Take-Out & Location Pairings for the Quintessential Del Mar Picnic

As the temperatures rise and the weather becomes sunny and gorgeous, Del Mar welcomes visitors with ideal picnic conditions. The sunnier skies beckon you outdoors; so skip the restaurant and enjoy the casual atmosphere of a meal outside. Parks located right on the beach lead the way to exceptional ocean views that are best appreciated while breathing in the salty sea air.Because you’re in Del Mar, your picnic meal can be so much more mouth-watering than your typical fare. Many of the award-winning restaurants in the Del Mar Village offer a take-out option that makes it easy to take their cuisine along with you. All you have to do is take a short walk to wherever your picnic destination may be.If you have your picnic blanket and basket ready to go, but aren’t sure where to go, keep reading to find out the best take-out and location pairs to make your alfresco meal perfect.

Del Mar Pizza + Dog Beach

Grab your human and furry friends and pack your picnic for the beach. There are plenty of canine-friendly restaurants in the Village, but lunch on Dog Beach gives Rover the chance to run around. He can play in the surf while you have slices from Del Mar Pizza. You can have a craft beer while you wait for your pizza to bake, or place your order online so it’s ready to go when you are. The pizza box will keep sand away from your food and can be used in place of a plate (for easy cleanup). Don’t forget a brownie for dessert and some treats for your pup.

Beeside Balcony + Scripps Bluff Reserve

If you’re planning your picnic to be a family event, you can start it off with takeout from Beeside Balcony. Try their gyros, a traditional Greek dish with tomatoes, arugula, tzatziki, your choice of meat (or veggies if you prefer!) all wrapped up in homemade warm pita bread. Definitely don’t forget a mouthwatering side of crispy feta fries. You can then take your meals and a blanket and head out to the Scripps Bluff Reserve. From there, you’ll be able to picnic away as you enjoy the view of the beach, the ocean to the west, and the Del Mar Racetrack to the east.

Board & Brews Sandwiches + Powerhouse Park

For a casual, relaxed picnic, your first stop should be Board & Brew to pick up a quick sandwich. The options are a lot more exciting than your typical sub shop—they even have vegetarian options, salads, and soups. Then head to Powerhouse Park and grab a seat on one of the many benches that overlook the Pacific. Just like with a pizza box, the sandwich wrapper can double as a plate, making your picnic cleanup all the more easier.

Shimbashi Izakaya + Seagrove Park

Dining outdoors doesn’t always need to be a casual fete. Visit Shimbashi Izayaka, located in the Del Mar Plaza, to pick up fresh sushi rolls or a teriyaki bowl. Pair it with a traditional Japanese beer or sparkling sake. Once you’re set, walk down the street to Seagrove Park, where you can settle under the shade of a Torrey Pines tree with an expansive view of the ocean. A picnic in Del Mar means you can still have phenomenal food a little closer to the ocean. It gives you the chance to take really advantage of the sunny spring and summer skies.

Visit the Del Mar Village online for a list of accommodations to extend your retreat and spend an entire week or weekend picnicking.