San Diego Restaurants : North County Coastal

Pacifica Del Mar

Address: 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014 (Map)

Pacifica Del Mar reflects the soothing calm of its ocean location. Perched high atop the Del Mar Plaza, the sophisticated restaurant offers a stunning visual Pacific feast to accompany Chef Christopher Idso’s delightful gastronomic feats. The menu features elegant California-inspired creations that manage to be both light and clean, while still imparting a deep satisfaction. Mouthwatering options like the Barbecued Sugar-Spiced Salmon with Chinese beans and mustard sauce, Moroccan Spiced Prawns, and Filet Mignon with potato-white cheddar gratin, make for delightful dining dilemmas. Sample from Pacifica Del Mar’s Wine Spectator-distinguished wine list to help make the decision-making process that much more enjoyable.

Del Mar Rendezvous

Address: 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014 (Map)

A stone's throw from the Del Mar Racetrack, this irresistible Chinese and Asian Fusion restaurant by Chef Mark Sun has been voted 10 News' A-List Best Chinese Restaurant in San Diego. With the sparkling Pacific Ocean as a backdrop, diners can enjoy a variety of diverse dining options. Outside of the regular menu, Del Mar Rendezvous also offers a vegetarian and vegan menu with 45 vegetarian items and 29 vegan items, and a gluten-free menu featuring 40 items. Putting a modern twist on the traditional, Del Mar Rendezvous prides itself on using the freshest ingredients in a neighborly setting where great food, great friends, and great service all come together as one.

KITCHEN 1540

Address: 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014 (Map)

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean sits the Historic L’Auberge Hotel, the casual yet luxurious coastal hideaway in the heart of The Village of Del Mar. L’Auberge's signature restaurant, KITCHEN 1540, is a chic extension of this casual luxury, as it transforms modern American dishes into sophisticated works of art, with a farm-to-table concept using fresh, local ingredients. Behind these innovative concepts is Executive Chef Scott Thomas Dolbee, an award-winning chef who has headed KITCHEN 1540 since early 2012. KITCHEN 1540 also offers an extensive wine list and in-house cured meats accompanied by an array of cheeses, seasonal marmalades, and house-made pickles.

Chart House

Address: 2588 South Coast Highway 101, Cardiff, CA 92007 (Map)

It’s not hard to find eateries boasting “ocean views” in San Diego, but it is rare to find a noteworthy restaurant that happens to claim such prime oceanfront real-estate as Chart House. Picturesquely positioned along the South Coast Highway 101 (with the San Elijo Lagoon to the east), Chart House’s expansive dining room faces the Pacific Ocean and plates up some of the finest sunsets around. As the waves lap upon the rocky shore before you, settle in and savor Chart House’s array of hot and cold appetizers, signature seafood entrees, prime steaks, and luscious desserts. Pair the evening with any of their happy hour libations or fine wine and whiskey offerings for a well-rounded and stimulating experience.

Trattoria Ponte Vecchio

Address: 2334 Carmel Valley Road, San Diego, CA 92014 (Map)

Trattoria Ponte Vecchio is a culinary escape located in scenic Del Mar where diners can experience the flavors of Northern Italy in a cozy neighborhood setting. Born and raised in Milan, Italy, Chef Daniel Nobili infuses his passion for Italian cuisine in all of his creations including the Linguine Alle Vongole-- fresh Manila clams sautéed in a white wine or red sauce or the Vitello Del Tassista-- veal scaloppini in gorgonzola cheese sauce topped with fresh pears. The menu also includes an assortment of Appetizers, Salads, Pizzas, and Chicken Entrees. Your taste buds deserve a vacation— taste the delicious cuisine of Milan and stop by Trattoria Ponte Vecchio.

Mediterranean Cafe

Address: 300 Carlsbad Village Drive Suite 106, San Diego, CA 92008 (Map)

Come out and experience something exotic. Enjoy delicious Mediterranean cuisine with a So-Cal twist in an atmosphere full of authentic Moroccan decor at Mediterranean Cafe in Carlsbad. With both lunch and dinner available daily, as well as catering services for special occasions, Mediterranean Cafe can accommodate the needs of any diner, any day. Whether you wish to go out to the restaurant and enjoy delicious Southern-European delicacies in an authentic setting with live belly dancers, or you would rather entertain your friends with an impressive feast at your own private party, Mediterranean Cafe is ready to serve you. With an expansive menu featuring specialty grilled panini and sandwich selections during lunch, flat bread pizzas, vibrant salads, Med Cafe Favorites, and even a special selection of smaller entrees for children, everyone in your group is sure to find something to fall in love with. Venture to try delicious signature dishes like the Mango Salmon: a seasoned fresh fillet topped with the house-made mango salsa then garnished with avocado and cilantro. Or, share an authentic Margherita pizza with roma tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil, topped with parmesan. Taking no sides, Mediterranean Cafe provides versatile and creative cuisine suitable for vegetarians and carnivores alike. Explore new flavors and relax near the sea for your next night out with Mediterranean Cafe in Carlsbad. It is sure to be an event you will not forget.

Shimbashi Izakaya

Address: 1555 Camino Del Mar #201, Del Mar, CA 92014 (Map)

Literally meaning “New Bridge,” Shimbashi Izakaya brings precision to its meaning by offering an elevated taste of classic Japanese cuisine. Located in Del Mar amongst eye-catching scenic views of the waterfront, Shimbashi Izakaya prides itself on being a casual place where one can easily unwind, similar to the Izakaya-style bars found in Tokyo, Japan. For those who enjoy fresh sushi and sashimi, Shimbashi Izakaya offers a multi-faceted selection that pairs perfectly with their fine array of sake. Shimbashi Izakaya also offers full lunch and dinner entrees that embody Japanese cuisine with a contemporary finesse.

Leucadia Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant - Encinitas

Address: 315 South Coast Highway 101, San Diego, CA 92024 (Map)

Just minutes from Moonlight Beach (off of S. Coast Highway) is Leucadia Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant, a North County local destination for classic Italian food in a relaxed setting. Bottomless baskets of freshly baked garlic bread are served complimentary to further satisfy your Italian cravings of gourmet pizzas, pastas, and submarine sandwiches. As the original location for this pizzeria establishment in Encinitas, Leucadia has been serving delectable Italian entrees for 25 years. Chef A.J. Mortazavi’s culinary talent is showcased weekly as he offers test menu items which are sold throughout the week. Don’t forget dessert—especially when Pastry Chef Nikki Schaeffer is the mastermind behind the classic Tiramisu or Chocolate Truffle Cake.

Red Tracton's

Address: 550 Via De La Valle, Solana Beach, CA 92075 (Map)

Red Tracton’s is a delightful return to the vintage class and swanky sophistication of an iconic American steakhouse. The restaurant draws on the romance and nostalgia of the neighboring Del Mar Racetrack, with maroon walls, horse prints, and dark, moody lighting recalling Gatsby-era frivolity and luxury. Portions are similarly hedonistic, with thick cut steaks, such as the Del Mar Cut— a 25 oz. Prime Rib that is sure to be tomorrow’s lunch. Offering colossal baked potatoes dripping with sour cream and butter, giant lobster tails, and jumbo shrimp on ice, diners should be prepared to bring their appetite! An evening at Red Tracton’s is an invitation for indulgence, with all of the exhilarating satisfaction of a big win at the races.

333 Pacific

Address: 333 North Pacific Street, Oceanside, CA 92054 (Map)

Cohn Restaurant fans take note: the San Diego restaurateur powerhouse has brought their fine dining expertise to Oceanside with their restaurant, 333 Pacific. It is an ode to Southern California, with breath-taking views of its seaside setting, innovative California cuisine, and a faultlessly stylish design aesthetic. Located on the first floor of the Wyndham Oceanfront Pier Resort, diners can feast on clever creations like Bleu Cheese Crusted Kobe Beef Meatloaf and Maine Diver Scallops seared in apple cider, while enjoying a stunning, panoramic view of the Oceanside Pier and beach. 333 Pacific promises a welcome invigoration of the North County dining scene.