+1 858-925-6047
Monarch Ocean Pub is a vibrant coastal restaurant nestled right on the picturesque shores of Del Mar, California. This inviting eatery expertly blends the laid-back vibe of a beachside pub with a sophisticated menu that celebrates fresh, bold flavors and elevated comfort food. Whether you're settling in for lunch or a relaxing dinner, Monarch Ocean Pub offers an experience that tantalizes the senses and soothes the soul with stunning ocean views and an effortlessly welcoming atmosphere.
The cuisine here is a delightful American coastal fusion, with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood and thoughtfully crafted cocktails. A must-try is their fresh shucked oysters, briny and cold with that perfect ocean kiss, making for a luxurious start or a light, refreshing bite. The lobster roll is decadently rich and buttery, packed with tender lobster meat that melts in your mouth, while the fish and chips offer a crispy, golden exterior with flaky, flavorful fish inside—comfort food at its finest. For those seeking vibrant, zesty flavors, the ceviche bursts with freshness, perfectly balanced with citrus and herbs.
Sandwich lovers will delight in options like the short rib pastrami sandwich, where smoky, brined beef pairs harmoniously with melted Gruyere and a tangy house mustard on marbled rye bread. The applewood bacon burger is another crowd favorite—juicy aged chuck topped with Gruyere and white cheddar, complemented by rich garlic crema and served on a soft brioche bun that keeps every bite satisfying. Vegetarians will find joy in the mushroom burrata flatbread, a creamy, earthy dish that blends smooth burrata cheese with savory mushrooms and fresh herbs.
Pair your meal with one of their signature cocktails crafted with care, such as the tropical Dragonfruit Margarita or the refreshing and slightly tart Del Mar Beach Gimlet. Each sip carries a taste of the coast, perfect for unwinding while taking in the enviable ocean panorama through the restaurant’s open-air seating and warmly decorated interiors.
Guests often praise Monarch Ocean Pub not just for its exceptional food, but for the overall ambiance—a perfect sanctuary to relax, catch up with friends, or enjoy a memorable date night. The atmosphere strikes a beautiful balance between casual comfort and chic coastal charm, enhanced by large windows that frame the crashing waves outside and a lively but unobtrusive soundtrack supporting easy conversation.
Many visitors highlight the friendliness and attentiveness of the service, creating a welcoming environment that makes every guest feel cared for. Whether you’re nibbling on the crispy calamari or indulging in the velvety chocolate creme brulee to finish your meal, Monarch Ocean Pub delivers an experience that lingers—both on the palate and in your heart.
In summary, Monarch Ocean Pub is far more than just a place to eat; it is a destination to savor the flavors of the sea, sip inventive cocktails, and immerse yourself in the stunning coastal energy of Del Mar. The harmonious blend of fresh, vibrant dishes, exceptional service, and an unbeatable setting makes this spot a must-visit for locals and visitors alike.
The view alone is worth the visit and the ambiance is incredible. The food and drinks are good, but this spot truly shines as a place to relax, hangout, and catch up with friends. The atmosphere is comfortable and inviting.
I loved this restaurant! The food was absolutely amazing! They had lots of choices as well for the cocktails. We went on mother's day so it was crowded and we had to wait about 30 minutes, but usually it isn't. But in conclusion this place is great! There's also an AMAZING view of the ocean.
One of my favorite places to chill with the most spectacular view of the ocean. Grab a drink, dine and have a blast with friends and family. I love the open area. The veg pizza was super fresh and one of the best I have had!
My friend and I, visited monarch we planned to have dinner but opted for oysters and cocktails at the end. Our server was attentive and I did send a drink back and he replaced it immediately. We had the best time and I wish I would of tried the food since it all sounded delicious but I will have to go back next time for that, as we decided to explore the rest of the spots in the plaza. I would recommend this place for the views, the cocktails and oysters.
Overall an amazing dining experience. We were told to wait for a window table would be about 45 minutes so we put our name down and waited on the outside viewing area where they also serve food and drinks. We ordered 2 cocktails and found a table with a beautiful view of the ocean and street below. The cocktails were not the best especially considering the price but the service was quick. Once our table was ready, we were seated at a table by the window. Becky was our server and she was just absolutely lovely! We ordered a steak along with the fish and chips. Fish and chips were good, excellent aioli and tartar sauces. We ordered a medium steak and they didn’t bring it out till it was cooked perfectly. The appetizers tasted good and their dessert is a good finisher for the meal. The caviar to this place is to show up around sunset to hear the poem of the day, we were poem #921 and it actually made me go into deep thought… the crew and the vibe of this place is exactly what Del Mar is about. Would highly recommend this place
The fish and chips are about the best in the region, with big fat fresh perfectly battered cod filets. Most places serve much smaller pieces for not much lower cost. The smoked wings are uniquely excellent, with a tasty crunch rather that the usual wing sauce. Two very good mayo-based dipping sauces are included. The calamari was fine, but nothing special. The ceviche is superb, with fresh halibut and shrimp and the usual avocado, cucumber, and pickled red onions, plus thin red jalapeno slices. One in our group ordered the shrimp and pork belly soup, but disliked it so much due mainly to chewy pork that she sent it away. The Parker rolls are very fresh and tasty, but they're $8.00 for four. The fantastic beverage options are icing on the cake. The outdoor dining area ambience with an ocean view was fantastic on a warm October night, and the service perfectly professional and well-paced. If Google allowed decimals, I'd give the place 4.5 stars.
Food and atmosphere was fantastic! Views of the ocean were amazing on the deck. Fish and chips were great but the flatbread was the star. Bacon cheeseburger was good and juicy. Drinks were yummy, especially the pistachio espresso martini. Typical pricing for the area. Service was nice but very slow, just a heads up.
I rarely give five stars but the credit is due when it is due. In our five days in San Diego it was the best dining experience. We were there before 6 pm and ordered almost everything on the happy hour menu and everything was delicious. We even went for seconds. However, what was the most touching was the live music by the chill Hawaiian guy playing chill music. Together with the ocean views and breeze, it left little to desire for more…