Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Postino Del Mar – San Diego
Postino Del Mar - San Diego
Photo from Postino Del Mar
Postino Del Mar at a glance
San Diego Carmel Valley
- 🍽️ Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 31 – 40 €
mentioned by 76 of the guests
#133 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#27 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
552
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Food
- Friendly Service
- Happy Hour
Frequently criticized
- Loud Environment
- Service Glitches
- High Prices
The restaurant Postino Del Mar, nestled in the vibrant Carmel Valley neighborhood of San Diego, invites you to discover a truly memorable dining experience. You’ll immediately notice its reputation for a great wine list, perfect for any connoisseur.
This inviting spot offers a blend of cozy and trendy atmospheres, making it an ideal destination whether you’re looking for a romantic evening or a casual get-together. Prepare to indulge in delicious small plates and enjoy a fantastic selection of beverages.
Overview: Introducting Postino Del Mar
Postino offers a generally pleasant experience, with many guests appreciating the quality of the food and the attentive `service`. The atmosphere often contributes positively, making it a suitable spot for various occasions, from casual lunches to lively evenings.
However, some visits have been marred by issues like occasional slow `wait time` or concerns about `loud music`. While the overall value, especially during `happy hour`, is often praised, there are instances where the pricing felt less justified.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
552
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
63
negative
20
neutral
469
positive
Postino achieves a solid overall score of 8.3, indicating a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction of 85%.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 552 customer opinions, with 469 positive remarks outweighing 63 negative ones, suggesting a well-regarded establishment. The culinary offerings stand out, with Food scoring an impressive (8.4).
Service also performs well at (8.3), though some experiences note occasional delays. The Ambience (8.2) is often a draw, despite some comments about noise levels, and the perceived Value (8.2) is generally favorable, particularly for special offers.
What people like
- Delicious Bruschetta & Food
- Attentive, Friendly Service
- Excellent Happy Hour Value
What people don't like
- Loud Music, Tight Seating
- Occasional Service Issues
- Overpriced Items
Postino generally delivers a commendable experience, especially if you appreciate well-prepared food and a lively atmosphere. With a Recommendation Score of 8.4, it’s often a solid choice for those seeking a vibrant spot with good value, particularly during happy hour.
However, be mindful of potential noise levels and occasional service hiccups, especially during busy times. If you prioritize a quiet, intimate setting or are sensitive to pricing outside of specials, you might find aspects less appealing.
It’s worth a visit for its strengths.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Postino Del Mar
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
The food here is definitely a highlight, scoring a strong 8.4 and boasting a 87.1% customer satisfaction! With 216 positive remarks out of 248 total, diners consistently rave about the delicious food, especially the crispy cauliflower, amazing bruschetta boards, and excellent wine selection. Many found the menu impressive and full of fresh, tasty options.
While overwhelmingly positive, a few of the 19 negative comments mentioned issues like cold food, flavorless dishes, or specific items like the charcuterie board being underwhelming. Some found certain bruschetta options or the French onion soup disappointing, and there was a rare mention of hair in a salad.
Food
248
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
19
negative
13
neutral
216
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious bruschetta boards
- Crispy cauliflower
- Excellent wine selection
What people don't like
- Cold food served
- Flavorless food
- Hair in salad
Often praised
- foodMy experience at Postinos in Del Mar was very special, thanks to the delicious food and great service. Alex B.
- bruschetta boardThe food was good, with some memorable dishes and others that were not. The meatballs and the bruschetta board were particularly good. The staff were insanely knowledgeable about the menu and drink options, though they seemed short-staffed or busy with big parties.
- wine selectionThe bruschetta board and wine selection were ones to write home about
- bruschettaTheir bruschetta will always be my favorite, so good!
- bruschetta boardsvery excited to try out the bruschetta boards
- FoodFood and wine were excellent.
- happy hourJeremy, the GM, was incredibly friendly and welcoming. An added bonus was the amazing happy hour. I will definitely be coming back again!
- wineI got to choose four bruschetta, and they were all delicious. My favorites were the mascarpone & mushroom and the salmon bruschetta, which paired absolutely perfect with the wine. The spot is super cute, making it ideal for a girls' night or a cozy date.
- Brussels saladHighly recommend the Brussels salad
- CauliflowerMy favorite so far is the Cauliflower
Frequently criticized
- French onionAll I could taste was the brunt onion
- Mexican street cornMexican street corn- I’m not a fan of cotija cheese
- OMG grilled cheeseOMG grilled cheese for example contains a whopping 3,110 mg of sodium
- bruschettaThe bruschetta is ice cold
- burnt cauliflowerserved burnt cauliflower
- charcuterie boarda bit underwhelming in flavor and variety
- flavorwatery milk without flavor
- flavorless foodAbsurd! On top of paying good money for what turned out to be overpriced, flavorless food—a piece of toast with hardly any toppings. We live in One Paseo and were excited about this new restaurant, but I will definitely not be back and won't recommend it to my neighbors.
- foodwhen I got my food, it was very cold
- food qualityFood:2
If you're looking for a spot with consistently great food and a fantastic wine selection, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a few dishes might miss the mark, the overall experience is highly praised, making it a solid choice for a delicious meal.
Service (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
Overall, the service here truly shines! With a solid 8.3 score and a fantastic 81.6% customer satisfaction, guests frequently rave about the attentive and friendly staff. Many of the 151 positive remarks highlight knowledgeable recommendations and excellent service, making for a truly welcoming and memorable experience.
However, not every interaction is perfect. Out of 185 total comments, 32 point to some areas for improvement, including concerns about long wait times and slow service. A few guests also noted issues with the reservation system and occasional unprofessional behavior from staff or management.
Service
185
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
32
negative
2
neutral
151
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Knowledgeable recommendations
- Exceptional hospitality
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Slow service
- Reservation system issues
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, primarily due to the awesome service and the cozy atmosphere. I visited for lunch on a cooler day and was pleased to find we could sit on the patio next to a cozy fireplace.
- staffThe Burrata was incredible, and the beer and wine selection is great. The atmosphere is lively, and all of the staff works as a team, which always makes an experience more enjoyable for a guest.
- serverThe atmosphere is relaxing and the service is personable and chill. I had Jackson as my server and he was knowledgeable about the menu and I appreciated his friendly demeanor. He had a fun vibe that matches the restaurant!
- LorenzoLorenzo as our server who is extremely friendly and attentive
- recommendationsThe bruschetta board and the wine selection were truly memorable. Fo provided excellent service, making me feel extra welcome with friendly conversation and wonderful recommendations. Although I missed happy hour, it sounds like a great deal.
- waiterOur waiter was friendly and attentive
- GM JeremyWe also met the GM Jeremy and his enthusiasm
- ServiceService was outstanding.
- amazing serverLorenzo was super friendly and an amazing server!
- attentiveMichelle was very attentive and was very patient
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant today was a mix of good food and a concerning service incident. While the food was enjoyable, scoring a 4 out of 5, the service aspect was significantly impacted by an accident. A server nearby dropped and shattered a wine glass, and unfortunately, some glass fragments scattered.
- wait timetook 35mins to get after asking 3 waitstaff
- bartenderthe bartender had no interest in us
- customer serviceThis is a bad customer service
- experienceNo experience
- foodThe food took a little while to come out
- glass fragmentsWhile the food was enjoyable, scoring a 4 out of 5, the service aspect was significantly impacted by an accident. A server nearby dropped and shattered a wine glass, and unfortunately, some glass fragments scattered. I later discovered at home that the back of my thigh had been cut by the glass.
- hostinterrupted by the host and manager they both came to our table with an unpleasant attitude
- liquor licensedon't have their liquor license yet
- managementspoke with management regarding the issue and same story
If youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly and attentive staff, youll likely have a great experience here. Just be prepared for potential wait times, especially during busy periods, and perhaps double-check your reservations.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
Ambience
83
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
7
negative
5
neutral
71
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmosphereI've visited this restaurant several times with my daughter, and the service has always been great. The food is okay, but my daughter enjoys it, and she also likes the atmosphere. Yesterday, I decided to invite a friend, and unfortunately, our experience was not a great one, and we will NOT be back.
- vibeI had Jackson as my server and he was knowledgeable about the menu and I appreciated his friendly demeanor. He had a fun vibe that matches the restaurant! I will be back with my girlfriends during the holidays!
- patiosat on the patio next to a cozy fireplace
- placeAmazing place. My new favorite go to spot.
- conversationgreat food, drinks and conversation
- parkingplenty of parking at the dedicated parking structure
- spotThis is a super cute spot, perfect for a date night! I chose to sit at the bar, and the bartender was amazing.
- vibesThe vibes and food were both a 10/10
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThe ambiance is fantastic, beautifully designed
Frequently criticized
- insideinside was a bit loud
- loud musicloud music inside
- musicWe told them that we would wait for outdoor seating, and after scrambling, someone did find us a table outside. Next, the music is so freaking loud I don't know how anyone can talk over it. It is extremely loud inside the restaurant and outside, surprisingly, it's still really loud.
- outdoor seatingFirst, I did make a reservation over the phone and when asked if I wanted outdoor seating, I said yes. When we got there, no outdoor seating available and they tried to put us in this VERY CRAMPED seating area by the outside patio area (not sure how anyone would ever be happy sitting there). We told them that we would wait for outdoor seating, and after scrambling, someone did find us a table outside.
- seating arrangement9 for one table was little inconvenient
- tableThe table dirty
- tight seatingWe could see the table next to us was not enjoying their time as well; management was coming over to their table apologizing for some issues. After continuously having my seat bumped by guests and staff with the tight seating, we finally decided to cut our losses and left after a round of drinks and apps. To add insult to injury, there were even more open tables than when we arrived.
Value (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines, earning a good score of 8.2 and a good customer satisfaction of 86.1%. Many guests rave about the fantastic happy hour deals and specials, especially the good price on wine and boards. With 31 positive remarks, its clear that customers feel theyre getting a lot for their money, often highlighting the unbeatable prices and great deals.
However, its not entirely without its minor hiccups. A handful of guests, 5 to be exact, felt some items were a bit "pricey" or even "overpriced, " particularly when the food didnt quite hit the mark. There were also a couple of mentions about being charged extra for small amounts of sauce, which can be a little frustrating.
Value
36
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
31
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent happy hour
- Great special offers
- Unbeatable wine value
What people don't like
- Some items pricey
- Extra sauce charges
Often praised
- happy hourWhile the food was good, it didn't quite reach exceptional levels. Nevertheless, I'm eager to return to explore more of the menu and take advantage of their great happy hour.
- pricesThey also have a special offer on Mondays and Tuesdays where you can get a board and any bottle of wine for just $25. It's an excellent value for the quality of food, combined with super friendly and attentive servers, good prices, and a nice location. Run, don't walk!
- Happy hour pricingHappy hour pricing [2-5pm] was excellent.
- glass$7 glass during HH
- glasses6$ glasses all day until 5pm
- glasses of delicious wineHow can you beat $6 glasses of delicious wine for happy hour?!
- good dealsthey have good deals during the day
- good pricegood service at a good price
- great dealsuch a great deal!
- happy hour dealshappy hour deals on wine for $6 a glass and 32 oz beer pitchers for $6
Frequently criticized
- $25 board and bottle specialWe couldn’t wait for another hour for the $25 board and bottle special
- overpricedoverpriced, flavorless food
- pesto saucecharged me extra for the pesto sauce
- priceyit’s a bit pricey
- romesco saucecharged me extra for that 2 tablespoons of extra sauce
If you're after unbeatable happy hour deals and special offers like the board and bottle, this place is a must-visit for great value. Just be mindful that some items might feel a bit pricey, and extra sauce charges could be a minor annoyance.
How are the prices at Postino Del Mar?
On average, you’ll spend around 31 per person – from 76 guests. That puts the restaurant in the 31 – 40 € category. For a Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average is 31, most diners actually spend a bit less, with a big chunk falling into the 21 – 30 € range. There’s also a mix of higher spenders, showing a pretty wide range of experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 76 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Restaurant in San Diego. It offers options for various budgets, from more casual to a bit more indulgent.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Postino Del Mar
Price per Person
- 41 - 50 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Flavorful Food, Amazing Ambiance & Service!
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive! I was very impressed with the menu and how fresh and flavorful the food was. The ambience and the service were also amazing!
I highly recommend this place.
- menu9
- food10
- ambience10
Price per Person
- 81 - 90 €
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Relaxing Atmosphere and Friendly Service
I love Postinos for a glass of wine and some food! The atmosphere is relaxing and the service is personable and chill. I had Jackson as my server and he was knowledgeable about the menu and I appreciated his friendly demeanor.
He had a fun vibe that matches the restaurant! I will be back with my girlfriends during the holidays!
- atmosphere9
- service10
- server9
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Experience at Postino!
My experience at Postino at One Paseo was absolutely amazing! The vibes and food were both a perfect 10/10. I took my friend for her birthday, and it was the perfect celebration.
Our busser, Jack Nett, was spectacular! Overall, it was an absolutely amazing experience!
- vibes10
- food10
- Jack Nett10
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Panini and Soup at Postino
My experience at this Postino location was excellent. I particularly enjoyed the caprese panino, which featured perfectly toasted bread with a great texture and tasty flavor. The sandwich was generously filled with fresh arugula, mozzarella cheese, Roma tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic, and a very good, delicious basil pesto sauce that tied everything together.
The panini cost $16. 25 plus tax. I also ordered the seasonal potato soup as a side, and it was very well made and tasted delicious; I was certainly a fan.
The service was very good and friendly. Parking was plentiful at the dedicated parking structure at Paseo One. Postino offers a variety of wines, paninis, salads, and open-faced items, making it a great place for lunch, dinner, and brunch.
- caprese panino9
- panini bread9
- bread texture9
Price per Person
- 101 € -
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Incredible Service and Food!
This might be my favorite new location. The staff seems actually excited to be here. Rachel took care of us and she was incredible.
So friendly without trying too hard & somehow knew exactly what we were in the mood for. The food was quick (we slipped in late, starving) yet everything was fresh and Rachel's wine rec was on point. Had a really good playlist too to top it off!
- staff10
- Rachel10
- food9
What Postino Del Mar offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Does Postino Del Mar cater to specific dietary needs?
Absolutely! At Postino Del Mar, you’ll find a thoughtful selection of dishes designed to accommodate various preferences. They proudly offer both delicious vegan options and satisfying vegetarian options on their menu, ensuring there’s something delightful for everyone to enjoy during your visit.
What kind of atmosphere and amenities can you expect at Postino Del Mar?
You can look forward to a welcoming and versatile atmosphere at Postino Del Mar, described as both romantic and cozy, yet also casual and trendy. For your convenience, they provide a bar onsite, Wi-Fi, and gender-neutral restrooms. You’ll also find plenty of free parking available.
How does Postino generally score with customers?
Postino holds a strong overall score of 8.3, with 85% customer satisfaction. Its Food (8.4) is highly regarded, followed closely by Service (8.3), Ambience (8.2), and Value (8.2), indicating a well-rounded positive experience for many.
What are the best aspects of dining at Postino?
Many guests frequently praise the delicious `bruschetta board` and the appealing `happy hour` deals. The staff is often described as `friendly and attentive`, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.
Are there any common concerns about the dining experience at Postino?
Some patrons have noted that the `inside was a bit loud` and seating can feel `tight`. There have also been occasional comments regarding `slow service` during peak times.