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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Sorrento Valley

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43 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Jake's Del Mar restaurant
1. Jake's Del Mar
4.8
Exceptional(10601)
Price: Moderate
• American • Del Mar
Booked 36 times today
Aloha friends of Jake’s Del Mar! We are open for indoor and outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery. Visit jakesdelmar.com to view our menus or place a takeout order online!Jake’s is the quintessential California oceanfront dining experience. The eclectic menu compliments the casual, yet elegant restaurant atmosphere right on the Del Mar shore. With chef-driven California coastal fare, craft cocktails, and unforgettable ocean views, it’s the best of the west coast. Whether for a date night or a celebration with friends and family, Jake’s serves up something special every time.
A photo of Poseidon restaurant
2. Poseidon
4.8
Exceptional(5662)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Del Mar
Booked 60 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 Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff restaurant
3. Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff
4.8
Exceptional(9359)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 64 times today
Pacific Coast Grill's oceanfront venue features unique Pacific Coastal cuisine, an oyster bar, select sushi rolls, and a plethora of seafood choices, delicious steaks and more! There are two levels of dining at the new PCG with every dining seat in the house carefully planned to have an ocean view. There are bars on both levels and a heated outdoor patio and a deck with one of the best views of the Pacific Ocean and the line up at Cardiff Reef. You can watch surfers, kite surfers, dolphins, whales and spectacular sunsets from throughout the restaurant.
A photo of The Pony Room restaurant
4. The Pony Room
4.8
Exceptional(1554)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Rancho Santa Fe
Booked 53 times today
The Pony Room is a favorite among locals and resort guests alike. In addition to an extensive selection of all expressions of agave spirits, it is also home to one of Southern California's most impressive wine and hand-crafted, seasonally inspired signature cocktail lists. The Pony Room serves exceptional, American inspired comfort classics with daily specials.Live Music 7 nights a weekJoin us every Saturday and Sunday for Brunch on our beautiful hacienda inspired terraces from 11am to 2pm.
A photo of Pacifica Del Mar restaurant
5. Pacifica Del Mar
4.5
Awesome(4895)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Del Mar
Booked 27 times today
Perched atop the Del Mar Plaza in the heart of the Village, Pacifica Del Mar has remained a local gem for years as one of the neighborhood’s most sought-after places to dine, wine and gather with friends and family. Their menu showcases casual and inspired fare - like fresh seafood, steak and pasta - complimented by an award-winning wine list and creative cocktails.Whether you choose to dine on their cozy ocean view patio, or join them in our vibrant dining room or bar, their warm service and great food and drink will provide a memorable dining experience.We look forward to seeing you at Pacifica Del Mar. Please note that in an effort to give our staff enough time to turn over and sanitize tables between diners, reservations will be limited to an hour and a half for parties of 4 or less, and 2 hours for parties 5+. We thank you for understanding and helping us keep things safe for you.
A photo of Beeside Balcony Del Mar restaurant
6. Beeside Balcony Del Mar
4.6
Exceptional(1448)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary European • Del Mar
Booked 12 times today
Beeside Balcony is a hidden gem in old Del Mar, CA with a relaxed seaside chic décor where guests enjoy global mediterranean cuisine and ocean views from the covered outside balcony. A third generation chef of Spanish and Italian descent, and hailing form Paris, France, Christophe's restaurant career began at 17 in the kitchen of his father's restaurant in Pasadena when they first emigrated to the USA. Upon returning to southern California in 2011, Christophe spent 8 years as the managing partner of Eddie V's Prime Seafood in La Jolla. Here he deepened his knowledge of sourcing and cooking the freshest seafood available, while delivering world class service. The laid back coastal vibe of Del Mar, combined with the attention to detail from Christophe's fine dining background, infuses Beeside Balcony with an easy elegance that elevates any gathering, and makes the perfect backdrop to showcase his global mediterranean menu.
A photo of Waverly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
7. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge
4.8
Exceptional(172)
Price: Expensive
• American • Encinitas
Booked 57 times today
Located in beautiful Cardiff by The Sea, Waverly is a full-service restaurant serving Progressive American cuisine & specialty cocktails with a European influence.Evening Dining Reservation tables will be reserved for 1 hour and 45 minutes for parties of up to 2 and for 2 hours for parties of up to 6.Reservations are weather permitting and may be rescheduled if inclement weather is forecast. You will be contacted by one of our Hospitality Leaders should modifications need to be made to your reservation.*We offer a limited menu happy hour Tuesday through Sunday from 3 to 5 PM. No reservations needed – first come, first served
A photo of Sbicca - Del Mar restaurant
8. Sbicca - Del Mar
4.5
Awesome(2539)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Del Mar
Booked 20 times today
Sbicca - Del Mar is a neighborhood gem, loved by locals for its fantastic food and service. The restaurant offers a beautiful ocean view, delicious cuisine and has received several awards for its service. As one reviewer put it, 'Great local spot! Stopped in for happy hour and there were solid food and cocktails options… friendly service and welcoming feel to this neighborhood gem.'
A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Del Mar restaurant
9. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Del Mar
4.6
Exceptional(3659)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Del Mar
Booked 43 times today
Now Open: We look forward to serving you soon.Ruth's Chris Steak House in San Diego (Del Mar), CA serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts. All this while you enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris’ genuine hospitality. So whether you’re a regular or have just been wondering what all the buzz is about, Ruth's Chris is the perfect excuse to enjoy the perfect night out. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested and private dining and offsite catering may be arranged.
A photo of Il Fornaio - Del Mar restaurant
10. Il Fornaio - Del Mar
4.4
Awesome(2401)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Del Mar
Booked 17 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.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • MarciaVIP
    Phoenix / Arizona •309 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Lovely Oceanside dinner with delicious fresh seafood and nice wine list. Had delicious creamy seafood clam chowder, split a Greek salad and enjoyed the ahi tuna entree and the evening special including pecan crusted salmon, a large prawn, large scallop, so yummy! Highly recommend this place!
    More info
    PoseidonPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Del Mar
    •
    4.8
  • MelissaVIP
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Attentive and efficient service and outstanding cuisine.
    More info
    The Pony RoomPrice: Very Expensive• American• Rancho Santa Fe
    •
    4.8
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Came to Pacific Coast Grill for dinner and had a great experience overall. Our server was friendly, attentive, and checked in often without being overbearing. The Hot Stone Surf & Turf was a fun, interactive dish, though a little anxiety-inducing making sure everything was cooked correctly. The ahi was definitely better than the filet. The shrimp dumplings were the favorite of the night—the texture was phenomenal, and the sauce was sweet and flavorful. The sea bass had a light sauce that complemented it nicely. The salmon was cooked well, though it could have used a bit more sauce to balance out the amount of rice. It leaned on the sweeter side, which matched the menu description. The lobster was cooked well though there was nothing remarkable about it. For dessert, the tempura bananas and apple pie were a perfect way to end the night. Definitely a great spot for a meal with a view! You should plan on valeting your car.
    More info
    Pacific Coast Grill - CardiffPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Cardiff By The Sea
    •
    4.8
  • andywVIP
    San Diego •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Pacifica Delmar is one of my fav restaurants for over 30 years. The preparation of their fish dishes is a like anywhere else. Fresh, flavorful and absolutely unique. Great ambience, location and value
    More info
    Pacifica Del MarPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Del Mar
    •
    4.5
  • Cynthia
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Mar 2, 2025
    Great food, great service and a truly great view of the Pacific!
    More info
    Jake's Del MarPrice: Moderate• American• Del Mar
    •
    4.8

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