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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(10490)
Price: Moderate
• American • Del Mar
Booked 77 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(4861)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Del Mar
Booked 15 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(1420)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary European • Del Mar
Booked 11 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 6 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
4.3
Awesome(2382)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Del Mar
Booked 12 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 10 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(1550)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Del Mar
Booked 125 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(5601)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Del Mar
Booked 51 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(9216)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 82 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(2760)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Del Mar
Booked 23 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
  • Nannette
    San Diego •28 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Pasta and seafood was fresh and delicious. Love the atmosphere as it is the perfect balance of liveliness yet privacy in the booths inside. Our server was on top of everything and excellent. We look forward to another dinner again soon!
    More info
    Il Fornaio - Del MarPrice: Moderate• Italian• Del Mar
    •
    4.3
  • Kristi
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Loved our dining experience! Such a cute quiet hidden spot
    More info
    Beeside Balcony Del MarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary European• Del Mar
    •
    4.5
  • KarenVIP
    San Diego •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The food and service here never disappoint. The pork chop is excellent
    More info
    Sbicca - Del MarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Del Mar
    •
    4.6
  • Jim
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •18 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We dine at Jake’s often, so decided to celebrate our wedding anniversary here for lunch. The fish special was tasty, and the fish and chips the best I’ve had at Jake’s. The staff welcomed us to a table reserved for especially for us and our anniversary. We enjoyed the booth and sea views while sipping sangria. We were given free choice of a dessert on the house, so we picked the Hula pie of course! Thank you Jake’s for making our day special.
    More info
    Jake's Del MarPrice: Moderate• American• Del Mar
    •
    4.8
  • Linda
    San Diego •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    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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