Herb & Sea

4.6

2811 Reviews

$30 and under

Californian

Make a booking

2 people

29 Nov 2024

19:00

Booked 30 times today

Experiences are available.

Lively
Good for special occasions
Great for creative cocktails

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
(760) 704-8300
Website
http://herbandsea.com/
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.

Location
131 W D St, Encinitas, CA 92024-3516
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
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan

Experiences

Christmas Eve Dinner
US$92.00 per person
24 Dec 2024 only
Gather your family and friends to come celebrate Christmas Eve with us at Herb & Sea! We are excited to offer a pre-fixe menu for all to enjoy. Pricing will be $92 for adults and $37 for children for this year's Holiday dinner. We look forward to celebrating with you and your loved ones this Christmas Eve.
New Year's Eve
US$100.00 per person
31 Dec 2024 only
Gather your family and friends to come celebrate New Years Eve with us at Herb & Sea! We are excited to offer a pre-fixe menu for all to enjoy. Pricing will be $100 for adults and $38 for children for this year's dinner. We look forward to ringing in the new year with you and your loved ones!

Popular dishes

Oysters on the Half ShellUS$24.89
lemon cocktail sauce, apple mignonette, house hot sauce
Ahi PuttanescaUS$28.43
cured olives, tomatoes, capers, california balsamico, calabrian chili, crispy garlic
CevicheUS$22.91
halibut, leche de tigre, coconut, plantain chips
Hamachi CrudoUS$23.77
white ponzu, sprouts, pickled fresno, sunflower seed, citrus, avocado
Beef TartareUS$28.56
pickled mustard seed, capers, egg yolk, micro arugula
Two Fish TartareUS$23.24
tuna belly, seabass, shaved fennel, basil oil, milk bread crouton

Appetizers

Carrot HummusUS$15.72
tahini, roasted garlic, za'atar, flatbread
Gem SaladUS$16.74
feta, pickled onion, sunflower seed, everything spice, buttermilk dill dressing
Endive SaladUS$18.24
frika, pine nuts, grana padano, meyer lemon vinaigrette
Roasted Oysters & Bone MarrowUS$29.01
pernod, kale, lemon, gruyere, breadcrumb
Broiled ScallopsUS$23.33
tomato béchamel, smoked tuna lardon, fontina, gremolata
Seared ShrimpUS$23.10
green harissa, lime pulp, micro cilantro
HoecakeUS$28.67
brown butter corn cake, smoked striped sea bass rillette, white sturgeon caviar, honey butter

Vegetables

Roasted Baby CarrotsUS$14.27
cashew sesame relish, aleppo yogurt, carrot top pesto
Braised LeeksUS$14.14
porcini butter, hollandaise, fried shallots
Crispy Boardwalk PotatoesUS$13.66
old bay, malt vinegar, lemon aioli
Spring Peas & StrawberriesUS$14.20
brown sugar vinegar, too much butter
Brussel SproutsUS$14.06
caramelized shallot agrodolce, horseradish "cream", fried walnuts, watermelon radish

Entrees

Oak Grilled SteelheadUS$42.24
beurre blanc, toro de oro pepper, leek oil, chive
Plancha Fired Whole BranzinoUS$36.35
castelvetrano olive, calabrian chili, citrus, fennel
Oak Grilled EggplantUS$24.44
sugar snap peas, black sesame miso puree, chimichurri, harissa
Roasted Half ChickenUS$32.67
salsa verde, tuscan kale, lemon, caper
Oak Grilled Pork ChopUS$38.29
date & orange jam, rainbow chard, herbs
8oz Prime FiletUS$52.35
caramelized onion demi-glace, stilton cream, crispy shallots
10 oz HangerUS$38.78
brown butter hollandaise, chimichurri, sherry demi-glace, shishito peppers
20 oz Coffee Rubbed Bone-In RibeyeUS$85.32
bone marrow butter, madre mezcal jus, chimichurri

Pizza + Pasta

RigatoniUS$32.54
short rib ragu, lemon, grana padano, garlic confit
Shrimp LinguiniUS$29.65
preserved lemon, capers, parsley, callabrian chili
Fennel Sausage PizzaUS$24.89
broccolini, garlic, lemon, tomato, ricotta, grana, parsley
Mushroom PizzaUS$22.82
maitake mushroom, red onion, goat cheese, calabrian chili, truffle pesto
Hawaiian PizzaUS$25.43
crispy speck, coal roasted pineapple, taleggio, red onion

Cocktails

Refreshing

Beets by HerbUS$16.00
pisco, vermouth, beet shrub, lemon, meringue
Guavamente BessameUS$16.00
jalapeno tequila, guava, lime, house made tajin
Oaxacan AffairUS$16.00
mezcal, cognac, macadamia nut orgeat, lemon, rum float
Razzle DazzleUS$16.00
vodka, framboise, chareau, raspberry agave, lemon
Ord To JfkUS$18.00
bourbon, lemon, cabernet sauvignon, clarified with milk
Dirty OnceUS$16.00
olive oil washed gin, cake, lemon
H & Spressotini (Nitro)US$16.00
vodka, mr. black coffee liquor, ironsmith espresso, madagascar vanilla

Direct

Ash & VineUS$17.00
wine barrel aged bourbon, montepulciano, rosé vermouth, curaçao, grape stem dust
H&S Old FashionedUS$15.00
bourbon, amaro lucano, cynar, honey, orange twist
Martinez de MezcalUS$16.00
mezcal, dolin rogue, maraschino, house made orange bitters

Spirit-Free

Never Have I HeatherUS$9.00
lemon juice, dragon fruit, basil
Brûlée & BlackUS$9.00
charred lemon iced tea, turmeric-black pepper honey, brûléed lemon
Kollo Iced TeaUS$9.00
cold brewed, whole leaf, single origin

Wine by the Glass

Sparkling

Bisol, Brut Prosecco, "Jeio", ItalyUS$15.00
Victorine de Chastenay, Brut Rose NV, Crémant de Bourgogne, FranceUS$15.00

White

Pinot Grigio, Livio Felluga, Friuli, ItalyUS$16.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Tinpot Hut, Marlborough, New ZealandUS$17.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Paul Buisse, Tourraine, FranceUS$17.00
Chardonnay, Jordan, Russian River Valley, CaliforniaUS$20.00
Chenin Blanc, Babylonstoren, Franschhoek, South AfricaUS$16.00

Rosé

Cinsault Blend, Peyrassol, Méditerranée, FranceUS$16.00
Grenache Blend, Stolpman, Ballard Canyon, CaliforniaUS$15.00

Red

Cabernet Sauvignon, Niner, Paso Robles, CaliforniaUS$20.00
Malbec, Mary Taylor, Cahors, FranceUS$17.00
Pinot Noir, Au Bon Climat "Pmc Block", Santa Maria Valley, CaliforinaUS$22.00
Cabernet Franc, Marcel Martin, "Les Bernieres", Chinon, FranceUS$16.00
Grenache / Syrah Blend, Vignerons Ardechois, Rhône Valley, FranceUS$16.00
Montepulciano, Abbondanza, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, ItalyUS$15.00

Beer

Tap

Kook Slams, West Coast India Pale Ale, Duck Foot Brewing, 7.5%, San DiegoUS$10.00
Rumbler, Double Dry Hopped Pale Ale, Harland Brewing, 5.4%, San DiegoUS$10.00
Harbor Cruise, Kolsch Style Ale, Eppig, 4.9%, San DiegoUS$10.00

What 2,811 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

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

North San Diego
Californian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Herb & Sea offers a "delicious" dining experience with "amazing" food and a "cool vibe." Guests praise the creative menu with standout dishes like mussel toast and tuna specials. The service is often "excellent," enhancing the lively beach ambiance. Despite occasional noise, it's a favorite for "great food and celebrations."

2,811 Reviews

t
terry
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Nick, our server was very attentive, suggestive and answered our questions. Food was delicious and removed promptly when finished. Even though it was packed because of Thanksgiving nothing was rushed and it was a delightful experience!
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C
Corinne
San Diego
40 reviews
vip
5.0
40 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The food was the best we’ve ever had at this restaurant. Great service and especially enjoyed the enthusiastic bar staff. Very fun time at the bar before dinner!
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A
Alexa
San Diego
4 reviews
vip
3.0
4 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Disappointed there is a surcharge on top of what you pay in addition to taxes and tip. We paid $50 in surcharge and taxes which was absurd. I asked if we could take it off and it’s for uprising costs etc they can’t let covid go. During covid it was a covid surcharge and not that covid is over they just put it as an additional fee also disappointed as last year we came here for the thanksgiving and immediately sat. This year we had a reservation but had to wait 25 minutes Also the sides last year they gave you full family style sides in separate bowls and this year they put a few green beans and a little mashed potato crammed on one small plate which wasn’t much or enough for us all to have and share
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C
Christine
San Diego
37 reviews
vip
5.0
37 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had an exceptional experience for Thanksgiving. The food and service was wonderful. Thank you!
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L
Larry
San Diego
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Went for Thanksgiving lunch. Definitely one of the best meals I have ever had. All of our party felt the same way. Look forward to eating here again.
Is this helpful?
E
Elle
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Wonderful experience at yet another Brian Malarkey restaurant. The perfect pre-fixe meal for the holidays.
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R
Reginald
Orlando
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great overall dinner! AJ took care of us. Loved the chorizo ragu dish. Thanks!
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J
Jen
Seattle
37 reviews
vip
5.0
37 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was excellent. Every one of us enjoyed all of the dishes. The chicken was particularly good.
Is this helpful?
D
Dr. Bill
San Diego
236 reviews
3.0
236 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Nice guy server & ambiance, with only wine by the glass problems (not yummy, cheap taste at high price) & food prep problems: shrimp cocktail seasoning HORRIBLE (who needs seasoning on great steamed shrimp), my Skate fish dish was FLOATING in brown sauce (YUCK) making the already wet moist white fish soggy as heck (yuck) & wifey’s basic Halibut very very bland. Yummy chocolate cake dessert & sorbets, but the lemon sorbet WAY too mild lemon flavor (watered down WAY too much I say). My girly cucy Gin drink upgraded with Hendricks was nice & “refreshing” as they advertised. Most of the neighboring tables were ordering near RARE STEAK. Sad & odd that a “Seafood” based restaurant can’t do lotza seafood & do it well…but this is a CHAIN restaurant with the Owner trying to”different CONCEPTS” at each placed based on “the market.” Not a good thing. Not a keeper.
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R
Robert
New York City
204 reviews
vip
3.0
204 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Based on the great reviews and location, we chose H&S. The night was off to a good start with a couple unique cocktails and some creative tasty raw/cooked appetizers. The Hoecake was spectacular! Then the evening took a less desirable turn when both of our Halibut entrees came out mushy. I can’t even explain the odd mushy texture. We sent the entrees back and the chef cooked 2 fresh pieces. The second set were cooked perfectly but oversalted (to our liking). We did not send back again. The service was great and we tipped the waiter generously. As we had to wait a solid 15 mins for the new entrees, it would have been nice if the restaurant comped one or both entrees or even a dessert. They did not. In any case, we probably would not return. We wish them the best of luck.
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FAQs

Herb & Sea is rated 4.6 stars by 2811 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

29 Nov 2024

19:00

Booked 30 times today

Experiences are available.

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 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
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan

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.

Herb & Sea

Make a booking

Additional information

Christmas Eve Dinner

New Year's Eve

Roasted Baby Carrots

Hamachi Crudo

Shrimp Linguini

Raw Bar

Oysters on the Half ShellUS$24.89

Ahi PuttanescaUS$28.43

CevicheUS$22.91

Hamachi CrudoUS$23.77

Beef TartareUS$28.56

Two Fish TartareUS$23.24

Appetizers

Carrot HummusUS$15.72

Gem SaladUS$16.74

Endive SaladUS$18.24

Roasted Oysters & Bone MarrowUS$29.01

Broiled ScallopsUS$23.33

Seared ShrimpUS$23.10

HoecakeUS$28.67

Vegetables

Roasted Baby CarrotsUS$14.27

Braised LeeksUS$14.14

Crispy Boardwalk PotatoesUS$13.66

Spring Peas & StrawberriesUS$14.20

Brussel SproutsUS$14.06

Entrees

Oak Grilled SteelheadUS$42.24

Plancha Fired Whole BranzinoUS$36.35

Oak Grilled EggplantUS$24.44

Roasted Half ChickenUS$32.67

Oak Grilled Pork ChopUS$38.29

8oz Prime FiletUS$52.35

10 oz HangerUS$38.78

20 oz Coffee Rubbed Bone-In RibeyeUS$85.32

Pizza + Pasta

RigatoniUS$32.54

Shrimp LinguiniUS$29.65

Fennel Sausage PizzaUS$24.89

Mushroom PizzaUS$22.82

Hawaiian PizzaUS$25.43

Cocktails

Refreshing

Beets by HerbUS$16.00

Guavamente BessameUS$16.00

Oaxacan AffairUS$16.00

Razzle DazzleUS$16.00

Ord To JfkUS$18.00

Dirty OnceUS$16.00

H & Spressotini (Nitro)US$16.00

Direct

Ash & VineUS$17.00

H&S Old FashionedUS$15.00

Martinez de MezcalUS$16.00

Spirit-Free

Never Have I HeatherUS$9.00

Brûlée & BlackUS$9.00

Kollo Iced TeaUS$9.00

Wine by the Glass

Sparkling

Bisol, Brut Prosecco, "Jeio", ItalyUS$15.00

Victorine de Chastenay, Brut Rose NV, Crémant de Bourgogne, FranceUS$15.00

White

Pinot Grigio, Livio Felluga, Friuli, ItalyUS$16.00

Sauvignon Blanc, Tinpot Hut, Marlborough, New ZealandUS$17.00

Sauvignon Blanc, Paul Buisse, Tourraine, FranceUS$17.00

Chardonnay, Jordan, Russian River Valley, CaliforniaUS$20.00

Chenin Blanc, Babylonstoren, Franschhoek, South AfricaUS$16.00

Rosé

Cinsault Blend, Peyrassol, Méditerranée, FranceUS$16.00

Grenache Blend, Stolpman, Ballard Canyon, CaliforniaUS$15.00

Red

Cabernet Sauvignon, Niner, Paso Robles, CaliforniaUS$20.00

Malbec, Mary Taylor, Cahors, FranceUS$17.00

Pinot Noir, Au Bon Climat "Pmc Block", Santa Maria Valley, CaliforinaUS$22.00

Cabernet Franc, Marcel Martin, "Les Bernieres", Chinon, FranceUS$16.00

Grenache / Syrah Blend, Vignerons Ardechois, Rhône Valley, FranceUS$16.00