Encinitas Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Encinitas

April 14, 2018 Flossie Demartino

Encinitas is a beach city in the North County area of San Diego County, California. Located within Southern California, it is approximately 25 miles (40 km) north of San Diego and about 95 miles (153 km) south of Los Angeles. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 59,518, up from 58,014 at the 2000 census.
Things to do in Encinitas

1. Seaside Market

2087 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Encinitas, CA 92007-1741 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner +1 760-753-5445
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 276 reviews

Seaside Market

Reviewed By Tattalat - Santa Fe, New Mexico

This small supermarket has the best deli
Their cold case is filled with every kind of side dish and salad you can imagine. The market is famous for their cooked tri tip roast. Produce is very good also. Management gets it . Great store with high quality foods that delight locals. Great sandwiches as well. A neighborhood gem

2. 101 Diner

552 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024-3531 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible American, Cafe, Diner, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +1 760-753-2123
Excellent
64%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 142 reviews

101 Diner

Reviewed By Donnadonna01

A friend and I️ had breakfast here and loved it! Friendly service and great food.
I️ ordered toast with avocado and salad me hash browns, extra well done. Hash browns came out perfectly. And toast / avo was delicious.
My friend ordered the California Eggs Benedict - she said it was flavorful and delicious.
Coffee was strong and perfect, fun historic diner that has been around since 1928!

3. Fish 101

1468 N Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024-1443 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol American, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 760-943-6221
Excellent
59%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 412 reviews

Fish 101

Reviewed By kaioatey - The Bay Area

A super popular place with the locals, I felt lucky to come during a relative lull (but still wait ~20'). Had grilled fish (ahi tuna) and seaweed salad with brown rice, which were delicious. The Belgian white ale (in the can) less so, but that was my fault for choosing it. My neighbors had fish tacos and liked them as well. Can't go wrong with this place. Friendly service.

4. Pipes Cafe

121 Liverpool Dr, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Encinitas, CA 92007-1823 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available American, Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +1 760-632-0056
Excellent
64%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 197 reviews

Pipes Cafe

Reviewed By gswhiz13 - Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California

Each year from March 1st through June 30th, we are Camp Hosts at San Elijo State Beach in Cardiff By The Sea, CA. Pipes is our very favorite restaurant. We especially enjoy their Cheese Burger Basket with great tasty fries. We always make sure to get there early, because they are always packed by mealtime. We especially enjoy their outside dining area where we can see and enjoy the ocean while we eat. We certainly highly recommend Pipes as The Place to have a great dining experience.

5. Encinitas Fish Shop

1010 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024-5002 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol American, Seafood, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +1 760-436-4665
Excellent
59%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 196 reviews

Encinitas Fish Shop

Reviewed By Ed M - Perkasie PA

Enjoyed a lunch here with the Mrs on a Sunday afternoon. Very tasty salmon taco and jumbo shrimp salad. Just overpriced for the amount of seafood you actually get. Nice atmosphere with multiple TVs showing NFL games. Dog friendly!

6. Pacific Coast Grill

2526 S Coast Highway 101, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Encinitas, CA 92007 Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi American, Seafood, Sushi, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks SGD 39 - SGD 39 +1 760-479-0721
Excellent
59%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 711 reviews

Pacific Coast Grill

Now on the ocean in Cardiff, PCG is a hip and artistic trip for your senses. Feast on extraordinary Pacific Coast Cuisine in visually stunning surroundings. The Pacific Coast Grill is a place to see and be seen and most of all, to enjoy.

Reviewed By Patty8888 - Encinitas, California

You cannot beat the location: It’s right on the beach and the views are wonderful. Decor is attractive with an upscale beach vibe. Service is good. But the food is meh.

The menu tries hard. The items are trendy and there are many intriguing options. Our fried calamari rings appetizer was great—not greasy and with a nice dipping sauce. Likewise, the guacamole and chips hit the mark. However, the today’s special I ordered—Seafood Risotto—had what was a lovely assortment of seafood swimming in a watery risotto. Said risotto was closer to Uncle Ben’s instant rice with no risotto characteristic whatsoever. It wasn’t plump, it wasn’t nutty, it wasn’t flavorful. It was, in fact, utterly tasteless.

I almost gave the place just 3 stars but they gave our party of 9 a private room with our own private balcony overlooking the water, and that was divine.

Nevertheless, this is the second time I’ve been here and neither time have I felt good about the food.

7. Cicciotti's Trattoria Italiana

1933 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Encinitas, CA 92007-2322 Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night SGD 13 - SGD 39 +1 760-634-2335
Excellent
57%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 241 reviews

Cicciotti's Trattoria Italiana

Giorgio's Ristorante and Pizzeria was formerly the Vigilucci's Pizzeria.

Reviewed By KFM214 - San Diego, California

This has got to be one of the most authentic trattorie on the SD coastline. We have been there for lunch and for dinner, and the food was right on the money on either occasion. BUT, should you wish to engage in normal conversation, skip the evening hours. This place was hopping and jammed for Happy Hour at 6PM on a Saturday. A very loud and seemingly happy crowd. The red sauce for the pasta is just what you might sample in Italy but the gnocchi were disappointing... not worth the price. The server was professional, pleasant, and accommodating. In short, I would return for a leisurely lunch, when the noise level is at its lowest (weekdays anyway), since this is not a place that fosters intimacy.

8. The 3rd Corner

897 S Coast Highway 101, Suite F-104, Encinitas, CA 92024-4442 Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Wheelchair Accessible, Full Bar American, Wine Bar, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +1 760-942-2104
Excellent
55%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 213 reviews

The 3rd Corner

Reviewed By malcolmh874 - St.George UT, United States

We met cousins here for an impromptu dinner. My wife and cousin's wife both had the duck dish, I had a spicy Shrimp Arrabiata and my cousin had a lamb dish. we were all very delighted with the food and with the nature of this restaurant. It is a wine store so you can go shop for your wine, bring it to the table and they then will cork it for you ($5 corkage fee - bring your own bottle opener?). Very reasonable prices on both wine and food. Most of it is A La Carte so lots of choices. Waitstaff is ok, some are a bit stiff, but most are very friendly.

9. Le Papagayo

1002 N Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024-1469 Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Television Latin, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks SGD 20 - SGD 46 +1 760-944-8252
Excellent
51%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 250 reviews

Le Papagayo

Reviewed By Wanderlustlove22 - Oceanside, California

I came here for a going away party. There were about ten of us and we made reservations. The hostess was swamped when we arrived as there was only one.

Once our table was ready, we were seated promptly with menus and water. We all ordered drinks and, man, were they stiff! If you want a strong drink, this is the place to get it. The sangria was also phenomenal!

In our party, we had the lamb, salmon, paella, bbq pork, wahine salad, and lobster ravioli. Everyone raved about their dishes!

The service was good and our server was busy but helpful. I will definitely be back!

10. Lotus Cafe and Juice Bar

765 S Coast Highway 101, In the Lumberyard Shopping Center, Encinitas, CA 92024-4451 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible American, Cafe, Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch SGD 8 - SGD 12 +1 760-479-1977
Excellent
62%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 162 reviews

Lotus Cafe and Juice Bar

Lotus Cafe is dedicated to serving fresh, healthy, natural food at affordable prices, prepared with love, simplicity, and a joyful heart. Our ingredients are sourced with care and are always natural. My husband and I, who are the owners of Lotus Cafe and Juice Bar, have been long-time vegetarians (21+ years). We wanted to create a place where vegans, vegetarians, and my own family (who are not all vegetarians) could come and happily share a meal together. While Lotus is predominantly a vegetarian restaurant, we also offer many fish, chicken, and Turkey options, with a fish special every night; there is also a Turkey burger for our non-vegetarian patrons. Lotus Cafe is casual and affordable; you place your order at the counter, get your table number, and on your way to your table collect your napkins, utensils, condiments, and help yourself to water at one of the condiment counters. Pick the table of your choice, and a food runner will bring your food out to you. We have ample seating both inside and outside, with a patio in back and seating that wraps around the side and front of the cafe if you prefer to be outdoors. We feel very blessed to be so whole-heartedly embraced and supported by our wonderful local Encinitas community; and we are also deeply appreciative of our loyal following of out-of-town visitors and regulars! If you looking at the TripAdvisor website because you are traveling, we wish you a blessed and beautiful journey, filled with much Joy, Inspiration, Peace, and Well-being! Blessings, johanna & carl

Reviewed By Rhristou - Sandy, UT

We stopped here for a late lunch, and it was a great find. The restaurant specializes in healthy food options and they do a terrific job making everything attractive and tasty.Thanks a lot! We appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you at Lotus again!

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