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, San Diego

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

373 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Nick's Del Mar restaurant
1. Nick's Del Mar
4.7
Exceptional(1810)
$$$$
• American • Del Mar
Booked 61 times today
Classic American comfort food, crave-able bar snacks, plus unique cocktails & an extensive wine list in an upscale yet casual environment. Our intimate restaurant features a chic island bar, walls of glass and a spacious covered patio, perfect for people watching. Our exhibition kitchen highlights the talents of our passionate culinary team.Nick’s is dedicated to perfecting the dining experience through continuous innovation, offering the highest quality food and beverage, and executing impeccable standards of hospitality. The deeply instilled Nick’s culture is personified by its Ladies and Gentlemen – professionals who share a single focus and are inspired and committed to offering great service and creating positive memorable experiences.
A photo of South of Nick's - Del Mar restaurant
2. South of Nick's - Del Mar
4.7
Exceptional(1044)
$$$$
• Mexican • Del Mar
Booked 72 times today
An essential stop in San Diego for Southern California Mexican Cuisine.South of Nick's Mexican Kitchen & Bar features Classic Mexican favorites, prime steaks and seafood with a So Cal twist. Fine Tequilas & Margaritas Our food and drink meets the highest standards of quality, freshness and seasonality and combines both modern-creative and traditional styles of cooking. Nick’s is dedicated to perfecting the dining experience through continuous innovation, offering the highest quality food and beverage, and executing impeccable standards of hospitality. The deeply instilled Nick’s culture is personified by its Ladies and Gentlemen – professionals who share a single focus and are inspired and committed to offering great service and creating positive memorable experiences.
A photo of North Italia San Diego - One Paseo restaurant
3. North Italia San Diego - One Paseo
4.5
Awesome(1822)
$$$$
• Italian • Del Mar
Booked 81 times today
At North, we focus on what we do best: Italian from scratch. Enjoy any of our handmade pastas and pizzas, created with seasonal ingredients and inventive flavors. Or, try a different signature dish, prepared with our fresh flavors from the garden, farm, and sea. We’ve hand crafted seasonal cocktails that pair great with our food, creating a real modern Italia experiences perfect for any occasion.
A photo of Culinary Dropout - Del Mar restaurant
4. Culinary Dropout - Del Mar
4.6
Exceptional(323)
$$$$
• American • Carmel Valley
Booked 52 times today
At Culinary Dropout, it’s all about raising a glass to good friends and even better vibes. A spot where flavor and music fuel the soul, kick off happy hour with ice-cold beer and our famous soft pretzels and provolone fondue. Staying for dinner? Dig into our handcrafted cocktails and 36-hour slow-braised pork ribs. Did we mention you won’t want to leave when the band starts? Come hang out and stay a while. We’re always serving damn good food for damn good people.
A photo of The Amalfi Llama Wood-Fire Italian Steakhouse - San Diego restaurant
5. The Amalfi Llama Wood-Fire Italian Steakhouse - San Diego
4.6
Exceptional(797)
$$$$
• Steakhouse • University City/Golden Triangle
Booked 45 times today
The Amalfi Llama reimagines the culinary landscape by seamlessly merging the allure of a rustic live-fire steakhouse with the flavors of Italian cuisine, a culinary haven where genuine cooking, down-to-earth cuisine and stylish flair intertwine. Guests embark on a journey from Southern Patagonia to the Mediterranean coast of Italy as they indulge in a multisensory experience that transcends boundaries – from the soothing cream decor to the intimate ambiance of crackling embers accompanied by the melodies of vintage Italian vinyls. Embracing the essence of a modern farmhouse, The Amalfi Llama revolves around an open parrilla grill and wood-burning oven, harnessing fire, smoke, coals and embers to craft dishes. The restaurant’s ethos also meets design with Latin American and Mediterranean influences, resulting in an inviting environment adorned with light woods, natural light and subtly elegant finishes, defying traditional steakhouse and Italian restaurant conventions.
A photo of The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines restaurant
6. The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
4.6
Exceptional(2706)
$$$$
• American • La Jolla
Booked 57 times today
The Grill is a popular dining destination at The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California. A favorite place for gathering with friends and family, The Grill at Torrey Pines invites locals and visitors to lounge beside five cozy fire pits, taste local craft beers beneath an artfully designed trellis, and enjoy meals from the restaurant's custom-built wood-burning suite — including the trademark Drugstore Burger, a true San Diego classic. Led by Executive Chef Eric Sakai and Chef de Cuisine Michael Moritz, The Grill is dedicated to local ingredients and creative California cooking. Whether coming together for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this La Jolla restaurant promises a welcoming and memorable dining experience.
A photo of Glass Box Asian Coastal Inspired Kitchen + Bar restaurant
7. Glass Box Asian Coastal Inspired Kitchen + Bar
4.7
Exceptional(354)
$$$$
• Sushi • Carmel Valley
Booked 20 times today
A transparent authentic cultural experience of Asian infused cuisine, continuously redefining “fresh”.
A photo of Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff restaurant
8. Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff
4.8
Exceptional(10270)
$$$$
• Seafood • Cardiff By The Sea
Booked 127 times today
Pacific Coast Grill's oceanfront venue features unique Pacific Coastal cuisine, an oyster bar, select sushi rolls, and a plethora of seafood choices, delicious steaks and more! There are two levels of dining at the new PCG with every dining seat in the house carefully planned to have an ocean view. There are bars on both levels and a heated outdoor patio and a deck with one of the best views of the Pacific Ocean and the line up at Cardiff Reef. You can watch surfers, kite surfers, dolphins, whales and spectacular sunsets from throughout the restaurant.
A photo of Jake's Del Mar restaurant
9. Jake's Del Mar
4.8
Exceptional(11199)
$$$$
• American • Del Mar
Booked 157 times today
Right on the sand in the heart of Del Mar, Jake's has been San Diego's most beloved beachfront dining destination since 1981 — where floor-to-ceiling ocean views, chef-driven New American cuisine, and a genuine California coastal vibe make every visit unforgettable.Housed in a building with roots dating to 1910, Jake's sets the stage with sweeping panoramas of the Pacific from nearly every table — especially breathtaking at sunset. Our menu celebrates fresh local seafood, premium steaks and chops, and seasonal coastal fare crafted from sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you're in for a leisurely Sunday brunch, a romantic sunset dinner, or a relaxed meal with friends, Jake's delivers something special every time.Indoor and outdoor patio dining available. Private dining spaces for gatherings and special events. Valet parking available; metered and lot parking nearby.Only service animals are permitted inside. Visit jakesdelmar.com for menus, takeout, and updates.
A photo of Pacifica Del Mar restaurant
10. Pacifica Del Mar
4.6
Exceptional(4979)
$$$$
• Seafood • Del Mar
Booked 28 times today
Perched atop the Del Mar Plaza in the heart of the Village, Pacifica Del Mar has remained a local gem for years as one of the neighborhood’s most sought-after places to dine, wine and gather with friends and family. Their menu showcases casual and inspired fare - like fresh seafood, steak and pasta - complimented by an award-winning wine list and creative cocktails.Whether you choose to dine on their cozy ocean view patio, or join them in our vibrant dining room or bar, their warm service and great food and drink will provide a memorable dining experience.We look forward to seeing you at Pacifica Del Mar. Please note that in an effort to give our staff enough time to turn over and sanitize tables between diners, reservations will be limited to an hour and a half for parties of 4 or less, and 2 hours for parties 5+. We thank you for understanding and helping us keep things safe for you.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2026 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - 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