Savory Spice Shop is a Mecca of Spices. No more do serious cooks(or aspiring ones for that matter) have to settle with limited selection and potentially stale offerings at supermarkets. This is a treasure trove of scents and flavors. Not that I thought that the 3 dozen or so spices at the grocery store was lacking but this place has 15 times that many spices! Mind explosion. Yes, some of them are blends, but that helps with taking out the guesswork and experimentation. Let the experts do it right? The best part is that they often have salt and no salt options as well as they list whats in the blends so you can deconstruct or add as needed! The entire experience walking in was like walking into a Sephora… the scents were overwhelming… but instead of giving me a headache it made me want to cook! Taster jars available so you can try of course and knowledgeable staff. They say they get stuff in small batches so it mitigates staleness. Sure, its out of the way for me, but I’m going to make it a point to try to come back for inspiration and my favorite special spices!
Boogie P.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Clovis, CA
I didn’t wanna spend $ 8-$ 10 a jar at the supermarket for every spice I needed, so some coworkers recommended this place because they sell most of their spices by ounces or by jars. I was helped immediately when I walked in. I love that beside each spice is a trial jar where you can sniff or taste test each spice. Will definitely be back soon for more spices & extracts.
Fumiko H.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Diego, CA
I used to go to locations in Orange County before I moved to San Diego. I feel lucky they opened one in Encinitas, so I don’t have to travel to Orange County for their great spices anymore. Their spices are very fresh and have great flavors. Most of my spices are coming from them. I just bought Socal spice sets to my people in different country. It is a great place to find awesome gifts for people who love cooking!
Jeannine M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Huntington Beach, CA
We had such a great first visit in this great little spice shop. What a neat idea for a business. We really enjoyed speaking with the husband and loved looking at all the unique items. A great place to go if you’re looking for a unique gift.
Mary M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Diego, CA
This shop is adorable and very helpful with lots of recipe ideas. Stephanie helped me find cinnamon chips and sent me more receipes. I love the extra strong vanilla. The also have cooking classes that I’m looking forward to trying.
Gary W.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Lemon Grove, CA
This place is AMAZING! Stephanie the owner is so charming and gives you so much love and attention to help you make tasty dishes. I am coming here for all my spices.
Bony K.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Encinitas, CA
Good food doesn’t only consist of fresh ingredients, but depends on your kitchen’s spice/seasonings that it has to offer to create restaurant or gourmet quality dishes. I cook at home most of the work days after work, and gravitate towards exotic or ethnic ingredients since that is what I grew up eating. I have purchased repeatedly their tiki Marsala curry powder, Cambodian Lemongrass curry which I add to my stir fry sauces/Asian meat marinades, and LOVE their creole seasoning when I need slight depth and kick to my food. They offer gifts with a variety of selections which people have told me that they appreciated. They sell by the weight, have glass bottles, and make their products in small batches to ensure freshness. Service there is consistent, make sure to sample the flavors before purchasing, join their free membership as well.
Amanda O.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Banker's Hill, San Diego, CA
I am a new Loyalty Member to this place. Went in today, not knowing what to expect, and was blown away by this Spice Shop. We bought 5 bottles of spices, and couldn’t be more excited to use them. We had amazing service from Ryan. He was very knowledgable on the products. The best part of our experience here was receiving recipes printed out, that were tailored to our purchase. All around, beyond 5 star experience! Stop by the next time you are in the area!
Steven G.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Poway, CA
Nicely stocked and staffed specialty establishment in The Lumbaryard outdoor mall at Encinitas. Read about it in San Diego magazine. Soon as I walked through the door, I was doomed, as they have a lot of tempting offerings. Picked up 4 oz. Nigella seeds in a jar($ 3.64), ½ oz bag Makrut(kaffir) dried lime leaves(excellent aroma)($ 10.02) 4 oz hickory smoke powder jar($ 4.26), 4 oz dried honey powder jar($ 4.48)4 oz Chinese ground Cassia cinnamon jar($ 4.54), 2 oz Park Hill Maple and spice rub packet($ 5.32), 2 oz Cajun blackening spice packet($ 4.09) and 2 oz Hot Chinese mustard powder packet($ 2.02). If it’s in a packet, that is the actual weight of product, in a jar, it is by volume. They encourage you to bring the jars back for a refill, which costs somewhat less. This is the place I would go in the future for something like Saigon cinnamon or bulk Telicherry black peppercorns. Keep in mind that because it is located at The Lumberyard, there are going to be many times that parking is a challenge. Encinitas as a whole community has parking issues… you can get a ticket for parking in the wrong space at the wrong time fairly easily. which sucks. That said, would go back, and probably will fairly soon. We will keep a list handy of necessary spices and seasonings to facilitate more«on point» shopping
Marilyn M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Diego, CA
Savory Spice Shop is a treat for the senses. Just walking into the store makes me want to cook something wonderful. They have the usual spices — and the unusual, as well. You can buy small or large quantities of exotic spices or interesting blends. In addition, they sell local honey and other items. I love the candied ginger — with or without chocolate. The gift packages are beautiful and make a lovely presentation. The owner, Stephanie, is very friendly and knows everything there is to know about the products she sells. Highly recommended.
Charlene S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Great shop! Very knowledgable associates. Extremely friendly & helpful. Will definitely be returning! Smells wonderful!
David R.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Encinitas, CA
Great selection of herb & spice mixtures. Friendly, helpful, knowledgeable. Recipes included. A cooks Delight!
Matthew S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Diego, CA
This place is great and exactly what I expected. Plenty of good quality spices and a wide range of blends. Its fun to look at everything and take a few tastes. I went looking for some gluten-free asafetida to make some lentils and this was the only place I found that had it! I called the main office, where they make the spices, to confirm and they assured me it there was no wheat. Very rare find! Great service and shop all around for your spice needs.
Lotta S.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Carlsbad, CA
Fun place! Had honey too– from local supplier. Little pricey– but spices are expensive! Drinking Water is available– And a sink to wash hands in. Samples of everything. Friendly staff!
Sher M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Diego, CA
I live in eastlake and this amazing spice shop is in Encinitas… I don’t care how far it is, this is my new favorite spot! I love all things spicy and everywhere I go it’s just alright… They have this ghost pepper salt… Hotter than hot I’m so excited to put it on everything! A little too excited I bought 7 of them! I met the owners and they’re so knowledgable and take pride in everything they sell. You can taste everything before you buy it too! The staff is amazing. The girl who helped check me out has culinary experience so she was telling me what to put in my dishes that I already know how to make that will help bring out the flavors. I’m so happy I found this place. I will no longer buy grocery store spices I love my savory spice spot!
Mandy L.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Encinitas, CA
I’ve recently gotten into the craft of cooking, and while I am still in the baby steps phase, I like to branch out and try new things. Every so often, I’ll come across a recipe asking for a spice or herb I’ve a) never heard of; and/or b) cannot find anywhere. No more hunting around every grocery store in North County — I’ve now found my spot. Savory has a bazillion varieties of everything you can think of, include about 20 different salts. who knew? In addition to spices and herbs, they also carry a variety of honey, hot sauce, meat rubs and probably other things I’ve never even heard of. But don’t be overwhelmed, they also carry your usual«normal» spices and herbs that you have heard about before too. The prices are a bit higher than the grocery store, but I’m sure the quality is much better and they are certainly fresher than what you can get at say, Ralphs.
Courtney K.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Annapolis, MD
For those who love to cook, this is an awesome spot. — A practivable approach to trying and buying spices — Beautiful store and displays — Helpful and friendly staff At Savory Spice Shop you can taste a variety of spices and buy them by the ounce. I was on the hunt for Ancho Chili Powder and was glad to find it here. First I tasted it, and then I was able to purchase it by the ounce. Being able to purchase by the ounce is really nice because some spices you might want to try or might only need for one or two recipes. And given the option to taste the spices, Savory also had water handy and a hand washing sink. Even if you aren’t an inspiring chef I think you can appreciate savory. They have lots of great rubs and spice blends that can turn something simple like chicken into a gourmet meal.
Jennifer S.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Escondido, CA
We were wandering through Encinitas on July 4th and ran across Savory Spice Shop… AND they were open! YES! This is my kind of store and I Loved it. Unfortunately, I had a bit of a time crunch as I was rushing to a train, but I did have time to smell and sample a few items and pick up a couple of extracts! The cashier was very friendly and I loved that they had some candied ginger for sampling. YUM! I recommend this place if you’re looking for something unique, or actually even if you’re looking for your everyday spices or spice blends. You can buy them jarred or smaller potions in bags. I want to go back and really explore and stock my cupboards. I also like the dip table where they have quite a selection of dip blends to make different flavored dips with. If you like spices like I do… and if you’re reading this, you probably do… check this place out. It’s not cheap, but It’s AWESOME.
Elizabeth C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Diego, CA
I’m originally from Denver and Savory was my go to place for spices. So I was thrilled to see they have locations in California now! All of the Savory Spice shops I have been to have had consistency in the quality of their spices and friendly staff. Not sure about a spice you haven’t tried before? Buy one of the 1oz samples, so you don’t have to commit to a whole bottle. I love their blends, their drid onion, Mexican vanilla extract, vanilla bean powder, and honey powder. Cooking some pasta? Try their pasta shake blend of spice! Making your own stir fry? Dash in the Asian seasoning blend. No matter what you’re cooking, they will have a spice to add a little something something to your food.
Nell C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Carlsbad, CA
Savory Spice Shop is like my new cooking best friend. I never use to want to cook so much or even thought I needed spices until I ventured into Savory and started expoloring the possibilities. I love to entertain and try new recipes. Savory also has recipes that go with the different spices they sell and classes you can sign up to attend at their shop. If you want to try a spice they are more than happy to sell you 1 oz. Over the holidays I bought over 13 different spices all ½−1 oz and it has allowed me to try them on different meats.