Coral Del Mar, a modern coastal restaurant blending Baja, Hawaiian, and Southeast Asian flavors, has opened at 1247 Camino Del Mar in the center of Del Mar Village. The concept comes from hospitality professionals Amanda Devine and Gio Morelli, who took over the space that housed Zel's Del Mar for fifteen years. The transition brought a brighter, coastal aesthetic to the interior while preserving the inviting neighborhood feel that made the previous tenant a local staple.
A New Take on Coastal Fusion in Del Mar
The menu draws from three distinct culinary traditions — the bold, citrus-driven profiles of Baja California, the tropical freshness of Hawaiian cuisine, and the layered spice of Southeast Asia. Coral Del Mar features both outdoor and covered dining areas along with a full bar, making it versatile for everything from weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings with friends. The Camino Del Mar location puts it within easy walking distance of Poseidon on the Beach, Jake's Del Mar, and Pacifica Del Mar — three of the village's most established restaurants.
The opening adds to a stretch of Camino Del Mar that has seen significant turnover. Honor Bar, from the Hillstone Restaurant Group, is also preparing to debut further up the street in the former Bully's North building. Together, the two arrivals are injecting fresh energy into Del Mar's dining scene at a moment when competition for destination-quality coastal restaurants is intensifying across North County.
Fitting Into the Del Mar Village Mix
For locals who already frequent the village's coffee shops and casual spots — places like Stratford Court Cafe and Pacifica Breeze Cafe — Coral Del Mar adds a full-service dinner option that didn't exist in that block before. Visitors exploring Powerhouse Park and the beachfront can work their way up Camino Del Mar through a range of cuisines, from the Latin-inspired plates at Tamarindo Del Mar to the global-coastal fusion at Coral. Those driving from La Jolla or Coronado will find the short trip north well worth it for a dining concept unlike anything else along the coast.
