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Herb & Sea, Encinitas, CA

Herb & Sea

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Visa Dining Collection

4.6
4.6
2967 Reviews
$30 and under
Californian
131 W D St, Encinitas, CA 92024-3516

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 64 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Lively
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 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • 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.
  • Neighborhood
    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

  • Mother's Day Brunch

    $68.00 per person

    May 11, 2025 only
    Celebrate your mom at Herb & Sea! We are offering a pre-fixe brunch menu to spoil your mom on her special day. The pricing for the menu will be $68 per person. We are excited to host you and your loved ones on this holiday.
  • Found Oyster x Herb & Sea

    $20.00 per party

    Prepaid

    May 14, 2025 only
    Join us at Herb & Sea for a special evening with Chef Ari Kolender of LA’s celebrated seafood spot, Found Oyster—recognized by the Michelin Guide and the Los Angeles Times 101 Best Restaurants list—as we celebrate the release of his debut cookbook, How to Cook the Finest Things in the Sea. For one night only, Chef Kolender will team up with Chef Aidan Owens to create an à la carte menu of ocean-inspired dishes drawn from the new book and beyond. Reservations are $20 and include a copy of Kolender’s cookbook. Food and beverage will be charged à la carte, with optional wine, cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverages available throughout the night.

What 2,967 people are saying

Herb & Sea reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • North San Diego

    Californian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Herb & Sea offers a vibrant dining experience with "excellent food and service." Guests rave about the "mussel toast" and creative menu options like chicken fried swordfish. While the atmosphere is lively and fun, some find it "really, really loud." Overall, it's a "neighborhood gem" perfect for special occasions.

2,967 Reviews
  1. Logan

    Orange County1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Easter Brunch was lovely! The chef was handsome too ;)

    Is this helpful?

  2. Carly

    Milwaukee1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our time at herb & sea was amazing. Didn’t take very long to get our table, the food was amazing and our server was very attentive. We asked if they had any jam and the chef whipped up some for us on the spot. Super accommodating and will definitely be back!!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Stacey

    San Diego5 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was ok but neither memorable nor recommendable.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Briahna VIP

    Chicago11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A must stop. Everything was 12/10. The service, atmosphere, and food was wonderful!! We did Easter brunch but which they were open Mondays otherwise we would be back.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Elana

    San Diego1 review

    1.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    We were sat across from a large party that wasn’t acting appropriately.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Susan VIP

    Los Angeles1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Paige and Andrea are wonderful. Delicious food and excellent service.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Chad VIP

    Phoenix1 review

    3.0

    Dined on April 18, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    Insanely slow, and I love this restaurant. Less than half full, I’m not sure what happened last night.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Christopher

    San Diego25 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My wife and I had a great meal and experience. The food was excellent and included a hush puppy appetizer, a side of beats (fantastic), I had the chicken fried swordfish and my wife had the chorizo pizza. Our server was prompt and attentive and the overall vibe of the restaurant was enjoyable. This is probably our 5th visit and it always comes through for a nice dinner out.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Lisa VIP

    Seattle2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on April 12, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We brought out of town guests because we usually love the food but tonight was very disappointing. My drink was too sweet, the ceviche as good but not tender as normal and the chicken was tough and rubbery.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Caroline

    Seattle1 review

    4.0

    Dined on April 12, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    A nice dining experience. Food was too salty and had to take it back. Served was understanding and brought out another dish with no salt. Would have liked somewhere in between.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Herb & Sea is rated 4.6 stars by 2967 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego
  4. North San Diego
  5. Encinitas

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 64 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
  • Neighborhood
    Encinitas
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • 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
  • 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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