Went for brunch and got the pomegranate salad, semolina bread and Steak frites. Food was really delicious and loved the vibe and feel of the restaurant too!

I serve at a James Beard nominated restaurant so I have a special appreciation for food and service. José served my girlfriend and I and did an incredible job. He was kind, personable and had an impressive understanding of what he was serving. His food knowledge and his attention to detail were superb. The food was exceptional. Very talented chef and kitchen staff. Drinks were perfect. Great experience.

We ordered a few drinks and shared several absolutely delicious dishes. Had such a lovely time here—the food was amazing! Every dish had great flavor, and I really enjoyed how the ingredients came together in every bite. It felt authentic and well thought-out. The service was also excellent. We’re definitely coming back next time! 🍽️🍷✨

Seafood Paella is out of this world! 2 HUUUGE prawns (they grill them before adding to the dish which makes them taste even better), half a lobster, mussels....and perfect Socarrat! I would say on par with seafood paella I had in Spain. A little pricey but I am glad we tried it. Try the roasted pork belly as well.

It's a bit pricy, but the food and service are worth the penny you spent! I love how the chef perfectly blends flavors together (like pepper+crab+uni sauce). The Sangria Roja cocktail is also a highlight, mixing the richness of wine and the sweet/sour touch of fruits/flowers - one of the best cocktails I've had in a while! Would recommend to everyone

+3

We had a wonderful 20th wedding anniversary dinner. Sisay was our waiter- he was terrific! We ordered the lamb and branzino. And several small tapas. We wanted to share. I think we could have done just the lamb with all of the tapas we ordered. They did a very nice job recognizing our special day.

Absolutely stunning place. Great service. Top tier experience. Everything was a ten. The Seafood Paella is delicious. Highly recommend that dish. It comes in different sizes for sharing. It was my bday so they brought out gratis champagne and this cheesecake that was literally the one of the most delicious desserts to grace the planet. Don’t even get me started on the churros! Amazing! I also did come in with a VIP who goes there regularly so that surely may have enhanced the experience to 10 stars!!

+5

Fantastic service here. They make you feel like VIP and welcomed. The Paella was exquisite. The Chocolate Saffron was like an out of body experience. Would love to come here for the next big occasion. Thank you to Michelle our server and Benjamin Dudley the manager who stopped by to make us feel so happy being here.

+2

I was there with my colleagues. Food and presentation are fantastic/ outstanding! Highly recommend if you pass by or are in town for any occasion :) Price is high, but worth a try.

+1

I had an amazing experience at this restaurant. The food was incredibly delicious, fresh, and full of flavor. Our server was extremely attentive, friendly, and made us feel truly welcomed. The manager also checked on us to make sure everything was perfect, which we really appreciated. Overall, excellent service and fantastic dishes

Fantastic venue, excellent cuisine, wonderful staff, beautiful view of the water on the Wharf. Best part was our server Nam, funny, fun, professional, knowledgeable and overall excellent person to have at a restaurant like this. He made my birthday night extra special! Cannot wait to be back!

+6

This was my first time going to Del Mar and the food was phenomenal! We went as a group of 8 to celebrate a birthday. It was my first time trying octopus and it was really good. The parking in the garage was $45 since I stay for 4+ hours which was a downside for the night so it might be better to find street parking.

+2

Wow! This place is good. We went here for our 5 year anniversary which ended up being on Easter and it was perfect. The cheese plate was like no other. Some of the best cheese I have ever had. Top notch service from beginning to end. I can't wait to go back!

+5

Nice Spanish restaurant at the heart of the Wharf by the same Michelin one star chef at Fiola (Mare). Excellent service and food and drinks. I thought the paella was slightly too salty but my friend loved it. Many gin and tonic options. Nice wine list. Also the high ceiling and the sun room made me feel comfortable dining indoors. All the staff wore masks. I dined here during December 2020. Parking is available at the nearby public garage though a bit overpriced ($29).

+4

We were out on our Friday bike ride and this is where we landed. The first two places we tried to get into were completely booked. As luck would have it, Del Mar had a table and it was outside. The food , service and atmosphere was even better than I had heard about. The menu is very impressive and will require multiple visits to fully enjoy all the wonderful dishes. If you like Spanish wines, their list is impressive. If you dont know much about Spanish wines, their staff will guide you. Cant wait to go back.

+2

I had the privilege of collaborating with Grace H., the event manager. She exhibited responsiveness, patience, accommodation, and kindness throughout our interactions. Her team was equally delightful to work with, exemplifying professionalism from beginning to end. The cuisine was exceptional, contributing to the overall success of the event. Without a doubt, they’ve secured a top spot on my list for future event venues.

+1

None of the food items disappoint. The people that work here are diverse, accommodating, friendly, and beautiful! Ciara and Hicham made me feel like I had walked into a better version of home from the beginning. I could not stop going back to Del Mar! I will never forget this place or the people. I am so lucky to have stumbled across this amazingly well-designed establishment. The front-of-house staff should all get bonuses and raises ASAP. They deserve it.

Food is delicious. Atmosphere is amazing, inside and outside. Erik, one of the managers, is so nice, welcoming, and taking a good care of customers with his smile. We wanted a cocktail and he magically got it for us :) There is only one little thing which is not a big issue, but I call it out, our server was good but he was late or forgot to answer to any of our requests like a sauce, straw, or even bringing a silverware, he might be tired. But generally all staff were great.

Del Mar was cool. It felt like I got a taste of spain in just 2 hours. Sitting outside was nice and you got to be right on the water. For appetizers, we got the patatas bravas, the pulpo, the eggplant, and the crab stuffed peppers. Each one was great packed with a lot of flavor but my favorite was for sure the pulpo, the potato that came along with it was delicious too. The seafood paella was the star of the show. The shrimps were so good and the clams were a nice authentic addition. Our waiter came and helped us scrape the rice (which is the best part). Dessert was incredible and the spanish churros were the best thing all night. I would’ve liked a little more creativity so because of that it gets an 8.5/10.

+3

If you are looking for high quality food and drinks then this is the place to be. I love their octopus and eggplants with drinks. There are so many selections but if you want to eat a lot then I'll go for paella. If you are going for drinks and chat then small plates are awesome and very flavorful. We come here multiple times when we come near here and never had bad experiences. Service is great too. So when you are at wharf then come by and try this place =)

+4

Totally great! Service is great, food is top notch. The paella was super flavorful even pricey but would totally come back here! And a lot of us had the lobster burger and we loved it!! And also the red sangria is super yummy n creative .... Great fabulous European decor and would definitely recommend!

+6

Great Tapas! Atmosphere and Ambiance is neat, comfortable and elegant. The restaurant appears super clean. The outside seating area is great, beautiful view over the marina. Servers are pleasant, communicative, efficient and knowledgeable. And most importantly the food is nicely presented, taste was delicious to a good price point. I can highly recommend shrimps!

+6

Do not recommend sitting outside unless you like the heavy scent of marijuana lol Other than that, the service was fantastic.The food was delicious.Highly recommend this place

+1

When we arrived , the table was ready. We were a party of 5. We selected some Tapas . Nice variety of calamari, pork belly and shrimp. Followed up with main course of two palaes. The calamari were very tender and delicious. The service was great and the food very tasty. The size of servings can be increased a bit.

+3

Amazing dinner. The tapas was the best option for variety and overall culinary satisfaction. I loved the octopus and sardines. The oysters were presented really nicely with a dropper for the vinaigrette. 10/10 would go again!

+3

We had reservations for our 15th anniversary at Del Mar for Tuesday the 8th. We arrived about 30 min earlier, enter and grabbed a seat at that bar. We had 2 smoked old fashions. Amazing and very refreshing. Highly recommended. We had 1 appetizer tuna carpaccio. This was unbelievable!!! What a delicious way they prepare that tuna. Melts in your mouth . The flavors is something you have to experience. We had our table right at 5pm. We started with the east and west coast oysters to start. For main course, I had had the lamb chops .presentation and done just how I like it. Wife had the Branzino dish. Fish was very buttery, delicious. The waitress Ciera was very friendly , attentive and very knowledgeable on the dishes from the menu. The manager checked on us twice , even brought over after dinner drinks. Desert was something very special they did for us. On desert , the plain churros are the best. Check out the pictures below.This place is amazing !!! If you are in the mood for Spaniard style cuisine, this is the place. What a beautiful restaurant, friendly staff and delicious authentic Spaniard food.

+4

Del Mar is always an amazing experience. We took a couple to dinner last night, their first to any of Fabio Trabocchi’s restaurant. Our server overheard our guest say she’d never tried octopus and feared it would be chewy. We moved on to selecting other items but, when our lamb chops were a bit behind schedule, the server dropped octopus so she could try it, on the house. Of course she loved it. It’s this type of customer service and delicious food that continually takes us back to Del Mar.

I want to start by saying- My server was phenomenal. PHENOMENAL!!! I cannot believe how amazing the service was. My sister and I are visiting from Canada and we were blown away. That man deserves a raise!!!!! 630 reso for Shields.. make sure he sees this. Food was amazing, atmosphere is gorgeous and everything was perfect. I also appreciated the servers lovely uniforms. 100000/10!!!

+2

My family and I were celebrating my Godson’s college graduation. We were apprehensive about what our experience would be and I’m happy to say we had a delectable time. We expected the food would be amazing and it definitely was, the presentation and attention to detail was impressive. The staff was exceptional including the manager they worked together like a fine tuned machine. I don’t remember the managers name, but he greeted us and congratulated my Godson on his accomplishments. I can’t say enough about our waitress Sondra, she was attentive, friendly, warm and knowledgeable, she took pride in her work and it showed from the moment we arrived until we departed. At other establishments since the tip is guaranteed staff do the absolute bare minimum, but not here. I thought receiving a ticket to retrieve your to go meal upon exiting was a nice touch to end an amazing evening. I reminisce about this experience regularly. We reside in NYC and have dined at many fine restaurants Del Mar stands out amongst the many.

First time experiencing this fine dining restaurant and it was fantastic! Food - We got the tapas and it was simply delicious. I mean even the bread in the shrimp dish was mouthwatering good with spicy garlic flavor. The flavors were well developed and the presentation was on point. Loved, the seafood stuffed peppers, shrimp and the butternut squash soup. Service- excellent white glove service! Like coat check level and new plates for new food items. Vibe - Reflective, sea themed and fancy dining room vibe. It’s like a special occasion spot in my opinion. Bathroom- beautiful and clean with nice quality paper towels. Overall, it’s a great spot for a fancy dining experience with excellent flavorful food!

+6

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Del Mar in Washington DC with my family, and it was a delightful experience overall. The restaurant boasts a beautiful, stylish interior that perfectly complements its upscale ambiance. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm hospitality and attentive service. One thing to note is that the prices at Del Mar are on the higher side. It's an ideal spot for special occasions or when you're in the mood to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special.

Everything was excellent — from the warm atmosphere to the attentive service and beautifully prepared dishes. A truly enjoyable dining experience

Wow! My first indoor dinning experience since the quarantine! I can't keep raving about this place to my friends after last night's dinner! I honestly didn't know what to expect but my experience was comfortable as well as feeling safe while enjoying the food! Which was also great in flavors! We felt the service was superb, German and AJ (I hope that's his name, we asked around! Thank you for that too, to the kind lady who answered us) Really helped us feel at ease during the whole dinner, came to constantly check in with us and as well as treating us to a drink on the house due to original drink being a bit late (which we didn't mind at all!)! Overall the atmosphere was extremely enjoyable and we REALLY appreciated y'all!

+3

Excellent! We had a few appetizers and they were absolutely excellent and then we ordered them at Bronzino and we share between three people, and he was absolutely amazing

My husband and I celebrated our anniversary here and everything was absolutely amazing! The food was delicious, the pace of service was perfect, the service was friendly and personable, and the atmosphere and comfort was top notch. This was our favorite spotbduring our stay. We ordered the JAMÓN CROQUETAS (absolutely a must try, especial I'd you like truffle), the Sauce ANDALUSIAN GARLIC SHRIMP (solid, but I would recommend other dishes), the LUBINA EMBARRADA (another must try and our favorite dish of the night), and the side dish GRILLED ARTICHOKES (this was pretty good, but I would order something different in the future). The chef also gave us a gazpacho soup and tomato on toast which were both so amazing! For desert we ordered the flan. I loved it, but the lemon sorbet on top was my favorite part- it was exactly what I want from a lemon dessert - a perfect balance of sweet and tart. We were also able to try the churros which were very good. We will absolutely be back!

+2

Del Mar delivers a refined dining experience with an emphasis on quality and atmosphere. The attention to detail—from the elegant decor to the beautifully plated dishes—sets it apart. The seafood is particularly noteworthy; every dish we tried was fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. The staff was knowledgeable and made excellent recommendations, creating a seamless and enjoyable evening. While prices are on the higher side, the level of service and food quality justifies the cost. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to treat yourself, Del Mar offers an elevated experience that’s well worth a visit. Highly recommended for those who appreciate fine

Superbly presented and exquisitely cooked Spanish cuisine. Service is impeccable and place is nicely decorated and cozy. Simon, the general manager truly a gentleman. I will be back this Thursday 😉 the place is facing a marina and quite appealing.

+5

Best Spanish restaurant I've been to in DC. Each plate was so flavorful. The paella was extremely well done, I only wish it developed a crunchy socarrat at the bottom. The restaurant itself has a very grand feel, and the seating next to the window gives you beautiful views of the boardwalk and wharf. Really pricey restaurant, especially if you want to order a lot of tapas and try everything out, but it's well worth the price.

+2

Lovely and quick lunch! Service was great per usual and the appetizer was delicious. Main course was hearty and flavorful but the dessert was a letdown. It was up and up until the last course. Ended with a flat note rather than a high one! Took a while for the coffee to come- had to remind the staff of the coffee and waited a while for dessert silverware. And flan is over powered by other offerings, cake bites, cherries, etc etc… flan should’ve been the star of the dessert not just a guest appearance.

+2

Came here Saturday night, Dec 30 2023. The atmosphere is very warm and welcoming. The restaurant was decorated very well, and I was truly amazed by the setup. Or wait staff was Jeorge, he was attentive, professional, and took care of our table. He knew the menu very well and offered great suggestions for us to try. The food was amazing and prepared very well for us. Benjamin, the host was great. He took us on a tour of the restaurant and pleasant to talk to. He ensured our meal was prepared and even kept us company with interesting fun facts. We will definitely be back again. The food is a little pricy but was well worh it.

+4

This location is just stunning, the only thing that might dull the charm while your sitting in the dining area and look up to see the serious head chef managing the orders as they for out JK 😝! My favorite was the brioche with tuna and caviar, very unique dish that I have not seen served in many places, mush try it’s nice for sharing as an APP. It was very freash and flavorful! Don’t miss the cheese cake for dessert it was sweet , sour, bitter, crunchy and creamy really excellent!

+1

Pretty close to a once in a lifetime experience, albeit pricy. Service was top notch. We had the jamon iberico 5J, octopus, branzino, patatas bravas, half dozen oysters, and basque cheesecake. Everything was phenomenal. Subtle attention to details mattered when even the vegetables were prepared to complement, If not surpass, the primary dishes. We washed everything down with Albariño wine.

+1

I rented an igloo and I took my family here for my Mother's birthday and my experience was incredible. The bubbles aka the igloos are nice and incredibly warm. The service is five stars absolutely fantastic, the waiter was nice and patient explaining the family style ordering style. The whole restaurant is extremely nice and well decorated it's like a huge mansion. Lastly this is not a cheap restaurant by any means, but the experience is worth it.

+6

I have to mention we booked our reservation through their website with water front views for chase cardholders only so our experience might’ve been catered a little more than usual. Our server Erick was amazing and other staff attended us through the night providing one of the best services I’ve had at a restaurant. We were initially served an incorrect paella but they rectified it and provided the additional toppings on the house!! Several comps provided and their manager was lovely. Any seafood is a must and all the drinks were spot on. 10/10 experience, highly recommend, and highly recommend being attended by Erick.

+1

Lively atmosphere. It’s a little loud inside due to the music. So, if you want to have a proper conversation with your friends/family/coworkers I recommend dining upstairs or outside. The bartender (the man in black, not wearing a floral vest) was delightful. I had tapas, drinks, and dessert at the bar, and everything was amazing (I had the sangria and bf had the gin and tonic). Everyone who worked there was attentive and kind, even the ones not serving me drinks and food. Highly recommend on a Friday or Saturday with friends. Just be sure you make a reservation if you want to have a seated meal.

Came for restaurant week. Sat at the bar with friends. Impeccable service. Nice wine list. Nice cheese list. Knowledgeable sommelier Kenneth. Beautiful tableware. Excellent interior design. Welcoming, lively atmosphere. Spanish guitar on the playlist. Top quality Spanish food. Pomegranate salad with squash, toasted walnuts, winter greens, and queso fresco, excellent. Whole branzino excellent. Sausage and squid paella excellent. One of the lightest and simultaneously most decadent dessert I've had in a while -BUÑUELOS. This place was a lovely experience. The only downside was that it was a bit loud. If you're a group of four and you want everyone to hear each other, don't sit at the bar. We'll be back.

I attended a group dinner with a special menu. But the service staff menu and interior. This restaurant made an outstanding experience! Quite possibly one of the best Spanish potato omelets I've ever had. I don't think I've ever reviewed how good artichoke was before, but this restaurant did a great job with that appetizer. I've never been a big fan of flan but the way this restaurant does it may have changed my mind. Highlight of the dinner was the introduction to Estrella Spanish draft beer!

+6

We were here for our anniversary dinner. They went above and beyond to make our meal great! They also gifted us with so many sweet treats to end the meal. Would go back again.

Wow. Let me start with the service. First and foremost Ellie was phenomenal. From the moment we sat down til the moment we walked out the door she attended to us like it was her lifeline. She devoted her energy time and all her trained experiences into a night of absolute enjoyment for us. It was so impressive and impeccable that I am and was speechless. There is absolutely no restaurant in comparison and the reason for that is the service. Never have I met a more trained staff, and diego, and Katherine. Especially shout out to Diego but most of all Ellie made my night. Shout out to Eric the service director and thank you to Del mar for making the whole night. It was brilliant.

I wish I could give this place SIX stars. Seriously, this place blew my wife and I away. Before we took our trip to DC, we were originally supposed to go to another restaurant. Due to unforseen circumstances on the part of that other restaurant, they had to cancel our reservation. Angela Bray, the guest manager of that restaurant, recommended Del Mar among other restaurants. The food you get for the price is unmatched. This place deserves a Michelin Star. We told them about our situation and we got SHOWERED with top tier food. Every appetizer, every salad, every drink was top tier. You can't go wrong here.

I recently dined at Del Mar, and I can confidently say it was an unforgettable experience! Our waiter, Will, provided exceptional service from the moment we arrived. He was friendly, attentive, and genuinely enthusiastic about the menu. Will recommended several dishes, and each one was fantastic. The flavors were exquisite, and the presentation was beautiful. It's clear that the chefs take great pride in their work. The overall ambiance of the restaurant was warm and inviting, making it the perfect setting for a special evening out. I highly recommend Del Mar to anyone looking for a delightful dining experience. Be sure to ask for Will; his recommendations will not disappoint! Thank you, Del Mar, for a wonderful night! We will definitely be back.

I visited Del Mar while walking around the Wharf. I was planning to go to Ilili but it was closed and ended up here. We ordered the salad, which I forgot the name but it had a few mints leaves that makes a difference on taste. I was pleasantly surprised. The Spanish tortilla was just amazing perfectly cooked and a cheese on top to give moisture and enhance flavor. Lastly the burger, which I was hoping something ordinary, it was the best. I ordered it medium well, juicy and full of flavor and the brioche just out of this world. I enjoyed my visit and I hope to come here in the future to try other dishes.

We had a fantastic experience at Del Mar on the DC Wharf! The seafood was absolutely outstanding; everything tasted fresh and perfectly prepared. The flavors were rich yet delicate, and each dish was a treat for the senses. The service was truly exceptional, with every staff member going above and beyond to make us feel welcome. A special shoutout to Tyler, the Assistant GM, who was incredibly friendly and attentive. He made sure we were well looked after, adding a personal touch to our meal that really stood out. If you’re looking for a memorable dining experience with great food and impeccable service, Del Mar is the place to go. Highly recommend!

Wow, it's been five years after my last review! Been back couple times this year, and it's still a solid place after all of these years at the Wharf. I highly recommend making a reservation here though they do have bar seating. The menu has gotten smaller compared to years past, but the food quality is still good as ever. Focus is still on seafood, so if you are looking for the typical Spanish tapas, I would stick with Jaleo. Their signature dish is paella, so I would recommend the seafood paella. Some other favorites are: Andalusian Garlic Shrimp, Grilled Wild Calamari, Cinco Jotas Jamon Imberico and Jamon Croquetas. This place isn't cheap, so expect to spend some $$$. They do offer happy hour from Tuesday - Sunday (4 PM - 6 PM) where some of their tapas are $6.

+2

Easily one of the best dining experiences in DC! Wow. Del Mar absolutely blew me away. From the second we walked in, everything was just right. The vibe is incredible — so warm, tasteful, and inviting. It was packed and buzzing, but somehow still felt cozy and intimate. Not every place pulls that off, but Del Mar nails it. The service? Impeccable. Luis, the GM, and AGM made us feel like absolute VIPs — so friendly, so on point, without ever being over the top. And the food… honestly, I don’t even know where to begin. Every dish was next-level. The sooersata? Yummm. The shrimp crudo? Fresh, light, and bursting with flavor. Don’t even get me started on the seafood paella — smoky, rich, perfectly cooked… just WOW. Desserts were insane, and we finished off with a killer cheese plate and vintage sherry — literally the cherry on top. This place is going to be like a favorite song — one I’ll keep coming back to, again and again. If you haven’t been, go. You’re in for something special.

+6

This was hands down the best paella I’ve ever had! The flavors were rich, the seafood was fresh, and the texture was just perfect. The service was amazing — we were lucky to be served by Rodrigo, who was incredibly attentive and kind. He could tell we needed help just from a glance and was always there before we even had to ask. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with a great vibe and a beautiful setting. We felt so comfortable and well taken care of. Highly recommended!

+1

Absolutely incredible service and food. The catalonian Chef is a wonder to work with and made of the event a great experience. Do not miss out on the jamon and truffle croquetas!!!

This place is amazing and the service unparalleled. The food taste delicious and you can tell they put a lot of effort on the ingredient preparation and the presentation. We sat at the bar for happy hour and we had a great time our server/ bartenders were so friendly a d had great recommendations on food and drinks. The views are phenomenal right across from the restaurant. Everything paired up well with that Tempranillo wine. We will be back next time we are in town.

+6

I visited Del Mar not only to enjoy their lunchtime Restaurant Week special, but also as a solo date to celebrate my birthday—and it was such a lovely experience. From the moment I walked in, the service was absolutely amazing. My server was a true 10/10: attentive without being overbearing, constantly checking on me, and offering great recommendations. Everything I tasted was delicious and beautifully prepared. The only item I probably wouldn’t order again is the caviar. It was a very thin layer of caviar on top of crème fraîche, and I wish the two had been served separately. That’s the one thing I either should’ve sent back or skipped altogether. Other than that, every dish was a solid 10/10. I was a little sad they didn’t have lychee martinis, but honestly, the incredible service and amazing food more than made up for it. I had such a great time and will definitely be going back for sure.

A culinary Journey to Spain. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of visiting a Spanish restaurant, and I must say, the experience was simply spectacular. From the moment I walked in, the ambiance transported me straight to Spain, with its warm lighting and a cozy atmosphere that perfectly captured the Mediterranean essence. The food was the highlight of the day. Every dish was carefully prepared, featuring fresh ingredients and authentic flavors. From appetizers to main courses, every bite was a tribute to Spanish gastronomy. A special mention goes to the G&T drink (Gin Mare), which wasn’t only perfectly balanced but also had the power to transport me to Spain with its freshness and well-crafted aromas. An excellent choice. To top it all off, the selection of desserts was simply exquisite. Each option was a burst of flavor, with that homemade touch that makes all the difference. A sweet and unforgettable ending to a well-rounded culinary experience. If you’re looking for a place in the city where you can experience the essence of Spain through its cuisine, this restaurant is an absolute must-visit. Highly recommended!

Dunia C.C.

My husband and I had a dinner date here , I loved the pulpo a la plancha , the fish and seafood Paella was out of this world and desserts delicious, loved everything except for the drink I ordered, the white sangria, the bartenders were very friendly and nice , I love it, definitely we will come back! Incredible experiencia para una cena romántica nos encantó el pulpo a la plancha , la paella de mariscos increíble, los postres súper deliciosos, solo mi bebida no me gustó la sangría blanca , los chicos q nos atendieron en el bar , muy amables y serviciales Definitivamente volveremos

Ana Abicha

La comida muy rica y muy recomendable. , la paella deliciosa , el cangrejo azul excelentemente delicioso , torta española también deliciosa , Los postres muy originales y muy bien presentados Nos atendió LANCINE, un mesero my amable y muy sonriente nos hizo sentir muy cómodos. Excelente mesero.

Cristian S

Disfruto mucho este lugar, buena comida, buen servicio. El sitio es muy bonito

Had a great experience dinning in Del Mar, octopus dish was very tasty and was my favorite of the night despite I am a big fan of steak tartare but I wish they had put more seasoning in to the steak, I can say it was very bland to my taste. Postre was 🔥 too. I might come back to try their paella. Thanks for the excellent services.

I had an amazing dinner at Del Mar and truly loved every single dish. The flavors, presentation, and overall experience were exceptional. Del Mar never disappoints. From the ambiance to the service to the food, everything was spot on.

The 4 star is for paella for sure. Of course, it’s overpriced $390 seafood paella for 4 people. Ordered the rabbit paella too. I wish the oyster got more variety and more selection of dipping sauces. Service could be more attentive. Forgot one of our entree and end up getting a rare cold lamp chops first then swapped with another one. Mentioned given the wrong plate to our table. Again, server is no where to be found during our entire dinner. It’s our 2 time coming to this restaurant when visiting DC. Definitely will come back for paella again.

The ambience and service was great but we expected the food to be more traditional. The paella was good but not traditional and with limited seafood, unless you paid a much higher price. The "croquetas" appetizer was amazing though, and probably the best! This place is expensive, so plan accordingly.

3-stars for service due to multiple requests for a finger bowl of warm water. When the requested was answered, it was presented in an aluminum bowl, plated, with a drying cloth ... but the water was cold! I agree with the reviews, $100 per person, we ordered tapas servings, no entrees. No dessert. Drinks ordered. Everything tasted wonderful. Over priced. You're paying for the location.

+2

Food was good overall but cost a pretty penny and then some. You will spend 100-200 pp easy. Paella presentation was a 5. Eating it was like a 3. They give you thick dull wooden spoons that were hard to scoop or scrape the thin layer of rice. The shrimp were huge. The lobster tail was halved lengthwise for the paella size for two people. Didn’t really notice much monkfish or scallops. There were some mussels. There were a few tapas that were really good but a few were just ok. The jamon ham was too small sliced and hard to pick up with a fork yet alone eat. The fresh baked bread was nice. The cocktail I had was pretty good. The branzino was overrated and way overpriced in my opinion. It was too gooey. Cheese prices aren’t published on the online menu. They make you pick 3 and they were good. Service was good but a lady picked up my fork to clear it along with my plate as I was literally still actively chewing my food. Ambiance was good. I found the waiter blazers to be a bit ridiculous.

My friend and I went for dinner and sat at the bar. We really enjoyed the food: oysters, tuna carpaccio, leeks, Dover sole and the octopus. It all tasted fresh, came out of the kitchen quickly and was nicely plated and presented. The only complaint I have is with the server/ bartender, I think his name was Justin F (I took his name off the receipt so I hope it’s accurate). He was very slow to greet my friend and I after we sat down despite the bar being only 30% occupied, and rarely checked in. Then after we ate he presented the check although we planned on ordering more. Once I paid he said his tip was insufficient despite the fact that my friend hadn’t paid yet and planned to tip the remainder. After I handed him an additional $20 in cash he said “good, because I’ve been working hard”. I’ve been a server and tend to tip well, but his disposition was off putting and left the meal on a negative note. I’m not sure if I’d return and if I do I won’t sit at the bar.

+2

Service here was top-notch. The wine list is extraordinary. If only the food had been up to that level, it would have been memorable. Scallop tapas had so much sauce that the flavor of the scallops was nearly obliterated. "Bravura" potatoes were - gosh I hate to say this - just bland and boring in flavor and texture. Tuna tapas was well-sauced - but my sensitive palette hs tasted fresher seafood. Desserts were excellent. Overall, I felt let down by the food quality.

The food and the atmosphere are worth one trip but be prepared to drop loot, like serious coin. That said the food did not disappoint we all ordered different seafood mains and everyone's plate was clean. That said serve was to be desired, so many staff and could never seem to find our waiter. The octopus was delicious! The bronzino highly recommend, so tender but yet great texture. Killer bone dry sangria.

Del Mar is a Spanish restaurant featuring many authentic dishes and tapas from Spain. It's is located at the DC Warf zone. It is an upper scale restaurant. It was very cold and rainy day so I felt nostalgic for the foods of Spain so I decided to stop by Del Kat. The decor is casual elegant. I parked myself at the bar, which it was not crowded when I artoved around 3pm but later became lively. Between 3 and 6 they offer a "happy hour/bar menu" which is basically a, simplyfied regular menu with the same prices and portions. I began with a gin and tonic and ordered the "camarones al ajillo" (shrimp with garlic), the I dividía egg and potatoes omelet (tortilla española) and "croquetas de jamón" (ham croquettes). The ham croquettes were served with a truffle aoili that's mad delicious. The Spanish omelette had mushy potatoes and a huge mound of creme freshe and Truffles which did not add anything to the dish (the potatoes were overcooked and mushy), so I returned te the dish, which my server was happy to do. I also ordered the octupus ei h WAS set ed with a dark ink sauce and was delicious. My only other quip was that the " Vasque" cheesecake was not the traditional brunt Vasque cheesecake, but a regular cheesecake served with bananas Foster-style side that was decidedly ot Vasque. The service was friendly and warm (thank you Joel

+6

Visited for dinner during summer restaurant week - $65 for three courses. I enjoyed the jamon croquetas, lubina entree, and churros. We were easily seated without a reservation and the service was prompt. Our server provided great recommendations for the courses and was very attentive during our meal. The food was well presented and flavorful and truly loved the smoky spice on the lubina entree. I look forward to visiting again. $$$ Deck parking at wharf $$$

+3

It was good restaurant to enjoy seafood. They brought out the fish and showed us. We saw the fish and clamps were fresh. It was expensive but overall the food was so delicious.

+1

Honestly probably 4.5 stars. Great location, beautiful restaurant with crisp and friendly service. One of those places you just want to love walking in. The good was really good..really really good. Just a few things weren't excellent. Artichokes were a pass...and I love artichokes. One of the best items was the complimentary bread with tomato topping. Branzino was great, paella very good. I would go back...which is probably the most important metric!

+4

Came in early to grab a drink at the bar. They serve Basque cider. I compare sidra to North American cider as kombucha to soda. It is funky and I love it. Focusing my night mainly on the Basque cuisine from the menu. The ambience of the restaurant is beautifully curated. However the staff; very friendly, were less aware of the cuisine they were serving or offering. To someone else, this experience could be amazing. We ordered Jamon croquetas, carpaccio, octopus, Spanish tortilla, turbot, piquillo peppers, Basque cheese cake and the Buñuelos. Croquetas: perfect. Give me more Carpaccio: The dish appeared to be well seasoned but the the oil in the dish did not emulsify with any brine or vinaigrette. Relying on capers for the seasoning. Still fresh fish. Different preference. Octopus, dinning partner said “not bad, I’ve had worse”. I love octopus but this dish was lacking. The spiced black garlic spread was good. No acidity. Spanish tortilla: potato and truffle. It was ok. Mainly a block of potato. Turbot: frustrated most with this one. Turbot is a beautiful fish. Expensive but worth it if done right. Knowing how to serve and display the fish is important. Some of the best parts of the fish were thrown out. They paired the turbot with a butter leaf lettuce on the side and “Bilbania sauce” but the sauce tasted like garlic butter. An emulsified vinegar or citrus in the final preparation of the fish is needed. Drape the emulsion over the fish. The fish is already buttery being a flounder. The vinaigrette used on the butter leaf lettuce would have gone well for that emulsion step. pair the fish with bread. You can scoop up the vinaigrette and butter fish off the dish. Leave the fish cheek, dorsal (crispy fish skin) and cook the fish if possible on a grill to finish in the pan. If you have someone coming in who never had turbot, they are walking away still not knowing turbot. The basque cheesecake was not enjoyable. Maybe we came on a bad night? Spent $500+ for 2. Walked away enjoying the ambiance but that is not enough to carry the evening or promote a return. Extremely disappointed in the execution of almost all the dishes. 3 stars as I still love food.

+6

I’ll start by giving credit where it’s due—Canver was incredibly professional and handled a frustrating situation with empathy and class. We had a Friday night reservation at Del Mar (Wharf) for me and my queen. We specifically requested a patio table by the window with a nice view, and noted that in our reservation. When we arrived, the hostess had us wait about 4 minutes but didn’t mention the patio was closed due to rain. We were then seated inside, which was disappointing given our expectations. Inside, the temperature was inconsistent. It was chilly at the entrance, but our table near the kitchen was uncomfortably hot. Some tables nearby had fans overhead—ours did not. We started off strong with the Sol Amarillo, a refreshing and flavorful cocktail. The caviar bites were excellent, and the Andalusian garlic shrimp was the highlight—hands down the best shrimp dish I’ve ever had. The garlic octopus was decent—not bold in flavor, but the garlic sauce helped carry it. Now to the downside. Our reservation was at 7:30 PM, and we placed our full order by 8—including the seafood paella, which we were really looking forward to. My partner had been craving it since our last trip to London, and it’s not commonly found in DC. Nearly an hour passed and still no paella. Our server wasn’t very communicative—he simply said, “It takes time,” when I asked. I requested another drink, and about 10 minutes later, a different manager came over to apologize and offered us complimentary caviar bites, which we appreciated. The paella finally arrived close to 9 PM. The flavor was solid and the seafood fresh—but as I dug into the rice, I found half the pan was burnt black, not the crispy socarrat you expect. I flagged this to the server, who tried to scrape it off as if it was normal. I had to clarify that it wasn’t caramelized—it was simply burnt. He brought it to Canver, who returned with a sincere apology and offered to remove it from the check. I declined and insisted on paying—I own a business and understand how things can go sideways, especially on busy nights. Interestingly, another table nearby also complained about their paella, which reassured me this wasn’t an isolated issue. As it got late, we had to ask another server for the check. Eventually, our original server returned and thoughtfully set the table for a complimentary dessert to make up for the delays. When the check arrived, I noticed the paella had been removed, which was not my intention. I still proceeded to pay the full bill and left their maximum tip, hoping Canver sees some of that—because he truly deserved it. Despite the hiccups, the ambiance was cozy, the food (when done right) was outstanding, and the staff made genuine efforts to turn things around. Thanks to Canver’s exceptional service, we’ll absolutely give Del Mar another try.

+1

We dropped by the outdoor patio-like area for a few drinks here. It had a great vibe and the service was nice. The only problem was none of the drinks tasted any good. The sangria was a disgrace - I’d describe it as a waterd-down version of a driest red wine you can find. The other cocktails were also mediocre at best.

+1

The decor and location of the restaurant are excellent. The service was great. The food had no flavor. I would say the foods are very plain. It is pricey too because the location. Not worth to visit second time.

+6

So, we checked out this restaurant for a special occasion, hoping for a great meal, and overall, it was a pretty nice experience... with one big 'but. Right off the bat, the host was super welcoming and got us seated right away, even in the middle of their afternoon rush. Jose, our server, was fantastic – really attentive and helpful the whole time. Big bonus points for Del Mar for having crayons and a coloring sheet ready for our toddler! That's always a win. Now, the food itself was legitimately delicious. Seriously, top-notch quality, everything came out hot, and the timing was perfect. I even tried to snap a few photos, but my attention kept getting pulled away by something a bit... buggy. The problem: As soon as our food arrived, we were absolutely ambushed by gnats! Not just a few, but enough to be a real nuisance. We hadn't seen a single one until the food came out, so I'm pretty sure they were drawn to it. We were constantly swatting, but it felt like a losing battle; at one point, we were just squishing them left and right. They did offer to move us, but since our food was already being served, we just decided to tough it out. The manager popped by a few times to apologize, which was nice. As for how they handled it, Del Mar did take a few items off our bill. We appreciated that, especially since we'd ordered some wine and such. But honestly, for the level of disruption, we were a little surprised it wasn't more. Maybe they felt it was enough, I'm not sure. It's a tough call because the food was genuinely excellent. I'd love to go back, but those gnats really put a damper on things. So... we'll just have to see."

+6

Not comparable to Fiola Mare in all dimensions even though the prices are only a little lower. Won’t return. Gambas al ajillo (Andalusian shrimp) — low quality shrimps are used with no shrimp head materials in the sauce. Yes it beats José Andre’s shameless creation at Capital One landing at DCA (any Spanish chef will LOL at these dishes). Snapper is the only good dish. Scallop — I doubt they come from the shells in which they are served 4 slices of pan de to mate for 13 — that’s ridiculous especially because no additional bread is served for gambas al ajillo… then how does one enjoy the sauce? oh, I take it back, cos there’s nothing inside the sauce…

Overrated. This restaurant demands a high price for everything, but fails miserably in its delivery. Even if it charges everything at half price, it still comes in at three stars at best. We had a few dishes for our dinner (3 appetizers and 1 entree) and none of them was as good as the food critics claimed. Its signature dish, the seafood paella was a collosal failure. It had no seafood flavor, and it was drenched in fat. It was cooked when the pan was not hot thus a thin layer of rice was stuck on its bottom. I swore that I had some 15 dollar paella from the south that tasted a lot better than this one. If you demand 100 dollars for this dish, you should, at least, try to give it a dish that has some flavor and was prepared properly. One may go to restaurant for some other reasons, like to be seen with a right crowd, or to enjoy some good company with people you do business with (business expenses). If you want to enjoy some good decent food, this is not a place......

+2

The food was okay. At least the two dishes we had. Severely overpriced. Your paying for the ambiance and location and tourist trap. I would never eat here again. Nearly 70$ for paella and 30$ for 5 tiny shrimps with croutons gambas. A true Spanish person would most likely smack Del Mar in the face for his disgraceful food. We are here to eat not feed our eyes. ;(

10/2023: First note, more expensive than it’s worth. Service is incredible and you certainly are treated well but be prepared to pay over $100 per person. Second note, it’s disgustingly cheap to charge a 3% fee “for doing business in Washington DC” - either increase the menu price or absorb the fee. Other than those major negatives, the food was good, though certainly not great. Tried the cheese plate (don’t recommend), sobrasada (spreadable meat) was actually really good, branzino (tasted like any other fish), and 2/3 of the Spanish sausage was good. The garlic shrimp was probably the best though again, they sneakily offered bread and then charged $4 for it. $5 per soda, no refills - disappointing that they seek to charge extra at any opportunity. Atmosphere and service are the only reason it isn’t a single star review.

+2

Don’t let covid19 stop you from enjoying life! I believe this is the first time I post a pic of a bill, but I had to because is out of what I consider fair. Sincerely, We were ready to pay a high price, BUT not this much. I’ve been once in Spain, but I have been In many Spanish-Spain restaurants in Miami, Baltimore and here in DC as well, and I was disappointed. To the bill you see in the pic, we had to add the tip which was over $30. If you look well, you’ll notice they are charging a cleaning/sanitation fee as well in addition. Talking about flavor, the best part was the appetizers and the drinks. We ordered two different kind of “paellas” and they were ok. The paellas we had before in other different restaurants, were far more delicious. About dessert or coffee; We decided not to try the desserts here. We went to a sweet place we love near the DC downtown. About the customer service: yes it was great. The atmosphere is safe, the place is clean and extremely comfortable. The decorations are very fancy and the location is great, water front, plenty of outdoor sitting and walking areas. About the parking: be prepared to pay about $25 if you go on a week day at night. The experience with Del Mar Restaurant was, honestly, very different from many others. We even has to put a deposit of $25 per person to make a reservation, and the lady on the phone said we’ll get it back once we were at the restaurant, but I was disappointed because they didn’t gave me the money back. The server at the end said to us we have to wait about five days to see it in the bank account. So, on the phone, by text or email, or online looking at the menu they insist you on giving donations to a special fund they have. This may sound like a lot, but it was a lot to me! I don’t think I wanna visit them again.

+6

While strolling through Washington D.C. and deciding on lunch, we discovered Del Mar. It is a Spanish, Seafood, and Cocktail Bar. We ordered their Express Lunch, which is a Three Courses meal, but with a confusing set of pricing. (more on it later) We ordered their Cherry Gazpacho and Citrus Salad for starters. We also got the Verduras Paella for the main, and Churros and Homemade Cookies for dessert. The food was not bad, and prepared upon order. But the price was confusing, to say the least. We initially wanted to order one set of Express Lunch to share and get some Tapas. But they explained to us we both had to agree on the Paella, and we had to order two (2) sets of the lunch. Which I guess made sense since it stated Minimum Two People. But they failed to explain the fine print, that it will be an extra $15 per person, and you only get one (1) Paella. Conveniently right after the meal, they told us they made a mistake with our Paella? They had the whole meal to tell us, but they found out right at the end? The layout of the menu was confusing and convoluted, where some items were included, and some are not. I am trying to read a menu to order some food, not read an End User License Agreement written by a law professional. Our waiter also didn't seem to care, and spoke with a condescending attitude. Not that she was unprofessional, but she just doesn't seem to care about the customer. Also wow, 20% tip as default? Would not recommend this place, unless you have nowhere else to go I suppose.

+2

Overpriced is an understatement. Charcuterie was 2 oz of mushy meat. “Pan Tomate” - mashed tomato on bread. Not good. $140 for paella. The half lobster was small. The prawn was big. The rest- meh. It was fine. Definitely not worth $140. The best part of the meal was the churros and it was only $12 for 3 big ones. Very disappointed overall. Server was nice. Atmosphere was nice.

Service here is great, and the ambience is spectacular. The design feels very thoughtful and well executed. All that said, the menu was incredibly disappointing. Management should revisit the recipes and spend time on proper development. The pricing suggests creativity and execution that simply are not reflected in the dishes. What we ordered: Andalusian Garlic Shrimp – The best thing we ate. Good flavor and the only dish that felt well executed. Crispy Potatoes Bravas – We sent this back. It was literally potatoes with sauce poured on top. No seasoning. Completely unacceptable for a dish that simple. Blue Crab Stuffed Piquillo Peppers – Just okay. Only two pieces were served, and the sauce pairing could have been much better. Grilled Wild Calamari – The pieces were the largest I have ever seen, and not in a good way. The cut felt lazy and made the dish very unappealing. After these dishes, we cancelled our paella. At that point we did not want to continue a streak of overpriced disappointments. It is frustrating because the space and service are excellent, but the food does not live up to the standard the restaurant seems to be aiming for.P

javiera soledad inostroza vallejos

Muy lindo lugar, hermosa vista desde la terraza en el segundo piso... la atención aceptable, los muchachos algo timidos a la hora de recomendar un plato y pues llegaron los 4 platos que ordenamos antes de las sangrías que pedimos en primer lugar, por lo que tuvimos que esperar para poder comer y disfrutar de un trago. Sobre los platos, no muchas cosas que decir. Pedimos 4 platos (tapas) para probar pero ninguno logró captar nuestra atención. Sabores demasiado planos, la tortilla de papa le falta el toque español de un buen chorizo o simplemente algo más de sazón. Pedimos gambas al ajillo que estaban bien, ostras que no tenían ningun toque especial y unas croquetas de jamón con un toque trufado que salvó la velada. Las sangrias, que llegaron cuando ya estabamos por terminar, nada especial... demasiado hielo, poco sabor frutal. Nos quedamos con la presentacion de los platos, la buena vista y ornamentacion del local, ya que precio calidad...no lo vale.

Y_Lena TR

No se corresponde la calidad de la comida con los precios. Fiasco total!!!!! Fuimos en familia el día 25 julio de 2024 para cerrar nuestra visita a la Capital. Nada relevante con este Restaurante. La paella estaba seca y con exceso de tomate. La carne del bistec duro y reseco. No estuvo adecuada la cocción de los alimentos. Muy baja calidad para precios tan elevados. El ambiente muy muy muy ruidoso. El personal que atendió la mesa muy atento y solicito. No recomiendo el lugar. Hay otros Restaurantes en Washington D.C. de mejor calidad y precio.

You can easily find another Spanish restaurant that serves food of the same, or even better quality for half the price. Whatever you do, don’t order the Seafood Paella (SM) here. It costs $150, strongly suggested by the waiter, and it’s absolutely not worth it. two prawns, half a small~mid lobster tail, some small pieces of seafood, and rice that’s half undercooked and stuck so hard to the bottom of the pan you can’t even scrape it off. The waiter told us that the “crispy bottom” was the essence of the dish. Really? He awkwardly tried to scrape it for us. I tasted it, and it was bitter. All I could do was give a bitter smile in return. Their Pan de Cristal (four bread slices for $4) was underwhelming. My son ordered the wild calamari, which was okay, but some pieces weren’t very fresh because no springiness at all. The only dish that stood out was the Blue Crab appetizer. In the end, for two adults and one 12-year-old, we paid $343.70 including tip. Strongly not recommended.

We went to Del Mar for Summer Restaurant Week on Saturday, August 23rd. The day before, we made a reservation for 1:30 PM and specifically asked to sit upstairs on the second floor with the glass windows and flowers hanging from the ceiling. We were told this was possible and that it would be noted in our reservation. When we arrived, the hostess told us that the section was closed until 5 PM. That was already very frustrating. We decided to sit outside. The food was just okay. For $35 it tasted like gentrified Spanish food and was not worth it. The service was even worse. When it was time for our third course which was dessert, we waited 30 minutes because our server completely forgot about us while handling his other tables. We had to ask another server for help. Our desserts eventually came, and our server said he would also refill our water since we were out. Ten more minutes went by and we still never got the water. Overall this was such a disappointing experience. We still left a tip but I regret doing so. I will not come back here and I will not recommend this restaurant to any of my friends.

Overall the rating would have been better if we were not deceptively double charged on a paella that we only order for 2 which is 1 order. Looks like the waitress took the liberty of ordering 2 orders without our knowing regardless of the amounts of tapas we have ordered to share. For 4 people our bill was inflated by 185.28$ with tax and gratuity included. We didn't notice the inflated amount because the bill was presented in total and not by detailed items until we got home. We realize it would be an expensive dinner for 4 but we surely would not order 2 150$ ish paella if we have not try it first at 150$. In addition, we ordered at least 5 tapas to share besides drink. Why would we double the paella. So beware of upcharge and upsale without your knowledge. Thank you and appreciate for your response below. Unfortunately, we weren't able to reach out to you nor receive any email responses using your below provided email address.

We had a very poor experience at Del Mar, especially with our server, Henry. - Seating issue: Despite arriving on time for our reservation, front desk completely forgot about us. Only after I went up and asked were we seated. There were plenty of empty tables, so lack of seating was not the reason. - Ordering delay: When it was time to order, Henry kept running around with his ordering device, appearing to calculate something, but did not come to take our order. We waited a long time before we could finally place it. - Food quality: When the food finally arrived, it was very disappointing. Most of the dishes tasted either not fresh or overly greasy. Service quality: Throughout the entire meal, Henry never came to check in with us. At one point, our plates were mistakenly taken away, so when the next dish came we had no utensils at all. - Checkout experience: At the end, paying the bill was again delayed because Henry was “calculating something.” I chose to enter a custom tip instead of the preset 20%, but right as I was about to sign, Henry took the payment machine away from me and handed it to my boyfriend, insisting on asking him how much tip to leave — without ever acknowledging me. This was extremely disrespectful and uncomfortable. - Unacceptable behavior: As we left the restaurant, Henry shouted something offensive in Spanish at me, which was the final straw. Overall, this was one of the worst dining experiences I’ve had in DC. Poor service, disappointing food, and unprofessional behavior from Henry made the entire evening unpleasant. Definitely not worth the hype or the price.