Valentina is a chic, Mediterranean-inspired spot serving up vibrant seasonal dishes and delightful cocktails, perfect for a cozy night out or brunch with friends.
"With abundant outdoor seating, this North County restaurant off the 101 has the vibrations of a small wine bar in somewhere like La Barceloneta. Valentina’s solid wine list (along with its off-the-menu bright Aperol spritz cocktail) pairs well with Mediterranean specialties like gambas al ajillo and Mediterranean sashimi. This is an idyllic early evening stop on a trip down from Los Angeles to San Diego, or vice versa." - Helen I. Hwang, Candice Woo
"Valentina’s three-course Thanksgiving meal is $55 for adult and $15 for children. Some highlights are yellow corn soup and a Chef’s Thanksgiving plate with both white and dark meat." - Darlene Horn
"This beachy white-shingled restaurant on Highway 101 in Encinitas is the ultimate spot for a low key date night. Couples can often be found canoodling on the patio hung with lights, and Chef Alex Carballo's well rounded menu, which draws inspiration from Mexico, France and Italy, is filled with shareables dishes. Try charred octopus and potatoes with piquillo pepper and skirt steak and frites with chimichurri. The affordable wine list has a wide array of wines by the glass from lightly effervescent Vinho Verde to dark and earthy Malbec from Cahors, France. Don't skip dessert. The baked to order espresso chocolate cake is sinfully good."
"This beachy white-shingled restaurant on Highway 101 in Encinitas is the ultimate spot for a low key date night. Couples can often be found canoodling on the patio hung with lights, and Chef Alex Carballo's well rounded menu, which draws inspiration from Mexico, France and Italy, is filled with shareables dishes. Try charred octopus and potatoes with piquillo pepper and skirt steak and frites with chimichurri. The affordable wine list has a wide array of wines by the glass from lightly effervescent Vinho Verde to dark and earthy Malbec from Cahors, France. Don't skip dessert. The baked to order espresso chocolate cake is sinfully good."
"Influenced by European bistros, this casual neighborhood restaurant and wine bar is located along the 101 in Leucadia. Its eclectic menu has something for everyone, from fresh oysters to steak tartare, paella, and braised lamb." - Darlene Horn
