8 Best Restaurants in Del Mar, North County and Around

Indulge in the finer things in life at this AAA 5-Diamond, three-star Michelin restaurant by acclaimed chef William Bradley who serves up haute French flavors in his 10-course prix-fixe dinners that feature dishes like Kumamoto oysters or Osetra caviar with gold leaf, coffee-roasted duck or tender calotte de boeuf with escargot. Beyond the swanky bar and wine cave is a sophisticated Tuscan-style dining room with intricately carved dark woods, marble pillars, and arched windows draped in red velvet. While the menu changes seasonally, count on impressive presentation and a first-class dining experience that comes with a heavy price tag (10 courses, $355; with wine pairing $710). Addison delights wine lovers with more than 3,500 varietals from around the world.

An offshoot of Bankers Hill's Cucina Urbana, enoteca occupies a grand two-story space in the Flower Hill Promenade shopping center and is as notable for its whimsical decor—antler chandeliers, burlap-wrapped chairs, and more than 400 horse figurines honor the restaurant's proximity to the Thoroughbred Club—as it is for its beloved Italian food. There are many familiar favorites like the creamy polenta board and pizzas, as well as unique enoteca plates, including short-rib pappardelle, and chicken fra diavolo. The bustling bar and on-site wine shop serve more than 200 varietals, all sold table-side at retail, plus a $10 corkage fee (waved on Sunday). For a little zucchero in your life, try the chocolate panna cotta with mascarpone cream.

Fast-casual takes a healthy spin at this cheery spot—think Technicolor peace sign, floral wallpaper in the bathroom, and power-boosting juices. The menu evokes the same colorful vibe with bowls like the Mother Earth (ancient grains and sweet potato) or the glow bowl (sweet potato noodles, bok choy, shiitake mushroom, and coconut milk); soups; mix-and-match sides; wraps; and salads mixed with fresh ingredients like organic kale, ginger miso vinaigrette, and proteins that include sustainable salmon, grass-fed steak, and organic, non-GMO tofu.

Situated next to grassy Powerhouse Park, Jake's feels like Southern Californian dining at its best—a beachfront location coupled with beautiful ocean views and the freshest ingredients. In a true aloha spirit, friendly servers are ready to tempt with cucumber margaritas and starters like macadamia-crusted calamari as well as items from the main menu, which is split "by garden," "by sea," and "by land," with options like the seafood pot, the chef's burger, and the barbecued ribs. Just steps from the sand, this is one of San Diego's best restaurants for mai tai sunsets.

Carl Schroeder, one of California's hottest young chefs, draws well-heeled foodies to his creative and locally sourced California fare, much of it with an Asian influence from his time in Japan. The three-course tasting menu changes regularly depending upon what's fresh, but Schroeder's seasonally inspired dishes have a playful spirit, whether it's a gorgonzola soufflé with strawberry-rhubarb compote, a grapefruit-avocado salad, or miso-glazed cod with ramen noodles and snap pea tempura. A well-edited wine list offers food-friendly wines by the best and brightest winemakers around the world. Desserts change monthly, if you're in luck, they'll be serving the strawberry crepes or the chocolate butterscotch tasting.

The view of the shimmering Pacific from this lovely restaurant perched atop Del Mar Plaza is one of the best along the coast, and complements the simply prepared, beautifully presented seafood. The highly innovative menu is frequently rewritten to show off such creations as barbecue sugar-spice salmon with mustard sauce and soy-glazed halibut. The crowd ranges from young hipsters at the bar to well-dressed businesspeople on the outdoor terrace overlooking the surf, where glass screens block any hint of a chilly breeze. For something more casual, head to Pacifica's Breeze Cafe on the ground floor for breakfast and lunch.

The menu at this American bistro changes quarterly but the clientele is here to stay, especially during summer months when people-watching becomes a sport. Grab a seat on the terrace if you’re lucky to enjoy such magical cocktails like a cucumber crush of grapefruit, vodka, and elderflower, and menu mainstays such as buttermilk-fried Jidori chicken, braised short ribs, and seared ahi tuna. For a collision of textures, try the sticky steam buns with crunchy chicken, or the crispy calamari with chipotle crema. This is a popular spot for weekend brunch.