Del Mar
791 Wharf St SW, Washington
(202) 588-7272
Recent Reviews
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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
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
David!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood Paella, Tapas
Restaurantji Recommends
Spanish restaurant in DC...Authentic food and there is Mahou 5 stars, excellent service and beautiful location.Josep Coronado head Chef...lovely
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We hosted an important dinner for our organization at Del Mar in early October 2024. From the very beginning, the team at Del Mar was incredible to work with. Their sales manager accommodated a last minute tour, since I happened to be in the area, which was appreciated. The planning process was streamlined and organized. The team on-site was incredible to work with. As the planner, I felt supported by the on-site manager and lead server, as they both accommodated seating and timing changes. The food was delicious--our attendees raved about it. I would highly recommend hosting your private event at Del Mar. We hope to do so again in the future.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loved the ambiance, the food & the service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Patatas Bravas V
Fabulous, well paced meal, starters were incredible, cheese selection almost overwhelming, great cocktails and wine selection. Service was outstanding, although the bar was a bit backed up.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bluefin Tuna Crudo
Food is awesome
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
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