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Amaya
Category: Restaurants Mediterranean Mediterranean [Edit]
The Grand Del Mar5300 Grand Del Mar Ct
San Diego, CA 92130
Neighborhood: Torrey Hills
(858) 314-2727
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 6:30 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Valet
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy, Upscale
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
79 reviews for Amaya
Review Highlights
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"...amazing outdoor view of the golf course just adds to the..." In 6 reviews -
"This resort has everything you could wish for." In 11 reviews -
"The best we ordered was the Catalan shrimp." In 3 reviews
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78 reviews in English
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Review from Maria C.
Oh Amaya!!!
Why haven't I visited you before?! You are hidden deep in the valley and now I know why. You are a secret and want to keep it that way. A hidden getaway for that special and perfect occasion.
We were greeted by the hostess, who led us to a table. Since there was a large party in the room, the hostess offered another sitting area where it was quieter and more secluded. We obliged.
Our server came around, introduced himself, popped open the bottle of wine we brought in and began explaining the specials.
Ordered the following:
-Smoked Beef Short Rib: LOVED the appy. I would recommend this appy over the soup. Filling, tender and rich.
-French Lentil Soup: I wanted something light and didn't feel like a salad. The soup was ok.
-Slow-Roasted Center Cut Pork Chop: One of their staple entrees. Portion was huge! Very tender and very well seasoned.
-Whole-Roasted Filet of Prime Beef Tenderloin: Tender beef cut, juicy and flavorful.
-Chocolate Marquise: Small portioned chocolate mousse with a small side of expresso ice cream. Delicious!
-Mandarin Citrus Semifreddo: If you like fruity, tarty tastes, then this is your dessert. It was different, which I appreciated. Also delish.
-Corkage Fee $20: I bought an Italian red from a little wine shop in Coronado, and it was DELICIOUS!!!! Complimented our meals very well.
Overall dining experience matched the many prestigious accolades Amaya has come to achieve. Our server or another server was ALWAYS around to refill the wine glasses, water, remove silverware, refold napkins, etc, and they were always so nice and friendly.
The grounds are immaculate. Walk around a bit and you'll see why this place is special. Don't forget to get your parking validated before you leave.
This is a very special occasion restaurant, so expect to drop big bucks when dining at Amaya. Make it worth it... -
Review from brianna s.
San Diego, CA
This place really is something else.
I picked a winner when I chose Amaya as one of our picks for Restaurant Week. We went out 5 nights to participating restaurants, and they were by far the best spot.
There was a little mix up, when I used the online reservation system on the Open Table. They scheduled it for the night before, and when we arrived, they had trouble finding it. Finally they found it, informed us that somehow it was in their books for the night before, but still told us they would squeeze us in. We grabbed a drink at their bar and took in the gorgeous ambience that was all around us.
We got all fancy, because we knew Amaya was top notch. I had the beet salad as the started, and the cedar smoked salmon as the main course. The salmon just melted in my mouth, and had the most aromatic flavor to it. They had a mule as one of their specialty drinks, and it was really refreshing.
Every single thing about our night was top notch. From the decor, to the pretzel rolls, our perfectly crafted cocktails, the service, the presentation, and our meals.
Amaya, we are in love with you, and we will be back. -
Review from K P.
Palo Alto, CA
2/22/2012
Anything at the Grand Del Mar is pure perfection and this restaurant (where I've only had lunch a couple of times) is no different.
What I've Had: Chicken Sandwich, Turkey Panini, Burger, Fries, Salads
The salads I had this last time with my beautiful gf were unreal (we had a butter lettuce ranch salad and a pear salad with brie crostinis). WOW at the brie crostinis! Both salads tossed to perfection and so unique.
My gf's turkey panini was so good I was about to finish it and consume 3000 calories just in this lunch but I refrained. My burger was one of the best I've had in a very long time and makes this place 100% deserving of my best hot sandwiches list. You cannot go wrong with lunch here.
Service is perfect and the restaurant itself (inside and outside) is breathtaking. You can take a nice walk around the grounds before or after and really just revel in the Grand Del Mar and what it has to offer. Cannot wait to continually come back with my love every time I visit my home away from home in SD! :) -
Review from C M.
San Diego, CA
5/26/2012
Just got home from a nice romantic lunch at Amaya. We both had the burgers and it just might be the best burger we ever had. There was a slight mix up and they brought me chips instead of fries (served in these adorable fryer baskets) so they let me keep the chips and brought out fries with apologies. Both the chips and the fries were so good. We will definitely be back! As expected with some fine dining establishments, the Sprite and Coke we ordered were served in a small bottle with a glass of ice ($3.50) so no refills. Overall it was a great experience and we will definitely be back. There were a lot of kids running around on the lawn outside, but I do not feel like it took away from the beauty of the grounds and the quality of service.
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Review from Ryan L.
San Diego, CA
5/5/2012
If you are looking for casual, high quality, reasonably priced food, Amaya is where it's at! Breakfast and lunch are both great here. And the setting is absolutely beautiful. Can't go wrong here.
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Review from Sheeva G.
2/19/2012
Amaya can be described in one word: exquisite. We have dined at Addison before, and I was mind-blown. Amaya comes in a close second. You really can't beat the Grand Del Mar. It's the most beautiful place I've ever seen, and you need to dine at both Addison and Amaya at some point. The bf and I sat outside and had a stunning view of the grounds, but it became a little windy so we moved indoors, which was just as beautiful. The service was just extraordinary, as well as our meal. We came for lunch and had the butter lettuce salad with crispy onions, blue cheese, and buttermilk dressing as well as the pear salad with pistachios and brie crostini. Both salads were extremely impressive and so different from each other. The brie crostinis were so delicious with the pears and the crispy oniosn and blue cheese were even better.
We also had the grand burger with chipotle aioli and the smoked turkey and provolone panini with pesto, olives, pepperoncini, and focaccia bread. Wow, both of these were so wonderful! The meat in the burger was probably some of the best I've had, and the chipotle aioli really added a lot of flavor, especially to the double fried fries that came with it. My panini was ridiculously good. Everything about it was perfect. I think the bf and I are going to come back to Amaya during every trip back down to SD. The resort is absolutely stunning and so secluded, the restaurants are breathtaking with the best quality of everything, and the service is so wonderful. I wish I could give both Amaya and Addison more than 5 stars. -
Review from Beth W.
Updated - 1/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Amaya has become a favorite spot for my co-workers and I. The french dip w/ fries is soooo good and is a steal at $12. We figure, why head elsewhere in Del Mar when you can have the same thing at a gorgeous property with five star service.
Nothwithstanding the fact that Amaya serves a wide array of delectible delights, the resort as a whole has a way of placing me in "vacation mode" during my lunch hour - which is a welcome change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the day.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/9/2011
I love Amaya! Not only is the food creative, delicious and reasonably priced, The Grand Del Mar's… Read more »
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Review from Josh S.
1/30/2012
A bleeping amazing French Dip for lunch. Hands down, amazing. So good, I ate it two days in a row and almost did it a 3rd. Come here and order this sandwich. Do it.
Had dinner here both nights as well. The brie "salad" is my kind of salad. Also very delicious. Had the filet and short rib combo. Biggest filet I have ever seen when getting a duo like this. Also very good. Probably the best meal outside of the French Dip was the lamb chops we had on our second night. Chef nailed those. Tasted great, very tender with a nice berry reduction that balanced the meat perfectly. -
Review from Melissa S.
San Clemente, CA
2/21/2012
I'll come forward and say it -- as a 20-something year old, Amaya isn't a place I can typically afford to have dinner at, except for special occasions. Fortunately, my folks had dined here before and suggested it to my grandparent's for their 50th anniversary dinner. (Which meant the bill was handled by their kids: my dad and my aunt).
We had the wine pairing to accompany the food, and every glass was so distinct, well-paired and utterly delicious. My mother is a lover of red wines and won't even touch white wines, so I thought it was really wonderful that our sommeliers made sure she had a glass full of red the entire night. I don't know if they were also in good spirits or if it was because I was also a young-person, but it seemed like my glass was always a little bit more full than it ought to have been...this, of course, delighted me.
I had a few bites of some of the appetizers ordered for our table, which included a charcuterie plate and foie gras. I ordered the butternut squash soup which was delectable; the mouth-feel of it was amazing, and each spoonful sang with flavor.
For the main course I went with the Duo of Beef: petite filet and slow-braised short rib with a sweet corn and smoked bacon succotash. The highlight of this was definitely the petite filet, which was among some of the better steaks I've had in my life. In fact, they could have done away with the short rib entirely and I would have been happy! Although tender and tasty, with a slightly crunchy texture, it wasn't anything to write home about -- or at least, not as special as the filet and even the succotash!
By the time I finished this course, I was far too full to order my own desert. Luckily, my girlfriend shared a few bites of hers, the bittersweet chocolate mousse torte with
chocolate sorbet and port-poached blackberries. It was heavenly, and I'm really not a big fan of chocolate!
All in all, our service was impeccable and it was a beautiful dinner that I'm sure we'll all distinctly remember for a long time to come...I know I will. -
Review from April J.
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
an escape from everything. It was like we were in Tuscany enjoying ambiance of exquisite dining and decor.
Highly recommend for that special dinner, or a fab ladies night out.
Pork chop was the best i've ever had, complimented with blue cheese and mushrooms.
Like any nice place like this cocktails start at $12. Had myself a VSOP Hennessey neat- 2 ice cubes, and at the bar they have complimentary bar fare: seasoned nuts, soy crisps, and various olive choices.
Oh and VALET IS FREE!! -
Review from J S.
San Diego, CA
4/11/2012
Absolutely, positively, without a doubt a 5 star restaurant. There are many expensive "fancy" restaurants in San Diego but they sure are not 5 star. Amaya has it all. The wonderful venue, great atmosphere, fabulous menu, deliciously prepared food AND top-notch customer service! The staff here gives 5 star service without a snooty feeling. They are always wanting to please and are very friendly. I think this level of service is hard to find but Amaya has it right on the mark. Their beet salad is to die for. Although unfortunately they may have taken it off the menu? They for sure do not have it on their lunch menu but when I recently went there for lunch for my birthday they made it for me even though it wasn't on the menu! :-) Everything we've had here has been very tasty and the portions are adequate. Excellent wine list as well.
There are a lot of great seating options, depending on what you feel like, and each gives a different feel to the restaurant. You can sit in the formal dining room, at the bar, at a cozy table in the bar, outside on the patio dining area, or even on some awesome rockers by a fire pit outside overlooking a great lawn and beautiful gardens. I feel like I'm on vacation when I come here as this place is tucked away yet so close. Keep up the good work, Amaya! -
Review from Samir B.
San Diego, CA
1/8/2012
Fantastic service, start to finish.
The restaurant is in the Grand Del Mar, which is basically a Ritz Carlton tucked away in Carmel Valley. The hotel is opulent.
The valet's are friendly (important as they are the first staff you see), you walk in to the entranceway and see a beautiful gigantic fresh flower display. Amaya is downstairs and you walk past a small bar to the host.
Prestarter -
The bread servced is called a pretzel roll. And yes it tastes like what its called. Unique.
Starters -
Catalan Shrimp - served in a chile - lime marinade with thinly sliced/grilled baguette pieces. Once we finished the shrimp everyone was nicely offering the remaining sauce to the others while secretly wanting to get to be the one to wipe the dish clean. $15.
Pumpkin and Rock Shrimp Risotto - Unique in a good way. Don't usually think of pumpkin and risotto. $14.
Entrees -
Lobster and Crab Pappardelle. A healthly amount of both lobster and crab. $32.
Oven-Roasted King Salmon. A generous spittable portion of salmon. $35.
Seared Sea Bass. This is Chilean Sea Bass, had hoped it would be the local White Sea Bass but still very good. $28.
All four of us enjoyed the meal immensely.
Our waiter was French and French accents in restaurants always adds to the experience. -
Review from Michael B.
Temecula, CA
1/19/2012
I couldn't think of a better way to spend and evening than dinner at The Grand Del Mar. We visited Amaya during restaurant week and were treated to a fine 3 course meal. The beet salad crisp, pork chop moist and the elderflower dessert a great light finish. Don't forget to do the wine pairing as the staff knows best!
Great service as you would expect. We'll be dining there again soon. -
Review from G M.
Washington, DC
10/25/2011
Everything is great but please do not order the dessert sampler, it has 6 little cute pieces from which 4 are bad, I mean, who thinks that a piece of marshmallow is acceptable? And a piece of "Ate Mexicano" (they sell it by blocks in any market and they just cut a piece and put it in our plate) come on! I'm sure they can do better!
I did love my waiter with his French accent! ;) -
Review from Dan D.
4/4/2012
I have been here three times. The first time was when I was supposed to meet up with an athletic alumni group from school. Flashback to the previous year's event when it was a bunch of us guys rehashing our hey days.....so upon entering the restaurant I was looking for a similar group...only to be walked out to a table of 8 ladies (average age of 75~)...SWEET! Throughout the evening of smothering and lady talk I was able to enjoy a nice array of fine foods. The setting is quite romantic (if you're there with someone not wearing depends) and they do offer both indoor and outdoor seating. Each time I have been here the food has been good ( I hear they are the highest rated restaurant in SD?) but they do lose a star, not for the price, but for portions. Where does it say that nice, expensive food should be savored in small portions? This doesn't make it taste any better...it just makes me leave hungry still. They usually participate in Restaurant week and that is when I suggest you go....unless you want to watch Sheen Easton at the M.
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Review from L J.
San Jose, CA
4/21/2012
So amazing!!! So romantic! The food, of course, was excellent.
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Review from Al C.
9/13/2011
Really could not ask for more from here. Imagine a time and place where you do not have amenities that you've become so accustomed to. Things like light, electricity, artificial breezes, conditioned air--all gone. Then imagine utter chaos in the outside world where you dare not step into. Fiends everywhere, rampant rage channeled by uncouth masses.
Where would you go, what would you do?
Do not be dismayed, for if you are within the vicinity of The Grand Del Mar then fly to Amaya, where their hospitality will quell your fears and quench your most basic of desires.
Recently (Sept. 8, '11) the power went out in the entire San Diego region (AZ, S. OC, even parts of Mexico as well) and we were in such a bind. We hadn't known it was that bad yet, so we tried to take the car out from the valet and go for a cruise in hopes of finding shangri-la. Bad idea. We turned around after seeing the crazed masses and powerless intersections, and it still took 15 minutes to get back to the hotel. We were famished. What to do? All phone lines busy, the sun setting, and time spent in the hotel lobby eating assorted nuts/olives/gelato made us even more hungry.
We took to the advice of some friendly staff, who btw were still doing turndown service in the dark, and headed to the Amaya to see what fanciful delights they could spawn without modern amenities. We were quite impressed. The full complement of restaurant staff was onsite, extremely courteous, and they had enough wizardry at their disposal to concoct a three course delight of greens, meat, and starch. Before you scoff, let's not forget that they were most likely working by flashlight/candlelight. Your choice of meat: something to the tune of chicken, beef, pork, fish 1, or fish 2, if I recall correctly. Two or three types of salad. Three(?) choices of sides. All of this envisioned and realized by the kitchen staff within an hour or so of the outage.
Salad was excellent, the meat came out grilled perfectly well, and even the mashed potatoes were somehow hot and steamy. Truly above and beyond expectations. That wasn't all. We ate on the patio, from twilight til dusk, and with candlelight assistance. It was quite charming. Good service and drinks aplenty. We even had dinner rolls, which we gleefully pocketed as fuel for later in case the zombie horde became unbridled.
When all said and done, definitely a night to remember. We wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else. Later, we heard about how most other places were either closed or served cold foods that night. Amaya went above and beyond and really gave everyone all that it could. Five stars for sure. Class act.
N.B. while staying at the GDM, we also had Amaya for several of our other meals. Great in each of their own rights, although the blackout context made for the most memorable of mementos to share. -
Review from Carlene B.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 2/16/2012 4 photos
My boyfriend and I went here for an early Valentine's Day dinner. Dinner was awesome until dessert. The service was prompt from the time we were seated to the time we ordered our dessert. After we ordered, my boyfriend and I waited for about 15 to 20 minutes for our dessert. We waited longer for our dessert than our appetizer and entree. I thought to myself, "Shouldn't it take longer to prepare the entree than the dessert?" I ordered the chocolate peanut butter pudding. It was delicious and worth the wait.
Listed in: Best Date Night Places!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/30/2010
Yesterday, my boyfriend surprised me at Amaya for my Christmas dinner. We were 15 minutes early for… Read more »
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Review from Jamie O.
Carlsbad, CA
11/24/2011
We dined here for Thanksgiving and we could not have had a better experience. The ambiance feels otherworldly, the staff is courteous, professional and discreet and the food was sublime.
It's easy to see why this resort and restaurant has earned it's 5 star, 5 diamond rating. We are already planning to go back. -
Review from Cheryl N.
9/23/2011
Total disappointment. My two girlfriends and I went during restaurant week, and the food wasn't all that grand. Since there were 3 of us, we got to try everything out from their restaurant week menu. I'll let my summary for each dish speak for itself:
STARTERS:
- Huckleberry-Glazed Smoked Beef Short Rib: Wasn't a fan. Although the rib was soft, the sides didn't exactly tie in together, in my opinion. The short rib was sweet and salty, I couldn't really taste the garlic and sweetness of their sweet garlic puree, and the vanilla bean emulsion was bland also.
- Golden Tomato Gazpacho - it's actually cold soup. Wasn't a fan of it either. It was too sour.
- Strawberry salad: Surprisingly, this was the best out of the starters. The strawberries were sweet and perfect. The macadamia nuts (I think that's what they were?) made it good! The manchego cheese was eh. However, it's a salad. How can you go wrong with a salad, you know?
ENTREES:
- Slow-Roasted Center Cut Pork Chop: Super dry! It was unbelievable! However, I loved the stuffing (potato hash) that came with it.
- Filet of Whole-Roasted Prime Beef Tenderloin: While there was really nothing to complain about our rare meat, it was also nothing to boast about. It was good, but not great, you know? As for the sides, they were alright.. Red potatoes, plain. Smoked garlic, plain.
- Hot-Smoked King Salmon: Surprisingly, the better of the of 3 dishes. It was tough on the surface but soft in the inside, and I liked the tarty cherry cider glaze as the side. Still, not the greatest smoked salmon ever either.
DESSERTS:
- Peach Melba: It was good, but I did not love the hard bread sticks that came with it.
- Black Forest Cake Trifle: It was good, light cake overall. Cherries were good.
- Double Apple Caramel Cake: Yuck! The (thick pound) cake had too much cinnamon and not enough caramel!
It was just an okay experience. Coming from the Grand Del Mar, I was disappointed. -
Review from April L.
1/16/2012
Great Service - love the shrimp appetizer - drinks are amazing and the sea bass wasn't my favorite -- wasn't too impressed - it was dry....but everyone else's food seemed pretty decent.
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Review from Roura F.
Oceanside, CA
9/19/2011
Seated in the heart of the resort this 5 star restaurant is to die for. We came here with 10 friends and we all enjoyed our meal.
My hubby had the short ribs with creamy potato that was as good as it gets. I had the salmon, it was melt in your mouth with flavor. I can only say good things about this place.
The elegance, charm and customer service are only the start. The food is what's make's this place one of SD best.
Wow it was good -
Review from Monica S.
The Grand Del Mar is in a very unassuming part of San Diego so I don't think many people know about it! That's probably a good thing, otherwise it might be tough to get a table without reservations weeks in advance! If it's a gorgeous day, you must request to sit outside on their patio!
I can sum up my recent experience at Amaya in a few short statements - Beautiful scenery! Great service! Fabulous food at a reasonable price point!
I ordered the Dungeness Crab Benedict which was really good! The way a restaurant prepares an eggs benedict can make or break a brunch spot for me! Theirs was perfectly executed and passed the test so I'll definitely return! However, next time I'm going to request to sit far away from the kids table! The Grand Del Mar is a resort so there are a lot of families on vacation dining as well! -
Review from a. y.
San Marino, CA
3/22/2012
Love! The food was fabulous! My husband and I ordered the 3 course meals with wine tasting and the wine was delicious, and the food amazing! I tasted my husband's dishes as well, and everything was mouth watering, perfectly cooked. The booth was comfortable, and the waiters were friendly to our baby.
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Review from Elaine F.
Carlsbad, CA
1/21/2012
This was my first time to The Grand Del Mar and Amaya's. We arrived early so that we could walk around the hotel. Wow, I felt like I was going to visit the queen.
Dinning at Amaya was a fantastic experience from the service to the food. We went during restaurant week as that is a great time to try a location like this. I had the Beet salad that had great tasting beets as well as greens. I didn't eat the goat cheese part as the beets were wonderful alone. My main course was the beef that was so tender and tasty I couldn't stop eating even though I was getting full. I had the bread pudding for desert of which I didn't enjoy as much as the rest of the meal. Oh, and I had a glass of the Louis Cellar Chardonnay that was really wonderful.
I WOULD definitely return to this restaurant. -
Review from Nicole I.
San Diego, CA
1/24/2012
We went during Restaurant Week, our first time there. The service was just okay, which was surprising since the Yelp reviews all raved of the fabulous service. When I asked the server what he recommends, he gave me the ultimate no-no answer of 'everything is good'. Everyone knows not everything is good or at least some dishes are better than others. That wasn't a good start to my dining experience at Amaya. I had to ask our server twice for lemon wedges for my water, and I continued to ask for my water glass to be filled through out the night. Very elementary mistakes for a first class establishment, in my opinion.
The pork chops was very yummy - best I've ever had. Everything else was just okay. Thank goodness we went during RW because I would have been really upset with the high cost, average dishes and sub-par service. Three stars are for the pork chops, awesome valet service and the beauty of the Grand Del Mar. -
Review from Nutchanat P.
Cedar Park, TX
Waitress: "How's your South of the Border omelet, mam?"
Me: "Very good, thank you"
Waitress: "Well, what do you think about your Dungeness crab eggs benedict, sir"
Hubby: "I'm in looooove! If I wasn't already married, I'd marry this thing." -
Review from Jared T.
San Diego, CA
5/20/2011
What can I say? Words fail to capture my amazement with the two experiences I've had here thus far.
First, I should qualify my comments by saying that I'm not a frequent visitor of four- and five-star restaurants, so I don't have a great benchmark for comparison. That said, I can't think of a better place to "splurge" on a meal. Considering the uniqueness of the experience and the high caliber of service, I think it is an exceptionally good value.
Both entrees I've had here were superb: Branzini (a lovely white fish), and the King Salomon. But the true highlight of my meals here was the pumpkin & shrimp risotto. It's a unique creation, and I honestly think this dish qualifies as one of the Top Ten Things I've Ever Eaten.
Jason and Andrew have helped us out on both of our occasions here. Each of them provides the service you'd expect at a five-star restaurant, but where they really excel is in selecting wine pairings. They seldom selected varieties we would have expected, but each pairing somehow made the food taste that much better! Happy surprises are my favorite thing about five-star dining.
Can't wait to come back... -
Review from Oscar C.
Chula Vista, CA
11/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very nice spot. Lunch on the patio is great with a nice view. Enjoyed the Roast Beef French Dip. Very good taste and nice beer selection
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Review from banu k.
San Diego, CA
4/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
My second time here. A great experience as always. The staff are amazing in number, at least 2 or 3 to help out per table at any one time.
I told them at the beginning (very quietly, I hate scenes)..that I prefer Gluten Free if possible, and boy did they come through! Every dish I ordered they made sure it was gluten free! Wowee, didn't even have to say anything else!
Ordered one of the best bottle of wines I have ever had....(Chateau Montelena Cabernet 2007), and am in LOVE with it.
Started out with the Roasted Beet Salad (OMG delish smoked cheese with it). Hubby had the Salmon Carpaccio, it was simple, yet amazing..
I got the Duo-Beef (second time, I can't get enough of it.) The hubby had the Sea Bass, it was somewhat fishy, but succulent. Not sure it was the best because of the fishy taste.
We ordered the Baked Alaskan, and the Sorbet Trio. Both scrumptious and hit the spot.
We will be back, so much fun, great atmosphere (very spaced out), and superb service. -
Review from Jen T.
San Diego, CA
2/6/2011
I live very close to this place, so I come here often for dinner.
First off, I love the free valet at the hotel. Second, the food is very good, the price is reasonable for the quality of food, and third, the service is 5 stars all the way.
Always get the lobster bisque here. It is very rich and creamy with a strong lobster taste. This is one of the best lobster bisques I have had. My favorite dish here is the lobster parpadelle. You can get a half portion or full portion. I always get the full portion. For $28, you get a lot of lobster. It looks like you get close to a full lobster. 2 big claws and tons of tail meat. I just love the flavor of this dish, its rich and light at the same time.
The sea bass is another favorite of mine. Simply prepared but yet well prepared every time. The fish is so moist, yet crisp and seared on one side. I just love it.
The only bummer is I dont like the dessert here very much.
But overall a great place to dine for good food. For the price point, it is a great restaurant with quality food and outstanding service.Listed in: Simply Delish Food
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Review from Jennifer A.
San Diego, CA
2/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Restaurant Week Review:
You'd never know there was a oasis in the middle of Carmel Valley...but as you drive down the long (and I mean long) driveway into The Grand Del Mar, you are transported to an whole other place.
Appetizer: Endive Salad - a pretty dang tasty salad. I had a little plate envy over the Huckleberry Braised Short Rib. That was a hearty, tender dish. Mmm.
Entree: Prime Rib of Pork - tender, juicy, flavorful. Very satisfying.
Desserts - Nostalgic Trio - the two chocolate options were very tasty. The cherry pie I could have lived without.
Overall a great food experience. Service was professional. Atmosphere was very old school elegant.Listed in: Restaurant Week
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Review from Elmer T.
Corona, CA
Staying at the Grand an we had a $50 resort credit to use. Having breakfast for 2 easily burns through the credit. Don't come here expecting to be stuffed because you will come away very upset. Portions are quite small that's for sure.
What you are paying for is the ambiance, the view and the 5 star service. We ordered Egg white frittata, spinach, tomato, goat cheese; flat iron steak; blueberry muffin, and mango smoothie.
For the price all were received in small portions. Nothing special with the breakfast except the mango smoothie. The frittata was ordinary and the goat cheese is an acquired taste. Steak was tender and juicy. Blueberry muffin is a little different in that it had white sugar crystal toppings. The most unique tasting item I ordered was the mango smoothie. It is sweet and rich distinct taste. Though I probably would not buy an $8 12-16 ounce beverage, I enjoyed it.
Pros: breathtaking view in the patio, free wifi, impeccable service
Cons: just driving to the restaurant you can feel your wallet get thinner, you will still be hungry afterwards
Service - 5
Amenities - 5
Ambiance - 5
Parking - 3
Food - 3
Price - 3
I do not think I could reasonably justify returning just for the restaurant, but if I am staying at the hotel and have a resort credit, I would probably try dinner next time. -
Review from Jesse H.
San Diego, CA
12/22/2011
Joined family who were staying here from out of town for dinner on a Thursday. First let me say the entire staff was incredibly courteous and helpful. We had a fairly large group with a few children and they were very accommodating.
The speciality cocktails were excellent and there is a great wine selection. I had the duck confit and it was excellent, but a little on the small side. Most of the other entrees seemed larger. Grass is always greener right. For some reason the decor brought to mind a very high end Marie Callenders, and I mean that in the best possible way.
To sum it up, very good food and even better service.
I would go back and would definitely reccomend the hotel and restaurant to friends coming from out of town, providing they have the means. It is a pricey establishment. -
Review from Roland F.
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
10/8/2010
Been to Amaya several times and it's a hidden gem in San Diego. This is like a 5 star European castle tucked away in the hills off of the 56 freeway. You would never expect it!
Anyway, the hotel is magnificent with the perfect blending of old world charm, sprawling marble floors and tony wooden arches. The staff also offers impeccable service, and the food is delicious.
Interestingly enough, they have one of the better burgers in San Diego, but don't tell that to all those Rocky's and HoDad's fans!
We have been there for brunch too, which is only served apparently every once in a while, as we've tried to hit it again several times with no luck. If you do get a buffet brunch there, you'll be blown away. There's an awesome array of breads, fruits, breakfast meats, cold and hot dishes and pretty much anything else you would like. It's a special place for a romantic brunch/breakfast or to take the kids, either way works.
Also, be sure to make a reservation for high tea, which is served upstairs and requires advance notice. It's just like tea at the Ritz or Dorchester in England and a super fun experience. We went again last week and now I'm lustiing for it all again. The "white tea" is particularly tasty.
All in all a great spot in a beautiful setting and definitely worth trying.Listed in: Best Burger In San Diego
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Review from Matt C.
Cary, NC
12/4/2010
The place is almost always empty, probably because the hotel always seems to be vacant as well. Drinks at the bar, which has sort of a classy steakhouse feel, are always been really solid. I love the addition of thinly sliced cucumbers in a Hendrick's Gin martini. Few places are so thoughtful with their cocktails. They also do complementary and quite addictive little bar snacks - peanuts, delicious olives and crunchy edamame 'puffs'.
The food is pretty solid, albeit overpriced. To start, the butter salad with onion straws and blue cheese crumbles is surprisingly good. The lobster bisque seems to be missing something. I have found their pastas to be very tasty and well balanced and have heard similar feedback on the risotto. Recently I was pretty underwhelmed with the veal strip steak with blue crab oscar, a $39 dish that they are just trying too hard on.
Another category where this place shines is service. Near impeccable all around. Of course that may partly be because the ratio of employees to actual guests is so favorable. -
Review from Becca L.
San Diego, CA
11/13/2011
I haven't been for dinner yet, but both breakfast and lunch are great! I am kind of obsessed with the warm pretzel bread rolls they give you. That alone is worth the trip. Everything we've ordered has been wonderful...from the frittata to the french toast to the huevos rancheros and delicious bacon, this place never disappoints at breakfast. And lunch is such a treat as well because everything is so good all of the time. We like the beef dip, turkey panini, salmon salad and burger. But my all-time favorite entree is the garlic shrimp and artichoke salad. It is truly such a tasty salad.
The prices are reasonable for being a nice resort. Totally comparable to what you would pay for a salad or brunch at other Del Mar spots, but a way nicer setting. Service is always good and the atmosphere is so peaceful and beautiful. You never feel rushed or have to wait. Just a lovely place to enjoy good food. -
Review from Homa S.
La Jolla, CA
9/21/2010
Never has my palette experienced something so good (don't tell Mom). Had the slow-cooked beef short rib. Environment is nice and relaxed, feels like you're out of town on vacation. Unfortunately the staff thinks they are too. I don't mind having to ask for more water, but when you notice every other table is asking for more too, you start to think maybe they are conserving it? ;)
The valet service is great and quick and staff is extremely friendly. The whole begging for water while you're eating gets old fast. Can't wait till I go back...I'll smuggle few bottles of water in perhaps. -
Review from H L.
Duxbury, MA
2/17/2011
Had a fabulous dining experience and meal here back in September 2010. For those who live near the Boston area like me, the experience is very similar to L'Espalier. Service was impeccable and food was fantastic. Unfortunately, I don't remember what I had at this point but I remember enjoying it all.
My one teeny tiny, nitpicky complaint was the space. It was nicely, but sparsely, decorated. The tables were rather spread apart, which combined being a fairly large dining room, gave it a cavernous feel. I just could not get 100% comfortable, even with the fabulous views -
Review from Alan C.
Carlsbad, CA
Stunning decor and a very beautiful resort. We toured the resort before we went in for dinner.
Service was excellent. The bread is really good, especially the pretzel rolls.
Appetizer:
Beef Carpaccio: beef was really good quality, not overdressed, and just enough capers to bring in a little saltiness to the dish.
Corn Chowder: bleh, don't waste your money on this.
Main Course:
Lamb: well seasoned, cooked to medium rare, and tender. The sauce is just okay, but the meat was cooked perfectly.
Crispy Skin Sea Bass: fish was really fresh, and moist. A very clean dish, where all no one flavor overpowers the whole dish. Nice and balanced.
Dessert:
Concord Grape Ice Cream: Tastes just like grapes! Haha, not too sweet and a little tart, a good way to finish.
Creme Brulee: Not too sweet, and it is very smooth. The fruit helps cut the richness of the creme.
Atmosphere is extremely nice, wait staff is attentive. Only thing keeping it from being 5 stars is the food. Although everything is good and nicely executed, it didn't make me go "wow! This is really good".
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