Encinitas is a coastal North County community that combines five main neighborhoods: Leucadia (north), Old Leucadia (central), and Cardiff-by-the-Sea (south), with New Encinitas and Olivenhain east of the 5 freeway. The name Encinitas means “little oak trees” in Spanish, but as Cardiff 101 notes, the native Kumeyaay people lived here before Gaspar de Portolá and Spanish colonizers arrived in 1769. The scenic city has a rich history, but didn’t incorporate until 1986.

Most action in this affluent community takes place along Coast Highway. Restaurants and businesses run along U.S. 101 and parallel to the train tracks, where the COASTER commuter rail and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner roll past. The beach and water are bucolic in winter and bustling by summer. Surfers frequent famous breaks like Swami’s, Cardiff and Beacons.

Encinitas also has one of the strongest San Diego coffee cultures. Options include Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, Fourtillfour, Ironsmith Coffee Roasters, Lofty Coffee Co., Necessity Coffee, Queenstage Coffee House, and Rose Hills Purveyors.

Learn about my favorite places to eat in culinary hotspot Encinitas, based on many stays and visits since 2020.

Chick & Hawk ↓
Must Order Dishes: Birdman, Seabird, Spicy Duck Fat Frites, Chips & Dip, Kona Bowl

The Cottage ↓
Must Order Dishes: Buttermilk Pancakes, Morning Glory Sandwich

Dumpling Bar ↓
Must Order Dishes: Beef Pot Stickers, Crispy Pork Chop / Noodle w/Scallion Oil

Herb & Sea ↓
Must Order Dishes: Half Baked Red Snapper, Ode to Swan, Caesar Salad

JoJo’s Creamery ↓
Must Order Ice Cream Flavors: Cayenne Sea Salt Caramel, Nibby Chocolate

Leucadia Farmers Market (Sundays from 10 AM – 2 PM) ↓
Must Order Foods: Caña Love Sour Passion, Golden Farms Mixed Berries, J.R. Organics Golden Raspberries, Maciel Family Farms English Peas + Rainbow Chard

Manna ↓
Must Order Dishes: Ancient Grains Porridge, Duck Confit, Manna Bowl (Add Hangar Steak), Torrija (Spanish French Toast), Winter Crudo (Seasonal)

New Wave Bagel ↓
Must Order: BEC Bialy, Everything Bagel, Za’atar Bagel, Lil Schmear, Chocolate Chip Cookie

Valentina ↓
Must Order Dishes: Caesar Salad (Off Menu), Chipirones A La Plancha, Lubina Con Patatas, Wienerschnitzel

VG Donut & Bakery ↓
Must Order: Apple Fritter, Classic Raised Donuts, Old Fashioned Donuts, Walnut Honey Bun

WHAT TO DO BETWEEN MEALS (shoutout to A.J. Liebling)

Olympus Park ↓

Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens ↓