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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Del Mar

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59 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Jake's Del Mar restaurant
1. Jake's Del Mar
4.8
Exceptional(10499)
Price: Moderate
• American • Del Mar
Booked 130 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 Pacifica Del Mar restaurant
2. Pacifica Del Mar
4.5
Awesome(4862)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Del Mar
Booked 33 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
3. Beeside Balcony Del Mar
4.5
Awesome(1422)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary European • Del Mar
Booked 26 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 Sbicca - Del Mar restaurant
4. Sbicca - Del Mar
4.6
Exceptional(2520)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Del Mar
Booked 21 times today
Sbicca - Del Mar is an award-winning restaurant with a stunning ocean view, perfect for special occasions. Reviewers rave about the excellent food and service, and the ambiance is frequently described as great. They have a 'Gold Medallion Award' for Best Neighborhood Restaurant. With its beautiful setting, delicious cuisine, and excellent service, it's a favorite spot for many.
A photo of Il Fornaio - Del Mar restaurant
5. Il Fornaio - Del Mar
4.4
Awesome(2381)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Del Mar
Booked 29 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.
A photo of Shimbashi Izakaya restaurant
6. Shimbashi Izakaya
4.7
Exceptional(982)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Del Mar
Booked 24 times today
Shimbashi's theme is based on the Izakaya, a Japanese tapas restaurant. We offer a multi-faceted menu that can be used as a pairing with sake for the light eater or sophisticated dinner entrées served in the Japanese tradition. Our menu changes with the season making each dining experience a new adventure.
A photo of Steak 48 - Del Mar restaurant
7. Steak 48 - Del Mar
4.9
Exceptional(1563)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Del Mar
Booked 151 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 Poseidon restaurant
8. Poseidon
4.8
Exceptional(5603)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Del Mar
Booked 67 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
9. Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff
4.8
Exceptional(9227)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 116 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 Brigantine Del Mar restaurant
10. Brigantine Del Mar
4.6
Exceptional(2761)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Del Mar
Booked 26 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • SuzanneVIP
    Pittsburgh / Western PA •33 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We had a lovely anniversary lunch at Jake's, sitting at an ocean front window table. Fabulous view, great service. We shared the fish tacos and the seafood chowder. The kitchen was nice enough to split the orders into two for no extra charge. Our server also gave us the choice of a complimentary dessert for our anniversary. We chose chocolate peanut butter torte to share. It was delicious, but we couldn’t finish it. We had the Hula Pie at Duke’s in Maui, so we chose to try something else. We did have a taste of Hawaii with a very good Duke’s Mai Tai. Will be back if we visit Del Mar again! Also, use Jake's valet parking, which was $8 at lunch. We used the public parking across the street, which was a minimum of $25 for two hours.
    More info
    Jake's Del MarPrice: Moderate• American• Del Mar
    •
    4.8
  • Anastasia
    Montreal / Quebec •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We were there at 1 pm for late lunch. There was construction noise on the North side of the patio as the next door building is being renovated. Otherwise, it was a nice atmosphere with ocean view, good service and good food. I recommend the restaurant.
    More info
    Beeside Balcony Del MarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary European• Del Mar
    •
    4.5
  • QueldaVIP
    San Diego •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Always delicious, always reliable, good food good service good ambience.
    More info
    Il Fornaio - Del MarPrice: Moderate• Italian• Del Mar
    •
    4.4
  • KarenVIP
    San Diego •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 3, 2025
    The food and service here never disappoint. The pork chop is excellent
    More info
    Sbicca - Del MarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Del Mar
    •
    4.6
  • Linda
    San Diego •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 1, 2025
    We always have lunch at Pacifica Del Mar on New Year's Day. Has been our tradition for 25 years and there is no better way to start the new year. Beautiful ocean view, impeccable service, great menu selections, piping hot delicious food, wow factor cocktails...it all adds up to an amazing experience. Highly recommend. Try the prawn cocktail, mixed greens salad, sugar-spiced salmon, and burnt cream. Grapefruit martini was fire!
    More info
    Pacifica Del MarPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Del Mar
    •
    4.5

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Del Mar

Discover the perfect dining destinations in Del Mar, North San Diego for your special occasions. This area is renowned for its diverse array of restaurants that specialize in creating memorable experiences for celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, and more. Each restaurant in this locale offers unique attributes, from breathtaking ocean views to exquisite culinary offerings, ensuring that every special event is celebrated in style. The dining scene in Del Mar is characterized by its blend of sophisticated ambience and high-quality service, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a remarkable dining experience. Whether you desire a cozy, intimate setting or a vibrant, lively atmosphere, you'll find options that cater to your specific needs. These establishments are celebrated not only for their exceptional food but also for their commitment to excellence in customer service, making each visit truly unforgettable. Choose Del Mar, North San Diego for your next special occasion and indulge in a culinary adventure that you and your loved ones will cherish.

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