The Best Restaurants In North County San Diego - San Diego - The Infatuation

"When you’re in Downtown Encinitas and want something a bit fancier than gastropubs and taco joints, hit up Herb & Sea. With its beaded chandeliers and arty light fixtures, it feels different as soon as you walk ih. Get going with a playful kick of heat from the poached scallop aguachile, then cool off with Mussel Toast in a white wine butter sauce. You can't go wrong with any piece of fish here, like the seared halibut with chorizo risotto and braised fennel, and the sides hit almost as hard. When they're in season, the grilled sunchokes with shallot vinaigrette and spiced pistachios are bold and smoky, while the caesar salad might convince you that crackly chicken skin is the new crouton." - ligaya malones, candice woo