Del Mar is more than just stunning beaches and horse races. It’s a hidden gem for food lovers! Del Mar has fresh seafood, creative cocktails, and cozy spots for a romantic dinner. You’ll find Del Mar restaurants here that you’ll love.
Over the past year, Del Mar restaurants have continued to evolve. Several restaurants refreshed their menus with seasonal dishes and more locally sourced ingredients. There is also a stronger focus on casual dining, making Del Mar restaurants feel more relaxed while still offering high-quality food.
Zel’s Del Mar, a local favorite for years, closed after 15 years, marking a notable change in Del Mar’s restaurant scene. Its space is now home to Coral Del Mar. At the same time, Culinary Dropout opened in Del Mar Highlands, bringing comfort food and live music to town; Honor Bar finally opened; and a Queenstown, New Zealand Bistro just opened in the heart of Del Mar.
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Beeside Balcony
Ever since Beeside Balcony in Del Mar opened, it has been a hit. And for many reasons, it remains one of my favorite restaurants in downtown Del Mar. They offer the perfect combination of cozy outdoor seating and a Mediterranean-inspired menu. Their signature dishes include lamb meatballs, fresh fish, Mediterranean salads, and grilled rockfish tacos. They also offer a great happy hour, which offers a selection of cocktails and small bites at a good value. In addition to being one of the popular Del Mar restaurants, they also have a location in La Jolla.
Adelaide
Among Del Mar restaurants, Adelaide at L’Auberge Del Mar stands out. Executive Chef Sergio Jimenez debuted a new dinner menu that draws from his Mexican heritage, his years across San Diego kitchens, and a family history rooted in the restaurant business. The raw bar is an excellent start to the meal, and the dry-aged yellowtail and bluefin tuna sashimi are both worth ordering. The 16-oz Australian wagyu ribeye is going to be my go-to dish there. Sit outside on the ocean-view terrace, watch the sun go down, and you have one of the best dinner experiences Del Mar restaurants have to offer.
Del Mar Seaside Grill by Alborz
Del Mar Seaside Grill by Alborz is one of the more unique Del Mar restaurants, combining authentic Persian and Mediterranean dishes with Mexican favorites. The family-owned restaurant has been serving the Del Mar community for decades, and the menu features everything from koobideh and chicken kabobs to Persian stews, hummus, Shirazi salad, and fresh seafood. The outdoor deck adds another reason to visit, with views toward the coast that make it especially nice around sunset. If you’re looking for Del Mar restaurants that offer something beyond the usual coastal California menu, Seaside Grill is worth adding to your list.
Queenstown Del Mar
Among the newer additions to the growing lineup of Del Mar restaurants, Queenstown Del Mar brings a fresh mix of New Zealand comfort food and coastal California dining to the heart of Del Mar Village. The restaurant combines a greenhouse-inspired dining room with ocean views, retractable windows, and a menu packed with signature dishes that helped build the group’s loyal following over the past 20 years. The menu includes everything from Wagyu smashburgers and New Zealand meat pies to seafood-focused plates. The restaurant also offers weekday happy hour specials.
Culinary Dropout
If you are looking for a casual spot, Del Mar restaurant Culinary Dropout stands out for its laid-back vibe and crowd-pleasing menu. This spot blends comfort food favorites with a few surprises, including a full sushi lineup alongside dishes like their well-known fried chicken, soft pretzels with provolone fondue, and rotating craft cocktails. It also brings a lively energy with live music, weekend brunch, and a consistent happy hour, making it an easy choice whether you are stopping in for drinks or settling in for a full meal.
North Italia
Located at One Paseo, North Italia continues to draw locals and visitors looking for modern Italian food in a lively setting. The menu features handmade pasta, pizza, fresh salads, and seasonal dishes inspired by Southern California flavors. Popular choices include the Bolognese with handmade tagliatelle, Chicken Parmesan with parmesan rigatoni, and Squid Ink Tonnarelli with shrimp and calamari. The restaurant is also known for its craft cocktails, happy hour, and relaxed weekend brunch.
West End Bar & Kitchen
West End Bar & Kitchen in Del Mar is a great choice for a casual lunch or a more refined dinner. The menu is varied, including everything from American classics to globally inspired dishes. A standout on the menu is the tuna nicoise. I haven’t ordered anything here that I wouldn’t order again. I enjoy sitting on their cozy patio, which has a great view of the lagoon. They also offer a weekend brunch and a happy hour featuring good prices on food and drinks. It stands out among Del Mar restaurants for quality and consistency.
Aqua Mare Cucina Italiana
At Aqua Mare Cucina Italiana, you get authentic Italian food and great service. The patio also has stunning views of the lagoon and Torrey Pines beach. Previously, it was open as Villa Capri for 24 years in Carmel Valley. Their new location joins the lineup of standout Del Mar restaurants while still offering the same delicious food. They focus on quality ingredients using fresh seafood, housemade pasta, and imported Italian products. The restaurant also hosts a daily happy hour from 4 to 6 PM, featuring discounted drinks and appetizers.
salt + Lime
Salt + Lime in Del Mar has a menu with bold Mexican flavors and serves it in a relaxed, lively setting. What began as a food truck has grown into a full restaurant. The menu includes ceviche, fish tacos, and creative plates like mushroom white mole. It’s a casual spot, perfect for gathering with friends for food and drinks. The dishes are inspired by the owner’s family recipes. They also have a great bar area if you are just looking for drinks and a bar menu. This restaurant adds more variety to the growing Del Mar restaurants scene.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo in Del Mar is popular for its warm atmosphere, delicious food, creative cocktails, and vibrant patio scene. Their signature dishes include birria tacos, a carne asada plate, and seafood options like swordfish tacos and pescado Vera Cruz. As one of the most lively Del Mar restaurants, it’s almost always busy, so reservations are highly recommended. The portions are generous, and the servers are friendly and always happy to make recommendations.
Coya Peruvian
Coya Peruvian in Del Mar brings the vibrant flavors of Peru with a fusion twist. The setting in an old house is charming and perfect for exploring traditional Peruvian dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado. My favorite dishes are the empanadas and the red wine-braised short ribs. The portions are large and always beautifully plated. All seating is outdoors, so a jacket is recommended on cooler evenings. It fits right in with the relaxed style of Del Mar restaurants.
Chin's Szechwan
This is one of the newer locations for Chin’s Szechwan. They also have five other locations in San Diego. The decor is upscale, and the menu focuses on Sichuan & Mandarin dishes. The portion sizes are large, and enjoying them family-style is the best way to enjoy them. The menu is extensive, and you are likely to find one of your favorites on it. This is one of the Del Mar restaurants that’s ideal for family dining.
Monarch Ocean Pub
If you have not been to Monarch Ocean Pub to enjoy a sunset, add it to your list now. Every sunset, the bar is packed with customers enjoying their food and drinks while taking in a stunning ocean view. Just before the sun sets, partake in their sunset toast and cheer. They also have a fantastic happy hour with everything priced at $8. That includes the not-to-be-missed Potato & Gruyere Croquettes. Among Del Mar restaurants, this spot stands out for bringing new energy to Del Mar Plaza.
Ranch 45 Local Provisions
If you are a carnivore, Ranch 45 Local Provisions should be on top of your list for three reasons. Chef Duvall is a retired Marine and an expert at smoking and grilling meats. They serve only Prime Brandt Beef, local, naturally sourced, high-quality beef. The food is fantastic. You can enjoy your meal there, take it home, or purchase meats and other provisions from the store. They are open from breakfast through dinner. This is one of the Del Mar restaurants locals rely on for easy, reliable takeout.
Saffron and Rose
If you’re in Del Mar this weekend, don’t skip the newest sweet spot in town. Saffron & Rose is a Persian-style ice cream shop. They serve bold flavors like saffron-pistachio, rosewater, and taro-ube. The texture is dense and chewy, the flavors are unforgettable, and yes, the line is worth it. They’ve been perfecting these recipes for over 75 years, and you can taste that legacy in every scoop. Among Del Mar restaurants, this spot is a go-to for something sweet.
En Fuego
En Fuego has been open in downtown Del Mar since July 1995. The setting is relaxed, casual, and perfect for happy hour or a meal. Known as a must-visit among Del Mar restaurants, the restaurant offers huge, affordable fajitas and always friendly service. They take reservations, which is handy for large groups.
Il Fornaio
Il Fornaio is a classic Italian spot among Del Mar restaurants. It serves wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and Italian entrees. You can dine indoors or outdoors and enjoy a broad wine list and Italian favorites in a relaxed beach town setting.
Sbicca
Sbicca is a popular choice in Del Mar restaurants for California cuisine and regional flavors. It has a strong wine list, happy hour, and indoor/outdoor seating, making it a great choice for lunch, dinner, or drinks with friends.
Shimbashi Izakaya
Shimbashi Izakaya is a Japanese restaurant in Del Mar restaurants known for sushi, sake, and tapas. Its seasonal menu and relaxed vibe draw locals and visitors who want fresh seafood and shareable plates.
The Cottage Del Mar
The Cottage Del Mar is a favorite for brunch and breakfast among Del Mar restaurants. Located in Del Mar Plaza, it offers breakfast classics, sandwiches, coffee, and relaxed indoor/outdoor seating in a casual, sunny setting
Harry’s Cafe Shop
Harry’s Cafe Shop brings diner-style breakfast and lunch to Del Mar restaurants. This casual spot serves coffee, omelets, sandwiches, and pancakes. It’s a friendly place for a morning bite or midday meal in the heart of downtown Del Mar.
High Marea
High Marea is a coastal turf-and-surf house among Del Mar restaurants. It focuses on clean, intentional cooking without seed oils, with dishes inspired by the ocean and Baja that blend fresh seafood and quality proteins.
I hope you are going to try some of these Del Mar restaurants. Other favorite neighborhoods for dining include North Park, Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, and Encinitas.
