1. Pacifica Del Mar
Seafood · $$$$1.2 mi · Del Mar Plaza
Top floor of Del Mar Plaza with an ocean-view terrace. The long-standing choice for a nice dinner after a day at the races.
What to do: Terrace table, the sugar-spiced salmon.
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Where to eat · Del Mar & Solana Beach
Race season turns Del Mar into the busiest dining village in North County. The track itself has plenty of food, but the good restaurants are a few minutes west toward the water in Del Mar Village.
Last updated · 6 picks
Quick answer: Best after the races: Pacifica Del Mar in Del Mar Plaza, with an ocean-view terrace. Jake's Del Mar sits directly on the sand. For a cheaper, quicker meal, Board & Brew sandwiches or the Del Mar Plaza casual options.
Getting there: Track parking is paid and exits slowly after the last race — walking or rideshare into Del Mar Village, about a mile west, is usually faster than driving out.
1.2 mi · Del Mar Plaza
Top floor of Del Mar Plaza with an ocean-view terrace. The long-standing choice for a nice dinner after a day at the races.
What to do: Terrace table, the sugar-spiced salmon.
1.4 mi · on the sand
Literally on Del Mar beach — the surf is outside the window. Best sunset dinner in North County.
What to do: Reserve a window table at sunset.
1.2 mi · Del Mar Plaza
Del Mar Plaza Italian with an ocean-view patio. Big enough to handle a race-day group without a two-week reservation.
What to do: Patio, pasta, and a bottle.
1.3 mi · Camino Del Mar
A Del Mar Village favorite with a second-story deck. More neighborhood-restaurant feel than the plaza rooms.
What to do: The deck, before sunset.
1.5 mi · on the sand
Beachfront patio right next to Jake's, more casual and easier to get into. Good for a beer with sand underfoot.
What to do: Patio, fish tacos, sunset.
1 mi
The North County sandwich shop. Cheap and fast, and the right choice when you spent your budget at the betting window.
What to do: The Board Special.
| If you... | Go here |
|---|---|
| Nice dinner after the last race | Pacifica Del Mar or Jake's |
| Right on the sand | Jake's Del Mar or Poseidon |
| Group of eight on a race day | Il Fornaio Del Mar |
| Cheap and fast | Board & Brew |
Del Mar Village, about a mile west toward the ocean, is the destination — Pacifica Del Mar in Del Mar Plaza for an ocean-view dinner, Jake's Del Mar for a table on the sand, or Sbicca on Camino Del Mar. Book ahead during race season; the village fills up.
Del Mar has historically allowed limited outside food on certain days and areas, with restrictions that vary by event and season. Check the track's current policy for the specific race day, since concert and special-event days often have stricter rules.
Yes, especially on Friday and Saturday nights during the summer meet. The village restaurants book out, and walking in after the last race means a long wait. Reserve for right after the final race or plan to eat later.
Restaurants close, change hands, and change hours. Prices are rough per-person guidance, not quotes. Confirm hours and reservations directly before you go.
Where to eat, where to sleep, and where to put the car — the same landmark, the other questions.
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Published by the Sandi Spots Editorial team at Sleep Coast LLC. Guides combine local perspective and source research. Check the individual guide for firsthand observations and follow official links to confirm current details.