The Best Places to Eat in Del Mar

The parking lot reads like a car show, which tells you something about who comes to dinner in Del Mar. This is a sleek, dimly lit restaurant where the menu ranges from sushi to blue cheese soufflé with no apparent anxiety about that range. The chef leans into the contradiction, pulling from Europe and Asia with enough confidence that the international sprawl feels like a point of view rather than indecision.

1. AAA Four Diamonds
2. Michelin Guide Selected Restaurant
3. Eater The 38 Best Restaurants in San Diego

A second-floor Mediterranean restaurant in Del Mar with just enough ocean peeking through to feel intentional. The menu runs from Spanish octopus to braised osso buco and lamb chops, with creative vegetarian options keeping things from feeling too carnivore-coded. Lunch, brunch, and dinner are all on offer, and the churros filled with vanilla cream are the kind of dessert that makes you order one more round of wine to justify it.

1. AAA Three Diamonds

1. AAA Three Diamonds

1. AAA Three Diamonds

A block from the beach in Del Mar, Sbicca is a California casual restaurant with a sidewalk patio built for lingering over wine while the foot traffic does its thing. The menu runs from shishito peppers and Korean beef lettuce wraps to buttermilk fried chicken and herb-crusted halibut, the kind of range that keeps a table of four from arguing too long. Good for dinner before a walk down to the water.

1. AAA Approved

1. AAA Approved