Herb & Sea opens in Encinitas

Herb & Sea, a new restaurant featuring seafood and vegetarian cuisine plus an oyster and raw bar, opened Nov. 4 in downtown Encinitas.

The Puffer Malarkey Collective, already known for Herb & Wood in San Diego’s Little Italy section, as well as several other restaurants, has been working to restore its new D Street location in Encinitas.

“We want it to feel like somebody’s kitchen you’re walking into,” said Chris Puffer, designer and partner, referring to the layout of tables in front of an open kitchen upon walking in.

He and his partner, celebrity chef Brian Malarkey, are opening their latest venture in a building located just off Coast Highway 101 with a history that spans more than 90 years. The property has served as a grocery store, library and municipal court, among other uses, Puffer said as he led a tour of the restaurant while crews added the finishing touches and restaurant staff completed their training for opening day. Herb & Sea adds to a growing list of bars and restaurants in downtown Encinitas.

The menu has a selection of small plates of octopus, crab louie, duck, shrimp toast, and roasted oysters and bone marrow; large plates of plancha-fired whole branzino, wood-fired roasted eye of rib, whole main lobster, Maryland chickpea cakes and pork porterhouse; in addition to clams in the half shell, salads and wood-fired pizzas (all available gluten-free), and beer and wine lists. Herb & Sea executive chef and partner Sara Harris said it was designed for an “east meets west” balance.

Herb & Sea is located at 131 D St. in Encinitas. For more information, visit herbandsea.com.