Most Romantic Restaurants in Del Mar for a Date

With an eclectic mix of restaurants and myriad ocean view dining options, plus quaint streets and wide beaches for a post-date stroll, Del Mar Village has romance in spades. Here are some of the best date night restaurants in Del Mar, whether planning a first date or a night out with your longtime love:

To be transported to another place…

Head to Coya Peruvian Secret. Tucked away under cascading bougainvillea, with soft lighting and sangria in hand, you’ll feel worlds away from Southern California without having to step foot in an airport.

Visit Coya Peruvian Secret

For endless ocean views…

You can’t get much closer to the Pacific Ocean – at least not while drinking a mai tai or a fine glass of wine – than Jake’s Del Mar and Poseidon Del Mar. Catch surfers in the lineup and a front row seat to spectacular sunsets for happy hour or stay awhile and do it all, drinks through dessert.

Visit Jake’s Del Mar

Visit Poseidon Del Mar

For a fun vibe and a sunset cheers…

There’s no better place than Monarch Ocean Pub, with an innovative craft cocktail list and mouth watering food, not to mention a sweet restaurant-wide sunset cheers led by bar lead Erik Sloan, who writes an original heartfelt poem to share with guests every evening he’s working (Monarch staff takes up the mantle on his off nights).

Visit Monarch Ocean Pub

For a chef-driven adventure…

Go for the omakase sushi and sashimi at Shimbashi Izakaya. Directly translated, “omakase” means, “I leave it up to you”; for the adventurous couple, entrust your meal to Shimbashi’s chefs and you will not be disappointed. You can also choose from other fresh, seasonal Japanese dishes to round things out, and complete the meal with one of many sakes on the menu.

Visit Shimbashi Izakaya

For a new take on Italian…

Visit Cevasco’s, the newest concept from Christsophe Cevasco, chef/owner of Beeside Balcony, which is just upstairs. Cevasco’s offers modern Italian cuisine focused on fresh seafood, plus an eclectic wine list to complement the menu. Our mouths are watering just thinking about it…

Visit Cevasco’s

If dessert is your love language…

Del Mar Village has delicious dessert options at all of its restaurants, but if you really want to finish your night with a sweet treat, visit Seaside Yogurt for build-your-own froyo and toppings or An’s Hatmakers for award-winning gelato made from scratch daily.

Visit Seaside Yogurt

Visit An’s Hatmakers

For live, local music…

Make a reservation at Zel’s Del Mar, where you can catch live music every Friday and Saturday night. Keep it casual and fun in the bar area or snuggle up outside next to the fire pit; Zel’s is a Del Mar Village mainstay for a reason.

Visit Zel’s Del Mar