Encontro North Park

If you’re expecting average bar food, this isn’t that. I went to Encontro in North Park and everything felt a step above what you’d expect. It’s a casual spot, but the food leans more chef-driven and thoughtful. We started with the breadsticks and truffle butter simple, but really well done. The crispy portobello mushrooms were one of my favorites, super flavorful with a great texture. For drinks, I had a margarita and a bloody mary, both solid. For mains, we ordered the tri-tip sandwich (aka “Cardiff Crack”) and the chicken sandwich. The tritip especially lives up to the hype really tender, packed with flavor, and easy to see why it has that nickname. Dessert is what stood out so much . The butter cake comes warm with ice cream and purée, and it was easily the highlight of the meal. I took a bite and just paused for a second it’s that kind of dessert Overall, a really good spot if you want elevated comfort food in a laid back setting. I’d definitely come back, especially for that butter cake and tritip

This location delivers food to Mike Hess if you call it in. My sliders arrived completely destroyed and another person at our table had to construct his own ahi tacos. The pulled pork was way too sweet and drowning in barbecue sauce. Would not recommend, especially with how expensive it was.

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.

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!

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!