Best Casual Restaurants in Del Mar

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodIndianMexican

Regions

North San DiegoSan Diego

Neighborhoods

Cardiff By The SeaCarlsbadCarmel ValleyChula Vista / BonitaDel MarEncinitas

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

72 restaurants available nearby

1. Sbicca - Del Mar

4.6

Exceptional(2532)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Del Mar

Booked 11 times today

We look forward to having you join us! San Diego's favorite "Neighborhood" restaurant. Located in beautiful, quaint Del Mar and winner of the "Gold Medallion Award" for Best Neighborhood Restaurant awarded by the San Diego Chapter of the California Restaurant Association. Dine up on the Ocean View deck and take in the blue pacific while enjoying our award winning cuisine or sit on our ocean view sidewalk cafe and sip on one of our Wine Spectator award winning wine list wines. SPECIALS: 1/2 price on Wine Bottles Tuesdays & ThursdaysHappy Hour Daily 3-5pm (excluding holidays) Please note we cannot guarantee seating requests, we will do our best to accommodate but it is not a guarantee for inside or outside

2. Shimbashi Izakaya

4.7

Exceptional(988)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Del Mar

Booked 25 times today

Shimbashi's theme is based on the Izakaya, a Japanese tapas restaurant. We offer a multi-faceted menu that can be used as a pairing with sake for the light eater or sophisticated dinner entrées served in the Japanese tradition. Our menu changes with the season making each dining experience a new adventure.

A photo of Salt + Lime Del Mar restaurant

3. Salt + Lime Del Mar

4.4

Awesome(202)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Del Mar

Booked 21 times today

Mexican cuisine elevated to new heights, blending traditional flavors with modern flair to deliver a truly sensory dining experience.Located in the heart of Del Mar, with stunning ocean views as your backdrop, our menu celebrates the diverse and vibrant flavors of Mexico. From mouthwatering tacos to fresh, zesty seafood ceviches, every dish is crafted to surprise and delight. Whether you’re gathering with friends or enjoying an intimate dinner, Salt & Lime offers the perfect mix of high-energy ambiance and culinary excellence.Expect the unexpected—because too much of a good thing is never enough! Indulge in our unforgettable Espresso Martini or let our Oaxaca Old Fashion warm your soul—cocktails that are as unique as your experience with us.Breakfast is served every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM.Join us for Reverse Happy Hour every Friday and Saturday from 9 PM to 11 PM, where the night gets even brighter with irresistible drinks and bites.

A photo of Tamarindo Latin Kitchen- Del Mar restaurant

4. Tamarindo Latin Kitchen- Del Mar

4.7

Exceptional(927)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Del Mar

Booked 41 times today

Tamarindo Del Mar **NOW OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER**Kitchen closes promptly at 9pm Sunday-Thursday and 10pm on Friday+Saturday's.

A photo of Il Fornaio - Del Mar restaurant

5. Il Fornaio - Del Mar

4.4

Awesome(2392)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Del Mar

Booked 21 times today

Step inside Il Fornaio and take a culinary journey through Italy. Early mornings bring rustic, crisp crusted bread hot from the oven accompanied by the scent of fresh brewed espresso. During lunch and dinner hours, pastas and flavorful sauces simmer while meats and vegetables roast over hot coals. Bottles of wine from small, regional wineries are uncorked to complement the dishes, which have been crafted in the custom of Italy's chefs, bakers and homemakers. Specialties include wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats, poultry and game; house made pastas; pizzas from an oak wood burning oven; fresh salads and house made soups; a wide variety of desserts; and fresh baked bread made daily from scratch. Repeat winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

A photo of Coya Peruvian Secret restaurant

6. Coya Peruvian Secret

4.3

Awesome(659)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Peruvian • Del Mar

Booked 10 times today

Located next to Del Mar beach on 11th street, Coya Peruvian Secret Restaurant offers award winning gourmet Peruvian- Cali fusion Peruvian cuisine in charming cottage house under a tree. All seats are outside tucked in greenery so its in all casual seating. Voted best Seafood by locals and best Latin American in SD we are primally seafood place but we also proudly serve great meat choices, like our surf and turf with Rib Eye, traditional Lomo with Filet mignon, lamb stew with New Zealand lamb, excellent short rib with sweet potatoes and Peruvian half roasted chicken. If you seeking cozy color full vibe full of magic for a date or family reunion we are perfect choice. You will astonish your party with unforgettable flavors. Take them of a gourmet trip to Peru and back tonight.

A photo of Del Mar Seaside Grill restaurant

7. Del Mar Seaside Grill

4.4

Awesome(15)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Del Mar

Booked 2 times today

Restaurant critics, neighborhood regulars and first-time visitors always agree about Del Mar Seaside Grill– the atmosphere is great, the food is outstanding and the service is superb. This restaurant offers a sophisticated, yet casual atmosphere that is perfect for dining with friends, co-workers and family members. The mouth-watering menu features a wide array of great selections always made from highest quality ingredients. Del Mar Seaside Grill can accommodate parties up to 250 people in its main dining room. With 25 years of experience and continuing, Del Mar Seaside Grill in one of San Diego’s finest restaurants and a town favorite.

8. Poseidon

4.8

Exceptional(5636)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Del Mar

Booked 56 times today

The minute you walk into Poseidon, you’ll be swept by the fabulous view. You couldn’t be closer to the sand and the beach than sitting at Poseidon on their beautiful outdoor patio. With such a spectacular ocean view, you’ll experience breathtaking sunsets and during the right season even catch a glimpse of the whales migrating up or down the coast. The bar offers a large circular firepit, which is nice on those chilly fall or winter nights. Off to the side of the bar is a split level dining room offering every table a panoramic view of the beach and the ocean. For decades, Poseidon has delighted both local San Diegans and the tourists that love the beach.

A photo of South of Nick's - Del Mar restaurant

9. South of Nick's - Del Mar

4.7

Exceptional(663)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Del Mar

Booked 72 times today

An essential stop in San Diego for Southern California Mexican Cuisine.South of Nick's Mexican Kitchen & Bar features Classic Mexican favorites, prime steaks and seafood with a So Cal twist. Fine Tequilas & Margaritas Our food and drink meets the highest standards of quality, freshness and seasonality and combines both modern-creative and traditional styles of cooking. Nick’s is dedicated to perfecting the dining experience through continuous innovation, offering the highest quality food and beverage, and executing impeccable standards of hospitality. The deeply instilled Nick’s culture is personified by its Ladies and Gentlemen – professionals who share a single focus and are inspired and committed to offering great service and creating positive memorable experiences.

A photo of North Italia San Diego - One Paseo restaurant

10. North Italia San Diego - One Paseo

4.5

Awesome(1576)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Del Mar

Booked 59 times today

At North, we focus on what we do best: Italian from scratch. Enjoy any of our handmade pastas and pizzas, created with seasonal ingredients and inventive flavors. Or, try a different signature dish, prepared with our fresh flavors from the garden, farm, and sea. We’ve hand crafted seasonal cocktails that pair great with our food, creating a real modern Italia experiences perfect for any occasion.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
Lorie
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Beautiful and unique layout of the restaurant. Delicious food. Our server was so friendly, competent and wonderful. One of the owners or managers, even stopped by for a friendly greeting. Overall, a wonderfuldate experience!
More info
Sbicca - Del MarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Del Mar
•
4.6
E
Emma
San Diego •23 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food was outstanding. I had the carne asada plate that was marinated nicely with flour tortillas, black beans, and rice. My husband had the shrimp skewers with rice that was very tasty too. We were impressed by the quality of the food. It’s a must try!
More info
Tamarindo Latin Kitchen- Del MarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Del Mar
•
4.7
C
charles
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
My family went here for dinner and enjoyed the restaurant. The ambiance and service were very nice
More info
Salt + Lime Del MarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Del Mar
•
4.4
S
SusanVIP
San Diego •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Looking for an indoor spot for a great lunch on a rainy day, my family and I chose Il Fornaio Del Mar ~ and got exactly what we were looking for! Everything was delicious, and our server was absolutely wonderful. I've always loved this place for special sunset dinners on warm nights, but it was also the perfect choice for a conversational lunch. Thanks so much!
More info
Il Fornaio - Del MarPrice: Moderate• Italian• Del Mar
•
4.4
B
Bill
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 25, 2025
Excellent array of Sushi and Izakaya choices. Sushi was excellent.Our Sushi chef was extremely good!
More info
Shimbashi IzakayaPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Del Mar
•
4.7

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