Poseidon on the Beach — Restaurant in Del Mar

I had a strange experience tonight. I’ve been eating here for over 20 years, and I’ve always enjoyed it. As a kid, I loved the omelettes. Now that I’m older, I gravitate toward the salads.

While ordering, I asked the waiter how much it was to add salmon to my Caesar salad. He told me that adding salmon to the $15 Caesar would bring the total to $28. That’s what I ordered.

It was extremely hot today, so others in my group decided to follow suit. They ordered a $15 Greek salad with salmon and an $18 beet salad with salmon. Naturally, I expected the Greek salad to cost $28 and the beet salad $31, since we all were adding salmon.

The salads arrived, and the salmon portions were identical. Everything tasted great.

Then the weird part happened. When the bill came, the Caesar with salmon was $28 ($13 for salmon), the Greek with salmon was $37 ($22 for salmon), and the beet with salmon was $39 ($21 for salmon). Weird.

I asked the waiter about it. He was just as puzzled. He agreed it didn’t make any sense and said he’d talk to management to adjust the bill. It was only a $17 difference—no big deal, but it’s the principle. The $17 itself wasn’t important, but I didn’t appreciate the bait-and-switch.

We waited… and waited… and waited. The kids started getting restless, so we took them to the car to brush their teeth and get them ready for bed since it was getting late, and management wasn’t in sight.

After about 20 minutes, I asked a staff member if we could please speak with the manager or our waiter. Waiting this long over $17 just felt like adding insult to injury.

Finally, the manager arrived. She apologized but said pricing is set by the chef, and she couldn’t explain the inconsistency. She said she couldn’t fully adjust the $17 difference but did knock $6 off the bill. Not the point. It wasn’t about the $17 or the $6—it’s about the principle. I spent $360 on dinner; do you really think I’m concerned about $6?

I explained pricing for adding salmon should be standardized. That’s when the excuse came, “This one has beets, this one has olives, but the Caesar is just romaine.” I know. That’s what the menu said—for $15, $15, and $18. Salmon shouldn’t result in a $9-10 discrepancy nor should a few olives or beets that were already described in the menu.

She said she’d speak to the chef tomorrow. Great. Does that make this situation right? Talk to him all you want, but you’re still charging me $11 extra for—let’s be real—nothing. While you talk to the chef, I’ll be taking my $360 to Brigantine down the street next time. Our decision as to where we’re going to grab dinner just got a little easier.

It seems silly to me. I’ve managed hundreds of accounts, and in any of my establishments, if something like this happened, I’d thank the customer for pointing out the inconsistency and make the adjustment—no questions asked. I would also 100% offer a free dessert, drink, service, or remove an appetizer from the bill to make up for the hassle, embarrassment, and wait. It’s not worth arguing over $11. I just thanked her for everything, paid the bill (without reducing the tip, as the gentleman did an excellent job), and wished her a good night. But hey, keep your grapes or watermelon or whatever justified the extra charge. I’ll enjoy Brigantine instead.

I think the most disappointing part is that, on the drive home, we could have been talking about what a great night we had. Instead, for the past few hours, we’ve been stuck complaining about an $11 difference and the clear lack of competency from management. At least we got a few laughs out of it, but it’s been two hours, and we’re still focusing on the negative aspects of the experience, when we would’ve preferred to talk about the positives. If management had handled the situation properly, we’d be singing the praises of the restaurant instead of picking apart what went wrong.

And now, instead of telling friends and family about the amazing omelettes and salads, they’ll hear about this disappointing...

BUMPING DOWN TO 3 STARS AFTER 1 STAR EXPERIENCE

MOST RECENT EXPERIENCE 1/5 🚩 A Total Breakdown on a Special Occasion It is truly disappointing to have to write this review because Poseidon on the Beach has been a place we’ve visited several times before and found to be consistently good. However, this most recent visit—which was intended to be a celebration for a very special day—was an absolute disaster. What should have been a memorable evening for the right reasons turned into a frustrating and poorly managed ordeal. We expected the high standard of service and food we’ve experienced in the past, but the level of incompetence we encountered this time was shocking for a restaurant of this reputation.

🥩 Kitchen Incompetence and Extreme Delays The evening took a turn for the worse as soon as the main courses arrived. I had ordered a steak prepared medium-well, which shouldn't be a difficult request for a professional kitchen, yet it arrived completely burnt and charred.

The 90-Minute Wait: When I pointed out the error and asked for it to be remade, I never expected to be sitting there for nearly an hour and a half. A 90-minute turnaround for a replacement dish is fundamentally inexcusable.

Impact on the Table: While my companions tried to eat slowly, the timing was completely ruined. I spent the vast majority of our "celebratory" dinner watching everyone else eat while I waited for a basic dish that seemingly couldn't be executed correctly.

Diner Intervention: The delay was so obvious and uncomfortable that the guests at the neighboring table actually checked in on us. They were stunned on our behalf, asking us how long it could possibly take to cook a steak. When your fellow diners are noticing the service failure, you know it has reached a ridiculous level.

🚫 Lack of Management Follow-up Perhaps the most frustrating part of the entire experience was the aftermath. In any reputable establishment, a delay of that magnitude on a burnt dish would trigger an immediate visit from a manager to offer an apology or some form of restitution.

Zero Outreach: After we left, the management team made no effort whatsoever to address the situation or make up for the terrible experience.

Ruined Celebration: Their indifference felt like a slap in the face after we chose their venue for a meaningful milestone. It’s one thing to have a bad night in the kitchen, but it’s another to completely ignore a guest who has had their entire evening ruined by your staff’s mistakes.

👍 Final Verdict: A Major Disappointment I am giving this visit 1 star because the level of service and kitchen performance was unacceptable. While the location remains beautiful, the inconsistent quality and lack of management oversight have completely soured our view of this restaurant. We came in as loyal customers looking to celebrate, and we left feeling neglected and frustrated. I cannot recommend this place for anyone looking to host a special event until they get their kitchen timing and management standards back on track.

PREVIOUSLY 5/5 Poseidon in Del Mar is a standout dining destination that offers a perfect blend of breathtaking oceanfront views, impeccable service, and excellent value. From the moment you arrive, the hassle-free valet parking sets the tone for a relaxing experience. The staff consistently delivers top-tier service, ensuring a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The portions are generous, and the dishes are thoughtfully prepared, striking a balance between quality and value that’s rare for such a prime coastal location. Despite its beachfront setting, the menu is reasonably priced, making it an ideal choice for everything from casual lunches to special celebrations.

Having dined here multiple times, I can confidently say Poseidon delivers a consistently positive experience. The combination of ambiance, great food, and outstanding service makes it a must-visit spot in Del Mar. I’ll undoubtedly be...

Poseidon, located in Del Mar offers an unrivaled dining experience that combines breathtaking ocean views, exceptional service, and delectable cuisine. My recent visit to this seaside gem left me thoroughly impressed, and I am excited to share my fantastic experience. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted by the friendly and attentive staff who made me feel welcome and ensured a seamless dining experience. The service throughout the evening was top-notch, with the staff being knowledgeable, accommodating, and always ready to cater to my needs. The highlight of Poseidon, without a doubt, is its stunning ocean view. The restaurant is strategically positioned right on the beach, allowing guests to enjoy the sight and sound of crashing waves while indulging in their meal. The ambiance is simply mesmerizing, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. Now, let's talk about the food. Poseidon truly delivers on its promise of exceptional cuisine. The menu boasts a diverse selection of dishes, ranging from fresh seafood delicacies to expertly crafted steaks and enticing vegetarian options. Every dish I had the pleasure of tasting was a testament to the chef's culinary skills and commitment to quality. The flavors were well-balanced, the presentation was impeccable, and the ingredients were undoubtedly fresh. One dish that stands out in my memory is the succulent grilled seafood platter. The perfectly cooked shrimp, tender scallops, and delicate fish fillets were a true delight for the palate. Each bite was bursting with flavor and showcased the restaurant's commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients. To complement the delicious meal, Poseidon offers an extensive drink menu, featuring handcrafted cocktails, an impressive wine selection, and a variety of craft beers. The talented mixologists behind the bar are more than capable of crafting the perfect drink to suit your preferences. The overall ambiance of Poseidon is warm and inviting, with a tasteful coastal-inspired decor that complements the stunning ocean backdrop. Whether you choose to dine indoors or on the spacious outdoor patio, you'll find yourself immersed in an atmosphere that exudes relaxation and tranquility. In conclusion, Poseidon in Del Mar is a true gem that checks all the boxes for an exceptional dining experience. The combination of breathtaking ocean views, attentive service, and outstanding cuisine makes it a must-visit destination. Whether you're a seafood lover, a steak enthusiast, or simply seeking a memorable dining experience, Poseidon will exceed your expectations. I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough and can't wait to return for another unforgettable...