After Track Dining Hot Spots

To cap off a day at the Del Mar Race Track, celebrate your winning picks at one of ours. 

 

 

Pacifica Del Mar
Celebrate your winnings at this Del Mar Plaza standout amid striking ocean views and tempting selections of fresh seafood, steak, and pasta. For the vodka connossieur, Pacifica’s Ocean Bar serves more than 200 of the world’s finest, with labels from Austria, Belgium, and Canada to Russia, the Ukraine, and Poland. (858.792.0476, www.pacificadelmar.com)    

 

 

Sushi in the Ranch
Located in Del Rayo Village, Sushi in the Ranch boasts an extensive menu of traditional sushi rolls, as well as innovative sashimi dishes and specialty rolls, along with entrees including Lobster Mac ‘n Cheese and Arturo’s Ceviche Tostadas. (858.756.7874, www.sushiintheranch.com)

 

Pacific Coast Grill
Opt between two levels of celebrating and dining at PCG, where every seat in the house was carefully planned to have an ocean view. Belly Up to a bar on either level, and dine al fresco on the patio or upper deck with one of the best views of the Pacific North County has to offer. (760.479.0721, www.pacificcoastgrill.com)

 

Fidel’s
A perennial favorite for post-track celebrations, you can’t go wrong with Fidel’s, which has been serving up authentic Mexican cuisine (and libations) amid a cheerful and colorful ambience since 1956. (858.755.5292, www.fidelslittlemexico.com)

 

Union Kitchen & Tap
Encinitas’ Union Kitchen & Tap offers a social setting in which to revel with friends after a successful day at the track. A leader in the coastal town’s revitalization over the last few years, Union boasts an array of dining areas in which to showcase its New American food, local craft beer, small vintage wines, and handcrafted cocktails. (760.230.2337, www.localunion101.com)

 

Solace & The Moonlight Lounge
Helmed by Matt and Young-Mi Gordon, Encinitas’ Solace & The Moonlight Lounge puts the utmost care into sourcing the best possible ingredients for its offerings — right down to the handcrafted maraschino cherries from Washington, handmade artisan domestic cheeses; and even its unique liquors and other bar offerings. We’d bet on an equally impressive experience at the Gordons’ soon-to-open Sea & Smoke at Flower Hill Promenade. (760.753.2433, www.eatatsolace.com)

 

Roppongi
Located on Prospect Street in downtown La Jolla, Roppongi blends Old World European techniques with modern flavors, creating its award-winning and signature New Asian cuisine. Cozy up around the outdoor fire pit, or take in the scene from the covered outdoor patio. (858.551.5252, www.roppongiusa.com)

 

Sublime Tavern
We’ve been excited about this one. Located on Via de la Valle across from the polo fields, the new Sublime Tavern offers 55 crafts beers on tap, premium wines (30 by the glass), and gourmet comfort food — the Ecstasy Mac ‘n Cheese was very aptly named. (858.259.9100, www.sublimetavern.com)

 

Firenze Trattoria
Keep the post-race party going with Italian dining al fresco on the Tuscan villa-inspired patio. Italian food coupled with an elegant atmosphere makes Firenze Trattoria a perfect way to enjoy San Diego’s pleasant summer evenings. Inside the restaurant, Firenze’s cosmopolitan lounge offers a full bar and a provocative wine list that features an extensive selection from both California and Italian vintners. (760.944.9000, www.firenzetrattoria.com)

 

Mille Fleurs
In addition to its delectable French Californian cuisine, through the end of racing season, Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe also offers live jazz by saxophonist Mark Lessman on the patio from 6:30-8:30pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays; and from 6:30-9pm on Fridays and Saturdays. (858.756.3085, www.millefleurs.com)

 

Hiatus and Cusp Dining & Drinks
Get into the spirit and with a race-inspired libation. Hiatus at Hotel La Jolla has debuted mixologist Nate Howell’s Triple Crown cocktail — his version of a mint julep that’s perfect for the season. (858.551.3620, www.cusprestaurant.com)

 

 

Sea & Smoke
Chef and restaurateur Matt Gordon has unveiled his third restaurant, located in Flower Hill Promenade. Of his newest offering, Gordon says, “Sea & Smoke is a departure for us from our other restaurants. From the sunken bar and outdoor patio to the main dining room, each space guarantees a different experience, but with the same high quality taste and service.” Try the cold smoked pacific oysters and “clam dip” with squid ink crackers and lemon chutney, or the “Blackened” Yellowtail Crudo with jalapeno ash, fresh lime, jicama and compressed watermelon. Want to fuel up before a day at the races? Breakfast is served every day starting at 7:30am. (858.925.8212, www.seaandsmoke.com)

 

The Aventine
Can’t make up your mind? Head to the Aventine, where you’re sure to find a winning pick among Truluck’s, Fleming’s Steakhouse, Cafe Japengo, and The Melting Pot — which together have helped the Aventine earn its reputation as a safe bet for world-class dining. (www.aventine.com)