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    El Encino

    4.1 (43 reviews)
    Open 7:30 am - 9:00 pm

    El Encino Photos

    EL ENCINO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Classy
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

    El Encino Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - El Encino

    I had ribeye that looked more like milanesa, the biggest disappointment.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Antojitos Colombianos Restaurant - Bandeja paisa

    Antojitos Colombianos Restaurant

    4.6(544 reviews)
    45.5 km
    $$

    As a Colombian who has been craving authentic Colombian cuisine since my last visit to New York in…read moreDecember, I can confidently say this restaurant truly satisfied those cravings. Being nearly eight months pregnant, my expectations were especially high, and it is rare to find a place that meets them so well. From the seasoning of the food to the warm and attentive service, everything about this restaurant stands out. Although I don't recall my server's name, he was incredibly kind and provided excellent service throughout. The ambiance is also worth noting--the space is large, offers plenty of seating options, and even features a large TV, making it a great spot to relax or watch sports. To start, I ordered a watered mango juice along with a beef empanada. The empanada exceeded my expectations--despite being on the smaller side, it was packed with flavor. I enjoyed it so much that I ordered five more to go, which speaks for itself. They were served with fresh ají, a traditional sauce that complemented them perfectly. For my main course, I had the carne asada plate, which included steak, rice, beans, sweet plantains, avocado, tomato slices, and a small arepa. Every component of the dish was well-executed--the beans were flavorful, the meat was well-seasoned, and the overall plate felt authentic. It is often difficult to find truly authentic Colombian food, especially in San Diego, where options are limited or not genuinely Colombian. This restaurant, however, delivers on authenticity and flavor. The portion size was generous, and I ended up taking leftovers home to enjoy later. In addition to the empanadas (two chicken and three beef), I also ordered a buñuelo and a cheese arepa to go. Unfortunately, these items did not meet the same standard. The arepa lacked flavor and was overly greasy, and the buñuelo was dry and similarly oily, even after absorbing excess grease from the bag. Overall, I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for Colombian food, especially given how rare it is to find quality options in this area. Friends of mine visited recently as well and thoroughly enjoyed their bandeja paisa, further confirming the consistency of the food. I will definitely be returning--especially for those empanadas. Como colombiana que ha estado antojándose de comida colombiana auténtica desde mi último viaje a Nueva York en diciembre, puedo decir con confianza que este restaurante realmente cumplió con mis expectativas. Además, estando casi de ocho meses de embarazo, mis expectativas eran aún más altas, y no es fácil encontrar un lugar que las cumpla tan bien. Desde el sazón de la comida hasta el servicio cálido y atento, todo en este restaurante destaca. Aunque no recuerdo el nombre del mesero, fue sumamente amable y atento. un servicio excelente en todo momento. El ambiente también merece mención: el lugar es amplio, y limpio. cuenta con muchas opciones de asientos y tiene una pantalla grande, lo que lo hace ideal para relajarse o ver deportes. Para empezar, pedí un jugo de mango (rebajado con agua) junto con una empanada de carne. La empanada superó mis expectativas; aunque es un poco pequeña, tiene muchísimo sabor. Me gustó tanto que pedí cinco más para llevar, lo cual habla por sí solo. Venían acompañadas de ají fresco, que las complementa perfectamente. Como plato fuerte, pedí la carne asada, que incluía arroz, frijoles, plátano maduro, aguacate, rodajas de tomate y una arepita. Cada componente del plato estaba muy bien logrado: los frijoles tenían un excelente sabor, la carne estaba bien sazonada y jugosa y, en general, el plato se sentía auténtico. Hoy en día es difícil encontrar comida colombiana verdaderamente auténtica, especialmente en San Diego, donde las opciones son limitadas o no lo son del todo. Sin embargo, este restaurante sí cumple con ese nivel de autenticidad y sabor. La porción fue bastante generosa, por lo que terminé llevándome lo que no pude terminar para comer más tarde. Además de las empanadas (dos de pollo y tres de carne), también pedí un buñuelo y una arepa de queso para llevar. Lamentablemente, estos no estuvieron al mismo nivel. La arepa carecía de sabor y estaba grasosa, y el buñuelo estaba seco y también muy aceitoso, incluso después de que la bolsa absorbiera parte de la grasa. En general, recomiendo este restaurante sin duda a cualquiera que esté buscando comida colombiana, especialmente considerando lo difícil que es encontrar buenas opciones en esta área. Unos amigos míos también vinieron recientemente y les encantó su bandeja paisa, lo que confirma la calidad constante del lugar. Definitivamente volveré, especialmente por esas empanadas.

    BEST EMPANADAS IN ALL OF SAN DIEGO. I spent my whole day trying to find good empanadas here in san…read morediego that would remind me of new york and this was the only location that didn't disappoint. $1.99 per empanada, they are super filling and can tell are made with love. Service was amazing and quick and the atmosphere is very welcoming i love this place. LAS MEJORES EMPANADAS DE TODO SAN DIEGO. Pasé todo el día buscando buenas empanadas aquí en San Diego que me recordaran a Nueva York, y este fue el único lugar que no decepcionó. $1.99 por empanada, son muy llenadoras y se nota que están hechas con amor. El servicio fue increíble y rápido, y el ambiente es muy acogedor. Me encanta este lugar.

    Photos
    Antojitos Colombianos Restaurant
    Antojitos Colombianos Restaurant - Bandeja Paisa....

    Bandeja Paisa....

    Antojitos Colombianos Restaurant - Su majestad la Bandeja paisa

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    Su majestad la Bandeja paisa

    Encuentro Cafe - mini cachapa

    Encuentro Cafe

    4.5(881 reviews)
    51.7 km
    $$

    Great food great environment!! Service was awesome!! Chicha is GREAT!!! Thank you for bringing a…read morelittle piece of Venezuela to San Diego!

    We found Encuentro Cafe as we were walking around Old Town San Diego. Service was amazing, very…read morefriendly, and they checked on us to make sure everything was good as we waited for our meal. The meals were very tasty and portions were just right. I can only speak about my dish as I didn't have a taste of the other meal. I had the El Vainero (sweet corn pancake with Mano cheese, shredded beef, black beans and plantains). The flavors were so amazing together. You will just have to try it. I also ordered yuca fries. The three types of "sauces" were mild, medium, and hot. All three were tasty in their own way and I enjoyed all of them with the yuca fries and towards the end of my meal, it added a little kick to my dish. As for beverages, we had water and I ordered the hot chocolate. I know, hot chocolate, but it was so good. I love an authentic cup of hot chocolate with a bit of real whip cream and some cinnamon. In all, our experience at Encuentro Cafe was great from the service to the food. It is very intimate and we ate in the covered patio. It was as it would be eating outside with tropical decor. Not crowded and noise level as it would be eating in an enclosed patio, not too noisy with the sounds of Old Town patrons walking/driving down the street. I will definitely look forward to visiting this restaurant again when I visit San Diego.

    Photos
    Encuentro Cafe - Interior closet

    Interior closet

    Encuentro Cafe - El criollo

    El criollo

    Encuentro Cafe - Dessert

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    Dessert

    Valle

    Valle

    4.2(423 reviews)
    103.8 km
    $$$$

    Valle is an exceptional dining experience from beginning to end…read more From the moment we sat down, we knew we were in for something special. Jeff, the bartender, even created a custom cocktail just for me, and it was absolutely phenomenal. He clearly knows what he's doing, creating drinks that are expertly crafted, delicious, and the perfect complement to the meal. The food is absolutely outstanding every course is flavorful, delicate, and beautifully presented. You can truly taste the care, precision, and creativity that goes into every course. Each bite was memorable and perfectly balanced. The ambiance is elegant, comforting, and beautiful. The restaurant has a warm, inviting atmosphere that allows you to relax while still feeling like you're enjoying a truly special occasion. One of the highlights of the evening was when Chef came out to speak with us. What an amazing experience. He was incredibly charming, gracious, and passionate about his craft. Taking the time to connect with guests added such a personal touch and made the evening even more memorable. To top it all off, our server, Alex, provided the best service I have ever received anywhere, from the patio experience to inside the dining room. His attention to detail, professionalism, warmth, and genuine passion for hospitality elevated an already incredible evening. He explained every dish with confidence, and made us feel genuinely cared for throughout the entire meal. Valle is much more than a restaurant it's an experience. Every aspect of the evening came together flawlessly, and I can't wait to return.

    We had a reservation at 6:30 but my husband and I arrived 15 minutes early. We checked in with the…read morefront desk and they informed us that all parties had to be there before we're being seated and were told that we can walk around until reservations time then come back. We've been to many Michelin stars restaurants but the first experience was never like this. Usually, we'd be offered a seat or the bar while we waited. Our parties were finally arrived so we were seated out on the patio. Can't complain much since we had live summer concert from the beach and the sun kissing your skin. We were offered a refreshment drink which tasted refreshing. Champagne and caviar service came after. The condiments that came with the caviar service were spot on but the vessels they were in were too big, the spoons were too chunky for the tiny diced egg whites, yokes, shallots and chives. The summer menu was much better compared to the fall menu. We enjoyed the foods thoroughly. Final bill were 2,400 for a party of five with no wine pairing. Unfortunately, this would be our last time dining here. Since the experience from reception turned us off which dampened a more superior service from the patio and the main dining room.

    Photos
    Valle - Interior of Valle Restaurant

    Interior of Valle Restaurant

    Valle - Faux oyster

    Faux oyster

    Valle - Our new patio, where the experience begins

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    Our new patio, where the experience begins

    El Encino - steak - Updated July 2026

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