From Lineup to Lunchtime: Birdseye Delivers

LOCAL BREAK'S HIDDEN GEMS SERIES BY: ERIN BRENNAN

Birdseye has become the go-to spot for locals craving feel-good, authentic food. The moment you walk in, the energy is calm, warm, and community-driven—the kind of place where everyone seems to know someone. The space is bright and versatile, casual enough for a quick weeknight dinner but just as perfect for a night out. Plants hang from the ceiling and spill out toward the sidewalk, while colorful tiles and artwork give the restaurant its signature Leucadia charm: vibrant, relaxed, and undeniably welcoming.

Birdseye is a locally owned family restaurant run by Dia and Jody Morris, who opened the doors nearly a decade ago. They built the menu around the dishes Dia grew up eating, and after years of refining and learning, they still feel lucky to cook the food they love just a block from the beach. Their pride in their craft—and in this community—is something you can feel with every dish.

"Their pride in their craft—and in this community—is something you can feel with every dish."

The menu highlights Thai, Lao, and Vietnamese flavors made with organic produce, grass-fed meats, and seed-oil-free cooking. Fan favorites include the grilled grass-fed steak tossed with fresh herbs, the coconut crispy rice salad, pad Thai, and their comforting noodle soups. They make their soup stock fresh daily using grass-fed beef bones and whole organic chickens, and all of their coconut curries are crafted from scratch.

A few personal must-trys: the Pork Belly Yellow Curry—creamy, rich, and loaded with tender pork belly—and the Beef Pad See Ew. The Pork Imperial Rolls are another favorite: perfectly crispy and made even better with the sweet plum sauce. Everything tastes fresh, balanced, and thoughtful, with portions generous enough to satisfy after a long day at the beach.

Birdseye is the spot you bring out-of-town friends when you want to impress them, or a cozy, flavorful choice for date night. It’s a true North County staple—a reminder of what makes this community special: good people, good food, and a whole lot of love.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdseyekitchen/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdseyeencinitas/

Address: 540 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024