I have been wanting to go to a Claudette Zepeda restaurant for a long time now and I am so glad we did. So here's my problem.... EVERYTHING was good. The table, the servers, the food, the valet guys... literally everything about our experience from the moment we stepped out of the car was perfect. It was super fancy with zero pretentiousness. This is not cause I'm fan-girling out... it really was a nice time. So since everything was so good.. what do I talk about? The duck hash was super good and had big chunks of duck mixed into the kimchi and sweet potatoes. The French toast was really surprising because the bread itself had a lemony flavor. Everyone at the table was happy with their choices so it's like, why should I call out specific items? Everything is good. read more

This is the second time I've gone to this restaurant and it's only really about the coastal views. Was invited to have lunch with friends for a 1:00 reservation on Sunday. Valet only and if dining at the restaurant $10. It wasn't busy at all inside but all the outdoor seating was occupied. We were able to sit by the windows which still had a nice view of the coast. No lunch menu just brunch. One of my friends who is a regular here let us know that aside from the hamburgers, the rest is "European Style" which equates to smaller portions. I experienced that the first time I had gone. We ordered Batiquitos Bowls and a Traditional Benedict. The food came out in a timely manner and was good. Both times I've gone, the experience was alright but lacking. Being a local, it's hard to justify dining at this place just for the views. For me, it wasn't worth paying higher prices for average food and paying for parking. read more

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My wife and I recently took a trip to San Diego, and for one night, we stayed at the Alila Maria Beach Resort Encinitas. There are three restaurants onsite. One is a nice pool-side bar. One is a coffee house. The third is a very nice restaurant, which turned out to be a highlight of our stay at the Alila Maria Beach Resort Encinitas. We found the service to be amazing and the food to be spectacular! Even prior to arriving to the resort, I had called the resort and VAGA to inquire as to whether they had salmon or other dishes that my wife could eat. While there wasn't anything on the menu, they did say that they may be serving salmon if they run out of the fish on the menu. We figured there were vegetarian dishes for a backup, so we went ahead and made a reservation on Open Table. I was delighted to even have a manager give me a call to ask questions and to note that we were celebrating my birthday. We later learned at check-in that World of Hyatt Globalist members (which I am) receive a complimentary Amuse-Bouche at VAGA with dinner service and a complimentary wellness juice shot with breakfast service. Upon arriving to our dinner reservation, we were greeted at the check-in counter by the manager who happened to be the one who called me. He recalled my name and wished me a happy birthday. He then escorted my wife and me to a lovely table inside with a nice view of the water. Between the manager and the server, we had a lot of attention and people checking in on us to ensure our meal was great. We declined the Amuse-Bouche (as I don't eat fish) and instead received a complimentary order of Yuzu Honey Parker Rolls, which consisted of garlic butter, chives, and honey Yuzu butter. They were absolutely delicious!! We then ordered the Sage Hill Heirloom Tomato & Cucumbers consisting of red olive, onion, feta mousse, and dill ladolemono dressing, which my wife really enjoyed. I ordered a tasty and filling dish of the Stout Braised Short Rib (charred leek polenta, Granny Smith salsa, rainbow chard, and roasted root vegetables). My wife ordered the salmon dish after all since they were out of one of the fish dishes; she enjoyed it! For dessert, we were brought out a birthday dessert of the Malted Chocolate Bomb (malted milk semifreddo, milk chocolate feuilletine, and black salt cocoa gems). This dessert was delicious! The next morning, we went bright and early on a Monday morning for brunch, and we were among the only guests there at that time. We sat right near the window inside to see the water and the sun having just risen. We both tried the wellness juice shots though they weren't our thing. My wife enjoyed a VAGA Scramble dish consisting of scrambled eggs, oven roasted tomato, crispy herb potatoes, and instead of a choice of meat, she ordered some fresh fruit. I went for the Sunrise Sandwich with a folded egg, morita aioli, smoked cheddar, apple, arugula, miso dressing, crispy herb potatoes, rockenwagner English muffin, and Bok Choy. Instead of the house-made Maple-Thyme pork, I went for chicken sausage. I asked for fruit instead of the potatoes. I also ordered orange juice. We both later ordered an incredible chocolate croissant to go. Again, we were delighted with each meal we ordered. VAGA explores San Diego's ever-changing confluence of culture and wanderlust from ocean food to farm food. They offer dinner, brunch, and a lounge and bar with outdoor and indoor spaces. Breakfast is Monday through Thursday from 7 AM to 11 AM. Brunch is Friday from 7 AM to 2 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 7 AM to 3 PM. Dinner is Sunday through Thursday from 5 PM to 9 PM and Friday and Saturday from 5 PM to 10 PM. The bar and lounge is open Monday through Thursday from 3 PM to 10 PM, Friday from 11 AM to Midnight, Saturday from 10 AM to Midnight, and Sunday from 10 AM to 10 PM. Being a Globalist member, you receive a complimentary breakfast for up to two adults and two children. Having paid with the American Express Fine Hotel & Resorts program, we receive breakfast for two along (valued at $45 per person) along with a $150 resort credit, which we applied to the dinner. Should we visit the Alila Maria Beach Resort Encinitas again, we will DEFINITELY visit VAGA again for a tasty meal!! We certainly recommend this amazing restaurant with great service to others. read more

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Dining at Vaga was a letdown. Dinner was overpriced for what it was, and we waited over an hour for our food to arrive. Therefore, I couldn't really tell if the food was good or if I was just extremely hungry. We decided to give the restaurant another chance for breakfast the following morning, but it was even more disappointing. The food wasn't even served hot, and once again the service was lacking. We were forgotten about multiple times and spent much of the meal trying to get someone's attention. The best part of the restaurant is the ocean view and the atmosphere. It's a beautiful setting and makes for a relaxing dining experience. Unfortunately, that's where the positives ended. This would be a great place to relax and have some drinks, however, based on the experience I wouldn't recommend dining here. read more

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What a lovely restaurant with great views from both inside and outside. They only have valet which is $10. The food was great but it took some time to come out but we didn't mind too much since we were enjoying our wine and view. Our server was great, though! I really enjoyed the scallops. The duck taco appetizer was very good as well. The desserts were ok. We will definitely come here again! read more

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Stayed at the Alila Marea Resort for a baby moon and decided to try some of the eateries at the resort. VAGA was definitely an upscale, beachside ambience. Weather was perfect so we sat on the patio overlooking the cliff/ocean. Service was incredible and servers were very knowledgeable about the menu and the pairings. Our favorites included the Duck Carnitas, Koji Hanger Steak, and the Miso Halibut. I would definitely recommend eating here if you're at the resort or even nearby. read more

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such good food! ambiance and quality definitely befits its dollar sign rating. here i learned what a semifreddo was for the first time; i shall be seeking it out in the future. they've got a bar outside overlooking the pacific where we got drinks and apps before our dinner reso. read more

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VAGA restaurant is located on the first floor of Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas. It's a spacious ocean-view restaurant, beautifully set within the hotel. We stopped by during an in-between hour for a few small bites. I was surprised to see kimchi fried rice on the menu. I had only tried it once before, at a place in Torrance, and had been happy with it. So I ordered it with some anticipation--though, in hindsight, maybe I was expecting too much. A refined, oceanfront restaurant serving a very typical Korean comfort dish felt a bit unexpected to begin with. The result was disappointing. Parts of the rice weren't warm enough, and there wasn't much kimchi to speak of. It lacked that bold, satisfying flavor the dish is known for. I suppose I was asking a bit much--ordering authentic kimchi fried rice at a polished beachside hotel restaurant. read more

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Sorry not sorry. One of the most disappointing meals/experiences I've had in a while. We were staying st the Park Hyatt (sister Hyatt site in Carlsbad) for 22nd Wedding Anniversary and this place came highly recommended by their concierge... I definitely made sure they knew how we felt about it. Food was overpriced for the quality and taste, Taste from apps to entrees to dessert were just not good, and service was friendly but extremely slow and none attentive. Ordered a Martini and even that was just off the mark. The ambience and views were perfect but other than that... this place is a hard pass for me. It was so far off expectations, I couldn't consciously recommend or even give it another try myself. Service was so slow, ~30 min between our salad and entree. The waitress apologized for the major delay in the kitchen and the manager, on their own, comped a drink for us. I appreciated the gesture but it didn't make up for the taste of the meal and overall experience. I ordered the Halibut ($65 for about 3-4 oz piece) that had chewy skin, wasn't flaky but instead dry and over cooked (see pic), sauce was overpowering (super salty with large slices of Serrano peppers). Wife had the Hanger Steak, ordered medium but arrived half medium half rare/blue and bland. We had a side of the carrots and brocollini ... both arrived cold and bland (asked if these sides were cold by design and answer was, "they think so"). Mexican Crème brûlée (also comped) was like a plate of cold scrambled eggs, even the sugar topping was soft (straight out of their coolers). Honestly not sure what to say about our meal/service other than we were shocked this place had customers in there paying these prices. Mando valet parking only, $10 fee if eating at restaurant. read more

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Such an amazing experience at VAGA ...where do I even start? The ambience is upscale and inviting, with a beautiful fireplace and stunning outdoor ocean-view seating that creates the perfect dining atmosphere. We began with the Caesar salad, which was fresh, crisp, and a great start to the meal. For my entree , I enjoyed the crispy skin salmon. It was so moist, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The texture and temperature were spot on. The carrots were decent, and the outer crust of the salmon was excellent. I paired everything with an amazing Cabernet that truly set the tone for the evening. The service was prompt, attentive, and exceptional throughout. We couldn't have asked for a more peaceful and elegant night. read more

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Visited Vaga during a large group outing at the resort. A group of about 12 were looking to dine in for dinner. We were unable to be seated together and ended up being sat at three different tables. Las minute attempt at dinner so not unexpected but nonetheless unfortunate. I'll get right to what I absolutely loved. The How's Spicy Margarita. 1) it was made with Ocho, which is a favorite of mine 2) the amazing house made sangrita they use for flavor 'straight up delicious' 3) the presentation of mixing to your ow temp of spicy. I started slow as suggest and then tasted as I went along. It didn't take long for me to dump the entire mix in my glass. I had two of them and I could have had four. I didn't have four because I could not sit around any longer for what I did not love about Vaga. 1) I ordered the pork chop. I do not often worry about the price because I understand you get what you pay for. However when you pay for something and there is no value I have to make a point of it. It was a $60+ pork chop that was as dry as it could possibly have been 2) the dishes (more than one person ordered it) came to the table lukewarm at best 3) the had to wait for it to be reheated and you can imagine what that did for the dryness. Yes it was a mess. It was not worth it. And it was just not enjoyable. read more

VAGA Restaurant & Bar - Hows Spicy Marg - Latin American Near Me - Encinitas, California

Service, views & vibes - 5 stars! Drinks are strong too. Food is good but not mind blowing. Altogether this is a special spot & worth a visit. We came for dinner & we're warmly greeted by, what felt like, the whole staff! From hostess to busser to servers... everyone goes above and beyond. We were celebrating a birthday, and everyone made sure to keep us happy the entire evening. Looking forward to coming back to try out brunch. And heads up - I peeped kids menus! I know Alila Maria is an adults only resort, but good to know that VAGA can handle family meals too. read more

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The food was average but for the price I was hoping for a little more flavorful experience. The views were phenomenal and staff were great and friendly . read more

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The view is to die for here! The restaurant is beautiful. We were seated right away as they weren't too busy on a Sunday morning. Everyone is great here especially our server. The breakfast is part of my stay at Alila Marea. They give you a separate menu labeled as breakfast package. I like the options much better than the options from my last stay here. I got the salmon tostada with roe. It was different but good. I like the fish roe on top. It was a solid choice but I needed more. I also got the chip pudding. They put grapefruit and blueberries in it. I don't love grapefruit but this pudding was good. My teen got the Carne asada omelet but didn't like it. I tried it and thought it was fine. The corn in it was amazing. The beef was tender but could use more seasoning. Overall, this was a solid breakfast! read more

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We've been to Vaga for brunch and lunch nearly a dozen times, and it never disappoints. Yes, the view is phenomenal, but what truly stands out is the service since it's always attentive, warm, and spot-on. I've tried just about everything on the brunch and lunch menu, and I love it all. The new chef has added some innovative dishes, while the in-house pastry chef continues to create the most divine breakfast pastries imaginable and I always order some for the table and extras to take home. All of their egg dishes are outstanding, and the lobster salad with jumbo shrimp and a perfect ramen egg is a must. The Vaga Burger is delicious (as are the fries), and the desserts are exquisite, changing with the seasons. I also appreciate that the menu balances healthy options with indulgent ones. On my last visit, I tried the Wagyu beef toast which was absolutely divine. Next on my list is dinner, and I can hardly wait. Bonus: the wine list is well-priced with a thoughtful selection. Rock on, Vaga! I promise you'll keep seeing us again and again. read more

Absolutely incredible experience. Food, drinks, service, and atmosphere was all divine. Ocean view was breathtaking. Staff was so welcoming, attentive, and kind. Would absolutely recommend as a MUST TRY for anyone visiting the Encinitas/San Diego area! read more

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If I could give this restaurant ten stars, I would. Best place I have been in a while. The ocean view is unobstructed, the food is perfection, and the staff is courteous and helpful. If you're looking for somewhere special, this is the place. This was my first time here, and I came for brunch. The mimosas were the perfect balance of champagne with a splash of orange juice. I ordered the baked quiche and swapped the side salad it usually comes with for breakfast potatoes. The potatoes were good, pretty regular, but the quiche was an absolute star. I make quiche all the time at home and this put mine to shame. My friend ordered the carne asada omelet and said it was delicious as well. I would consider this a special occasion type of place on the expensive side. I was so impressed by the food, view, and service that I think it's worth the price tag. They are also valet only, which is good to know in advance. read more

VAGA Restaurant & Bar - Baked Quiche and breakfast potatoes - Latin American Near Me - Encinitas, California

The restaurant itself is very well done and it's hard to feel like you're going to have a bad time with views that beautiful (if you're hanging out, outside). We came here for a birthday last Friday night and I did have some high hopes based on the location but I did keep in mind the amount of negative/mixed reviews I read before heading in. However, I wanted to form my opinion, since maybe there were some staffing issues or off nights other people were experiencing. We had a reservation and the wait time to be seated after checking in was virtually non-existent which was a good sign. Now because its so trendy, there was a wedding going on at the hotel, there were tons of people in the lounge/bar area, so it was a bit noisy. If you're trying to figure out what to wear just come in whatever honestly because there was casual and business casual. You'll see someone wearing a dress and someone wearing yoga pants. It's Encinitas/Leucadia so, you know, do with that info what you will. I'm just going to jump in to the main points here. I think the menu is lazy, which I guess is good if that's what your namesake is. Some of the items didn't make sense to go together plating wise. The mains aren't really served with sides, so it makes that menu price a jump scare. We ordered the duck carnitas tacos, which were fine, just a smaller portion then we assumed. There were 4 of us and 3 tortillas for a small portion of duck seemed overkill. The bread and butter, eh. I don't think garlic parker house rolls make sense to have a yuzu butter? Also, if you're going to call it a "yuzu butter" i'd probably add some yuzu in there. The drinks were good, nothing crazy, but they were done well. The mains we got were the trout (actually a great cook on the fish, but the roasted carrots needed about another half hour since they were fairly hard to the bite), the short rib (it was dry and needed more mole, it was fine), the hanger steak ordered medium (served well and the blistered shishitos didn't make sense as a side?) the scallops were probably the best thing in my opinion. The desserts we had were the chocolate bomb and the mango lassi, both of which were good. I think they were just fine, nothing crazy. I will say that I do appreciate that they went out of their way to bring a birthday treat for the one person in our party, even through we didn't tell them anything? They said they "did their homework" which ok, I guess it's giving a "The Bear" vibe. Kinda cool. The service was great at the beginning and he was very attentive and nice but as the night went out he disappeared and we had to have another server assist us which is fine. I definitely understand the other reviews noting lack of attention because yeah, that's what happened. I usually don't write reviews this long because I don't like being annoying or "that person" but like, come on. If you're going to charge those prices, for food that just really doesn't have any identity or direction, then what do you expect? You're paying for the sunset and that's basically it I suppose. Valet only. So before you go here, maybe do some homework yourself and figure out if you wanna take a dip into your pockets. read more

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Most oceanfront restaurants do not spend much money on quality food because they don't need to. This is a classic tourist trap. I'm a local for 40 years, and I wish I had listened to my own advice, but alas...If you're looking for a sunset dinner, this is NOT your place until summer. The restaurant is situated with an ocean view, but the sunset only graces the patrons in the bar area during the winter months, not the dining room. The dining room was nearly empty, and we were apologized to frequently. Once the bar started to get busy, we were virtually ignored, but the apologies kept coming. I felt like someone was poking me repeatedly in the forehead and apologizing for it every time, annoyed and jaded. Oh, the valet was $10/$15 with tip. We had the following: CLAMS- a little too lemon forward, and the bread was soggy and buried in the broth BURRATA- skip it; it's a bed of frisée salad with a small ball of cheese. CRUDO- go eat sushi elsewhere CAESAR salad- meh BROCCOLINI- good SWEET POTATOES-great, once we finally got them and after we sent them back for being raw...so that's late, raw, then great. CARROTS-meh, once we finally got them, late as well HALIBUT-excellent, but I was halfway done with it before we got all the sides. HANGER STEAK- good NY STRIP-very small 7oz portion SCALLOPS-very small portion SHIRT RIB-overcooked and bland CHOCOLATE BOMB-good CARROT CAKE-meh Cocktails were all great again, ONCE WE GOT THEM! Note: our server was really nice, and I felt for him because he had no control over how slowly things were coming out and how they were cooked. Not that my opinion of service mattered, the party of six constituted a 20% service fee anyway. He did his best while the jackets stood around watching. Our bill was over $1000 for a party of 6, so I have to say SKIP IT! That included 4 mid-priced glasses of wine and six cocktails. Meh. read more

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View is still phenomenal. Drinks are still good. Food is still mediocre. Valet has doubled to $10. read more

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Great hotel to stay at, very tranquil and relaxing quiet vibes going on here. Vaga was really good for breakfast, the avocado eggs Benedict was really well prepared and the service was impeccable. Thanks Alila! read more

VAGA Restaurant & Bar - Avocado & Spinach - Latin American Near Me - Encinitas, California

I visited Alila Marea Beach Resort Vaga recently, and while the ocean views are absolutely stunning, the pricing had me doing a double take. The food was good--but it's breakfast. How badly can you really mess up eggs, toast, and coffee? Solid, but nothing that screamed "worth the price." Now the mimosas... that's where things got interesting. They're not even listed on the brunch menu, so we figured they'd be, what, $12-15 max? Maybe $18? Nope--$24 each. At that point I had to ask... are they putting Veuve Clicquot in this or something? Spoiler: it definitely didn't taste like it. The drink was super heavy on the orange juice and light on the bubbly--basically an expensive glass of OJ with a splash of champagne. Bottom line: you're paying for the view, not what's in the glass. Beautiful spot, but the mimosa situation alone is enough to make you question your life choices. read more

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My friend and I dined here tonight and I was impressed! The views of the coast and sunset are stunning. The restaurant is inside a beautiful hotel, and has this stunning staircase to get to the dining area. We had the peri peri chicken, burrata salad, corn based pasta, and chocolate bomb. Every item was tasty, that I would come back and eat again. Our waiter was so attentive and quick, the staff came and checked to make sure we had everything we needed multiple times. Parking is $10 valet but honestly convenient and fast. read more

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We came for our 21st wedding anniversary. Service was slow and severely lacked the expectation of a restaurant should be excellent. Our server was never around. When asked for recommendations, she just asked what I wanted. Ended up with a terrible wine paring with my pork. Even with the pictures, we made it clear it was our anniversary. The place was quiet. Server acted inconvenience for us asking for a photo, and literally took 2. Definitely not a $350 experience. Great tequila selection. Beautiful views. The hostesses were very nice and helpful. Food was mediocre, wine was okay, service made us never want to come here again. read more

VAGA Restaurant & Bar - Latin American Near Me - Encinitas, California

Come to this place for the lovely ocean views and stay for the service and decent food. When we first arrived for our reservation, the fire alarm was ringing nonstop. We decided to go for a walk on the beach and come back. They were happy to comp our coffee that we had while waiting for the alarm to stop. We ordered the pancakes, Shakshuka and the Carne Asada omelette. The pancakes were quite delicious. However, the omelette lacked any real flavor. The meat was cooked to perfection, but was so bland. The Shakshuka was tasty and different. Essentially toast with lots of marinara sauce, eggs and avocado. The ambiance and friendly staff made our visit perfect. read more

VAGA Restaurant & Bar - Shakshuka - Latin American Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Finally got back here for dinner and it did not disappoint. The menu here is very creative. Very much 'San Diego cuisine' in the Baja-Mediterranean style. Arrived early, checked in at the restaurant and went to have a couple of nice cocktails on the beautiful bluff side bar/lounge. Received a text when our table was ready and our tab from the bar was effortlessly transferred to our waitress. No hassle. The decor is warm and modern with an open kitchen and great views. We elected to dine indoors since it was pretty chilly. San Diego in July, lol! With my wine cellar bursting I decided to bring a special bottle rather than order from the wine list (which is California dominated, bonus points!, and looks well curated). The manager opened and poured for us. Raye was our waitress and she came to greet us and review the highlights of the menu. We took all of her recommendations: duck carnitas and beet salad for apps, and halibut and hangar steak for mains. All were expertly prepared, beautifully presented and delicious. The beet salad may be the best beets I've ever eaten. Raye's service was very friendly yet professional. Dishes came out at proper intervals. Very highly recommended! A must visit if you're a San Diego foodie or looking for a special nite out. read more

We had a magnificent time at VAGA last week. I was conflicted about spending my birthday dinner there but it was so convenient because we stayed at Alila. There seems to be mixed reviews but my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed dinner and breakfast. We ordered the corn pasta (literally the best dish we ate, hands down). Do not sleep on this pasta (10 out of 10 recommend)! We also ordered the halibut and chicken (8.5 out of 10). Both were great, but I preferred the chicken (which was surprisingly juicy). All dishes were seasoned well and had its own distinct flavor. For starters we had the Parker rolls and sweet potatoes, both were solid (maybe 8 out of 10). Drinks were solid, we prefer sweet and strong drinks so we modified our cocktails. No regrets there, they definitely did the job. Now for breakfast, the French toast is a MUST! My husband got the omelet and enjoyed it. But also stole my French toast lol. It was very flavorful, the bread was amazing and the strawberries weren't overkill at all. Do yourself a favor if you're staying at Alila, dine in at VAGA - it shouldn't disappoint at all. read more

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This place is beautiful. Visited Vaga with some girl friends for drinks and dinner. Food from the kitchen was very slow. I think this was a one off occurrence. Server was attentive and apologetic. Hopefully not the norm. read more

I would like to thank Rae for taking care of us and giving the best service ever!! I was awestruck by Rea's knowledge of each food and drink in the menu, WOW!! Place was very cozy at dinner time. Manager/Host was very welcoming. I apologize I forgot to ask his name read more

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It was our anniversary and food was sub par. So was service. Ambiance was good. We won't return. read more

VAGA Restaurant & Bar - Espresso martini - Latin American Near Me - Encinitas, California

Do not let the "luxury" label fool you. Our Mother's Day at VAGA (at Alila Marea) was a total robbery. Prices at over $150 per person (plus extra for coffee and tea!), you expect excellence but ha! Instead, we received: Ambiance: Sticky tables, dead insects on the windows, and "clean" plates with food "film" on them. The bread station was a mess--unattended, with unappealing, messy presentations of butter and jams. Food: The tri-tip was overcooked, the omelets were incredibly dry, and the deviled eggs were actually hardening and discolored from sitting out. Incompetent Service: We waited 30 minutes for coffee while watching our server make herself a plate at the buffet - as it was closing down. We sat with nine dirty dishes piled on our table because no one bothered to clear them. We also never received clean utensils between visits to the buffet or any spoons. This establishment took advantage of my husband and son's desire to make the day special. Avoid this place--it's a high-end price tag for a low-rent, unfavorable experience. Yes, I reached out to management. They wanted us to return with a dining credit that was about a third of what we already paid for a dismal experience. I'd rather have a refund and all I had heard since, is crickets. read more

From start to end it was a great experience . Our Server was very professional , courteous and went above and beyond to ensure our brunch experience was exceptional . I wish I remember his name . The service was fast and we enjoyed all the food recommended by our server . Vaga also has breath taking view of the ocean . We can't wait to go back again :) read more

The food is delicious here. The view is unmatched- especially at sunset. Great service and great cocktails. Love the rolls, caesar salad and steak (insanely good). Such a romantic restaurant. read more

VAGA Restaurant & Bar - Chocolate dessert - Latin American Near Me - Encinitas, California

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The service and ambiance is 20/10. Really nice people and a beautiful location and view. The menu had a variety of choices on the brunch menu. I recommend getting a few things to share--it's a bit hard to choose just one thing. The kimchi rice is an absolute must and the vegetarian Benedict is simple and perfect. Not a single thing was a miss. Approx. $350 for 4 entrees and 3 deserts plus many drinks. Not crowded on a Sunday around 1pm and definitely worth a visit even as a SD local! Valet is $5 until 5pm (card only with cash only tips) read more

VAGA Restaurant & Bar - Chocolate Bomb - Latin American Near Me - Encinitas, California

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I checked into my room Wednesday evening and went to dinner with an 8:15 PM reservation. The dining room was fairly empty, so I chose the lounge/bar, which had a much livelier atmosphere. The full menu was available there, which was a nice touch. The bartenders were excellent - friendly, attentive, and spot-on with their recommendations. There was live music as well, and if you time it around sunset, you'll catch one of the most beautiful ocean views. Dishes I tried: Trout (Dinner, Wednesday): Paired with an Old Fashioned. Absolutely outstanding with a perfectly crispy skin with a rich glaze. Carne Asada Omelette (Breakfast, Thursday): Came with potatoes and coffee. Unfortunately underwhelming. The filling lacked flavor and the eggs could've been cooked more. Part of the AMEX breakfast perk (main, side, and drink). I would've preferred the flexibility of a $45 credit, and the process wasn't explained clearly. I didn't realize the mimosa I ordered was included until checkout. Carne Asada over Avocado Toast (Lunch, Thursday): Topped with two over-easy eggs. A new menu item and absolutely delicious. Halibut (Dinner, Thursday): Exceptionally flavorful and served in the lounge by the fireplace while I watched the Cowboys vs. Phillies game. Nearly $70 for just the fish with no sides felt overpriced. Chai Pudding (Breakfast, Friday): Delicious, served with a side of bacon, four pieces instead of three today. I also had a cappuccino. Additional feedback from Friday breakfast: -Communication continued to be confusing. A different waitress initially said mimosas were not included, despite being told otherwise the day before. She later explained that staff often say it's not included because it can exceed the $45 credit. She also never came back to check on me after she took my order. -The breakfast sandwich recommended yesterday contains lamb, which wasn't disclosed and isn't listed in the menu description. -I also ordered the eggs, which honestly tasted like box eggs...similar to what you'd get at a budget hotel complimentary breakfast. Overall, I'm just not a fan of whatever they use for their eggs; the omelette yesterday was unenjoyable, and the scrambled eggs today were gross. Despite these issues, the setting continues to impress. The ocean view is gorgeous, especially outdoors, and service has been generally warm and welcoming, even if explanations about the AMEX breakfast could be much clearer. read more

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My colleague stayed at the hotel and complimentary breakfast was included with her stay, so she invited me to join her. There was a beautiful view of the ocean, but it was a chilly and windy day, so we opted to dine indoors. She had the steak omelette and I had the veggie omelette. We also ordered some pressed juices and cappuccino. The restaurant is spacious and beautifully decorated, just like the rest of the hotel. The dining room is spacious and is perfect for large parties. They have 2 long rectangular tables that can seat 12 each. If you are just visiting the restaurant, be mindful that there is valet only. There is no option to park on the property. Valet is $20, but you can have it validated for $10 off. read more

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Been to Vaga a few times during our stays at the hotel. Today was for breakfast only. Host staff was unpleasant and not warm. When we were seated it took 15 min to be welcomed, 20 minutes for black coffee and Diet Coke to come out, and then 45 more min for regular breakfasts. The food was under seasoned and disappointing. Tables are not bussed quickly, there are glasses stacked on tables in the waiting area for the restaurant, and the place just feels joyless now. We love the hotel, but we will skip Vaga for meals now. read more

I'm in love with Vaga's elemental experiences/events. I guess I was a wanderer in another lifetime. Every chance I get, I wander with Vaga Restaurant & Bar. This crazy beautiful upscale coastal restaurant at Alila Marea Beach Resort has stunning ocean views that will forever be etched in your mind. Fine dining at its best! I highly recommend it for the following reasons: -Memorable experience -Amazing location -Fresh exquisite food -Welcoming atmosphere and staff -Excellent service Go ahead Yelp Community wander with Vaga!! read more

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It is understandable for a restaurant to be understaffed and have a wait time but what is unacceptable and despicable behavior is for the bartender to openly not serve us at the bar area and ask us to go to the restaurant to order because he's "understaffed" but we see him serving the table next to us who he seemed to know. The only tables he didn't serve were us and other people of color. It was the blatant favoritism and denying us service that completely ruined our morning and our stay. read more

VAGA Restaurant & Bar - Latin American Near Me - Encinitas, California

Hostess was incredibly rude Wednesday 10:00am. I need 85 characters so I'm going to talk Views good foods good read more