Best Restaurants for People Watching in Del Mar

12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Brigantine Del Mar restaurant

1. Brigantine Del Mar

4.6

Exceptional(2750)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Del Mar

A San Diego tradition since 1969, the Brigantine has received many accolades in our 40+ year history. "BEST SEAFOOD", "BEST CASUAL SEAFOOD", "BEST HAPPY HOUR", and even "BEST SWORDFISH IN THE WORLD", according to USA Today.Well-known for our signature Clam Chowder, Grilled Swordfish, and Crème Brûlée, the Brigantine is a favorite among locals for consistently fresh seafood, succulent steaks and grilled meats. Perched between the spectacular Pacific Ocean and the hills of Rancho Santa Fe, the Del Mar Brigantine sits high above the action of the Del Mar racetrack.A lushly landscaped garden offers an unparalleled setting for weddings and outdoor-themed events. Indoors, a formal dining room looks out to the garden through floor-to-ceiling french doors. For more casual dining, the glass-enclosed deck is a year-round favorite.The Del Mar Brigantine serves dinner 7 nights a week, lunch Monday-Saturday, and brunch each Sunday.

2. Red Tracton's

4.7

Exceptional(1707)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Del Mar

Booked 15 times today

East coast style Steakhouse and Supper Club with roots dating back 75 years plus . Red Tracton's is know for serving only the finest in Prime Beef and Seafood. Quality and quantity is Reds trademark. Live entertainment Tuesday - Saturday at the Piano bar.

A photo of Ocean View Bar & Grill Restaurant in Hotel Indigo Del Mar restaurant

3. Ocean View Bar & Grill Restaurant in Hotel Indigo Del Mar

3.7

Very Good(25)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Del Mar

Hotel Indigo's Ocean View Bar & Grill serves authentic local favorites, creative appetizers, sharable plates and signature cocktails. Along with its enticing menu, guests enjoy ocean views and contemporary décor. The grill also features live local music on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Bring your furry friend and enjoy al fresco dining by the fire pit, or belly up to the bar for one of our signature cocktails.

4. Arterra

4.8

Exceptional(438)

Price: Moderate

• American • Del Mar

Booked 1 time today

Here at Arterra enjoy one-of-a-kind, locally inspired food with a commitment to sourcing seasonal, sustainable ingredients. Our culinary team shines a focus on supporting local San Diego Farmer’s markets and purveyors. Indulge in our curated sushi menu by Sushi Chef Andew Ho. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails featuring local distillers, and innovative signature wine list, and a selection of bottled and draft beers from the area’s top craft breweries.

5. Haven

4.2

Awesome(150)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Encinitas

Booked 11 times today

Nestled in the hills of Leucadia, Fox Point Farms is home to Haven Farm + Table, a new Californian restaurant helmed by Chef de Cuisine Kelston Moore and General Manager and Wine Director Ricardo Zarate Jr. Haven features the bountiful produce of the three-acre regenerative farm located just steps away from the kitchen. Delight in innovative dishes such as the Jerk Pork Belly Mole while dining on the terrace overlooking our lush fields, or sip a cocktail designed by Phillip Laethem in the stately yet cozy dining room.

6. The Whaling Bar

4.5

Awesome(72)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • La Jolla

Rediscover The Whaling Bar in La Jolla, blending historic charm and modern luxury. Once beloved in the La Valencia hotel, it's back after ten years, mixing its rich legacy with today's elegance. Known for its cozy atmosphere and top-notch service, it's been updated for contemporary tastes without losing its heritage essence. Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski, with a background in America's top kitchens and Iron Chef America, leads the culinary journey, offering a menu that combines classic and innovative approaches. The Whaling Bar invites both old fans and new to enjoy luxury and become part of La Jolla's ongoing story.

A photo of California English restaurant

7. California English

4.4

Awesome(486)

Price: Expensive

• American • Sorrento Mesa

Booked 8 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.

8. NINE-TEN

4.7

Exceptional(2932)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • La Jolla

Led by award-winning, nationally-recognized chef Jason Knibb, NINE-TEN offers the perfect combination of sophistication and casual elegance and an ideal location along lively Prospect Street in the Village of La Jolla. Recognized with MICHELIN distinction, NINE-TEN’s globally-inspired, locally-sourced cuisine features the best of the harvest from local artisans where products are selected daily for the restaurant’s seasonal menus. Dine indoors or al fresco on our sidewalk patio or back terrace with peek views of the Pacific Ocean. Heaters and blankets are available during the colder weather. Private dining rooms are also available for groups of 8 or more. Breakfast is served Wednesday through Friday, 7 am to 11 am. Brunch is served Saturday & Sunday, 7 am to 2 pm. and features $6 mimosas and $8 Bloody Marys. Lunch is served Wednesday through Friday, 11:30 am to 2 pm. And dinner service is available Wednesday through Sunday, 5 pm to 9 pm. We look forward to seeing you soon.

9. Brockton Villa

4.5

Awesome(2778)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • La Jolla

Booked 20 times today

Great Food * Epic SunsetsBrockton Villa is a beautiful historic home converted into a restaurant located directly across from the ocean. Our seaside location offers a spectacular view of the world-famous La Jolla Cove, and has become a favorite "show off" spot for locals and visitors alike. We are known for our breakfasts, including our famous Coast Toast. Our chef creates many other wonderful dishes seasonally for lunch and our dinner service.Our house is the perfect place for you to host your next party. Whether it be a wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, baptism, bridal shower, baby shower, or any special occasion.Brockton Villa loves families! Please don't forget to include your little ones in your reservation count!

A photo of UNION Kitchen & Tap restaurant

10. UNION Kitchen & Tap

4.7

Exceptional(1056)

Price: Moderate

• American • Encinitas

*** WE HAVE MOVED RESERVATION PLATFORMS *** Book your reservation at [https://www.exploretock.com/union-encinitas]Situated at the southern end of Downtown Encinitas on the historic 101 highway, UNION Kitchen & Tap offers New American Cuisine in an inviting, warm, and comfortable restaurant setting. Executive Chef, Jared Saunders, created a frequently changing menu that relies heavily on local and organic ingredients. The menu features a variety of options to choose from including seasonal salads, hearty sandwiches, prime steak and chops, and a number of signature dishes for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. UNION Kitchen & Tap also offers a full complement of local craft beers, boutique wines, and signature cocktails.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
Ron
San Diego •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We arrive an hour and they were very accommodating. The service was great. Very attentive fast yet, paced. We ordered Oysters, Clam Chowder, Clams, and the Crispy Coconut Macadamia shrimp. It was all delicious. We shared Fish and Chips. Plus a bottle of wine! We love this place. Brigantine will not disappoint! Cheers!
More info
Brigantine Del MarPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Del Mar
•
4.6
D
DavidVIP
San Diego •33 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We were taken to a quieter thanks to the effort of the Maitra de Great service great food for my daughter’s birthday. Could not have been better Highly recommend for food and service.
More info
Red Tracton'sPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Del Mar
•
4.7
G
Guy
Los Angeles •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Wonderful ambience, great food. It was my wife’s birthday and our waiter (Luca) was super nice and attentive to her. Very pleasurable experience!
More info
HavenPrice: Expensive• Californian• Encinitas
•
4.2
M
MatthewVIP
New York City •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
The food staff and service not only met but exceeded our expectations. The menu was creative and extremely fairly priced. From the chefs sushi tasting to the rib steak beyond what a hotel restaurant typically offers. Jose, Ken, Mindy & Chris went above and beyond to ensure world class service during our short stay. Can not wait to return.
More info
ArterraPrice: Moderate• American• Del Mar
•
4.8
KK
KennyKazVIP
San Diego •48 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 30, 2024
It was a great evening eating dinner with an ocean view!
More info
Ocean View Bar & Grill Restaurant in Hotel Indigo Del MarPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Del Mar
•
3.7

Explore OpenTable

Del Mar

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Del Mar

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

12 restaurants available nearby

1. Brigantine Del Mar

2. Red Tracton's

3. Ocean View Bar & Grill Restaurant in Hotel Indigo Del Mar

4. Arterra

5. Haven

6. The Whaling Bar

7. California English

8. NINE-TEN

9. Brockton Villa

10. UNION Kitchen & Tap

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable