Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego

Best Lunch Restaurants in Carmel Valley

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Areas
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating options
Award-winning
Accessibility

95 restaurants available nearby

A photo of South of Nick's - Del Mar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(643)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Del Mar
Booked 72 times today
An essential stop in San Diego for Southern California Mexican Cuisine.South of Nick's Mexican Kitchen & Bar features Classic Mexican favorites, prime steaks and seafood with a So Cal twist. Fine Tequilas & Margaritas Our food and drink meets the highest standards of quality, freshness and seasonality and combines both modern-creative and traditional styles of cooking. Nick’s is dedicated to perfecting the dining experience through continuous innovation, offering the highest quality food and beverage, and executing impeccable standards of hospitality. The deeply instilled Nick’s culture is personified by its Ladies and Gentlemen – professionals who share a single focus and are inspired and committed to offering great service and creating positive memorable experiences.
A photo of Amaya at Fairmont Grand Del Mar restaurant
4.1
Excellent(1361)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Carmel Valley
Booked 21 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
A photo of Jake's Del Mar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(10529)
Price: Moderate
• American • Del Mar
Booked 96 times today
Aloha friends of Jake’s Del Mar! We are open for indoor and outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery. Visit jakesdelmar.com to view our menus or place a takeout order online!Jake’s is the quintessential California oceanfront dining experience. The eclectic menu compliments the casual, yet elegant restaurant atmosphere right on the Del Mar shore. With chef-driven California coastal fare, craft cocktails, and unforgettable ocean views, it’s the best of the west coast. Whether for a date night or a celebration with friends and family, Jake’s serves up something special every time.
A photo of North Italia San Diego - One  Paseo restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1563)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Del Mar
Booked 72 times today
At North, we focus on what we do best: Italian from scratch. Enjoy any of our handmade pastas and pizzas, created with seasonal ingredients and inventive flavors. Or, try a different signature dish, prepared with our fresh flavors from the garden, farm, and sea. We’ve hand crafted seasonal cocktails that pair great with our food, creating a real modern Italia experiences perfect for any occasion.
A photo of California English restaurant
4.5
Awesome(502)
Price: Expensive
• American • Sorrento Mesa
Booked 41 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
4.5
Awesome(1429)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary European • Del Mar
Booked 25 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.
A photo of The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2371)
Price: Moderate
• American • La Jolla
Booked 34 times today
The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines is a restaurant that offers an exclusive view of the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course. Guests can enjoy wood-fired dishes, craft beer choices, and an expanded patio. The restaurant is known for its decadent Drugstore Hamburger, but it also offers a variety of other dishes, including salads, seafood, and steaks. The Grill is committed to using local ingredients and sound craftsmanship. The restaurant's ambiance is welcoming and thoughtful, and the team is dedicated to providing a memorable experience for guests.
A photo of The Pony Room restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1516)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Rancho Santa Fe
Booked 49 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.
A photo of Glass Box Asian Coastal Inspired Kitchen + Bar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(248)
Price: Moderate
• Sushi • Carmel Valley
Booked 38 times today
A transparent authentic cultural experience of Asian infused cuisine, continuously redefining “fresh”.
A photo of Poseidon restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5613)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Del Mar
Booked 68 times today
The minute you walk into Poseidon, you’ll be swept by the fabulous view. You couldn’t be closer to the sand and the beach than sitting at Poseidon on their beautiful outdoor patio. With such a spectacular ocean view, you’ll experience breathtaking sunsets and during the right season even catch a glimpse of the whales migrating up or down the coast. The bar offers a large circular firepit, which is nice on those chilly fall or winter nights. Off to the side of the bar is a split level dining room offering every table a panoramic view of the beach and the ocean. For decades, Poseidon has delighted both local San Diegans and the tourists that love the beach.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • susanVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •56 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Excellent breakfast selection, excellent quality of food, excellent service. Would highly recommend. Beautiful peaceful setting
    More info
    Amaya at Fairmont Grand Del MarPrice: Very Expensive• French• Carmel Valley
    4.1
  • VivianVIP
    San Diego •47 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We had great service (I apologize, I don't remember our server's name) and exceptional food. We all loved what we ordered. My stromboli and salad were so good, I can't wait to go back and order it again. My husband had a meatball sandwich and salad - there was nothing left on his plate!! My sister in law had a fungi pizza (which we all sampled!) - truly delicious. We ate inside because it was windy. I love the large tables North Italia has for parties more than 4. Our server was very attentive to our needs, refilling drink glasses before they were empty and making sure we all enjoyed our food and afternoon. Can't wait to come back for another meal!!
    More info
    North Italia San Diego - One PaseoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Del Mar
    4.6
  • Dave
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Fish and chips! Amazing casual tasty restaurant. Highly recommended for a business lunch or a relatively quiet dinner. Amazing food choices from the chef.
    More info
    California EnglishPrice: Expensive• American• Sorrento Mesa
    4.5
  • DavidVIP
    Orange County •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We haven’t been to Jake’s in years and decided to go to celebrate my wife’s birthday. Everything was as I remembered it. The food, service and location were amazing. Sidney was our waitstaff and she understood the assignment and made sure to deliver a memorable meal for us. Kudos to T&S Restaurants for NOT being a part of the Landry’s chains! You are special and deserve to remain independent and deliver the highest quality food and service that you have been know to do for 50 years!!
    More info
    Jake's Del MarPrice: Moderate• American• Del Mar
    4.8
  • David
    San Diego •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    South of Nick’s is a very nice upscale restaurant with a lovely ambiance to include an excellent wait staff and delicious food! I would highly recommend!
    More info
    South of Nick's - Del MarPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Del Mar
    4.7
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo