Restaurants around the Del Mar Area

[BeadGirl]

We're going to be in Del Mar in two weeks. Does anybody have any opinions on the following restaurants or recommendations for others? Thank you so much!
The Fishery, Pacifica Breeze Cafe, Parallel 33, Sushi Ota

[happensatonce]

We enjoy Masugawa Sushi - 1101 Camino Del Mar in Del Mar Proper. It is a very small, neighborhood place where they do a great job - both traditional items and some creative stuff.

[mangiatore]

Sushi Ota - Excellent. Do not show up without a reservation.
The Fishery - ok, don't go out of your way to go there.
Parallel 33 - hit-and-miss at best. Expensive and overrated in my opinion.
I've never tried Pacifica Breeze Cafe

[ibstatguy]

for Del Mar and vicinity: Sbicca (DM); Nobu - sushi (Solana Beach); Market; Addison (expensive but terrific); Cavaillon; good burger - Chief's (Solana Beach); have a sunset drink on the terrace at the Plaza in Del Mar

[daantaat]

skip Sbicca's--food is very inconsistent and overpriced. I really wanted to like this place and tried it several times. Every time I left feeling like something was lacking, not to mention the hole in my wallet for overpriced food. It survives b/c it's in Del Mar.

Market and Cavaillon will give you a terrific meal, heads and shoulders above Sbicca's for just a tad more $$.

[ibstatguy]

inconsistent must be the word as we've had good dinners there although it has been a while since we've been in; may have to exercise some caution now

[irislowe]

Love Parallel 33. I'm originally from NY living in SD and find it hard to locate good restaurants here.

[Alice Q]

I think of all of those Pacifica Breeze is the only one that is in Del Mar - the rest are relatively far away. It's ok, the atmosphere is nice there - there's also a wine bar on the top floor oceanview patio in the building that is a nice place for a drink. The Fishery is ok, but probably not worth a special trip. Parallel 33 is unique and interesting and can be very good - it's eclectic and a bit expensive.

Sushi Ota is supposed to have excellent sushi, but has a very steady regular clientele, and it can be hard to get in if you show up without a reservation (as also noted by Daantaat) I haven't had the patience to try it thus far but I hear it's excellent. The atmosphere isn't trendy or fun - if you that, try Ono Sushi in Hillcrest or Japengo in the UTC area.

As far as other recommendations, it kind of depends on what you like and your budget - if you post more info you might get more specifics. Del Mar is really nice this time of year - hope you enjoy your trip!

I also recommend Market, and I have heard good things about Cavaillon. For more casual breakfast or lunch - I like Cafe Zinc in Solana Beach and Stratford Cafe in Del Mar proper.

www.aliceqfoodie.com

[daantaat]

Cafe Japengo's sushi is decent but overpriced. It's where you go if you need a "scene" w/ your sushi. If you're just looking for good sushi, Edo Sushi in UTC, Izakaya Sakura on Convoy (where I had an excellent chirashi don last night!) and Sushi Ota do a better job.

And yes, only Pacifica Breeze is in Del Mar. Americana, which is catty corner from Pacifica Breeze also does good breakfasts. Their lunches and dinners are decent as well.

[Alice Q]

I guess it also depends on what type of sushi you like or are looking for. I am not a purist - I have to admit, but I think Japengo does really good party rolls. I gusss I should try one of these other places sometime (Ota, Izakaya Sakura, etc.) to see what I am missing.

Where in the UTC area is Edo sushi?

[daantaat]

Edo Sushi is in the Renassiance Towne Center off Towne Center Drive. The easiest store to see off the road is Rubio's. Edo is tucked towards the back part of the complex, next to the Kabbalah Center.

If you want good, creative sushi rolls, I think Sushi on the Rock in La Jolla and Carlsbad have the best selection!

Yes, if you want really good sushi, go to Ota, Izakaya Sakura. There is a difference in the fish and the sushi rice. Edo is very good--just a tad below Ota's and Sakura's sushi, but I am splitting hairs now.

[Alice Q]

Ok - I've been to that center before, but not in a while.

Thanks for the run down - I don't know how, but I've never tried Sushi on the Rock - I will have to make a point of it. Somehow we don't go out much for sushi, though we really like it a lot!

[honkman]

If you are in this center you should also try Wired (small french-style bistro, very good for a light breakfast and lunch) and Barolo (one of the better Italian restautants in SD).

[daantaat]

honkman, I'm meeting up w/ a friend for lunch next wk and would love a new good place to add to the regular rotation....what kind of food/dishes does Wired serve (ie: is it Cafe Chloe-like, Cavaillon-like, etc) and Barolo (more like Lorna's or Trattoria Aqua-like)? thanks!

[honkman]

Barolo is northern Italian style. Don't expect absolutely outstanding Italian food but I think it is good for SD standard. Here is a link to their webpage to get a better idea:

http://www.barolos.com/display/home.asp

Sorry for the confusion with Wired but when I wrote bistro I didn't mean bistro as Cafe Chloe but in the "classical" French way that is focused on breakfast, coffee, and a small set of lunch dishes (covering sandwiches, soups, crepes, omlettes and small casseroles).

I like both of them but they are very different. Just go there and take a look at the menu. (and report back).

[Alice Q]

I have been to Wired and it is ok for a light meal or a snack, but it is more of a coffee bar type cafe - think Zanzibar in PB, or maybe Pannikin.

[sdunbier]

Sushi Nippon in downtown san Diego is great, Sushi is some of the freshest I've tasted. Be warned, no cooked food, only Sushi.

[daantaat]

Pacifica Breeze Cafe is good for breakfast, brunch and casual lunch. All the seating is outdoor, which means it can be very nice or very chilly if it's overcast.

Sushi Ota has excellent sushi but strongly recommend reservations for the sushi bar and dining area.

If you're in Del Mar, I would also recommend Market and Cavaillon. Market is probably one of the best restaraunts in the county.