Carin De Ria

This resaurant is definitely a good introduction to Filipino food. The pork adobo and halo-halo were more mild in flavor. The pork sisig was different with the red, yellow and green bellpeppers and the meaty-meats (not the porky bits one is used to when eating homestyle/"authentic" versions. The garlic fried rice was garlicky good. The classic lumpia could have had a little more stuffing. The star dish was the lechon kawali. It was crispy and not at all dried out. It was a perfect cook. Overall, the dishes were enjoyable, just more tapered to American palate. That being said, we'd still like to come back and try the other menu items.

I had passed by Encinitas a few times and the area seemed to be quite charming with neat shops and restaurants. I'm glad I made it a destination yesterday as it was a relaxing environment away from bustling cities to explore the neighborhood. I was craving for Filipino food and was delighted to find CARin de RiA here. The restaurant is located a block off the main street and had both indoor & outdoor dining. I was greeted warmly by the owner, Archie, who provided me with his recommendation between the sisig or kare kare to match with my beer. The sisig came out sizzling hot and was delicious with the side order of garlic rice. It was a different take on this dish, the pork belly was mouth-watering. I loved the decor/ambiance, the genuine hospitality of the owner, and that it was a family-run establishment. It was a very warm environment, Archie took the time at the end to get to know me, chat about the area, and provide local tips and recommendations for the meditation center nearby. Thank-you, Archie!

If you dine here you need to be patient. It does take a long time and to be honest I think there’s like 3 people working there. Sisig is not your traditional sisig. I am not a fan of the greed and red peppers. It was very acidic and had no savory component to it. The way the milkfish was deboned was phenomenal. Could have used a little salt.

The food here is amazing! If you're looking for good, authentic Filipino food this is the place to go. My fiance lived in the Philippines for some years when he was younger and said this restaurant has some of the most authentic food that he has had here in the US. Bit of a wait for the food after it was ordered but sooo worth it. We will definitely be eating here again!

Super friendly spot with some bomb pork skewers. Also the fried rice is really really good and the mango float pure yum. Lumpia could use a little more filling but the vegetable lumpia is spot on. Noodles could use a better sauce and some more fun vegetables. Definitely coming back, awesome overall experience.