City dining guide

Best restaurants in Del Mar

2 guide-listed restaurants — Michelin, Bib Gourmand, Black Pearl, Must-Eat List, World's 50 Best and more. Reference quality signals; never ranked by commission, no in-app checkout.

Other guide picks 2

A.R. Valentien

$$$Contemporary

Every element of this setting seems to exude a California-casual meets country-club vibe. Inside, choose from one of the Craftsman post-and-beam dining rooms, warm with amber lanterns and stained-glass light fixtures; or simply head outside to dine on the patio overlooking the pool and 18th hole of Torrey Pines Golf Course. The city's unending growing season means that there is a boundless harvest of local ingredients to inspire this kitchen. Begin with Dungeness crab flan surrounded by watercress, Belgian endive and roasted grapes, drizzled with tangy balsamic dressing. Then, indulge in eleva

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews

A.R. Valentien in Del Mar offers stunning views of the golf course and ocean. Reviews highlight high-quality, flavorful food and excellent service, with recommendations for persimmon salad and daily soups. However, some guests report slow meal pacing and inconsistent service, while others find dishes overly rich or disappointing. Although a minority cite poor value, the overall rating remains strong. It suits travelers seeking scenic dining and refined cuisine, though patience may be required during peak hours due to potential service delays.

Ideal for visitors prioritizing scenery and refined cuisine; book ahead and allow ample time for dining.

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MARKET Restaurant + Bar

$$$International

This restaurant's creative cooking continues to draw patrons for both special occasions as well as date night. The dark and seductive décor manages to be elegant without a hint of pretense, but one glance at the parking lot and you know that this spot is favored by a moneyed lot. Sushi is well-loved here, but it would be a shame to miss the chef’s creative and internationally influenced dishes. For instance, blue cheese soufflé with anise-orange marmalade shows off a European bent, while miso-glazed cod with shrimp dumplings is resoundingly Asian.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews

Located in Fairhaven, MARKET Restaurant + Bar is noted for its seafood and sushi. Most reviews praise the fresh, delicious food, particularly oysters, scallops, and fish dishes, alongside friendly and professional service. The atmosphere is casual, offering indoor and covered outdoor seating. However, some customers report slow meal pacing, high noise levels during peak times, and occasional issues with greasiness or overpowering sauces. While isolated negative feedback exists regarding food safety and service, the overall high ratings suggest it remains a reliable choice for seafood enthusiasts.

Suitable for diners seeking casual seafood who can tolerate noise during peak hours.

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