Really wanted to love The Cottage's new locale in Encinitas having been a huge fan of the Laguna Beach location during my OC residency. Overall I was impressed by a few things: - Although the location is in a busy area right off a main Ralph's parking lot it felt secluded enough and cozy enough that the environment was enjoyable. I liked the decor and the setting. Thumbs up. - The portions were awesome. All too often restaurants are not only raising prices for inflation and healthcare but also cutting back on servings. This was not the case which I appreciate, especially for breakfast. My wife and I both felt the food was good but had flaws. I got the chilaquiles which were waaaay too salty. Enjoyed the homemade red sauce and the quality but I had to mark down for the salt level. I didn't send it back (see service next) but it was borderline. My wife ordered the roasted veggie croquet -- it was a yummy general recipe but overall underwhelming. When we asked each other, "Would you come back"? the answer for both of us was "Maybe, but not for this dish". So that was one star removed. I realize that taste is in the eye of the beholder (or the tongue I suppose) and so maybe it was the day, the dishes ordered, etc. The second star was much more prominent. The wait staff was lethargic. What do I mean by that? Low energy, not friendly, slow to respond and generally blasé. We literally were not greeted - and in the morning at breakfast a simple, "Good morning, how are you?" would have been nice. Instead the gentleman walked up and said, monotone, dully, with absolutely zero interest in being there, "Are you ready to order?" Wow! Nope. Not ready. And with that greeting I may never be ready. I thought maybe he was just having an off day but he was equally terse and unfriendly when we got coffee, got food, finished and paid. Again, could just be a bad day but still loses another star. Finally, pricing. I actually didn't mind paying $20 for each dish. I get that running a restaurant is expensive and prices have changed in the past 3 years. But $7.50 for fancy coffee? $5 for a cup of drip? Come on. That's more than Lofty Coffee which is already known as being ridiculously priced. It also took 10 minutes to get to the table and was maybe 8 ounces. Overall experience: underwhelmed but wishing for more. We REALLY wanted to like it. This is walking distance from our house. I'd train the staff, greet your customers, offer some specials of the day (if there were any, BTW, our waiter didn't tell us) and make coffee $3-4. But what do I know? I'm just a patron, not a business owner. read more

THE WORST SERVICE. I was here with two friends on Monday, February 20 @ 1:00-3:00. I can't even begin to describe how awful the waitstaff is. Over twenty minutes to get someone to help us (and that's on the conservative side). I will not be going back. There are so many more places to go to for lunch. @management feel free to reach out for further feedback. I would be happy to share my full experience. P.S. the bill was a joke. read more

Definitely a new brunch place! Great food, great service, great ambiance! Had the avocado toast with smoked salmon and it was delicious. The mimosas were great too. Highly recommend. read more

I went here for the first time yesterday and I loved it. The only reason I am giving 4 stars instead of 5 is because I feel it's a bit overpriced. I had the smoke salmon hash and it was scrumptious. I also ordered a beet/carrot combo juice which was also great but it was $9 for a not very large glass. My friend ordered a juice special that was served in short tumbler glass (1/2 the size of mine) and it was $9! My friend had the smashed pea toast which she said was great too. I will definitely return here. Food is great, service is just fine - just a little pricier than I think it should be. read more

Really wanted to love this place. Nice decor, menu was really promising, super convenient location.. The service was friendly but under staffed. The food (omelet, eggs Benedict, potatos) was mediocre. The cappuccino literally tasted burnt. It was pretty terrible. Also, food was extremely overpriced. $10.75 for 2 paper thin kids pancakes The homemade butter scone was tasty. Unfortunately, won't be returning. read more

Very nice atmosphere And staff. I have been to The Cottage for brunch three times and will be returning often. They have great food and very generous portions. The grille octopus salad with guancialle and a citrus dressing was wonderful read more

As visitors to Encinitas we are always looking for great places to eat. Breakfast is important to start our day. We hit up cottage on Saturday morning. Easy seating, immediate service. I got their cottage mocha iced with almond milk, pretty good not overly sweet. Also got their breakfast sandwich, it was pretty messy so beware or ask for another napkin (as the egg yolk was left runny). Hubby had their omelette with corn tortillas on the side. Overall happy with our meal. Would definitely return. read more

My wife and I have been going to the cottage La Jolla for years. We moved up North and now we have the cottage Encinitas! This place has the best breakfast and service! Trevor manages this location and he's the best. Super friendly and welcoming. We love the stuffed French toast and the morning glory but we also tried some new items on the menu, the lemon curd French toast and bubble & squeek and both did not disappoint -- They are definitely must tries. This will be our new go to breakfast spot. You can always count on the cottage to deliver awesome food and the best customer service! read more

The Cottage - Lemon curd French toast - New American Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Wonderful selection and delicious food with generous servings. Great service and food was made freshly and promptly. Has nice indoor seating and outdoor patio. Our dogs enjoyed joining with doggie water bowl provided, and getting all the food scraps, of course. I got the smoked salmon hash, lots of yummy ingredients and a fresh scone on the side with strawberry jam. Plus a chai latte. Will definitely be back to try more of the menu. read more

The Cottage - Smoked Salmon Hash - New American Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Friendly staff, good food and a nice variety on the menu. Nice atmosphere as well. A good place for breakfast. If you can't decide which beni to choose, you can do half and half! read more

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Such an incredible spot. Almost don't want to write this review because I don't want it to get popular. Super dog friendly - people are incredible. Service is great! Wonderful spot for brunch. Huge portions. I am drooling thinking about their mushroom goat cheese omelet and scone. Can't wait to come back! read more

So happy they opened a location in Encinitas. The location seems odd but this shopping center is starting to feel up and coming with places like this opening up. Same great menu as La Jolla. Tons of variety from food to drinks. read more

The Cottage - Mushroom Omelette, comes with scone and fruit. - New American Near Me - Encinitas, California

Stumbled upon this spot while we were waiting for our car to get serviced across the parking lot. As many times as we visit this area, we never knew The Cottage was here. Service by Mykala was the best. Ambience and background music playlist was my type of vibe. Quality and food portions were spot on. I loved their in house hot sauces. I wish we would've know they've been here sine June of last year. Definitely will return read more

The Cottage - Crispy Milanese Chicken Sandwich - New American Near Me - Encinitas, California

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I ordered a salad that was supposed to have goat cheese but got feta. They claimed it was goat cheese but I know the taste is very distinctive from feta. They did offer to serve me something else but having an exhaustive argument about it I lost my appetite. I was charged for it anyway even though I didn't eat it. I doubt I will be back. read more

Delicious breakfast and so worth coming back again! Everything we ordered was good. Too bad is far

Super good Bourbon Pecan brioche French Toast. Get a full order if you can eat a half a loaf of bread in one sitting or want to share with your mates. Otherwise, get a half order. It needs no syrup, and had tons of flavor and sweetness, and I would have traded a few pieces of brioche for more pecans. If you like French toast, this dish is your jam. I also ordered an iced brown sugar espresso drink made with sweetened condensed milk (forgot the name) that was served in a cute little margarita glass. Great concept but I found it too sweet, like drinking sweetened condensed milk straight from a can. Next time I'll stick with a cappuccino to go with the already sweet brioche French toast. Friendly people, good service and convenient location with lots of parking. We'll be back! read more

The decor is adorable: 6 different areas, with each their style and colors. The staff is so nice and available it was a pleasure to go there. The food is yummy too and a variety with a little bit of everything for everyone's taste. We tried the baked Brie, the mix with the mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers was just phenomenal. The ahi salad was so good too, the fish was fresh, and the vegetables with is so scrumptious. The egg sandwich with an after taste of goat cheese was just off the hook. I was full and with a happy belly. The coffee is strong in flavor, so perfect if you like a dark roast that is mighty, you can drink it in the air when they are grinding it. We did all that at brunch time, so it was busy but offered enough space for everyone to feel like it was special. read more

Was slow service. Waited 10-15 mins for coffee. Had to remind for my girlfriend's coffee. Recommendations for items on menu seemed like cash grab opportunities. Sugary drinks Alcoholic drinks Gluttonous food I "get" it. You guys are a breakfast spot. Candied bacon. Blah blah blah. But how will I survive eating this stuff everyday? Why not make recommendations that are healthy and support me thriving instead of offering what will line up your own pockets for today.... That way I come back again and again. We wouldn't come back here. Would rather go to healthy creations or nectarine grove. At least we know the curation of ingredients is on point. read more

Delightful service, atmosphere, food and easy access. Some delightful menu items including a delicious lamb sandwich and some incredible coffee and cold drinks. read more

Pleasantly surprised this establishment is their sister restaurant from the La Jolla location however, the entrees are too pricey. Servers were excellent. The breakfast was tasty but not exceptional. I wanted to love this place but too expensive to come regularly. Very dog friendly on the patio. read more

Delicious breakfast/brunch spot! We went on a Saturday morning around 11 and it was not too packed and we were seated immediately. I had the magic carpet ride and subbed the vodka for tequila. Very good! We ordered the cinnamon swirl pancakes and they were so soft and sweet. I also got joes special and the all American breakfast. All delicious. Highly recommend for a nice brunch. read more

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We three Lovelies got together for a fabulous lunch at "The Cottage" in Encinitas. We enjoyed a sunny day on the patio with comfortable, attentive service. All three lunches were delicious‼ Rave review for the grilled fish tacos and black beans. The shrimp and crab salad is always a big pleaser. I tried the mushroom raviolis in cream sauce for the first time. I will return for that again VERY soon‼‼ Dog friendly and plenty of parking. ENJOY‼‼ read more

Now this is what sleepy Encinitas needed in a strip mall! Refreshing, quality breakfast and brunch choices. My mom ordered the fruit with yogurt, my husband one of their breakfast sandwiches, I ordered an amazing avocado toast Greek style yes with Kalamata olives!! I had a yummy fresh horchata (way better than the ones you get at Mexican restaurants) and my dad had their pea toast! We will def be back! You should try it!!! read more

Was looking for a breakfast place, found this place on yelp. I ordered a traditional breakfast of scrambled eggs and tried the chicken sausage which was very dry, should've had the bacon instead. We also ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes which was pretty decent. Service is quick and accommodating, definitely a come back place. read more

Absolutely terrible. Simple menu and just terribly prepared. I ordered a scramble and it was like a fried egg. The Tortillas were like cardboard & the coffee was like water. Service was done of the worst in a restaurant we have had in a long time This was clearly not a one off experience. So many things just mediocre including the menu. BORING!! read more

Found this place on Yelp and absolutely loved it. It's really cute and definitely looks like a little cottage. We got seated right away. Our waitress was very friendly and attentive. I ordered the brioche french toast, a side of scrambled eggs and sausage. It was delicious!! Definitely will be back. read more

The Cottage - Ate 1 already. Half order of the Brioche French Toast. - New American Near Me - Encinitas, California

Popped in this morning with my family and had breakfast at the bar. All of the staff was so kind and attentive. Food and drinks were terrific! They are organized and efficient and we'd definitely return. read more

The food is as good as the one in La Jolla, the service was amazing and the space is way bigger than the one in La Jolla and less wait time. read more

The Cottage - Eggs la Jolla Benedict, lemon curd Stuffed French Toast, Smoked Salmon Hash, Fruit Bowl - New American Near Me - Encinitas, California

Had the breakfast sandwich and concha. Both were amazing. We will definitely come back for breakfast. Highly recommend.

I absolutely love the location in La Jolla and was so thrilled to hear about their Encinitas location. We came at around 8AM on a Saturday and it was very quiet with lots of places to sit. We had the Eggs La Jolla and the Braised Beef Hash. Both were very delicious and came out very fast. Definitely would want to come back again! read more

A very nice place for breakfast. The food had great flavor and the servers were nice and attentive. I would go back again.

Great food! The lemon ricotta pancakes are not super sweet and so delicious. Would definitely eat here again. Only reason I took off a star was the service was quite slow. It was a Tuesday morning so not busy at all. read more

This place is the gem. You should try a lemon curd French toast and, of course, Eggs Benedict (choose any, they all are good). And shout out to Trevor and his team. Love it. Will come back. read more

The Cottage - Lemon Curd Stuffed French Toast, Crab and Prosciutto Benedict with Mexican Mocha and Cottage Mocha - New American Near Me - Encinitas, California

Great place! Highly recommend this spot. Had the roasted veggie omelette and Mexican Lavender mocha. Delicious breakfast! Must say the homemade jam & scone. Definitely going to come back when back in the area. Great service! read more

The Cottage - Roasted Veggie Omelette - New American Near Me - Encinitas, California

Skip the line! I lived in La Jolla for many years and used to have to wait in line for the cottage. same great food and wonderful service. The ambience is very comfortable.. I had the traditional eggs Benedict with regular bacon and my service was so quick! Most of the time you get eggs Benedict with a little bit of hollandaise sauce, it almost seemed like the English muffin was soaked in it! Very delicious I would highly recommend this place especially this location! The server, Staci was outstanding! read more

I decided to go to The Cottage since it was only 3 miles away from my mom's house we were seated in a very timely manner and were given menus. It took a hot minute for our server to take our order and she seemed a bit flustered . I took away 2 stars because I had to ask for water and silverware but also for my mom's oat milk latte after a 20 minute wait. Food came in a timely manner but it was lukewarm ( eggs Benedict) and at that point I just wanted to eat and get out of there again we sat there with our dishes piled at the corner of our table and had to ask someone to get our bill the server never once checked to see how we were doing. With so many other breakfast choices not gonna return. read more

Love the one in La Jolla. Encinitas's food was great but the location/seating definitely not cozy like La Jolla.

Excellent a breakfast. I had the wild mushroom scramble with one of the best scones I've had. Strawberry jam seemed super fresh. Plus try the Don Wapo hot sauce. It's excellent. I'd come back when passing through next time! read more

Service sucked on one occasion. Had to get up n go to kitchen for water n again for ice tea refill, then for napkin n table set up. We seemed invisible on a Thursday. I recommend Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Oy! As to sit in Stacie's section. read more

The Cottage - Breakfast - New American Near Me - Encinitas, California

Everything on the menu is delicious! The mushroom omelette, potatoes and French toast are so good. The scone is fabulous with the house jam. Coffee and tea are excellent. And, the people are the best part. Everyone is very kind. Special shoutout to Heather, the best server ever! read more