Best Lunch Restaurants in Del Mar

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

North San DiegoSan Diego

Areas

Cardiff By The SeaCarlsbadCarmel ValleyChula Vista / BonitaDel MarEncinitas

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

95 restaurants available nearby

1. Jake's Del Mar

4.8

Exceptional(10599)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Del Mar

Booked 99 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 Beeside Balcony Del Mar restaurant

2. Beeside Balcony Del Mar

4.5

Awesome(1445)

$$$$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.

3. Pacifica Del Mar

4.5

Awesome(4893)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Del Mar

Booked 32 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 Tamarindo Latin Kitchen- Del Mar restaurant

4. Tamarindo Latin Kitchen- Del Mar

4.7

Exceptional(931)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Del Mar

Booked 34 times today

Tamarindo Del Mar **NOW OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER**Kitchen closes promptly at 9pm Sunday-Thursday and 10pm on Friday+Saturday's.

A photo of Il Fornaio - Del Mar restaurant

5. Il Fornaio - Del Mar

4.4

Awesome(2396)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Del Mar

Booked 27 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 Salt + Lime Del Mar restaurant

6. Salt + Lime Del Mar

4.4

Awesome(206)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Del Mar

Booked 29 times today

Mexican cuisine elevated to new heights, blending traditional flavors with modern flair to deliver a truly sensory dining experience.Located in the heart of Del Mar, with stunning ocean views as your backdrop, our menu celebrates the diverse and vibrant flavors of Mexico. From mouthwatering tacos to fresh, zesty seafood ceviches, every dish is crafted to surprise and delight. Whether you’re gathering with friends or enjoying an intimate dinner, Salt & Lime offers the perfect mix of high-energy ambiance and culinary excellence.Expect the unexpected—because too much of a good thing is never enough! Indulge in our unforgettable Espresso Martini or let our Oaxaca Old Fashion warm your soul—cocktails that are as unique as your experience with us.Breakfast is served every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM.Join us for Reverse Happy Hour every Friday and Saturday from 9 PM to 11 PM, where the night gets even brighter with irresistible drinks and bites.

7. Shimbashi Izakaya

4.7

Exceptional(995)

$$$$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.

8. Sbicca - Del Mar

4.6

Exceptional(2539)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Del Mar

Booked 23 times today

We look forward to having you join us! San Diego's favorite "Neighborhood" restaurant. Located in beautiful, quaint Del Mar and winner of the "Gold Medallion Award" for Best Neighborhood Restaurant awarded by the San Diego Chapter of the California Restaurant Association. Dine up on the Ocean View deck and take in the blue pacific while enjoying our award winning cuisine or sit on our ocean view sidewalk cafe and sip on one of our Wine Spectator award winning wine list wines. SPECIALS: 1/2 price on Wine Bottles Tuesdays & ThursdaysHappy Hour Daily 3-5pm (excluding holidays) Please note we cannot guarantee seating requests, we will do our best to accommodate but it is not a guarantee for inside or outside

A photo of Coya Peruvian Secret restaurant

9. Coya Peruvian Secret

4.4

Awesome(662)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Peruvian • Del Mar

Booked 11 times today

Located next to Del Mar beach on 11th street, Coya Peruvian Secret Restaurant offers award winning gourmet Peruvian- Cali fusion Peruvian cuisine in charming cottage house under a tree. All seats are outside tucked in greenery so its in all casual seating. Voted best Seafood by locals and best Latin American in SD we are primally seafood place but we also proudly serve great meat choices, like our surf and turf with Rib Eye, traditional Lomo with Filet mignon, lamb stew with New Zealand lamb, excellent short rib with sweet potatoes and Peruvian half roasted chicken. If you seeking cozy color full vibe full of magic for a date or family reunion we are perfect choice. You will astonish your party with unforgettable flavors. Take them of a gourmet trip to Peru and back tonight.

10. Poseidon

4.8

Exceptional(5652)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Del Mar

Booked 62 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

B
BobVIP
San Diego •31 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Had another great meal at BeeSide, and the service was the best! Always love the meatballs and arugula beet salad.
More info
Beeside Balcony Del MarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary European• Del Mar
•
4.5
E
Ed
San Diego •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Jake's never disappoints! Everything is quality, from the service to the food, and of course the view!
More info
Jake's Del MarPrice: Moderate• American• Del Mar
•
4.8
E
Eliott
Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Went w/two friends to celebrate a birthday; had a wonderful table up front with beautiful views of the sunset! Food is absolutely delicious (guac is out of this world) as were the drinks and the sweet churro our waiter gave my friend for her birthday. We'll definitely be back!!
More info
Tamarindo Latin Kitchen- Del MarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Del Mar
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles •32 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
The food has stayed excellent for several decades, as has the service. Beautiful view for lunch with good friends and loved ones.
More info
Pacifica Del MarPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Del Mar
•
4.5
G
Gloria
California Central Coast •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 18 Feb 2025
One of my best friends who lives in Europe now met me for lunch. We had a wonderful table, great service and delicious meals. I enjoyed the gnocchi with Italian crumbled sausage and a lovely tomato cream sauce. The gnocchi were perfect like fine pillows! My friend had the calzone which looked wonderful and she said it was delicious. We shared tiramisu for dessert. She enjoyed Prosecco with her meal and I enjoyed Chianti. W enjoyed a lovely and relaxed lunch and visit.
More info
Il Fornaio - Del MarPrice: Moderate• Italian• Del Mar
•
4.4

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