At the upper level of the centrally located Del Mar Plaza, at Camino del Mar and 15th Street, you'll find Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana (tel. 858/755-8876; www.ilfornaio.com), for moderately priced and pleasing Italian cuisine and an enoteca (wine bar) with great ocean views; Pacifica Del Mar (tel. 858/792-0476; www.pacificadelmar.com), which serves outstanding seafood; and classy Flavor Del Mar (tel. 858/755-3663; www.flavordelmar.com), featuring new American cuisine and a lively bar scene. Head west from the plaza on 15th Street, and you'll run into neighborhood favorite Sbicca, 215 15th St. (tel. 858/481-1001; www.sbiccabistro.com), serving modern American cuisine sweetened with great wine deals; right on the beach is Poseidon on the Beach, 1670 Coast Blvd. (tel. 858/755-9345; www.theposeidonrestaurant.com), good for California cuisine and fabulous sunsets.
Join the locals for happy hour at Zel's Del Mar, 1247 Camino del Mar (tel. 858/755-0076; www.zelsdelmar.com), or grab some high-quality, Mediterranean-inspired fare for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch (or take-out) from Prepkitchen, 1201 Camino del Mar (tel. 858/792-7737; www.prepkitchen.com).
The racetrack contingent congregates at Bully's Restaurant, 1404 Camino del Mar (tel. 858/755-1660; www.bullysdelmar.com), for burgers, prime rib, and crab legs. Also near the track, located in the Flower Hill Mall, is Paradise Grille, 2690 Via de la Valle (tel. 858/350-0808; www.paradisegrille.com), a casual-but-sophisticated spot for seasonal California cuisine. And if you're looking for fresh seafood -- and lots of it -- make a beeline to the Del Mar branch of San Diego's popular Fish Market, 640 Via de la Valle (tel. 858/755-2277; www.thefishmarket.com), near the racetrack.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
