Best Restaurants for People Watching in Solana Beach

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanSteakhouseSeafoodBritishBreakfastMediterranean

Regions

North San DiegoSan Diego

Neighborhoods

Del MarLa JollaSorrento Mesa

Top Rated

CharmingGood for special occasionsGreat for brunchGreat for outdoor diningGreat for scenic viewHealthy

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Rustic Root - Solana Beach restaurant

1. Rustic Root - Solana Beach

4.4

Awesome(59)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Del Mar

Booked 84 times today

Modern rooftop destination featuring local, seasonal cuisine & craft cocktails in stylish surrounds.

A photo of Brigantine Del Mar restaurant

2. Brigantine Del Mar

4.7

Exceptional(2788)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Del Mar

Booked 37 times today

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.

3. Red Tracton's

4.3

Awesome(1734)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Del Mar

Booked 14 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

4. 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.

5. Arterra

4.7

Exceptional(440)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Del Mar

Booked 2 times 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.

6. The Whaling Bar

4.7

Exceptional(97)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • La Jolla

Booked 24 times today

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

4.6

Exceptional(539)

$$$$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.

8. Brockton Villa

4.7

Exceptional(2807)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • La Jolla

Booked 23 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!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
Thomas
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined today
On a rainy day, I was surprised to see a full parking lot, until I left snd understood why.
More info
Brigantine Del MarPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Del Mar
•
4.7
W
WilliamVIP
Los Angeles •22 reviews
5.0
Dined today
A really fun vibe and delicious food. The place was jumping, service was outstanding, we were treated like a VIP.
More info
Rustic Root - Solana BeachPrice: Moderate• American• Del Mar
•
4.4
R
Robert W.
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The food and service is always great there. Been going for years, we love it.
More info
Red Tracton'sPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Del Mar
•
4.3
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 15, 2025
Our server was outstanding. Burger was delicious - cooked perfectly.
More info
ArterraPrice: Moderate• American• Del Mar
•
4.7
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

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