Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Carmel Valley

35 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Addison By William Bradley restaurant

1. Addison By William Bradley

4.8

Exceptional(1884)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Del Mar

Booked 4 times today

Addison, Southern California’s first three-star Michelin restaurant, showcases the beauty and allure of California Gastronomy. Chef William Bradley offers his distinct culinary perspective through an experience that celebrates regional ingredients and influences. With its picturesque views of the surrounding hillside, the dining room creates a transportive setting for Bradley’s ten-course tasting menu. To further enhance the experience, Addison’s 10,000 bottle wine program showcases small producers, rare Champagnes, and new discoveries from around the world.Since 2006, the purity and precision of Addison's approach has led to global recognition for the restaurant and the San Diego culinary scene. Addison is among an exclusive selection of stand-alone Relais & Châteaux restaurants worldwide, and, in addition to its three-star Michelin designation, is honored on La Liste. It has consistently received the highest recognition from Wine Spectator for its wine program.

A photo of Amaya at Fairmont Grand Del Mar restaurant

2. Amaya at Fairmont Grand Del Mar

4.4

Awesome(1323)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Carmel Valley

Booked 19 times today

Amaya at Fairmont Grand Del Mar combines the spirit of a beloved Parisian brasserie with a farm- and sea-to-table philosophy that celebrates the bounty of Southern California. Savor modern renditions of French brasserie classics including a hearty bouillabaisse, escargot, duck cassoulet, fruits de mer tour and tender filet de boeuf. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in the shaded terrace surrounded by fragrant blooms, or immerse yourself in the convivial atmosphere of our indoor dining room.Amaya’s menu is defined as much by an allegiance to French tradition as it is to Southern California’s bounty through the seasons. LIVE LIMITLESS - Join the rewards program designed with you in mind. As a member of ALL – Accor Live Limitless, you’ll earn points on dining, experiences and hotel reservations at more than 5,000 hotels worldwide. Enroll at https://bit.ly/3gvDtJG

3. The Pony Room

4.8

Exceptional(1475)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Rancho Santa Fe

Booked 24 times today

The Pony Room is a favorite among locals and resort guests alike. In addition to an extensive selection of all expressions of agave spirits, it is also home to one of Southern California's most impressive wine and hand-crafted, seasonally inspired signature cocktail lists. The Pony Room serves exceptional, American inspired comfort classics with daily specials.Live Music 7 nights a weekJoin us every Saturday and Sunday for Brunch on our beautiful hacienda inspired terraces from 11am to 2pm.

4. Pacifica Del Mar

4.5

Awesome(4835)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Del Mar

Booked 22 times today

Perched atop the Del Mar Plaza in the heart of the Village, Pacifica Del Mar has remained a local gem for years as one of the neighborhood’s most sought-after places to dine, wine and gather with friends and family. Their menu showcases casual and inspired fare - like fresh seafood, steak and pasta - complimented by an award-winning wine list and creative cocktails.Whether you choose to dine on their cozy ocean view patio, or join them in our vibrant dining room or bar, their warm service and great food and drink will provide a memorable dining experience.We look forward to seeing you at Pacifica Del Mar. Please note that in an effort to give our staff enough time to turn over and sanitize tables between diners, reservations will be limited to an hour and a half for parties of 4 or less, and 2 hours for parties 5+. We thank you for understanding and helping us keep things safe for you.

A photo of AR Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines restaurant

5. AR Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines

4.8

Exceptional(2506)

Price: Very Expensive

• Farm-to-table • La Jolla

A.R. Valentien, the signature restaurant at the AAA Five Diamond resort The Lodge at Torrey Pines, features innovative California cuisine served in a breathtaking setting overlooking the Torrey Pines Golf Course and Pacific Ocean coastline. Executive Chef Kelli Crosson uses only the best local provisions, and the menu changes daily depending on what's offered at local farmers' markets, as well as from other local growers, ranchers and fishermen. The restaurant's wine list features California wines exclusively, including a variety of boutique wineries from throughout the state. A.R. Valentien’s sophisticated design includes artwork from the restaurant’s namesake, Albert Robert Valentien, and a spacious outdoor terrace. Special events include the seasonal Artisan Table dinner series and Celebrate the Craft, an annual charity event benefiting The Ecology Center.PLEASE NOTE: We will be temporarily closed starting Dinner, October 13 - March 2025, due to kitchen enhancement renovations

A photo of California English restaurant

6. California English

4.3

Awesome(468)

Price: Expensive

• American • Sorrento Mesa

Booked 4 times today

Located in the Sorrento Valley, California English is the newest culinary creation from celebrity chef, Richard Blais. Blais is creating an all-day menu for California English that’ll interpret classic British dishes through the lens of Southern California ingredients.The idea is a fusion of sorts: the laid-back California lifestyle that makes San Diego so unique, mixed with a cozy pub convivial atmosphere where you can meet friends (or mates) for a pint after work, set up a client lunch with fresh oysters on the menu or have a cozy family dinner over a Sunday roast. Everything on the menu is made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients that make for fresh and flavorful dishes. The effortless vibe of casual yet stylish makes for the perfect place to celebrate the joy of the unexpected coming together to make the perfect culinary match.

A photo of Beeside Balcony Del Mar restaurant

7. Beeside Balcony Del Mar

4.4

Awesome(1413)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary European • Del Mar

Booked 5 times today

Beeside Balcony is a hidden gem in old Del Mar, CA with a relaxed seaside chic décor where guests enjoy global mediterranean cuisine and ocean views from the covered outside balcony. A third generation chef of Spanish and Italian descent, and hailing form Paris, France, Christophe's restaurant career began at 17 in the kitchen of his father's restaurant in Pasadena when they first emigrated to the USA. Upon returning to southern California in 2011, Christophe spent 8 years as the managing partner of Eddie V's Prime Seafood in La Jolla. Here he deepened his knowledge of sourcing and cooking the freshest seafood available, while delivering world class service. The laid back coastal vibe of Del Mar, combined with the attention to detail from Christophe's fine dining background, infuses Beeside Balcony with an easy elegance that elevates any gathering, and makes the perfect backdrop to showcase his global mediterranean menu.

8. Mille Fleurs

4.8

Exceptional(2276)

Price: Very Expensive

• French American • Rancho Santa Fe

Booked 14 times today

**Please note: Patio requests must call the restaurant to confirm availability for patio dining, as availability is very limited due to table spacing.* Nestled in the heart of the historic and charming village of Rancho Santa Fe, just four miles inland from Del Mar, Mille Fleurs offers magnificent California food presentation with extraordinary French flair. The exquisite yet comfortable French country décor with inviting outside patio provides an atmosphere that is gracious, warm and welcoming. Mille Fleurs has received numerous accolades including: "Top 25 in America" from Food & Wine Magazine "Far and away the best restaurant sampled in greater San Diego" quoted in The New York Times as well as "Best French" and "Best of the Best" in San Diego Magazine. Our award winning wine cellar offers over seven hundred choices spanning the globe and varying greatly in price. A mile down the road is the Chino's Family Farm where our chef heads every day to get fresh ingredients.

9. Red Tracton's

4.7

Exceptional(1698)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Del Mar

Booked 4 times today

East coast style Steakhouse and Supper Club with roots dating back 75 years plus . Red Tracton's is know for serving only the finest in Prime Beef and Seafood. Quality and quantity is Reds trademark. Live entertainment Tuesday - Saturday at the Piano bar.

10. Tavern

4.8

Exceptional(525)

Price: Moderate

• American • Solana Beach

Booked 9 times today

Newly remodeled, the much airier Tavern is all about art, music, and above all great food. Open for lunch and soon to include evening dining, the Tavern adds a distinctly Mexican/Pacific Coast set of flavors to the local fine dining scene.We are located in the heart of the Cedros Design District, within walking distance of the Amtrak station. The style is casual with indoor and outdoor dining ( plus bar seating). The patio, which can accommodate 18 guests, looks out onto the shop-lined Cedros Avenue and can be separated from the main dining area for private events.*Please note* Our restaurant welcomes walk-ins during our Lunch hours from 11:30 am- 3:30 pm. *Tavern restaurant will be closed for dinner (Lunch will remain open Monday and Tuesday when the belly up is dark)*Please check our website for the most up-to-date hours*

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

U
Uma
Hawaii •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The food was great. Loved the scallop tartare and the salmon. Dessert awesome, The pumpkin tart had the right amount of sweetness and the edible pea flowers were the perfect edible decor for the tartini. Turkey, cranberry sause thanksgiving meal was so yummy . Everything we ordered was very delicious and the ambience so relaxing.Our server went above and beyond and encouraged us to have a stroll around the resort after a leisurely lunch. Kids loved watching the horses inside the stable. We enjoyed the walk after the delicious food.
More info
Amaya at Fairmont Grand Del MarPrice: Very Expensive• French• Carmel Valley
•
4.4
G
Gabriel
San Diego •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The Pony Room was the perfect spot to celebrate friendship and gratitude. As two happily married couples, we honored the husbands’ 45+ years of friendship with incredible food, creative cocktails, and live music that set the perfect mood. The service was impeccable, and the ambiance made the evening unforgettable. Highly recommend for any special occasion!
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The Pony RoomPrice: Very Expensive• American• Rancho Santa Fe
•
4.8
C
Caroline
Yosemite / Mammoth Lakes •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
We FINALLY made it down from Carlsbad and took advantage of the “Proper Roast Dinner with Richard Blais.” Our first time here was well worth it! The restaurant is GORGEOUS! The staff, engaging and very attentive. We thoroughly enjoyed the scrumptious prime rib dinner with wonderful sides. Everything was meticulously prepared and delicious! King Richard visited our table a few times which made our experience extra special. The sticky toffee and date cake with salted caramel ice cream is a MUST!!! Sooooo good! We will be back to try the famous ale battered cod and chips and the prime rib dip sando…
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California EnglishPrice: Expensive• American• Sorrento Mesa
•
4.3
M
Michael
Orange County •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 16 Nov 2024
The six of us had a very enjoyable experience dining at Pacific Del Mar. The service was awesome! Our water glasses were consistently filled and our server was very attentive to our needs. Our meals were served gently/politely and our table was quickly cleared of finished items (appetizers, etc) Everyone enjoyed their food, although my green beans were over-spiced for my liking. The coffee was very delicious. We would definitely eat here at this very classy restaurant!
More info
Pacifica Del MarPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Del Mar
•
4.5
LE
LouiseE
San Diego •14 reviews
5.0
Dined on 1 Apr 2023
worth every penny and every calorie - bravo chef bradley and staff!
More info
Addison By William BradleyPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Del Mar
•
4.8

Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Carmel Valley

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35 restaurants available nearby

1. Addison By William Bradley

2. Amaya at Fairmont Grand Del Mar

3. The Pony Room

4. Pacifica Del Mar

5. AR Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines

6. California English

7. Beeside Balcony Del Mar

8. Mille Fleurs

9. Red Tracton's

10. Tavern

See what locals rave about

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