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Best Contemporary European Restaurants in Del Mar

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5 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Beeside Balcony Del Mar restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1413)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary european • Del Mar
Booked 13 times today
Beeside Balcony in Del Mar, CA, stands out as a beacon of Contemporary European cuisine, infused with a global Mediterranean twist that delights its guests. Helmed by Chef Christophe, a third-generation chef with Spanish, Italian, and French culinary roots, the restaurant offers a dining experience that marries coastal charm with fine dining precision. Patrons rave about the "excellent octopus" and the uniquely delicious "baklava ice cream," highlighting the creative yet authentic menu. The setting, with its "beautiful view of the ocean" and "seaside chic décor," enhances every meal, making Beeside Balcony a must-visit for those seeking an exceptional Contemporary European dining experience. Guests consistently praise the "wonderful service," the "friendly place" atmosphere, and the overall quality of the food and drinks, ensuring that every visit is memorable.
A photo of Waverly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(98)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary european • Encinitas
Booked 52 times today
Nestled in the charming Cardiff by The Sea in Encinitas, Waverly Restaurant & Lounge is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine. It offers a progressive menu infused with a European twist that tantalizes the palate with dishes like the divine burrata "donuts" and adventurous bone marrow paired with beef tartare. The rave reviews emphasize the quality and creativity of the menu. One guest exclaimed, "The duck meatball was flavorful and moist," illustrating the unique culinary delights that await at Waverly. With its chic Tulum-inspired decor and a vibrant atmosphere, Waverly stands out as a must-visit destination for those seeking an exceptional dining experience with a contemporary American flair.
A photo of Valentina restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1795)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary european • Encinitas
Booked 26 times today
Nestled in the charming beach town of Encinitas, Valentina shines as a gem of Basque cuisine, offering an authentic dining experience reminiscent of Spain's vibrant flavors. Celebrated for its "delicious and creative use of flavors," Valentina consistently impresses with its array of tapas and heartier dishes that transport diners straight to the Basque Country. Guests rave about the "best octopus dish outside of Spain" and the Basque cake, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to authenticity and quality. The intimate and lively ambiance, coupled with exceptional service, makes Valentina a must-visit for anyone seeking the true taste of Basque culinary excellence in Southern California.
A photo of Beeside Balcony La Jolla restaurant
4.2
Awesome(156)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary european • La Jolla
Booked 8 times today
Beeside Balcony in La Jolla, San Diego, is a culinary treasure that stands out for its exceptional Contemporary European cuisine. With an inviting seaside chic décor and panoramic ocean views, it offers a unique dining experience that captivates both locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is praised for its innovative dishes that skillfully blend European techniques with fresh, local ingredients. Diners rave about the quality and creativity of the meals, with one guest noting the "food was absolutely amazing" and highlighting the standout oysters and mussels. The ambiance is perfectly complemented by attentive service and an engaging owner who adds a personal touch to the dining experience. Whether it's the vibrant Mediterranean menu or the delightful cocktails, Beeside Balcony is a must-visit for those seeking a distinctive and satisfying European dining adventure in La Jolla.
A photo of The Whaling Bar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(64)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary european • La Jolla
Booked 11 times today
Rediscover the charm of Mediterranean dining at The Whaling Bar in La Jolla, San Diego, a delightful spot that serves up not just meals but experiences. Patrons rave about the "absolutely delicious" Lobster Roll and the "inventive" Twinkie Caesar salad, showing how the menu creatively plays with Mediterranean staples. Each dish, from the "creamy and flavorful" polenta to the "perfectly cooked" Urfa Chicken, is a testament to the skill of Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski, whose expertise adds authenticity and flair to every meal. The glowing reviews continually highlight the "exceptional" food and the vibrant ambiance, making The Whaling Bar a must-visit for anyone craving a true Mediterranean feast in a cozy, yet elegant setting.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Veronicavip
    San Diego •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    As always, excellent food and service. The decor and ambiance are so welcoming and nice. Love this place! The view too!
    More info
    Beeside Balcony Del MarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary European• Del Mar
    4.4
  • Robertvip
    San Diego •240 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    There are always many ways to praise Valentina, but in few words it is one of the best, if not the best, dining experiences in all of San Diego county.
    More info
    ValentinaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary European• Encinitas
    4.8
  • Shiela
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We were greeted right away and get seated even though our group is not complete yet. Food was awesome, we loved everything we ordered and service was superb. Our server was very attentive and friendly. Ambiance was great too, we dined inside since it’s a little bit chilly at night. Highly recommend this place for any celebrations/occasions. Love to come back someday 👍
    More info
    Beeside Balcony La JollaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary European• La Jolla
    4.2
  • Hamiltonvip
    San Diego •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Man, I noticed a few bad reviews for this place but we totally disagree. This is a cool, smaller restaurant attached to the Hotel Valencia. It has a nice u-shaped bar with what seemed to be mostly locals hanging out talking with the staff. Upscale vibe but not "stuffy" La Jolla vibe. The cocktails were amazing and fairly creative. We also thought the food was excellent, contrary to what a few other folks have said. The braised short rib Mao, crispy pumpkin squash, and twinkie ceaser were the standouts. Only minor downsides were that you can smell the seals a little bit and it was a bit chilly inside, as the door was kept open. Overall we really enjoyed our experience.
    More info
    The Whaling BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• La Jolla
    4.5
  • Marilyn
    San Diego •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    My girlfriend and I go there a lot. We usually split the Caesar salad, which is the best ever Caesar! Today we split the avocado toast. It was pretty bland for our taste. We usually think of avocado toast as having some sort of little kick, but this had none. Salt and pepper helped a little, then we asked for some aoli, which was chipotle mayo, which also helped. But we both decided that we wouldn’t order it again.
    More info
    Waverly Restaurant & LoungePrice: Expensive• American• Encinitas
    4.6

Discover best Contemporary European restaurants in Del Mar

Discover the essence of contemporary European dining in the picturesque locale of Del Mar, North San Diego. This region is celebrated for its sophisticated blend of European culinary traditions, skillfully presenting dishes that combine local ingredients with international flavors. The restaurants in this area are notable for their commitment to quality and innovation, often featuring menus that reflect a modern interpretation of classic European cuisine. Each establishment boasts unique culinary creations, from meticulously crafted seafood dishes to artisanal meats and organic local produce, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. Del Mar's dining scene is enriched by its scenic views and elegant atmospheres, making it a prime destination for food enthusiasts seeking a taste of contemporary European flair. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these restaurants offer a delightful exploration of culinary excellence, characterized by their authenticity and creative presentations. Enjoy the perfect blend of ambiance, taste, and service in this vibrant culinary hotspot.

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