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Best Cozy Restaurants in Carmel Valley

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58 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Steak 48 - Del Mar restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1671)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Del Mar
Booked 134 times today
At Steak 48, we serve the finest steaks and high-quality seafood in an intimate and vibrant setting. Our diverse menu will satisfy any personal craving, as we serve the best USDA prime steaks, succulent seafood, and shellfish along with inventive and classically inspired side dishes and appetizers. Also enjoy classic cocktails and an extensive award-winning wine list. At Steak 48, We encourage all of our guests to get dressed up for a great experience, here is a link to our dress code that you can share with your guests. https://www.steak48.com/steakhouses/del-mar-california/dress-code/ You are going to have a great time!If you need any special accommodations or flowers reach out to us at the host desk! We look forward to seeing you soon!
A photo of Addison By William Bradley restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1882)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Del Mar
Booked 19 times today
Addison, Southern California’s first three-star Michelin restaurant, showcases the beauty and allure of California Gastronomy. Chef William Bradley offers his distinct culinary perspective through an experience that celebrates regional ingredients and influences. With its picturesque views of the surrounding hillside, the dining room creates a transportive setting for Bradley’s ten-course tasting menu. To further enhance the experience, Addison’s 10,000 bottle wine program showcases small producers, rare Champagnes, and new discoveries from around the world.Since 2006, the purity and precision of Addison's approach has led to global recognition for the restaurant and the San Diego culinary scene. Addison is among an exclusive selection of stand-alone Relais & Châteaux restaurants worldwide, and, in addition to its three-star Michelin designation, is honored on La Liste. It has consistently received the highest recognition from Wine Spectator for its wine program.
A photo of Coya Peruvian Secret restaurant
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 Pacifica Del Mar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(4891)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Del Mar
Booked 32 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 Poseidon restaurant
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 The Pony Room restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1538)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Rancho Santa Fe
Booked 48 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 Jake's Del Mar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(10571)
Price: Moderate
• American • Del Mar
Booked 107 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 Amaya at Fairmont Grand Del Mar restaurant
4.1
Excellent(1366)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Carmel Valley
Booked 11 times today
Amaya at Fairmont Grand Del Mar combines the spirit of a beloved Parisian brasserie with a farm- and sea-to-table philosophy that celebrates the bounty of Southern California. Savor modern renditions of French brasserie classics including a hearty bouillabaisse, escargot, duck cassoulet, fruits de mer tour and tender filet de boeuf. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in the shaded terrace surrounded by fragrant blooms, or immerse yourself in the convivial atmosphere of our indoor dining room.Amaya’s menu is defined as much by an allegiance to French tradition as it is to Southern California’s bounty through the seasons. LIVE LIMITLESS - Join the rewards program designed with you in mind. As a member of ALL – Accor Live Limitless, you’ll earn points on dining, experiences and hotel reservations at more than 5,000 hotels worldwide. Enroll at https://bit.ly/3gvDtJG
A photo of California English restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(529)
Price: Expensive
• American • Sorrento Mesa
Booked 14 times today
Located in the Sorrento Valley, California English is the newest culinary creation from celebrity chef, Richard Blais. Blais is creating an all-day menu for California English that’ll interpret classic British dishes through the lens of Southern California ingredients.The idea is a fusion of sorts: the laid-back California lifestyle that makes San Diego so unique, mixed with a cozy pub convivial atmosphere where you can meet friends (or mates) for a pint after work, set up a client lunch with fresh oysters on the menu or have a cozy family dinner over a Sunday roast. Everything on the menu is made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients that make for fresh and flavorful dishes. The effortless vibe of casual yet stylish makes for the perfect place to celebrate the joy of the unexpected coming together to make the perfect culinary match.
A photo of Lobby Lounge  at Fairmont Grand Del Mar restaurant
4.3
Awesome(19)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Carmel Valley
Booked 1 time today
The Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Grand Del Mar has been magnificently reimagined to combine the lavish splendor of Italian palazzos with the natural grandeur of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. Indulge in afternoon tea as the San Diego sun casts its golden light through large arched windows, or linger into the evening over inspired tapas, cocktails, and elevated programming under the warm glow of Venetian glass chandeliers. Take in the beauty of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve —or while sipping a craft cocktail in the bar. In a specially commissioned mural that spans all four walls, artist Jim Wodark pays homage to the canyon’s most iconic elements: its ancient rocks, cascading waterfall, and distant mountains.Live entertainment Fridays and Saturdays 8:00 pm - 12:00 am.LIVE LIMITLESS - Join the rewards program designed with you in mind. As a member of ALL – Accor Live Limitless, you’ll earn points on dining and hotel reservations worldwide. Enroll at https://bit.ly/3gvDtJG

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • AdamVIP
    San Diego •61 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Had a lovely time; first time sitting inside, which was a great choice considering the weather was so windy and rainy. Had three apps first; Little Neck clams were fantastic, as was Baked Brie and coconut shrimp. Always eat the Brie first when it arrives at the table; as it will stay warm and melted to the end; then move on to the shrimp and clams last. Main courses of Surf and Turf plus a NY steak were also great. This was a tremendous 25th anniversary dinner.
    More info
    PoseidonPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Del Mar
    4.8
  • JoVIP
    San Diego •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Pacifica never disappoints. Delicious food, fantastic service, great ambience and view. I’m a vegetarian and even though Pacifica seems to focus on seafood, their vegetarian options have been creative and delicious every time. Extensive wine selection too, with half-price bottles on Thursdays, it’s a great value.
    More info
    Pacifica Del MarPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Del Mar
    4.5
  • Elise
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Absolutely outstanding!! My boyfriend and I came here to celebrate our anniversary, it was our first time dining here and we were floored. Our server, Jillian, guided us through the menu and gave us amazing recommendations! From the 1st course to the last, she made everything special. We ended with a small beignet tree and the house made cookies, along with a super thoughtful anniversary card. Yes it is pricey, but so worth it. The food, service, and ambience were beyond exemplary. Thank you Jillian and Steak 48!
    More info
    Steak 48 - Del MarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Del Mar
    4.9
  • Debbie
    San Diego •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 18, 2025
    We had a great meal there this week. The jalapeño chicken soup with amazing as the soup of the day and should be on the menu!! Also had the lobster ravioli and the Mexto seafood dish that were both very good. We will be returning to check out more.
    More info
    Coya Peruvian SecretPrice: Moderate• Peruvian• Del Mar
    4.3
  • LouiseE
    San Diego •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Apr 1, 2023
    worth every penny and every calorie - bravo chef bradley and staff!
    More info
    Addison By William BradleyPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Del Mar
    4.9

Discover best cozy restaurants in Carmel Valley

Discover the charm of cozy dining in Carmel Valley, North San Diego, where each restaurant brings its own unique blend of warmth and comfort, perfectly paired with exceptional culinary offerings. Nestled in this serene suburb of San Diego, the dining scene here boasts a collection of eateries that excel in creating an inviting atmosphere, ideal for those searching for a "cozy" dining experience. Whether you're in the mood for the rich flavors of Italian cuisine or the innovative dishes of Asian-inspired kitchens, these restaurants cater to a variety of tastes and preferences, all while maintaining that sought-after cozy feel. The establishments in Carmel Valley prioritize a welcoming environment, often characterized by intimate settings, warm lighting, and soft music, making them perfect spots for both romantic dinners and relaxed family gatherings. Attention to detail is evident in both the decor and the service, ensuring a dining experience that's both comfortable and satisfying. As you explore the culinary delights of this area, expect to find menus that are crafted with care, featuring both traditional and contemporary dishes that highlight the best of local and international ingredients. For anyone looking to enjoy a meal in a place that feels like home away from home, Carmel Down Valley in North San Diego offers an array of restaurants that promise not just great food but a truly cozy ambiance.

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