encinitas.
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#2: Fish Shop
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Cuisine: Fish and chips shop and seafood restaurant
Address: 1010 S Coast Highway 101 Ste 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Fish Shop’s Website
Serving fish and chips – whether you’re in the mood for fried or grilled – Fish Shop is another option to add to your list of must-visit restaurants.
#3: Versailles Bistro
Cuisine: Bakery, bistro, and French restaurant
Address: 947 S Coast Highway 101 Ste 103, Encinitas, CA 92024
Versailles Bistro’s Website
An authentic French bakery, Versailles Bistro has a lot of choices for anyone looking for a new spot for breakfast or a pastry to start the day. Pick up a croissant or macaroon or stay for a galette or omelet.
#4: Potato Shack Café
Cuisine: American restaurant
Address: 120 W “I” St #4436, Encinitas, CA 92024
Potato Shack Cafe’s Website
You can find a variety of dishes at Potato Shack Café – anything from all you can eat breakfast potatoes to pancakes and classic sandwiches.
#5: Darshan Bakery & Café
Cuisine: Bakery, cafe, and restaurant
Address: 949 2nd St, Encinitas, CA 92024
Darshan Bakery & Café’s Website
Another one of the must-visit Encinitas restaurants is Darshan Bakery & Café. You’ll find a range of fresh-baked pastries like croissants, bread, tarts, and house-made chai at their location.
#6: Trattoria I Trulli
Cuisine: Italian restaurant
Address: 830 S Coast Highway 101 Ste A, Encinitas, CA 92024
Trattoria I Trulli’s Website
If you’re looking for an Italian restaurant, be sure to have a meal at Trattoria I Trulli. Serving authentic Italian meals like fritto misto, meatballs, and rigatoni bolognese, there’s options for everyone.
#7: Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria
Cuisine: Pizzeria
Address: 897 S Coast Highway 101 Ste F102, Encinitas, CA 92024
Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria’s Website
Are you on the search for a new pizzeria? If so, head to Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria where you can find some great pizzas, minestrone, or bruschetta perfect for a night out or takeout dinner.
#8: URBN Encinitas
Cuisine: Pizzeria
Address: 764 S Coast Highway 101 #66, Encinitas, CA 92024
URBN Encinitas’ Website
Another one of the countless Encinitas restaurants you should consider grabbing a bite at is URBN Encinitas. With craft pies like gouda garlic alfredo, fresh clam, and even mashed potatoes, you’ll always find something new to try here.
#9: The Taco Stand
Cuisine: Latin American restaurant
Address: 642 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
The Taco Stand’s Website
You can find The Taco Stand just blocks from the beach, where there’s a great selection of authentic tacos reminiscent of those served in Tijuana and the Baja Peninsula.
#10: Bier Garden Encinitas
Cuisine: Bar and gastropub
Address: 641 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Bier Garden Encinitas’ Website
Bier Garden Encinitas is an excellent spot if you’re looking for a bar and gastropub, serving dishes like wings, buffalo cauliflower, burgers, and a great selection of beer. Don’t skip this Encinitas restaurant.
“The Bier Garden is one of my top picks in Encinitas, especially for brunch,” says Natasha’s Food Adventures. “Their Chicken Chilaquiles with sunny-side-up eggs in tomatillo sauce is my favorite dish, and it’s a must-try. For the complete brunch experience, order a hearty Bloody Mary to go with it. After indulging in the delicious food, take a short walk to the beach and enjoy some fresh ocean air while getting in some steps.”
#11: Lobster West
Cuisine: Seafood restaurant
Address: 765 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Lobster West’s Website
Looking for a spot on the west coast serving authentic Maine lobster rolls? At Lobster West, a New England style restaurant serves just that and more.
#12: Q’ero Restaurant
Cuisine: Peruvian restaurant
Address: 564 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Q’ero Restaurant’s Website
A Peruvian restaurant located in downtown, Q’ero Restaurant is the perfect place to grab a bite in Encinitas. Serving a variety of ceviche, empanadas, arepas, yuca frita, and much more, there’s something for everyone at Q’ero Restaurant.
#13: Herb & Sea
Cuisine: New American restaurant
Address: 131 W D St, Encinitas, CA 92024
Herb & Sea’s Website
The 13th Encinitas restaurant to add to your list is Herb & Sea. You can find this spot serving lots of great food and drinks, from crispy brussel sprouts, oak grilled eggplant, to mushroom pizza and lava cake.
#14: Encinitas Café
Cuisine: Café and American restaurant
Address: 531 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Encinitas Cafe’s Website
At Encinitas Café, you can find a variety of meals to choose from – from three egg omelettes to breakfast tacos and grilled sandwiches. It’s a great place for a cozy meal whether you sit indoors or enjoy the sun on their patio.
#15: Sushi Lounge Encinitas
Cuisine: Sushi restaurant
Address: 461 Santa Fe Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024
Sushi Lounge Encinitas’ Website
Finishing off our list of Encinitas restaurants is Sushi Lounge Encinitas, a sushi spot, serving everything from crispy rice and gyoza to spider and rainbow rolls and yakisoba.
#16: La Especial Norte
Cuisine: Mexican restaurant
Address: 664 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
La Especial Norte
“La Especial Norte on Coast Highway has been a go-to spot for authentic Mexican cuisine in Encinitas since 1977,” recommends Singles Getaways. “Their Chile Relleno, filled with cheese and smothered in enchilada sauce, is my top pick. The friendly family service and colorful Baja-inspired ambiance make it a top choice for Mexican food lovers.”
#17: Death by Tequila
Cuisine: Baja restaurant
Address: 569 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Death by Tequila
“One of the newer restaurants in Encinitas that has quickly become my favorite is Death by Tequila,” shares Encinitas Food Tour. “Their authentic Baja cuisine, from the stuffed poblano peppers to the carne asada tacos, impressed me with its freshness and flavors. The restaurant’s modern and sleek ambiance adds to the dining experience. Their mascot, Skullito, embodies the restaurant’s theme, celebrating both life and death. As the saying goes, “los muertos al cajón y los vivos al fiestón.”
#18: City Tacos
Cuisine: Mexican restaurant
Address: 1031 S Coast Highway 101 Suite A101, Encinitas, CA 92024
City Tacos
“A must-visit spot in Encinitas is City Tacos, where traditional and unique taco flavors come together in a casual setting with friendly staff,” shares Sort of Legal. “It’s the perfect embodiment of Southern California vibes. My typical order consists of the Camaron taco, elote, and an adventurous new taco. And if I’m feeling extra hungry, I’ll add a quesadilla to my order.”
#19: Everest Himalayan Cuisine
Cuisine: Himalayan restaurant
Address: 745 S Coast Hwy 101 #103J, Encinitas, CA 92024
Everest Himalayan Cuisine
“At Everest Himalayan Cuisine, Ishwari Pandey, a native of Nepal and the founder/owner, has built an outstanding restaurant with a team of talented and loyal staff,” says Classic Bites and Brews. “As an excellent chef, Ishwari’s expertise is reflected in the exceptional dining experience that this restaurant offers. I have personally enjoyed lunch and dinner here more than at any other restaurant in Encinitas.”
#20: Temaki Bar Sushi
Cuisine: Sushi restaurant
Address: 575 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Temaki Bar Sushi
“When it comes to dining in Encinitas, Temaki Bar Sushi on Coast Hwy 101 stands out as an exceptional choice. The restaurant offers delicious made-to-order handrolls and creatively crafted cut rolls that are unparalleled. The fun atmosphere and friendly staff add to the overall experience, and customers can’t resist joining in on the lively Sake Bomb tradition.”
#21: Encinitas Ale House
Cuisine: Burger restaurant
Address: 1044 S. Coast Hwy Encinitas, CA 92024
Encinitas Ale House
“Encinitas Ale House, a family-owned pub near Swamis Beach, is a local favorite. They offer delicious dishes like the black sesame crusted seared ahi sandwich and the New Zealand Kobe Wagyu Burger, as well as plenty of vegetarian options, starters, soups, salads, and house specialties.”
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