Chef Fabio Trabocchi is a Michelin-starred chef renowned for his authentic Italian cuisine, with a particular emphasis on the traditional flavors of the Le Marche region and a commitment to farm-to-table excellence....
Insights
SpanishTapasSeafoodLocal ModernVegan-friendlySeafoodFine diningLunchBrunchDinnerLate Night
Last updated: 7/12/2026, 9:25:42 AM
Key Information
Del Mar is a two-story Spanish restaurant by Michelin-recognized Chef Fabio Trabocchi, offering a vibrant celebration of Spanish seafood cuisine and lifestyle. It boasts a beautiful waterfront location overlooking the Potomac River and The Wharf scene in Washington D.C., making it an ideal spot for special occasions with its elegant ambiance.
Customers consistently praise Del Mar for its fabulous food, attentive and professional staff, and amazing interior. Many consider it perfect for special occasions, noting that while it's on the pricier side, the experience is well worth it. Reviewers highlight the authenticity of the tapas and the perfectly cooked seafood, with service often described as fast yet unhurried. Some found the food a bit salty for their preference.
Additional Details
The restaurant adds a 3% surcharge to all guest checks due to the increasing cost of doing business in the Washington D.C. area. Valet parking is available at The Wharf.
Del Mar is suitable for lunch, brunch, dinner, and happy hour/cocktails. It is particularly recommended for special occasions due to its upscale ambiance and service.
Awards & Recognition
Michelin-recognized Chef Fabio Trabocchi
5
We visited this Spanish restaurant for a special occasion, and the entire team made the moment feel even more memorable. From the management to our waitress, Sondre, and the rest of the attentive support staff, every detail was handled with warmth, care, and professionalism.
The hospitality truly elevated our celebration, and we left feeling grateful for such a wonderful experience. We will definitely be back to celebrate more special moments here. Thank you for making our occasion so meaningful.
Still dreaming about this meal! It was fabulous. It's definitely on the pricier side, not what we would normally spend for a meal, but it was worth it. There were 4 of us - 2 adults and 2 toddlers. We started with the octopus, shrimp, and croquettas. We originally ordered the croquettas for the kids, but everyone ended up enjoying it. I really enjoyed the pulpo, and my husband loved the shrimp. For our main course, we shared the prosciutto and scallops paella, and it was a hit with us all- even the kids! So tasty! I had the branzino, which was fresh and delicious, and my husband had the suckling pig, which was incredible. The ambience was great, our server was awesome which made the whole experience even better. All in all, it was a great night, and we'd definitely come back next time to try the seafood paella and some other dishes on the menu!
What a fantastic experience! I travel a lot for work and love to try new restaurants in every city. I was so impressed with Del Mar, I wound up eating there 3 nights in a row! Each night, each dish consistently impressed with flavors! The staff is an absolute delight. If you’re in DC, you must give it a try!
Excellent Spanish food, a bit salty for my taste and preference. Other than that, the food was great, staffs were very professional and kind, had an amazing interior. It is a great place to celebrate a special occasion or just have a causal lunch. Will definitely come back!
The food and atmosphere were absolutely perfect. The authenticity of the tapas really felt like a night out in Madrid and the decor gave it the perfect touch to almost make you feel like you were out for a night in Spain. The price is probably the only thing to remind you this isn't the Mediterranean but you definitely get your money's worth, the Iberico scallop paella was perfect and the grilled octopus was perfectly tender. Even on Valentine's Day the service was fast but never rushed and the pacing between tapas and main course was excellent.
