Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Encinitas

Food and lunch spots

You need a midday meal that is worth leaving your desk or your house for.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
User
User
User
Updated
01
Surf Brothers Teriyaki and Catering image 1
Surf Brothers Teriyaki and Catering image 2
Surf Brothers Teriyaki and Catering image 3
View all

Hawaiian restaurant offers a laid-back, beachy atmosphere with beautiful murals and cute interior. It serves authentic teriyaki known for tender, juicy meat and signature sweet-glazed sauce. The place operates primarily as a take-out spot with card-only payments and a focus on quick, healthy meals.

Food features great quality and generous portions with a focus on chicken dishes. Comfort food options come fresh and consistently tasty, though some chicken can be a bit dry.

Offers quick, healthy meals ideal for lunch or take-out dinner. Supports online ordering for family meals and casual outings.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and always good."

"This lunch spot's teriyaki chicken is juicy with a great sauce."

Good to know

1

They only accept card payments and do not accept cash.

2

This place is primarily a take-out restaurant.

3

The slider deal offers great value for the quality of food.

02
Beach wolf image 1
Beach wolf image 2
Beach wolf image 3
View all

Takeout restaurant sits right on a clean, uncrowded beach with ocean views and dog-friendly seating including concrete picnic tables on sand. Atmosphere is relaxed and casual, with shaded areas enhancing comfort. Known for gourmet tacos and creative breakfast options, it offers high-quality, fresh food that stands out among beach cafes.

Food here features five-star chef-created dishes with high quality that stands out among beach cafes. Staff are friendly and helpful, guiding through the menu options clearly.

Lunch happens alongside a playground and sand area where kids can play. The spot serves meals suitable for breakfast, lunch, and supper.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the elevated hot dogs."

"This lunch spot has gourmet tacos that are delicious and tasty."

Good to know

1

Beach Wolf operates until 7 PM daily.

2

There is free parking available above the beach.

3

They refill water bottles free of charge if you buy one.

03
Firenze Trattoria image 1
Firenze Trattoria image 2
Firenze Trattoria image 3
View all

Large interior with dimmed lighting and cozy atmosphere supports quiet conversation and a romantic vibe. Beautiful patio seating offers an alternative to the spacious indoor area. Frequented for high-quality homemade pasta and a varied menu, it suits both date nights and family outings.

Italian dishes come fresh and cooked al dente with flavors close to authentic Italian cuisine. Food stays consistently delicious and tasty, paired with excellent service.

Amazing lunch options make it a solid choice for midday meals. It works well for both lunch and dinner occasions.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot has tasty Italian food cooked 'al dente'."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available every day with discounted drinks.

2

Parking is easy and plentiful in the shopping center.

3

Expect large portion sizes, often leading to leftovers.

04
Dumpling Bar Chinese Restaurant image 1
Dumpling Bar Chinese Restaurant image 2
Dumpling Bar Chinese Restaurant image 3
View all

Small dining space offers a cozy and relaxed atmosphere with clean, bright surroundings. Conversations carry easily due to the quiet, intimate setting. The vibe blends chic sophistication with casual comfort, making it suitable for family meals.

Food here offers high-quality Chinese comfort with delicious flavors and good value. Portions come fast and satisfy well in a relaxed setting.

Lunch hours stay quiet on weekdays, offering a relaxed atmosphere. Seating is immediate on Fridays, and the spot welcomes guests even on Sunday afternoons.

People are saying

"I loved the all-you-can-eat food option here."

"This Lunch Spot has an all-you-can-eat option for $35."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, especially during peak hours.

2

Many menu items, including basic ones like rice, are often out of stock.

3

Portion sizes are small for the price, so consider sharing dishes.

05
Modern Times Far West Lounge image 1
Modern Times Far West Lounge image 2
Modern Times Far West Lounge image 3
View all

Bright space with 70s style interior and retro vibes hosts a dog-friendly atmosphere where guests enjoy craft beers including unique options like pickle beer. The lounge balances a larger bar area with a clean, inviting setting. It offers a relaxed spot for casual hangouts with friends.

Food here is entirely vegan with fantastic flavors that stand out even without meat. The menu pairs well with an extensive beer list, and the staff knows their food and drinks well.

Lunch offers very good food with a pleasant atmosphere suitable for special occasions like birthdays.

People are saying

"The food here is entirely plant-based and vegan."

"The Lunch Spot food was delicious and had lots of flavor."

Good to know

1

The lounge is fully vegan, offering a 100% plant-based menu.

2

Dogs are allowed indoors, making it a pet-friendly spot.

3

Expect the lounge to be crowded on sunny days, especially in summer.

06
Cocina De Barrio image 1
Cocina De Barrio image 2
Cocina De Barrio image 3
View all

Spacious Mexican restaurant with padded seating and a huge bar offers a family-friendly atmosphere with good music at a comfortable volume. Outdoor patio provides dog-friendly seating and a relaxed vibe. The space combines impeccable decor with a casual, inviting energy.

Authentic Oaxacan Mexican food shines with an extraordinary essence and distinctive flavors. Quality is consistent, with delicious food and drinks that pair well with an authentic vibe.

Late lunch and early dinner options offer a relaxed setting for meals with family. The spot encourages frequent visits for its casual atmosphere and satisfying midday fare.

People are saying

"The Oaxacan Mexican food here is authentic and tasty."

"This Lunch Spot's food is tasty, fresh, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 5 pm with great deals on food and drinks.

2

The happy hour food menu includes items priced around $10 to $12.

3

There are plenty of vegan options available on the menu.

07
Los Tacos image 1
Los Tacos image 2
Los Tacos image 3
View all

Taco restaurant offers fresh tortillas and an enormous variety of tacos and burritos, including vegan options and hot sauces. The space feels cozy with a relaxed, unpretentious vibe and a salsa bar featuring fresh limes, carrots, and radishes. It suits quick to-go orders and draws a crowd seeking authentic Mexican flavors.

Mexican food here is fresh and delicious with burritos made without lard. Service is quick, and the overall food quality is consistently outstanding.

Lunch here offers tasty dishes served around noon on weekdays. The spot suits a quick, flavorful midday meal.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and hearty."

"The tacos here are tender and tasty."

Good to know

1

Ceviche is only available on weekends.

2

The burrito called the 'Original' costs $11.55 plus tax.

3

They offer plenty of veggie and vegan options.

08
Raul's Shack Mexican Food image 1
Raul's Shack Mexican Food image 2
Raul's Shack Mexican Food image 3
View all

Small Mexican restaurant with beach-town energy and laid-back vibe offers outdoor seating near the ocean. The place serves affordable, authentic Mexican food with a wide variety of fresh salsas and sauces. It feels down-to-earth and family-owned, attracting locals looking for quality and value.

Food here is fresh and tasty with large portions served quickly. Beef taquitos with cheese and guacamole stand out as a popular comfort dish, all at reasonable prices.

Food holds up well for takeout, making it easy to grab lunch on the go. The spot stays quiet after the lunch rush, with only a few customers around.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, tasty, and reasonably priced."

"The beef taquitos at this lunch spot are delicious and crispy."

Good to know

1

There is limited indoor and outdoor seating available.

2

Parking can be found nearby, but it may take some time.

3

The menu offers a wide variety of options from breakfast to dinner.

09
Champagne Bakery image 1
Champagne Bakery image 2
Champagne Bakery image 3
View all

Outdoor seating mimics a European cafรฉ with a sunny courtyard shaded by trees and a fountain nearby. The atmosphere stays quiet and laid back, enhanced by singing birds and a peaceful vibe. Tables often show signs of previous use, but the space remains a relaxing spot for casual dining.

Food features brunch-style dishes and pastries served with delicious bread. Outdoor dining offers a quiet, relaxed atmosphere with good service and consistent quality.

Outdoor seating offers a nice spot for lunch with French Curry Dressing available for purchase. Staff groups often gather here after big events, making it a popular lunch destination.

People are saying

"This lunch spot is my favorite little hidden paradise."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Breakfast and lunch specials are available daily.

2

Expect long wait times, especially on Sunday mornings.

3

Seating can be limited during peak hours.

10
Qero Restaurant image 1
Qero Restaurant image 2
Qero Restaurant image 3
View all

South American restaurant offers a cozy, artistic atmosphere with colorful decor and artwork that evokes Peru. The space feels authentic and warm, with outdoor seating amid lively street activity. Drinks like pisco sours and sangria complement flavorful dishes such as ceviche and empanadas.

Food offers flavorful and authentic Peruvian dishes with consistently delicious and amazing taste. The dining experience pairs fine dining quality with top-notch service and management.

Lunch offers options like beans with rice and maduros to build a plate. It suits small groups looking for something a bit different and special.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, bursting with flavor and beautifully presented."

"This lunch spot's empanadas and lomo saltado were a delight."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

A 5% service charge is automatically added to the bill.

3

There is a 3% surcharge for credit card payments.

11
Round Table Pizza image 1
Round Table Pizza image 2
Round Table Pizza image 3
View all

Pizza restaurant offers classic style pizza with fresh ingredients and a salad bar unique in the area. Atmosphere suits families with video games and toy machines for kids, alongside live bluegrass music. Service is quick, with pizzas ready in about 10 minutes.

Food quality varies from great to mediocre. Dining uses paperware, which affects the indoor eating feel.

Lunch offers a special with a personal 4-topping pizza, salad bar, and drink for about $13. No lunch buffet exists here, which is unusual compared to other spots. Deals feel reasonable and satisfying.

People are saying

"The food here is great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not necessary, as there are plenty of tables available on a Tuesday night.

2

The pizza is ready in about 10 minutes after ordering.

3

Online ordering is available and easy to navigate due to current promotions.

Discover more

Encinitas, California

Area guide