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Industrial-chic spot for American fare like flame-grilled meats & hearty salads.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 3001 University Ave #3001, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 291-1220
Website: http://www.encontronorthpark.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
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Related Web Results
Encontro: Must-Try Pub in North Park, San Diego
We are Encontro—from the verb “Encontrar” – “To meet, to find, or to discover”. Conceived to offer a new vision for craft beer & food in North Park. Seasonal, …
Encontro North Park (@encontronorthpark) – Instagram
4.9K+ followers · 1.3K+ posts · A community hub in the heart of North Park where craft food gets real! Fast. Simple. Authentic.
Encontro North Park | San Diego CA – Facebook
We’ve added some delicious snacks to our weekday Happy Hour! Join us for $5 tapas + 1/2 priced beer & wine from 2:30-5 pm, Monday-Friday in North Park.
Reviews
The Foodie Snob
Encontro is easily one of the best restaurants in North Park, San Diego.
Located on University Ave, this spot perfectly blends craft beer with elevated, seasonal cuisine. The dishes are chef-driven and you can taste the quality in every bite — especially the seafood, which is incredibly fresh and thoughtfully prepared.
The atmosphere is stylish yet comfortable, making it great for date night, meeting friends, or even a casual dinner. Service was attentive and knowledgeable about the menu.
It’s clear the kitchen is led by someone who truly understands flavor and execution. If you’re looking for a standout North Park restaurant that delivers on both food and vibe, Encontro is absolutely worth visiting.
… moreLocated on University Ave, this spot perfectly blends craft beer with elevated, seasonal cuisine. The dishes are chef-driven and you can taste the quality in every bite — especially the seafood, which is incredibly fresh and thoughtfully prepared.
The atmosphere is stylish yet comfortable, making it great for date night, meeting friends, or even a casual dinner. Service was attentive and knowledgeable about the menu.
It’s clear the kitchen is led by someone who truly understands flavor and execution. If you’re looking for a standout North Park restaurant that delivers on both food and vibe, Encontro is absolutely worth visiting.
Jadediningout
Encontró in North Park is an absolute gem for brunch and lunch. From the moment you walk in, the vibe is warm and inviting—open corner windows letting in gorgeous natural sunlight, giving the space such an easy, feel-good energy. There’s convenient parking with one hour of validation in the lot across the street, which is always a plus in North Park.
They have beers on tap, an awesome happy hour menu ($7 bites and drinks under $5 ), and the overall atmosphere feels both relaxed and elevated. Chef Jason is incredibly friendly and generous—you can truly feel the care and heart behind the food.
I came with my 3-year-old son, who is a very picky eater, and even he was won over thanks to their house-made, hot, fresh bread. Huge win for parents. I also really appreciate that they offer a kids menu and a dog menu—such a thoughtful touch.
Everything we ordered was fantastic, but here are my must-try recommendations:
• Cardiff Crack Sando – absolutely devoured this, especially paired with eggs
• Baby Kale Salad – the lemon agave citronette is chef’s kiss, so fresh and delicious
• California Burrito – massive, packed with flavor, and easily big enough for leftovers
• Portobello Fries – all the satisfaction of fries without the guilt
• Spinach Mushroom Omelette with Goat Cheese – perfect for lighter or non-meat eaters (my mom loved it)
And do NOT skip dessert. The Butter Cake is hands-down one of the best desserts in the world—warm, crispy edges and chewy middle, indulgent, perfectly balanced, and an absolute must-get. Even if you think you’re full… get it anyway. Trust me.
Overall, Encontró checks all the boxes: amazing food, thoughtful menus, family-friendly, dog-friendly, great drinks, and an unbeatable neighborhood vibe. Highly recommend, this is definitely a repeat spot for us.
… moreThey have beers on tap, an awesome happy hour menu ($7 bites and drinks under $5 ), and the overall atmosphere feels both relaxed and elevated. Chef Jason is incredibly friendly and generous—you can truly feel the care and heart behind the food.
I came with my 3-year-old son, who is a very picky eater, and even he was won over thanks to their house-made, hot, fresh bread. Huge win for parents. I also really appreciate that they offer a kids menu and a dog menu—such a thoughtful touch.
Everything we ordered was fantastic, but here are my must-try recommendations:
• Cardiff Crack Sando – absolutely devoured this, especially paired with eggs
• Baby Kale Salad – the lemon agave citronette is chef’s kiss, so fresh and delicious
• California Burrito – massive, packed with flavor, and easily big enough for leftovers
• Portobello Fries – all the satisfaction of fries without the guilt
• Spinach Mushroom Omelette with Goat Cheese – perfect for lighter or non-meat eaters (my mom loved it)
And do NOT skip dessert. The Butter Cake is hands-down one of the best desserts in the world—warm, crispy edges and chewy middle, indulgent, perfectly balanced, and an absolute must-get. Even if you think you’re full… get it anyway. Trust me.
Overall, Encontró checks all the boxes: amazing food, thoughtful menus, family-friendly, dog-friendly, great drinks, and an unbeatable neighborhood vibe. Highly recommend, this is definitely a repeat spot for us.
Brenda Chilazi
I had a really lovely experience here. The space feels warm and relaxed, and you can tell a lot of care goes into the atmosphere. Chef Jason and the team were very welcoming, which made the whole visit feel comfortable from the start.
Everything came out thoughtfully presented and well prepared, and nothing felt rushed, so it was easy to sit and actually enjoy the time there. It ended up being one of those afternoons where you stay longer than you planned.
I’d absolutely recommend stopping by if you’re in North Park and looking for somewhere comfortable and inviting!
… moreEverything came out thoughtfully presented and well prepared, and nothing felt rushed, so it was easy to sit and actually enjoy the time there. It ended up being one of those afternoons where you stay longer than you planned.
I’d absolutely recommend stopping by if you’re in North Park and looking for somewhere comfortable and inviting!
Erika Allen
The food was wonderful and the atmosphere was great. We ordered espresso martinis, and unfortunately they were not the traditional espresso martinis. They only sell wine and beer, so it is somehow made on draft with this. They explained it well after we got the drinks and questioned where the espresso beans were and why it was bubbly…wish they would have told me before. Again, food was DELISH but if you really want an espresso martini, go across the street to Calabria!
… moreNicole Bonnen
I came here the other day for the first time, this spot had been recommended to us by a friend. And I can definitely say I had a great first impression! We came on a Saturday for brunch and the spot had a really nice vibe to it. Great for groups, families, or just with a friend or partner. The staff was very helpful and friendly! We definitely recommend trying the items in the boxes on the menu. The Cardiff crack steak and eggs or steak sandwich, the house made bread which comes from a special recipe, truffle Mac and cheese, poke tacos, warm brussel sprouts salad and definitely get the dessert. The butter cake was a little tooo delicious, hard to stop eating! I’d come back here. Good food and good vibes in North Park! Oh and they also have a dog and kids menu! Love that.
… moreOgazon
Encontro is serving up crave-worthy dishes from a menu created by Chef Jason-bold flavors, comfort favorites, and plates made to share. Start with the legendary breadsticks inspired by the original Pat & Oscar’s recipe and taken to the next level.
When it comes to entrées, don’t miss the crack tri-tip (tender, flavorful, and seriously addictive) or the perfectly cooked pork chop that delivers big, satisfying flavor in every bite.
Encontro is truly a restaurant for all: a kids menu for the little ones; a dog menu for your furry companions and stress-free dining with parking validation at the structure across the street. The ambience is relaxed and the staff is friendly!
… moreWhen it comes to entrées, don’t miss the crack tri-tip (tender, flavorful, and seriously addictive) or the perfectly cooked pork chop that delivers big, satisfying flavor in every bite.
Encontro is truly a restaurant for all: a kids menu for the little ones; a dog menu for your furry companions and stress-free dining with parking validation at the structure across the street. The ambience is relaxed and the staff is friendly!
Helen
I love going to restaurants that stand by their food and takes pride In everything they do. Not only was the food here amazing, after reading the back of the menus and learning more about what the owners stand for and the history, I Love them even more here.
The “Cardiff Burger” with tri tip was AMAZING and a must get. For the PRICE of everything here, they don’t skimp out on portions
They employ a guy with some disabilities to help around the restaurant and write sweet notes on the to-go bags that melted me!! Will for sure be back here and tell everyone about it.
… moreThe “Cardiff Burger” with tri tip was AMAZING and a must get. For the PRICE of everything here, they don’t skimp out on portions
They employ a guy with some disabilities to help around the restaurant and write sweet notes on the to-go bags that melted me!! Will for sure be back here and tell everyone about it.
Sasha Simmons
We had an amazing date night at Encontro! Everything was so good from the ambience, the service, the food, the drinks. We loved it. We started off with the house made bread that was steaming hot when it arrived and so delicious. It was served with their truffle butter which added a great rich flavor. Then we got the poke tacos and those were also so good. It came with 3 tacos loaded with ahi tuna! For mains we got the mussels and the chicken fried trout. Both were great portion sizes and packed with flavor. To finish we got the berry cobbler that was topped with ice cream.
We were so full by the end but so content because of how great the food was. Chloe took care of us and did a great job making sure we had everything we needed to enjoy our meal. Jason the owner/ executive chef also came out to tell us about the concept, bread recipe history and some other great details about the restaurant. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a great date night out in North Park!
… moreWe were so full by the end but so content because of how great the food was. Chloe took care of us and did a great job making sure we had everything we needed to enjoy our meal. Jason the owner/ executive chef also came out to tell us about the concept, bread recipe history and some other great details about the restaurant. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a great date night out in North Park!
Mel Howell
Absolutely love Encontro North Park! The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed — perfect for everything from a casual lunch to a night out with friends. The food is consistently fresh and creative (their fries and Brussels sprouts are next-level!), and the craft beer selection never disappoints. Staff are friendly, quick, and always make you feel welcome. I also appreciate how dog-friendly and community-oriented the place feels. One of my favorite go-to spots in North Park — highly recommend!
I have even used them for catering on several occasions and everyone is always thrilled!!
… moreI have even used them for catering on several occasions and everyone is always thrilled!!
Luis Molina
I finally got to check out Encontro in North Park, it lived up to the hype. I ordered the Encontro Cali Burrito and my wife went with the Cheddar Brat Hash both dishes were packed with flavor. The portions were perfect. Not sure why people say they’re small, because everything we ordered was just right. We even had leftovers.
The ambiance is another win. It has this clean, modern rustic vibe that actually reminds me a lot of the West Loop in Chicago; stylish but still comfortable. We went with our two toddlers, and it was surprisingly very family friendly. They have plenty of high chairs and the setup makes it easy to enjoy your meal without feeling like you’re in the way. Child friendly
We came for brunch on a Sunday at 10:30am, and there was zero wait. The menu has an impressive variety. The food came out in a timely manner, fresh, and honestly, the flavors were exquisite. Prices are fair for these days. You go to McDonald’s and it’s $14 per person. So for $3-4 more you actually get real delicious UNIQUE food!!
We went with the buttercake for desert. Exceed my expectations for a casual joint they made it seems like a desert from Mortons
The owner was on-site, overseeing everything. You can feel that it’s a family owned business that cares about quality and service, and the staff matched that energy friendly and attentive.
Overall, Encontro in North Park is a spot I’d definitely come back to. Great food, great vibe, and great people. Highly recommended.
Oh They also validate the parking! From the parking west of the restaurant. Just in case you don’t find parking on the street
… moreThe ambiance is another win. It has this clean, modern rustic vibe that actually reminds me a lot of the West Loop in Chicago; stylish but still comfortable. We went with our two toddlers, and it was surprisingly very family friendly. They have plenty of high chairs and the setup makes it easy to enjoy your meal without feeling like you’re in the way. Child friendly
We came for brunch on a Sunday at 10:30am, and there was zero wait. The menu has an impressive variety. The food came out in a timely manner, fresh, and honestly, the flavors were exquisite. Prices are fair for these days. You go to McDonald’s and it’s $14 per person. So for $3-4 more you actually get real delicious UNIQUE food!!
We went with the buttercake for desert. Exceed my expectations for a casual joint they made it seems like a desert from Mortons
The owner was on-site, overseeing everything. You can feel that it’s a family owned business that cares about quality and service, and the staff matched that energy friendly and attentive.
Overall, Encontro in North Park is a spot I’d definitely come back to. Great food, great vibe, and great people. Highly recommended.
Oh They also validate the parking! From the parking west of the restaurant. Just in case you don’t find parking on the street