Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Sorrento Valley

51 restaurants available nearby

1. Jake's Del Mar

4.7

Exceptional(10453)

Price: Moderate

• American • Del Mar

Booked 155 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.

2. Poseidon

4.8

Exceptional(5594)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Del Mar

Booked 69 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

3. Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff

4.8

Exceptional(9192)

Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Cardiff By The Sea

Booked 115 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.

4. The Pony Room

4.8

Exceptional(1492)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Rancho Santa Fe

Booked 47 times today

The Pony Room is a favorite among locals and resort guests alike. In addition to an extensive selection of all expressions of agave spirits, it is also home to one of Southern California's most impressive wine and hand-crafted, seasonally inspired signature cocktail lists. The Pony Room serves exceptional, American inspired comfort classics with daily specials.Live Music 7 nights a weekJoin us every Saturday and Sunday for Brunch on our beautiful hacienda inspired terraces from 11am to 2pm.

5. Pacifica Del Mar

4.5

Awesome(4853)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Del Mar

Booked 29 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.

6. Red Tracton's

4.7

Exceptional(1710)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Del Mar

Booked 13 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 Beeside Balcony Del Mar restaurant

7. Beeside Balcony Del Mar

4.5

Awesome(1419)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary European • Del Mar

Booked 24 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 Waverly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

8. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge

4.7

Exceptional(108)

Price: Expensive

• American • Encinitas

Booked 59 times today

Located in beautiful Cardiff by The Sea, Waverly is a full-service restaurant serving Progressive American cuisine & specialty cocktails with a European influence.Evening Dining Reservation tables will be reserved for 1 hour and 45 minutes for parties of up to 2 and for 2 hours for parties of up to 6.Reservations are weather permitting and may be rescheduled if inclement weather is forecast. You will be contacted by one of our Hospitality Leaders should modifications need to be made to your reservation.*We offer a limited menu happy hour Tuesday through Sunday from 3 to 5 PM. No reservations needed – first come, first served

9. Sbicca - Del Mar

4.6

Exceptional(2515)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Del Mar

Booked 15 times today

Sbicca - Del Mar is a neighborhood gem, loved by locals for its fantastic food and service. The restaurant offers a beautiful ocean view, delicious cuisine and has received several awards for its service. As one reviewer put it, 'Great local spot! Stopped in for happy hour and there were solid food and cocktails options… friendly service and welcoming feel to this neighborhood gem.'

A photo of Il Fornaio - Del Mar restaurant

10. Il Fornaio - Del Mar

4.4

Awesome(2374)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Del Mar

Booked 35 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.

‘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

N
Nicole
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Could not have asked for a better Christmas dinner! Watching the sunset, with great food and drinks! 10/10 recommend. We are going to come back for the normal menus because the Christmas choices were amazing!
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Pacifica Del MarPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Del Mar
•
4.5
M
Michael
San Diego •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great ambiance and equally good food with very attentive service. Love the small plate menu option along with excellent main dishes.
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The Pony RoomPrice: Very Expensive• American• Rancho Santa Fe
•
4.8
R
RrVIP
San Diego •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Warmly greeted by the reception staff. Reservations had been confirmed the day before. Sat immediately in a Phenomenal viewing location. Our server named Becca, treated us well and set a perfect pace for appetizers, salads, and then the meal. She was constantly checking in on us willing to assist. Please try the Famed Hula Pie for dessert, it's Extraordinary !!!
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Jake's Del MarPrice: Moderate• American• Del Mar
•
4.7
R
Richard
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We were greeted with a welcome and they remembered from my reservation that this was my wedding anniversary. We choose an indoor seat by the window. The waves looked nice as we could see them roll in. The food was very good. We had the Shrimp Dumplings which was good--sort of like a Chinese potsticker, but soft. I had the Lobster and Shrimp Chowder, excellent. My wife had the Mixed Organic Greens, very good. We shared both. For our main course I had the Seafood Pasta lobster, shrimp, scallop & mahi with smoked tomato sauce, Thai basil & parmesan. I liked it very much. My wife had the Pacific Paella grilled lobster tail, mahi, clams, scallops, shrimp & saffron Arborio rice, very good. The quantity of those dishes was more than what we expected--we could have just ordered one or the other and shared.
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Pacific Coast Grill - CardiffPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Cardiff By The Sea
•
4.8
P
Paul
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Great service from the entire team. Server Scott was great and everyone pitched in to serve us. Great teamwork. Food was delicious.
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PoseidonPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Del Mar
•
4.8

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Sorrento Valley

Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Sorrento Valley

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51 restaurants available nearby

1. Jake's Del Mar

2. Poseidon

3. Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff

4. The Pony Room

5. Pacifica Del Mar

6. Red Tracton's

7. Beeside Balcony Del Mar

8. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge

9. Sbicca - Del Mar

10. Il Fornaio - Del Mar

See what locals rave about

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