Del Mar Newbie ?s (restaurants, shopping center, moving)

[5FLgirls]

We finally decided on Del Mar Heights and we're moving next week. My husband wanted to know if I'd read anything on my forums about Del Mar and I told him I couldn't remember. So, if I'm stealing from another post, "I'm Sorry."

For those familiar: Can you give me some tips/advice/insider info about the Del Mar area? Hole in the wall eateries? Places I must go? Places I should avoid?

[esmith143]

There's basically nothing bad to be said about Del Mar or any surrounding areas. There is a couple of good upscale restaurants in hwy 101 / 15th st. area. If you're not in the mood to spend lotsa $$$, you can go to the beach, eat lunch at Roberto's (corner of Carmel Valley Rd. and Via Aprilia), ride the bike up and down the infamous Torrey Pines hill.

[janineg]

If you want to see where you'll probably do your grocery shopping, go to the shopping center at Del Mar Heights rd. and El Camino Real. Besides the normal "Ralphs" grocery store, there's a natural food grocery store called Jimbo's that is like Whole Foods. In the middle of the shopping center is a bakery called Champagne Bakery that has French tarts and cakes, and meals, too. Behind the shopping center on Townsgate Dr. is the Carmel Valley branch library and the Carmel Valley Rec Center.
For a great hole in the wall Mexican restaurant, take 56 east from 5, get off at Carmel Creek rd., head north and there is another big shopping center/strip mall (but very nice, of course). In there is a place called Nico's. It takes only cash.
And Torrey Pines beach as well as the hiking trails above the beach are lovely. Take 56 west until it turns into Carmel Valley Rd. and then turn left on North Torrey Pines Rd. Park along the beach, or pay for parking further on ($8?).
Janine