Chiko - Encinitas

This is a cute location close enough to the beach. I came here hungry on a beach day and the food did not disappoint. The items and tastes were very unique to m... read more This is a cute location close enough to the beach. I came here hungry on a beach day and the food did not disappoint. The items and tastes were very unique to me since I usually eat Chinese and Korean food separately. Every part of the dishes I tried were well made. The restaurant is pretty much self-service. We paid and ordered through a QR code. Water was self serve as well since water was in a glass beverage dispenser. I'm not a fan of the self service experience when tipping is involved. It also felt weird since the food was pricier. I'm used to getting banchans at Korean places, but the sides here were pricey especially if you'd want a few sides. I came here on a colder day so I got some hot water to drink. I was a bit confused but there was a lot of cooked rice in my water? It tasted like I got hot rice water. Nothing was bad about that, but it was odd. How did chunks of cooked rice get into my water? It was an interesting experience.

Overall the place is amazing. I really loved their open, innovative, creative approach to cooking! Every dish was definitely noteworthy and cool! I loved their... read more Overall the place is amazing. I really loved their open, innovative, creative approach to cooking! Every dish was definitely noteworthy and cool! I loved their spring rolls and would highly recommend them! I also love that they give rice for free and their rice is extremely tasty! A lot of attention on their rice, which I believe are the fundamentals! The only disappointing thing was that not all the dishes were available at the time! Also, the restaurant could use some AC! Awesome vibes in the restaurant though! Service was also very attentive and the servers were very nice too! Keep up the great work! I'll be back for sure :

Conclusion first: The best, most exotic flavors I've ever had outside Asia. Definitely a restaurant to try and return. The mixture of textures, spices and tempe... read more Conclusion first: The best, most exotic flavors I've ever had outside Asia. Definitely a restaurant to try and return. The mixture of textures, spices and temperatures were amazing. Asian foundation (Chinese Korean) that takes food to crazy, memorable places. Perfect afternoon outside with the sunset. A very casual place where outdoor seating is necessary just because the huge chicken wings are so crispy yet tender and juicy. Ordered the big appetizers plate of 6 dishes. Also pork gyoza, chicken wings, rib eye with rice cakes and dessert (OMG). The dishes altogether were a fresh, tasty, spicy, crisp compliment of flavors and combinations that truly are five star. Yet the ambience is so casual and eclectic. Great personalized service. Worth the visit and the return.

Great food! Even the parking lot patio space is sorta cool. Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 4 read more Great food! Even the parking lot patio space is sorta cool. Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 4

Food tasted burnt and bitter. I got the broccoli dish and it was mostly the hard fibrous stems. I was excited for a tasty lamb dish but instead got a takeout bu... read more Food tasted burnt and bitter. I got the broccoli dish and it was mostly the hard fibrous stems. I was excited for a tasty lamb dish but instead got a takeout bucket full of disappointment. The beef skewers were good, not great. Service: Takeaway Meal type: Dinner Food: 1