Carmel Valley Restaurants
Book your table now
Book for lunch today in San Diego
OpenTable Icons
Top restaurants this week
Top booked
Top viewed
Top saved
- 1
Le Coq
$$$$•Contemporary French•4.6(954)La Jolla - 2
The Amalfi Llama Wood-Fire Italian Steakhouse - San Diego
$$$$•Steakhouse•4.5(935)University City/Golden Triangle - 3
The Fishery
$$$$•Seafood•4.8(3,527)Pacific Beach - 4
Eddie V's - La Jolla
$$$$•Seafood•4.8(6,505)La Jolla - 5
NINE-TEN
$$$$•Californian•4.8(3,235)La Jolla
Find the right table in Carmel Valley
Let OpenTable find the best spots for you.
New restaurants to OpenTable in San Diego
Award winning restaurants in San Diego
Check out diners' favourite restaurants in Carmel Valley
Updated on
Diners’ Choice Awards are based on where your fellow diners book, dine, and review. Only verified diners get to review restaurants on OpenTable, so our data doesn’t lie.
Vittorio's Italian Restaurant- San Diego
$$$$•Italian•4.8(793)Italian trattoria and wine bar.
Favorite neighborhood Italian restaurantAmbrogio15 Del Mar
$$$$•Italian•4.5(261)Ambrogio15 Del Mar brings a modern Italian dining experience to the heart of Del Mar Highlands Town Center, inside the Skydeck food hall. Our restaurant offers a refined yet inviting take on Italian cuisine for food lovers across Del Mar, Carmel Valley, and the greater San Diego region.
Our innovative menu showcases pastas, risottos, ultra-thin crust pizzas, and seasonal chef-driven creations, and more, highlighting fresh, sustainable ingredients. Ambrogio15 is also home to an award-winning wine list, exclusively curated with organic, natural, and biodynamic Italian wines - destination for wine enthusiasts seeking authentic pairings.
If you're planning a romantic dinner, a group celebration, or a casual night out, Ambrogio15 Del Mar offers a sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere. Discover why we’re a top-rated choice for modern Italian cuisine in Del Mar and San Diego County.
Culinary Dropout - Del Mar
$$$$•American•4.6(393)At Culinary Dropout, it’s all about raising a glass to good friends and even better vibes. A spot where flavor and music fuel the soul, kick off happy hour with ice-cold beer and our famous soft pretzels and provolone fondue. Staying for dinner? Dig into our handcrafted cocktails and 36-hour slow-braised pork ribs. Did we mention you won’t want to leave when the band starts? Come hang out and stay a while. We’re always serving damn good food for damn good people.Amaya at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
$$$$•Californian•4.4(1,450)Savor a fresh take on California cuisine shaped by the region’s diverse terroirs and coastal inspiration. Amaya’s ingredient-forward menu highlights local farms, waters, and wild places brought to life with timeless technique and a spirit of seasonal creativity. Every dish is a celebration of nature’s rhythm and the bounty of the Golden State. Whether enjoying breakfast, lunch, or dinner on the shaded, flower-lined terrace overlooking our serene canyon preserve, or gathered indoors among deep red accents, Amaya offers the perfect setting for connection, where warmth, laughter, and camaraderie abound. Whether with family, friends, or for a romantic dinner, every moment is meant to be special.
LIVE LIMITLESS - Join the rewards program designed with you in mind. As a member of ALL – Accor Live Limitless, you’ll earn points on dining, experiences and hotel reservations at more than 5,000 hotels worldwide. Enroll at https://bit.ly/3gvDtJG
Outdoor dining in San Diego
See what locals rave about in Carmel Valley
- JJuanGoldSan Diego •13 reviews5.0Dined 1 day agoI celebrated my birthday at Steak 48 with my family, and we had an absolutely wonderful experience. It was the perfect place to celebrate such a special occasion surrounded by the people I love. The food was excellent, the atmosphere was fantastic, and the service was truly exceptional. A very special thank you to Raul and Ian, who took such great care of us and made the evening even more memorable with their attentiveness, professionalism, and warm hospitality. We had a wonderful time from beginning to end, and I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday celebration with my family. Thank you, Steak 48, and especially Raul and Ian, for making it such a memorable evening. Highly recommended!More infoSteak 48 - Del Mar$$$$• Steakhouse• Del Mar•4.9
- CCeceliaGoldLas Vegas •4 reviews5.0Dined 2 days agoGreat Happy Hour and fantastic server. A wonderful experience!More infoCulinary Dropout - Del Mar$$$$• American• Carmel Valley•4.6
- PPatriciaGoldSan Diego •136 reviews5.0Dined 3 days agoI highly recommend! Great food, service ambiance! Neighborhood gem!More infoNick's Del Mar$$$$• American• Del Mar•4.7
- MMartyOrange County •2 reviews5.0Dined 5 days agoThe food and service were excellent. The staff graciously allowed us to linger in the patio for hours.More infoSouth of Nick's - Del Mar$$$$• Mexican• Del Mar•4.7
- LleeSan Diego •1 review5.0Dined 5 days agoFood is always amazing. Polenta and garlic bread always a favorite. Love the patio dining at One Paseo, great feel and quieter than insideMore infoNorth Italia San Diego - One Paseo$$$$• Italian• Del Mar•4.6
Trending dishes in Carmel Valley
Restaurant experiences trending in San Diego
Private Dining
Private Dining
Discover Carmel Valley
As a northern San Diego neighborhood, Carmel Valley is an ideal place dine on authentic Mexican food, Italian cuisine, and even Japanese fare. Order fresh guacamole or a large Mexican platter that includes fish, beans, steak, and cornbread. If you’re craving something Italian, then consider ordering the paccheri Emiliana or the salmone escada. When it comes to the area’s Japanese fare, try menu items such as a rice bowl, the vegan miso shoyu or a fusion dish like the carnitas-filled steamed buns. If traditional American cuisine is your thing, then you’ll come across plenty of dining choices that fit this bill. Bar and grill establishments in the area serve up burgers, steak, and chicken. In Carmel Valley, the good food makes it easy to stay full.
Frequently asked questions
Healthy restaurants located in Carmel Valley include Glass Box Asian Coastal Inspired Kitchen + Bar, Amaya at Fairmont Grand Del Mar and Dark Horse Japanese Nikkei Cuisine
The most romantic restaurant in Carmel Valley is Amaya at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Restaurants in Carmel Valley with a great view include Amaya at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Grand Social at Fairmont Grand Del Mar and Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Explore OpenTable
- Del Mar Heights Getaway
- Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
- Torrey Highlands Park
- Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego-Del Mar
- Wave Church SD
- Fairmont Grand Del Mar
- San Diego Marriott Del Mar
- Residence Inn San Diego Del Mar
- Plaza Carmel Shopping Centre
- Del Mar Highlands Town Center Shopping Center
- Fairbanks Ranch Country Club
- Carmel Creek Park
- Del Mar Trails Park
- Carmel Del Mar Park
- Los Penasquitos Waterfowl Refuge
- Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Del Mar
- DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego/Del Mar
- Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Del Mar