Best Dinner Places to Eat in Encinitas

"For a white-tablecloth affair that’s anything but stuffy, Jason Knibb’s modern-American destination keeps diners guessing with a menu inspired by San Diego’s ethnic diversity, local produce and the chef’s hometown of Montego Bay, Jamaica. But there’s much more than the bold and beautifully arranged entreés—and Knibb’s lauded tasting menu—which this spot is known for: Head straight to the bar for one of the best happy hours in the city, stop by earlier for the prix-fixe lunch that rotates monthly, or enjoy fresh pastries and house-smoked salmon at breakfast and brunch. Cap it all off with a stroll around the corner and you’ll find yourself at the ocean—then wave hi to the barking seals at the Children’s Pool."

"No dish says more about Nine-Ten Restaurant than its Jamaican jerk pork belly appetizer. This centerpiece pays homage to Executive Chef Jason Knibb’s Jamaican heritage, albeit in elevated form, and the pairing with baby carrots, swiss chard, plantains, and black-eyed peas with sweet potato purée gives it a California feel. It’s a variation on a theme repeated throughout the menu: flavor combinations that make sense, offered in surprising and refined ways."

"The centrally located, award-winning Bertrand at Mister A’s penthouse restaurant offers fine American cuisine and spectacular views of San Diego, including the skyline, bay, Balboa Park, Coronado, Point Loma, and the zoo. Relish in the amazing flavors of the classic lobster bisque, steak tartare, or gourmet beer-battered fish and chips. French restaurateur, Bertrand Hug, bought Mister A’s in 2000 and invited Chef de Cuisine, Stephane Voitzwinkler, to create simplistic, yet delectable dishes with European influences made from seasonally available, locally-sourced ingredients."

"Or rooftop restaurant I should say because Mister A’s is more a restaurant than a bar. Mister A’s has more of a classy, fine dining atmosphere. It’s perfect for date night and if you are looking for a restaurant with a view this is definitely the place to be."

"With roots as a jacket-required dinner room, Bertrand's has since turned to a more casual atmosphere while continuing to provide one of the best penthouse restaurant experiences in California.[Learn more]"

"While this isn’t a Mom & Pop place, we felt it was worth adding simply because the food here is always just so darn good. The first Original Pancake House opened in Portland in 1953. The owners had many years of experience in the culinary field, including an extensive working knowledge of authentic national and ethnic pancake recipes."

"Go traditional with a fluffy buttermilk short stack topped with maple syrup and butter. Kids will go crazy for the chocolate chip pancakes served with chocolate chips, chocolate syrup and whipped cream. Grown-ups will dig the Dutch pancake which is fluffy and topped with lemon."

"It's not stunning skyline views you'll find here at Bartiquitos Lagoon, but great views of a different sort: endangered birds that occupy the tranquil lagoons situated near the hustle and bustle of San Diego. Located between Carlsbad and Encinitas and identified as one of the few remaining tidal wetlands in southern California, the area is perfect for hiking and provides outstanding opportunities for bird watching. Interpretive signs along the trails assist with identifying these rare birds."

"With various parking areas on the northern side, Batiquitos Lagoon is a great stop for a two-mile hike. Just east of Interstate 5, the area is home to 610 acres of lagoon space and has been preserved for public enjoyment from oceanic silt buildup. Bicycles are not allowed, though pets are – provided they are on a leash."

"You can also volunteer for monthly trail maintenance and lagoon cleanups. During normal times, docents lead tours along the trails, pointing out various flora and fauna along the way. (Location: Carlsbad)"

"From Business: With roots in Chinese cooking, the culinary landscape at P.F. Chang’s stretches across Asia with diverse, culturally inspired recipes."

"The food is good, I found most of the item that I tried were I believe to be warm as per health specifications that's the reason I go back."