In addition to being known for its ideal temperatures, whitewater ocean views and the Del Mar Racetrack, Del Mar also has an incredible reputation for dining. We decided to ask luxury real estate agent Krista Sozinho which Del Mar restaurants made her list for the perfect day of dining in Del Mar. Krista is not only well-connected in the San Diego restaurant industry (her brother has worked at a number of award-winning San Diego restaurants), but she is also a self-proclaimed foodie who has tried all of these dishes for herself. No need to explore the menu as Krista is providing her favorite dishes, but you'll want to anyways.
Morning Cup of Coffee: Stratford Court Cafe
You'll find Stratford Court Cafe located in the center of Olde Del Mar serving up the best cup of coffee in town. The atmosphere is everything you'd want to start your day off the right way. Situated on the grounds of a Cape-Cod style home reminiscent of the 1900's and entwined in twinkle lights, the garden at Stratford Court Cafe is the perfect backdrop for enjoying your morning cup o'Joe.
Brunch: Prepkitchen Del Mar
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The sun-kissed patio or the rustic indoor dining room - brunch is whatever you want it to be at Prepkitchen Del Mar. If the picturesque atmosphere wasn't enough, their award-winning dishes can be found on a numerous "Best Of" lists for the San Diego restaurant industry.
Krista's pick? A fresh banana butterscotch muffin with maple butter, and an order of their famous chilaquiles with braised chicken. Are you drooling, yet?
Lunch: Coastline at L'Auberge Del Mar
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The Coastline restaurant provides a gorgeous ocean view located next to the main lobby of the L'Auberge. The casual environment is ideal for grabbing lunch with friends and colleagues while taking in the beauty of the California coastline.
Krista's pick? A burger with a local brew from their "Bubbles, Bites and Brews" menu.
Appetizers: Sbicca
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Right next to the P.S. Platinum headquarters lies Sbicca, Krista's pick for unique, delicious appetizers. A constantly changing menu complete with dishes like Zaatar spiced tomato hummus and shaved pork "philly" sandwiches ensures you'll never be without options. Centrally located in Olde Del Mar, Sbicca is just a quick walk from the beach and the Del Mar Plaza.
Krista's pick? Calamari with honey mustard glaze.
Happy Hour @ The Del Mar Plaza: Enoteca Del Fornaio
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The only thing better than happy hour is happy hour with a view. Located on the Del Mar Plaza deck, there are not many restaurants with a more expansive view of Del Mar's shoreline than Enoteca Del Fornaio. Sip on a wine flight while you enjoy authentic Italian appetizers with a side of ocean breeze.
Happy Hour @ The Beach: Jakes Del Mar
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Drinks on the sand? No problem at Jakes Del Mar. The bar offers a number of delicious bites such as a tartare tostada, mac & cheese stuffed meatballs and parmesan truffle potato chips with a bleu cheese dip. Happy hour is from 3-5 Tuesday through Friday.
Dinner: Prepkitchen Del Mar
A restaurant good enough to land this list twice! After scouring Prepkitchen's robust dinner menu, it's no question as to why this is Krista's favorite. The options are plentiful as well as farm-to-table. Check out the other restaurants run by the famous Whisknladle Hospitality group. Whisknladle and Catania are both located in La Jolla, and sure to impress.
Krista's pick? Burrata and Prosciutto with Fusilli Bolognese.
Dessert: Kitchen 1540 at L'Auberge Del Mar
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Award-winning Kitchen 1540 located within the L'Auberge is known for its modern menu and social dining atmosphere. When you're looking for something sweet, look no further than their dessert menu. The desserts change with the season, but for now head over to bite into a strawberry rhubarb crisp or a craft beer beignet.
Krista's pick? Any seasonal dessert.
Nightcap: Zel's
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Head to Zel's after hours to find a menu full of fine wine, delicious cocktails, scrumptious eats and awesome live music Thursday through Saturday.
Favorite New Addition to Del Mar: Tasting Room Del Mar
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Across the street from the P.S. Platinum headquarters is Del Mar's newest addition, Del Mar Tasting Room! Boutique wine, craft beer, tasty bites and a sophisticated atmosphere are just a few things you can expect from this new watering hole. Pay them a visit, then tell us what you think.
Thanks For Dining With Us!
We hope you enjoyed dining the day away with us in Del Mar. Do you have favorites that didn't make the list? Let us know! For now, head over to learn a little more about Krista Sozinho, San Diego luxury real estate agent, and self-proclaimed foodie. She can answer any of your San Diego questions with ease.