3 Best Restaurants in Del Mar, North County and Around

Nothing comes remotely close to the poetic culinary experience of this AAA 5-Diamond, three-star Michelin restaurant by acclaimed chef William Bradley, who serves haute French flavors in his 10-course prix-fixe dinners. Like a ballet, servers present elegant dishes showcasing a mélange of textures and flavors that celebrate California and French gastronomy. Although the menu changes seasonally, count on impressive presentation and a first-class dining experience that may integrate black truffles, Kampachi sashimi, Cantonese quail, or Regiis Ova caviar with smoked sabayon. Beyond the swanky bar and wine cave is a sophisticated dining room with white linens and arched windows, yet the environment is relaxed, approachable, and far from pretentious. Addison delights wine lovers with more than 3,500 varietals from around the world.

Carl Schroeder, one of California's most reputable chefs, draws well-heeled foodies to his creative and locally sourced California fare, much of it with an Asian influence from his time in Japan. The three-course tasting menu changes regularly depending upon what's fresh, but Schroeder's seasonally inspired dishes have a playful spirit, whether it's a gorgonzola soufflé, a grapefruit-avocado salad, or miso-glazed cod with ramen noodles and snap pea tempura. A well-edited wine list offers food-friendly wines by the best and brightest winemakers around the world. Desserts change monthly.

The view of the shimmering Pacific from this lovely restaurant perched atop Del Mar Plaza is one of the best along the coast, and complements the simply prepared, beautifully presented seafood. The highly innovative menu is frequently rewritten to show off such creations as barbecue sugar-spice salmon with mustard sauce and soy-glazed halibut. The crowd ranges from young hipsters at the bar to well-dressed businesspeople on the outdoor terrace overlooking the surf, where glass screens block any hint of a chilly breeze. For something more casual, head to Pacifica's Breeze Café on the ground floor for breakfast and lunch.