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Herb & Sea, Encinitas, CA

Herb & Sea

4.6
4.6
2274 Reviews
$30 and under
Californian
Top Tags:
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

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2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 39 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Seafood, Oyster Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (760) 704-8300
  • Website
    http://herbandsea.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Owned/operated by
    Women
  • 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.
  • Private party contact
    Jarrod Zimpfer: (760) 704-8300
  • Location
    131 W D St, Encinitas, CA 92024-3516
  • 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

Featured in

What 2,274 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
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • North San Diego

    Californian

  • North San Diego

    Most Booked

2,274 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful time, the food was delicious and our server was fantastic. The noise level was a little loud, we had to yell to hear each other at the table.

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  2. AshleyD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and amazing service! Our waiter Miguel was so friendly. He gave us some great insight into the menu & chef, and also gave us some great recommendations.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Austin

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best restaurant in Encinitas 🤙🏼. Great vibe, great service. 100% going back

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  4. JRich

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    This was our first visit. The restaurant had a nice vibe and the hostess and server were friendly. The food was...okay. The entire group of four struggled a bit with the menu. I had the Branzino. The fish was cooked well but was WAY over seasoned. My husband had the chicken and he said it was dry. My stepmother loved the Bluefin over ramen, but the portion was on the smaller side. All in all, I like the direction the restaurant is going, but they struggled a bit with execution and the prices didn't justify the experience.

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  5. Rastratton

    San Diego

    193 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    193 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved the collaboration dinner with Two Ducks. All courses were excellent and enjoyed the company of the people at our table as well. We look forward to the next event. also, love the new chef!

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was amazing and the staff was very knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating for our 11 month old.

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waiter was outstanding!

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  8. AllenE

    San Diego

    14 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    The restaurant is very nice inside with a pretty good vibe. The food is good but way overpriced especially for appetizers and wine.

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  9. MattH

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food3service4ambience5
    Love the ambiance but was bummed when they removed my favorite pizza and cocktail from the menu. The food is good, drinks are good, but its a bit pricey for what you get. Thanks

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely fantastic experience, this was our second time dining here. The food is outstanding, good sized portions and fair pricing. Love the incorporation of seasonal items. The staff is very attentive and friendly. The cocktail menu is excellent and very creative. Can’t wait to come back.

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  11. BrendaW

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Shout out to our amazing waiter Tosh.. he didn’t miss a beat even with our large party of 12🙌

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  12. Jenna

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved eating on their Moonlight Deck! Everything was delicious and our servers were excellent -- attention and friendly.

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  13. ValerieC

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    We had my Birthday Dinner at Herb & Sea and truly enjoyed it. It was our first visit and our server Spencer guided us through the menu and was informative, attentive and paced our meal just right. The food was outstanding, as were the cocktails. We had two appetizers, the clams and the blue fin tuna crudo. Both were excellent. We also ordered an off menu item of Parker rolls, which were amazing. They were served with an herb honey butter and were warm and fresh. For entrees, we have Shrimp with Linguini which my husband loved. My daughter and I split two entrees, the 10 oz. Filet and the Barramundi. Both were outstanding. I would return to Herb and Sea for another amazing meal.

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed my husband’s birthday dinner. The food was excellent and it was such a relaxing environment. We all had a great time!

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  15. GutoFontana

    San Diego

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Always great food and service. Only going you like California cousine

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  16. Jennifer

    Las Vegas

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience5
    Unfortunately this is my second visit with not so good reviews. The service was amazing as always but the rolls were cold, the pork brisket was just ok and the warm lava cake was not warm. I have been seeing a decline in the quality over the last couple of months and I sure hope they fix it because this is an amazing restaurant and I would like to see the quality of the food come back.

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  17. BradA

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience2
    We dine out frequently at restaurants in this price range, the overall experience was average at best. Too bad the hostess interaction and food didn’t compare to all the hype, however our server Nikki was great. I can check it off the list of places to dine in Encinitas.

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    My friend and I both ordered the filet, medium rare. Came perfectly cooked. Our waiter was friendly and took good care of us. Will be back soon!

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  19. DerekA

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food was amazing! Good appetizers and drinks. The Blue fin tuna collar is a must if it is available.

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  20. LindseyH

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    Service was slow, food was cold and wasn't as great as expected. Wouldn't return.

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  21. TimCeeeeee

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The surcharge is annoying, especially considering we paid cash. What is this charge for??? The espresso martini needed to be made with an espresso machine, not just a coffee/vodka drink. Menu overall was good, fairy healthy. We would go back for the bar, too loud for a nice dinner there.

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  22. MarieG

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall1food3service3ambience1
    I thought Herb and Sea would be a great new restaurant to go to since the social media posts seemed amazing. I was truly disappointed when we went for our Friday anniversary dinner. We had to park 3 blocks down. They knew we had an anniversary reservation and still sat us down in the far-end wall with a bench going from wall to wall. All the tables were super close to each other so it was like we were eating very close to other couples and crying kids. The food was okay. I got lobster and pasta, but pasta was hard. I spent the whole time shooing the flies away from my food. The music is way too loud so if you want to talk you have to yell and the people sitting next to you will hear your conversation because of how close they are. We paid over $200 for the dinner but I felt like I could have gone somewhere else and enjoyed a more intimate meal. We won’t be going back.

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience2
    The waiter told us that the chef refused modify the carpaccio appetizer (our request to skip the bread crumbs) for my wife who has celiac. Are you kidding??? Thus limiting the already limited menu.

    1 person found this helpful

  24. OpenTable Diner

    Exclusive

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wow what a nice surprise! We came in based on the good OoenTable reviews and we were not disappointed. Excellent food- every dish was a hit. And Katie, our server, was friendly and super helpful! We don’t live in the area but if we’re ever back in this area we will definitely come here again.

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  25. AnaS

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Beets, bluefin tuna, pork, shrimp, potatoes, the bread - all amazing

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  26. RossB

    Yosemite

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience4
    We sent our meat back as it was awful both in presentation and taste. Menu tries to hard to be tricky and is not pulled off.

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  27. HellaT

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience3
    Slow service and food took way too long. Poor food quality (over cooked risotto). Over priced

    1 person found this helpful

  28. ZaneS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was amazing. The octopus is a must have. The steak was cooked to perfection, and the mahi-mahi ceviche had a great flavor.

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  29. DLll

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Higher prices, smaller portions, lower quality than just one year ago. Becoming more like LA and not in a good way. Our food came burnt and we were told it was “intentionally heavily charred”. I hope it goes back to the way it was.

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  30. ReneeO

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This was my first time going to Herb and Sea, I’m a huge fan of Herb and Wood. The food was off the charts delicious, with wonderfully strong flavors, and incredibly delicious seafood. I’d highly recommend for the menu and wine. My one complaint is the noise level, they blast music at both of these locations which make it challenging on a date to hear one another. I’d love it if the music would be toned down, and allow you to discuss the food.

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  31. Jennifer

    Las Vegas

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall3food4service5ambience5
    We waited over an hour for our entrees, our server was amazing though.

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Salt Lake City

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really excellent service. Many thanks for a lovely dining experience

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall3food2service2ambience3
    Food was not great Brussels sprouts were waaaay overcooked. Beets were too saucy. Pasta was pretty good but nothing special. Service was not great had to ask three times to get a second glass of wine. However wine was good.

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  34. CharlesT

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have been going to Herb and Sea for years and have always lived the food and service, but their new Chef Aiden has taken things to the next level. The new menu is absolutely phenomenal!

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  35. LilyV

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    The mahi mahi ceviche was not good, very bland. Asked for lemons and salt but there was no saving that dish. I’ve had the ceviche before and it was delicious, must have been an off night. I raved about this item to my friends and it was a total bust. My friend found a hair in his food but he didn’t want to complain. Entrees were good, we ordered the branzino, shrimp linguini, and cioppino. The shrimp linguini was excellent, very flavorful. Service was good.

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  36. LoriE

    San Diego

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server, Robert was excellent. Knowledgeable, friendly, and timely. The food was excellent- Nicely presented and great flavors. Portions were generous. Love the nightly specials this summer and will be back later this week.

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  37. KMfoodie

    Salt Lake City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We celebrated our new son-in-law’s birthday at Herb and Sea and we had an amazing meal & experience at Herb and Sea. Yes, it’s on the pricey side but every dish is thoughtfully prepared, the seafood is beyond fresh, and the service is excellent!

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  38. Eyal

    Yorkshire

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    We made the reservation for 8pm and were seated 20 minutes later. The food was great but by the time we got served with entrees it was an hour and a half after the original reservation time. Manager acknowledged the delay and offered wine glasses and a couple of deserts in the house. Overall very nice food but super noisy restaurant.

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  39. RachelB

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    The food was delicious. While the place was so cute, it was extremely loud so it was a bit hard to hear.

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  40. KathleenB

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    This was our favorite restaurant. My husband and I are foodie’s. We cook well at home so we love a nice dinner out occasionally that is a step above. We ordered a $165 bottle of Cabernet which had been refrigerated, number one. Number two, our entree’s were terribly over salted. We are not complainers but overall our dining experience was terrible. I might mention that both our waitress and the manager were extremely unprofessional in their appearance. We are 46 year residents of Carlsbad and will be looking for another favorite place to dine. Herb and Sea is off our list.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Herb & Sea is rated 4.6 stars by 2274 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 39 times today
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
  • 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
  • Owned/operated by
    Women
  • 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.
  • Private party contact
    Jarrod Zimpfer: (760) 704-8300

Featured in

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