We went to Del Mar for Summer Restaurant Week on Saturday, August 23rd. The day before, we made a reservation for 1:30 PM and specifically asked to sit upstairs on the second floor with the glass windows and flowers hanging from the ceiling. We were told this was possible and that it would be noted in our reservation. When we arrived, the hostess told us that the section was closed until 5 PM. That was already very frustrating.
We decided to sit outside. The food was just okay. For $35 it tasted like gentrified Spanish food and was not worth it.
The service was even worse. When it was time for our third course which was dessert, we waited 30 minutes because our server completely forgot about us while handling his other tables. We had to ask another server for help. Our desserts eventually came, and our server said he would also refill our water since we were out. Ten more minutes went by and we still never got the water.
Overall this was such a disappointing experience. We still left a tip but I regret doing so. I will not come back here and I will not recommend this restaurant to any of my friends.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Parishoner1 Parishoner1
Excellent restaurant.Great food . BUT, don’t try to call them on the phone.They just DON’T answer! Any time of day I try. They only want customers that reserve online. If you are running late, don’t bother calling. It actually goes to someone’s voicemail. They need to address this. Very bad business practice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Caleb Holt
I serve at a James Beard nominated restaurant so I have a special appreciation for food and service. José served my girlfriend and I and did an incredible job. He was kind, personable and had an impressive understanding of what he was serving. His food knowledge and his attention to detail were superb. The food was exceptional. Very talented chef and kitchen staff. Drinks were perfect. Great experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Noah Teates
Best seafood on the wharf.
Will Fuentes
Incredible. The service, food, and atmosphere are all top notch. Sisay was our waiter and he was better than expected. He was timely, attentive, and easy!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mariam Reyes Sepúlveda
Simple delicious 😋
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wes K
We had a fantastic experience at Del Mar on the DC Wharf! The seafood was absolutely outstanding; everything tasted fresh and perfectly prepared. The flavors were rich yet delicate, and each dish was a treat for the senses. The service was truly exceptional, with every staff member going above and beyond to make us feel welcome.
A special shoutout to Tyler, the Assistant GM, who was incredibly friendly and attentive. He made sure we were well looked after, adding a personal touch to our meal that really stood out. If you’re looking for a memorable dining experience with great food and impeccable service, Del Mar is the place to go. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Larissa
Came in early to grab a drink at the bar. They serve Basque cider. I compare sidra to North American cider as kombucha to soda. It is funky and I love it.
Focusing my night mainly on the Basque cuisine from the menu. The ambience of the restaurant is beautifully curated. However the staff; very friendly, were less aware of the cuisine they were serving or offering. To someone else, this experience could be amazing.
We ordered Jamon croquetas, carpaccio, octopus, Spanish tortilla, turbot, piquillo peppers, Basque cheese cake and the Buñuelos.
Croquetas: perfect. Give me more Carpaccio: The dish appeared to be well seasoned but the the oil in the dish did not emulsify with any brine or vinaigrette. Relying on capers for the seasoning. Still fresh fish. Different preference. Octopus, dinning partner said “not bad, I’ve had worse”. I love octopus but this dish was lacking. The spiced black garlic spread was good. No acidity. Spanish tortilla: potato and truffle. It was ok. Mainly a block of potato. Turbot: frustrated most with this one. Turbot is a beautiful fish. Expensive but worth it if done right. Knowing how to serve and display the fish is important. Some of the best parts of the fish were thrown out. They paired the turbot with a butter leaf lettuce on the side and “Bilbania sauce” but the sauce tasted like garlic butter. An emulsified vinegar or citrus in the final preparation of the fish is needed. Drape the emulsion over the fish. The fish is already buttery being a flounder. The vinaigrette used on the butter leaf lettuce would have gone well for that emulsion step. pair the fish with bread. You can scoop up the vinaigrette and butter fish off the dish. Leave the fish cheek, dorsal (crispy fish skin) and cook the fish if possible on a grill to finish in the pan. If you have someone coming in who never had turbot, they are walking away still not knowing turbot.
The basque cheesecake was not enjoyable. Maybe we came on a bad night? Spent $500+ for 2. Walked away enjoying the ambiance but that is not enough to carry the evening or promote a return. Extremely disappointed in the execution of almost all the dishes. 3 stars as I still love food.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Croquetas De Jamón Y Trufa
Odiney Alvarez
The ambience and service was great but we expected the food to be more traditional. The paella was good but not traditional and with limited seafood, unless you paid a much higher price. The "croquetas" appetizer was amazing though, and probably the best! This place is expensive, so plan accordingly.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Paella De Pescado Y Mariscos, Tapas, Croquetas De Jamón Y Trufa
The seafood paella was a delight. The presentation of the iberico ham was fantastic - they keep it warm with a special candle-housing dish. The sobresada service is a fun experience and even better to taste; deep and comforting Spanish spices throughout
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood Paella, Paella De Pescado Y Mariscos
Christopher Gillespie
The food and the atmosphere are worth one trip but be prepared to drop loot, like serious coin. That said the food did not disappoint we all ordered different seafood mains and everyone's plate was clean. That said serve was to be desired, so many staff and could never seem to find our waiter. The octopus was delicious! The bronzino highly recommend, so tender but yet great texture. Killer bone dry sangria.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Pulpo a La Plancha, Grilled Octopus, Tapas
Carlos Pena
I visited Del Mar while walking around the Wharf. I was planning to go to Ilili but it was closed and ended up here.
We ordered the salad, which I forgot the name but it had a few mints leaves that makes a difference on taste. I was pleasantly surprised. The Spanish tortilla was just amazing perfectly cooked and a cheese on top to give moisture and enhance flavor. Lastly the burger, which I was hoping something ordinary, it was the best. I ordered it medium well, juicy and full of flavor and the brioche just out of this world.
I enjoyed my visit and I hope to come here in the future to try other dishes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tortilla
Alyssia Luna
This was our second time going to Del Mar before a concert. The first time we went we only had drinks at the bar but had a wonderful experience and wanted to return. From the moment we walked in the experience was exceptional. I want to give special thanks to Frankie, the bartender, was amazing— attentive, knowledgeable and hospitable. And Eric, the manager, he also came in with suggestions and a warm welcome that felt like greeting an old friend. The food was top notch, we got the steak tartare, branzino, potatoes, scallop crudo and a sample of the gazpacho and everything was *chefs kiss* We loved our experience here and can’t wait to come back for the Paella.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Elena Steward
Loved the atmosphere, but I asked for half a salad because I won't eat the entire salad with the stake, and they would not do it for me. Also, the restaurant doesn't have salt and paper shakers. The food was ok for the cost of it.
We went to Del Mar for Summer Restaurant Week on Saturday, August 23rd. The day before, we made a reservation for 1:30 PM and specifically asked to sit upstairs on the second floor with the glass windows and flowers hanging from the ceiling. We were told this was possible and that it would be noted in our reservation. When we arrived, the hostess told us that the section was closed until 5 PM. That was already very frustrating.
We decided to sit outside. The food was just okay. For $35 it tasted like gentrified Spanish food and was not worth it.
The service was even worse. When it was time for our third course which was dessert, we waited 30 minutes because our server completely forgot about us while handling his other tables. We had to ask another server for help. Our desserts eventually came, and our server said he would also refill our water since we were out. Ten more minutes went by and we still never got the water.
Overall this was such a disappointing experience. We still left a tip but I regret doing so. I will not come back here and I will not recommend this restaurant to any of my friends.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Excellent restaurant.Great food .
BUT, don’t try to call them on the phone.They just DON’T answer! Any time of day I try. They only want customers that reserve online. If you are running late, don’t bother calling. It actually goes to someone’s voicemail. They need to address this. Very bad business practice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I serve at a James Beard nominated restaurant so I have a special appreciation for food and service. José served my girlfriend and I and did an incredible job. He was kind, personable and had an impressive understanding of what he was serving. His food knowledge and his attention to detail were superb. The food was exceptional. Very talented chef and kitchen staff. Drinks were perfect. Great experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best seafood on the wharf.
Incredible. The service, food, and atmosphere are all top notch. Sisay was our waiter and he was better than expected. He was timely, attentive, and easy!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Simple delicious 😋
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had a fantastic experience at Del Mar on the DC Wharf! The seafood was absolutely outstanding; everything tasted fresh and perfectly prepared. The flavors were rich yet delicate, and each dish was a treat for the senses. The service was truly exceptional, with every staff member going above and beyond to make us feel welcome.
A special shoutout to Tyler, the Assistant GM, who was incredibly friendly and attentive. He made sure we were well looked after, adding a personal touch to our meal that really stood out. If you’re looking for a memorable dining experience with great food and impeccable service, Del Mar is the place to go. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came in early to grab a drink at the bar. They serve Basque cider. I compare sidra to North American cider as kombucha to soda. It is funky and I love it.
Focusing my night mainly on the Basque cuisine from the menu. The ambience of the restaurant is beautifully curated. However the staff; very friendly, were less aware of the cuisine they were serving or offering. To someone else, this experience could be amazing.
We ordered Jamon croquetas, carpaccio, octopus, Spanish tortilla, turbot, piquillo peppers, Basque cheese cake and the Buñuelos.
Croquetas: perfect. Give me more
Carpaccio: The dish appeared to be well seasoned but the the oil in the dish did not emulsify with any brine or vinaigrette. Relying on capers for the seasoning. Still fresh fish. Different preference.
Octopus, dinning partner said “not bad, I’ve had worse”. I love octopus but this dish was lacking. The spiced black garlic spread was good. No acidity.
Spanish tortilla: potato and truffle. It was ok. Mainly a block of potato.
Turbot: frustrated most with this one. Turbot is a beautiful fish. Expensive but worth it if done right. Knowing how to serve and display the fish is important. Some of the best parts of the fish were thrown out. They paired the turbot with a butter leaf lettuce on the side and “Bilbania sauce” but the sauce tasted like garlic butter.
An emulsified vinegar or citrus in the final preparation of the fish is needed. Drape the emulsion over the fish. The fish is already buttery being a flounder. The vinaigrette used on the butter leaf lettuce would have gone well for that emulsion step. pair the fish with bread. You can scoop up the vinaigrette and butter fish off the dish. Leave the fish cheek, dorsal (crispy fish skin) and cook the fish if possible on a grill to finish in the pan. If you have someone coming in who never had turbot, they are walking away still not knowing turbot.
The basque cheesecake was not enjoyable.
Maybe we came on a bad night? Spent $500+ for 2. Walked away enjoying the ambiance but that is not enough to carry the evening or promote a return. Extremely disappointed in the execution of almost all the dishes. 3 stars as I still love food.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Croquetas De Jamón Y Trufa
The ambience and service was great but we expected the food to be more traditional. The paella was good but not traditional and with limited seafood, unless you paid a much higher price. The "croquetas" appetizer was amazing though, and probably the best! This place is expensive, so plan accordingly.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Paella De Pescado Y Mariscos, Tapas, Croquetas De Jamón Y Trufa
Over priced.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Restaurantji Recommends
The seafood paella was a delight. The presentation of the iberico ham was fantastic - they keep it warm with a special candle-housing dish. The sobresada service is a fun experience and even better to taste; deep and comforting Spanish spices throughout
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood Paella, Paella De Pescado Y Mariscos
The food and the atmosphere are worth one trip but be prepared to drop loot, like serious coin. That said the food did not disappoint we all ordered different seafood mains and everyone's plate was clean. That said serve was to be desired, so many staff and could never seem to find our waiter. The octopus was delicious! The bronzino highly recommend, so tender but yet great texture. Killer bone dry sangria.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Pulpo a La Plancha, Grilled Octopus, Tapas
I visited Del Mar while walking around the Wharf. I was planning to go to Ilili but it was closed and ended up here.
We ordered the salad, which I forgot the name but it had a few mints leaves that makes a difference on taste. I was pleasantly surprised. The Spanish tortilla was just amazing perfectly cooked and a cheese on top to give moisture and enhance flavor. Lastly the burger, which I was hoping something ordinary, it was the best. I ordered it medium well, juicy and full of flavor and the brioche just out of this world.
I enjoyed my visit and I hope to come here in the future to try other dishes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tortilla
This was our second time going to Del Mar before a concert. The first time we went we only had drinks at the bar but had a wonderful experience and wanted to return. From the moment we walked in the experience was exceptional. I want to give special thanks to Frankie, the bartender, was amazing— attentive, knowledgeable and hospitable. And Eric, the manager, he also came in with suggestions and a warm welcome that felt like greeting an old friend. The food was top notch, we got the steak tartare, branzino, potatoes, scallop crudo and a sample of the gazpacho and everything was *chefs kiss* We loved our experience here and can’t wait to come back for the Paella.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loved the atmosphere, but I asked for half a salad because I won't eat the entire salad with the stake, and they would not do it for me. Also, the restaurant doesn't have salt and paper shakers. The food was ok for the cost of it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 1
Loading...