The Room
Fabio Trabocchi opened Del Mar on the Wharf in 2017 — the Trabocchi group's Spanish expression, with chef Aitor Lozano (Madrid-trained) running a serious paella-and-tapas programme at full Trabocchi-fine-dining scale. The dining room is intentionally Mediterranean: Andalusian-tiled floors, hand-painted Spanish folk art, a long bar at the front, and a wraparound waterfront patio.
The Washington Post review held Del Mar among the Wharf's senior fine-dining destinations. The Wine Spectator Award of Excellence recognises the room's Spanish wine programme.
The Food
The paella programme runs five rotating preparations. The tapas programme runs jamón ibérico, pulpo a la plancha, gilda, the Spanish tortilla. The whole-fish wood-fire programme is the order for two.
Sherry programme is one of America's deepest. Wine list is heavily Spanish. Cocktails are classic-Spanish. Service is brigade-Spanish in rhythm.
Best Occasion Fit
Close a Deal: Del Mar is the Wharf deal-dinner address for the meeting that requires Spanish-fine-dining ambient.
Impress Clients: International visitors recognise the Trabocchi pedigree and the Spanish-fine-dining language immediately.
Birthday: Birthdays at Del Mar are warm, paella-led, waterfront-Spanish affairs the room handles with eight years of practice.