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Best Contemporary European Restaurants in Carmel Valley

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5 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Beeside Balcony Del Mar restaurant
1. Beeside Balcony Del Mar
4.5
Awesome(1417)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary european • Del Mar
Booked 23 times today
Beeside Balcony in Del Mar, CA, stands out as a beacon of Contemporary European cuisine, infused with a global Mediterranean twist that delights its guests. Helmed by Chef Christophe, a third-generation chef with Spanish, Italian, and French culinary roots, the restaurant offers a dining experience that marries coastal charm with fine dining precision. Patrons rave about the "excellent octopus" and the uniquely delicious "baklava ice cream," highlighting the creative yet authentic menu. The setting, with its "beautiful view of the ocean" and "seaside chic décor," enhances every meal, making Beeside Balcony a must-visit for those seeking an exceptional Contemporary European dining experience. Guests consistently praise the "wonderful service," the "friendly place" atmosphere, and the overall quality of the food and drinks, ensuring that every visit is memorable.
A photo of Valentina restaurant
2. Valentina
4.7
Exceptional(1809)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary european • Encinitas
Booked 16 times today
Nestled in the charming beach town of Encinitas, Valentina shines as a gem of Basque cuisine, offering an authentic dining experience reminiscent of Spain's vibrant flavors. Celebrated for its "delicious and creative use of flavors," Valentina consistently impresses with its array of tapas and heartier dishes that transport diners straight to the Basque Country. Guests rave about the "best octopus dish outside of Spain" and the Basque cake, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to authenticity and quality. The intimate and lively ambiance, coupled with exceptional service, makes Valentina a must-visit for anyone seeking the true taste of Basque culinary excellence in Southern California.
A photo of Beeside Balcony La Jolla restaurant
3. Beeside Balcony La Jolla
4.3
Awesome(159)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary european • La Jolla
Booked 13 times today
Beeside Balcony in La Jolla, San Diego, is a culinary treasure that stands out for its exceptional Contemporary European cuisine. With an inviting seaside chic décor and panoramic ocean views, it offers a unique dining experience that captivates both locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is praised for its innovative dishes that skillfully blend European techniques with fresh, local ingredients. Diners rave about the quality and creativity of the meals, with one guest noting the "food was absolutely amazing" and highlighting the standout oysters and mussels. The ambiance is perfectly complemented by attentive service and an engaging owner who adds a personal touch to the dining experience. Whether it's the vibrant Mediterranean menu or the delightful cocktails, Beeside Balcony is a must-visit for those seeking a distinctive and satisfying European dining adventure in La Jolla.
A photo of Waverly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
4. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge
4.7
Exceptional(108)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary european • Encinitas
Booked 59 times today
Nestled in the charming Cardiff by The Sea in Encinitas, Waverly Restaurant & Lounge is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine. It offers a progressive menu infused with a European twist that tantalizes the palate with dishes like the divine burrata "donuts" and adventurous bone marrow paired with beef tartare. The rave reviews emphasize the quality and creativity of the menu. One guest exclaimed, "The duck meatball was flavorful and moist," illustrating the unique culinary delights that await at Waverly. With its chic Tulum-inspired decor and a vibrant atmosphere, Waverly stands out as a must-visit destination for those seeking an exceptional dining experience with a contemporary American flair.
A photo of The Whaling Bar restaurant
5. The Whaling Bar
4.5
Awesome(74)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary european • La Jolla
Booked 34 times today
Rediscover the charm of Mediterranean dining at The Whaling Bar in La Jolla, San Diego, a delightful spot that serves up not just meals but experiences. Patrons rave about the "absolutely delicious" Lobster Roll and the "inventive" Twinkie Caesar salad, showing how the menu creatively plays with Mediterranean staples. Each dish, from the "creamy and flavorful" polenta to the "perfectly cooked" Urfa Chicken, is a testament to the skill of Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski, whose expertise adds authenticity and flair to every meal. The glowing reviews continually highlight the "exceptional" food and the vibrant ambiance, making The Whaling Bar a must-visit for anyone craving a true Mediterranean feast in a cozy, yet elegant setting.
‘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
  • Kelsey
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Great spot to pop in for drinks/appetizers. More of a tapas style dining experience than a full dinner entree spot, but the quality of the food and the atmosphere is worth it! Our server was extremely attentive, welcoming, and friendly. The caesar "twinkie" salad and kale salad were to die for--probably some of the best salads I've ever had. The potato gnocchi and the whipped ricotta were also incredible. For the portion size, the price is on the high end, but great spot to visit during the holidays as it's connected to La Valencia Hotel, which is magical at Christmas!
    More info
    The Whaling BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• La Jolla
    •
    4.5
  • Kristine
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    It was great experience! Super cozy! Highly recommended for anyone who wants something vibe!❤️
    More info
    Beeside Balcony La JollaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary European• La Jolla
    •
    4.3
  • ChadVIP
    New Mexico •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    My son (6) and I dined here, and while he was the only child in the restaurant, they took great care to make him feel welcome. The Ribeye was perfectly prepared and all other items complimented perfectly. Our server Kimi was fantastic and really catered to our needs and created a great experience for us.
    More info
    ValentinaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary European• Encinitas
    •
    4.7
  • PatrickVIP
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Loved it as always. So glad a place like Waverly exists in Cardiff for casual evenings out to the most celebratory dinner.
    More info
    Waverly Restaurant & LoungePrice: Expensive• American• Encinitas
    •
    4.7
  • HelenVIP
    San Diego •55 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Dec 5, 2024
    A group of colleagues and I came to Beeside for a business lunch because it is one of our favorite spots in San Diego. We were seated right away on the balcony which was a bit breezy however we were brought a portable heat lamp plus we had an overhead heat lamp that was built in. The portable heat lamp went out and we asked several times if we could get a new heat lamp since it was chilly. The server was very nice but I think she got distracted so we never got the new heat lamp. Other than that, the service was excellent and the food was outstanding, as usual. We love Beeside. Thanks for a great meal!
    More info
    Beeside Balcony Del MarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary European• Del Mar
    •
    4.5

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