6 of Del Mar’s Hottest Dining Spots

Del Mar is filled with a variety of food options from beach bars to cafés to fine dining. Many of the restaurants in this town just north of San Diego are top rated and excellent options for lunch or a night out. Here are six of the hottest dining spots in Del Mar that will be sure to leave you satisfied and wanting more.

6. Jake’s Del Mar

Jake’s Del Mar is located right on the beach and offers American cooking that provides unique twists on classic creations. They have a nightly Chef’s special as well as lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch menus. Also, a portion of the proceeds from the Chef’s special, which includes the best in-season ingredients, is donated to the San Diego Food Bank. Photo Credit: Open Table

​5. II Fornaio Del Mar

II Fornaio is an excellent and authentic Italian restaurant in Del Mar with pasta, pizzas, rotisserie meats, and more. They use a wood fire oven for a lot of their cooking including freshly baked bread. You can also enjoy an espresso with your meal. They have a gluten free menu and a children’s menu on top of their extensive lunch, dinner, and brunch menus. An added bonus, II Fornaio has a wide variety of delicious desserts! Photo Credit: Proven

4. ​Brigantine Seafood Restaurant

As described in the name, Brigantine is an infamous San Diego spot for amazing seafood. They also have great steaks and other meats to accompany their wide variety of seafood dishes. Menu favorites include clam chowder and grilled swordfish. The atmosphere at Brigantine is serene with a luscious garden that is perfect for events. They also have a more casual dining area for the daily lunch rush. Photo Credit: Zagat

3. Pacifica Del Mar

Another favorite located right on the ocean, Pacifica Del Mar has an excellent selection of seafood dishes as well as steak and pasta. The setting is relaxed and casual dining is welcomed on the deck. They also have a large wine list and have won awards for both seafood and wine variety. Photo Credit: Trip Advisor

2. ​Prepkitchen Del Mar

Prepkitchen has locations in Little Italy, La Jolla, and Del Mar and offers farm-to-table cuisine in a casual setting with great options for outdoor seating. They serve lunch and dinner every day as well as brunch on the weekends. They boast a great happy hour as well. Prepkitchen is a favorite for San Diego’s local crowd and a convenient spot for business lunches and dinner dates alike. Photo Credit: Prepkitchen Del Mar

1. Poseidon

Poseidon Restaurant is another favorite in Del Mar that offers an amazing view of the beach while dining. Their menu is extensive and includes Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Dessert, Bar Snacks, Cocktails, Wine menus, and more. They have many gluten free options that are clearly marked on their menu as well. Their dinner menu includes chilled and hot seafood favorites such as Seared Ahi Tuna and Lobster Nachos. They also have soups, salads, and options from the farm. Photo Credit: Poseidon Restaurant

When in the Del Mar area and looking for a great dining option, be sure to follow the crowd to one of these favorite spots. You can enjoy great food, whether seafood or farm fresh, great views, and a great atmosphere. Bon Apetit! 

[Updated} Dining in Del Mar 2 of The Best Restaurants 

Sometimes going out to a restaurant with friends, may feel like all that New Year resolution hard work is unraveled because of the naughty menu items that beckon for attention. Finding restaurants that help to stick to 2014 goals is a no-brainer when dining at local eateries like Davanti Enoteca & Mia Francesca, brimming with farm to table menu choices.

Going out with like-minded friends with the same goals in mind is an absolute plus. Davanti Enoteca and Mia Francesca invite guests to come in and share deliciously prepared plates like the roasted beets, grilled swordfish and lenticchie e spinaci (warm lentils with spinach and goat cheese).

The idea is to never deprive yourself of good food, indulge and let your taste buds revel in the mouth watering dishes (just watch your portion sizes). Dishes like the warm Tuscan kale salad and shaved brussels sprouts are super rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, and being a part of the "clean plate club" is an easy task with this savory salad. Mia Francesca takes it a step further to help craft the perfect tailored dish with options of steamed veggies, gluten free pasta and grilled salmon. The gluten free dish Carpaccio Alla Francesca, a thinly sliced raw sirloin topped with tomatoes, capers, mushrooms and parmesan cheese, will have anyone scampering for seconds.

Take a new route this coming year, and embrace the proverbial inner foodie, that is dying to come out. Have a good time, live life to the fullest with every new savory experience.

Davanti Enoteca and Mia Francesca, boast delicious shareable dishes, that will help keep New Year's resolutions at bay. 

By Balkis Nasery