The wait is finally over for California Pizza Kitchen fans in North County San Diego. After more than three decades serving the community through its beloved Solana Beach location, CPK has returned with a brand new restaurant at Encinitas Village Square.
Located at 1476 Encinitas Blvd, this fresh location brings the same creative menu and California vibes that locals have been craving since the previous North County spot closed. Whether you’re looking for the best pizza restaurants in Encinitas or a family-friendly spot with amazing outdoor dining, this opening is big news for the community.
Why This Opening Matters to Encinitas
CPK’s return to North County represents more than just another restaurant opening. This marks the fourth San Diego County location and shows the brand’s commitment to its California roots. The 4,000-square-foot space seats 121 guests across its dining room, spacious patio, and centerpiece full-service bar. CEO Jeff Warne emphasized that this isn’t just another new restaurant but a recommitment to the vibrant community that supported them for 30 years.
The restaurant also launched a partnership with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, donating 20% of sales from all four San Diego locations during opening weekend. This community-focused approach demonstrates how the business plans to give back to the neighborhood that welcomed it.
What Makes CPK Different
California Pizza Kitchen revolutionized casual dining in 1985 by introducing innovative California-style pizza to the world. The Original BBQ Chicken Pizza remains their signature dish, combining tender grilled chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, red onions, cilantro, and smoked Gouda cheese on their famous crispy crust. The CPK menu in North County San Diego goes way beyond pizza, though, featuring handcrafted pastas, fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches, and creative appetizers.
Health-conscious diners will appreciate CPK’s gluten-free pizza options and cauliflower crust, which the chain pioneered in the industry. From Power Bowls to customizable pizzas, every dish showcases fresh, seasonally inspired ingredients that make California cuisine special.
The Perfect Setting for Any Occasion
What really sets this location apart is its indoor-outdoor design, which takes full advantage of Southern California’s weather. Large garage doors seamlessly connect the dining room to the outdoor patio, creating an airy, flexible space perfect for lunch with coworkers or dinner with family. The contemporary design combines warm wood tones, organic patterned walls, and stylish lighting that reflects Encinitas’ laid-back coastal character.
The full-service bar offers handcrafted cocktails, premium wines, and craft beers, making it an ideal spot for happy hour or weekend gatherings. Whether you prefer dining al fresco on the patio or enjoying the comfortable indoor atmosphere, this space accommodates every mood and occasion.
Visit California Pizza Kitchen Today
CPK Encinitas is open daily from 11am to 9pm Sunday through Thursday, and 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Stop by for lunch or dinner, or order online for pickup or delivery. The team is ready to serve you signature pizzas, fresh flavors, and genuine California hospitality. Call (442) 357-1170 for reservations or visit the restaurant at 1476 Encinitas Blvd to experience why locals are buzzing about this spot.
For more guides and local dining recommendations, check out more Encinitas articles here. Support the heart of our community and discover amazing local neighborhoods featured in our directory.
Sources: cpk.com, yelp.com, California Pizza Kitchen Facebook Page, California Pizza Kitchen Instagram Page
Header Image Source: cpk.com
