Del Mar is one of the more affluent beach towns near San Diego, but one of the smaller ones, with just over 4000 residents at last count. It's a popular place to be in the summer when the San Diego County Fair comes to the Del Mar Fairgrounds. You probably already know that Del Mar means "by the sea," and its Pacific location makes that so poetic. Notable residents past and present include Anthony Robbins, Tony Hawk, Desi Arnaz, and Steve Perry. If you're planning to be the next notable resident, or perhaps just coming for a short stay, these are our top choices for bars and restaurants in the 92014 zip code!
won the Gold Medallion from the California Restaurant Association for the "Best Seafood Dining in San Diego," and that's why they've earned the top spot on our list of great restaurants. We love fresh seafood, and this is the place to get it. They've got a gorgeous outdoor patio, a private room to rent for special occasions, and a really exquisite weekend brunch. This is the kind of high quality restaurant that even the most prestigious diners will absolutely fall in love with. You'll find Pacifica Del Mar on Camino Del Mar between 15th Street and Paseos De Las Flores.
is just a wonderrful quaint dining experience in a romantic and elegant setting. They've got truly top notch service, and yet the price is right. It has been described as "casual elegant." Thursday is half priced wine night, which makes it our favorite night to go! The outdoor seating area is right on the Pacific Ocean, so you can enjoy those salty sea breezes along with your fine dining experience. You can find this restaurant on 15th Street between Stratford Court and Camino Del Mar.
is one of our favorite places to dine in Del Mar, because you get a true fine dining experience in regards to the food, and yet the prices are very low and affordable for just about anybody. We love the Amuse Bouches, and all of the steaks and seafood are delicious. Every time we've come in, the chef has served an appetizer prior to the meal at no additional charge, and these appetizers are unlike anything you will find at other restaurants. Truly unique and special. You'll find Market Restaurant & Bar on Via De La Valle between De La Valle Place and San Dieguito Road.
is one of the most enjoyable places to eat in Del Mar, with its gorgeous sunset view and incredible freshly caught seafood that really melts in your mouth. We love the wide selection of beer and wine, and also that incredible Hula Pie that they are known for. The cocktails, too, are excellent. Great service, elegant ambiance... what more could you want in a restaurant? We just love this place. You can find Jake's Del Mar on Coast Boulevard near the intersection with 17th Street.
is an interesting fusion mix of Californian style Tex Mex and Mexican food, and we just love it! It's great to start things off with an appetizer and a margarita, and of course those amazing chips and salsa! Every entree on the menu is superb! We love the fact that you can get in and out in less than an hour for lunch so you're not late getting back to work. And it's also perfect for a cozy dinner later in the evening. Located on Camino Del Mar between 15th Street and 13th Street.
is a wonderful hotel where you'll want to stay and relax during your time in Del Mar. There's a wonderful restaurant attached that serves some of the very best crab legs (with unagi cream and lima beans!) that we've ever had! In terms of the amenities at the hotel, you'll enjoy tennis courts, a fitness center, a whirlpool spa, and a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, plus a business center that's perfect for staying on contact with the home base while you're on the road. You can find L'Auberge Del Mar at 1540 Camino Del Mar.
has got to be one of our top choices for fresh fish and mouth watering seafood, plus really great steaks and poultry too. They have an excellent outdoor seating area with a lovely view, and the service is always outstanding, provided by a very attentive waitstaff that really puts in extra effort to make sure your visit is a memorable one. You can find Brigantine Seafood Restaurant on Camino Del Mar between Sandy Lane and Via De La Valle.
gets our vote partly because of its wonderful beachside location and scenic outdoor seating area, and partly because their food is just so incredibly good. They've got a very noteworthy wine selection, so if you enjoy your reds and whites with your meal, you will be very happy to try this place. They are known for their Poseidon Paradise Daquiri, and we highly recommend that for the cocktail lovers out there! You'll find The Poseidon Restaurant on Coast Boulevard near the intersection with 17th Street.
is your spot to enjoy wondeful lunches and dinners with a decidedly American slant. The traditional homecooked food here will have you singing its praises for weeks after your visit. The service can be a bit slow, but we say it's worth it for the fun atmosphere and the delicious home cooked food. If you're in a rush, this isn't your place anyway, because you'll want to linger and enjoy the warm cozy atmosphere. Americana Restaurant is located on Camino Del Mar between 15th Street and 13th Street!
is a beautiful Italian restaurant where you can enjoy some of your favorite dishes from Europe, and even a few that are native to the states. They do it all with a flair that only an Italian chef could provide. They've got a very nice wine selection too. We recommend asking for a seat by the window, because the view is just as intoxicating as the food itself. Everything is just pure excellence here. You can find it at 1555 Camino Del Mar.