Shimbashi Izakaya

### Introduction / Overview

Located in the picturesque coastal community of Del Mar, Shimbashi Izakaya offers a delightful culinary journey into the heart of authentic Japanese cuisine. As its name suggests, Shimbashi Izakaya embodies the spirit of a traditional Japanese izakaya – a casual dining establishment where patrons can enjoy a variety of small, flavorful dishes alongside their drinks. This restaurant has carved out a niche for itself by combining a relaxed atmosphere with a commitment to fresh ingredients and traditional preparation methods, all while boasting a truly captivating view.

Upon entering, guests are greeted by an inviting ambiance that seamlessly blends indoor comfort with the refreshing appeal of outdoor dining. A standout feature is its spacious outdoor patio, which provides a lovely setting with a view, making it a highly sought-after spot, especially during lunch hours. Whether you're looking for a leisurely meal with friends, a casual business lunch, or an enjoyable dinner, Shimbashi Izakaya provides a versatile and welcoming environment. While some have noted that service can be a bit rushed during busy periods, particularly on weekends, the staff, like Kyoko, are consistently described as attentive and hardworking, striving to ensure a pleasant experience for every guest. The overall consensus highlights Shimbashi Izakaya as a solid choice for those in Del Mar seeking good Japanese food in a beautiful setting.

### Location and Accessibility

Shimbashi Izakaya is perfectly situated at 1555 Camino Del Mar #201, Del Mar, CA 92014, USA. This prime location places it right in the vibrant heart of Del Mar, a highly desirable coastal city known for its scenic beauty and upscale dining scene. Being on Camino Del Mar, the restaurant is easily accessible for both local residents and visitors exploring the charming streets of Del Mar.

One of the most appealing aspects of its location is the presence of an outdoor patio that offers a "nice view." While the specific nature of the view isn't detailed, in Del Mar, this often implies glimpses of the ocean or the beautiful surrounding landscape, adding significantly to the dining experience. For guests arriving by car, finding parking in Del Mar can sometimes be a consideration, but given its address within a larger complex, there are typically parking options available nearby. It's always a good idea to factor in parking time, especially during peak hours. The restaurant's position within a commercial area also means it's often close to other amenities, making it a convenient stop during a day out in Del Mar. Its beautiful setting contributes to a pleasant and memorable visit, making it a popular choice for those looking to combine good food with an attractive environment.

### Services Offered

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy your meal in the inviting indoor dining area or on the popular outdoor patio.
• Lunch Service: Shimbashi Izakaya is particularly noted for its excellent lunch offerings, with many customers recommending it as a prime spot for a midday meal.
• Dinner Service: Experience the full izakaya experience in the evenings, with a wider selection of small plates and entrees.
• Outdoor Patio Seating: A highly sought-after feature, the outdoor patio provides a pleasant dining environment, often with a view, and is ideal for enjoying the California weather.
• Takeout: While not explicitly stated in the provided reviews, most modern restaurants, especially those in popular areas, offer takeout services. It's advisable to call ahead to confirm takeout availability.
• Reservations: Given its popularity, especially for the patio seating, it's recommended to call ahead, particularly for weekend lunches or dinner, to secure a table.
• Full Bar: As a traditional izakaya, it’s highly likely they offer a selection of Japanese sake, beers, and other alcoholic beverages to complement the food.
• Vegetarian Options: The menu includes delightful vegetarian dishes, such as the praised eggplant stir fry and a variety of vegetable tempura and veggie rolls, catering to diverse dietary preferences.

### Features / Highlights

• Beautiful Outdoor Patio with a View: This is consistently highlighted as a major draw, offering a pleasant and often busy outdoor dining experience, particularly suitable for lunch.
• Authentic Izakaya Experience: The restaurant embodies the traditional Japanese izakaya concept, focusing on small, shareable plates that encourage sampling a variety of dishes.
• Fresh Sushi and Sashimi: Customers consistently note the freshness of the sushi, including popular choices like Sea Urchin, Yellowtail, Tuna, Salmon, Eel, and Masago with Quail Eggs Nigiri. While one review noted the quality as "average as compared to other Del Mar competitors," it was also deemed "very good for the prices," indicating good value.
• Standout Appetizers: The Fried Soft Shell Crab appetizer is frequently praised as "fantastic" and a highlight for many diners, often described as a must-try.
• Excellent Vegetarian Selections: The eggplant stir fry and the vegetable tempura mix, with its "great veg selection," receive high praise from vegetarian diners, along with "one of the best veg rolls" experienced.
• Attentive Service: Despite sometimes being busy, the staff, such as the mentioned server Kyoko, are noted for being "attentive" and providing "great" service, contributing positively to the dining experience.
• Reasonable Pricing for Quality: While some dishes might feel high in price given portion sizes, overall, the quality of food offered, especially for lunch, is considered good value.
• Cozy and Nice Atmosphere: The restaurant’s interior and overall ambiance are described as "nice," creating a comfortable and enjoyable setting for diners.

### Promotions or Special Offers

Specific, ongoing promotions are not detailed in the provided customer reviews. However, it is common for restaurants in popular areas like Del Mar to offer seasonal specials, lunch deals, or happy hour menus, especially for an izakaya concept where small plates and drinks are central to the experience. To discover any current promotions, happy hour timings, or special events, the best approach is to directly contact Shimbashi Izakaya via phone or check their official website or social media channels if available. Given its popularity for lunch, they might also feature specific lunch specials or bento box deals that offer great value. Local users in Del Mar and surrounding San Diego areas should inquire directly to stay informed about the latest offers.

### Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries, or to confirm current operating hours and services, you can reach Shimbashi Izakaya through the following:

Address: 1555 Camino Del Mar #201, Del Mar, CA 92014, USA

Phone: (858) 523-0479

Mobile Phone: +1 858-523-0479

It is always recommended to call ahead, especially if you plan to dine during peak hours, particularly on weekends, to ensure the best possible experience and secure a table, especially if you desire the popular patio seating.

### Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For the discerning locals of Del Mar and the wider San Diego community, Shimbashi Izakaya presents itself as an ideal dining destination for several compelling reasons. Its prime location on Camino Del Mar, coupled with the coveted outdoor patio that often provides a lovely view, makes it a perfect spot to enjoy the beautiful Southern California weather and scenery while dining. This is particularly appealing for those seeking a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere for lunch or a casual dinner.

The restaurant’s commitment to providing fresh Japanese cuisine, from its varied sushi and sashimi selection to its well-executed small plates, ensures a satisfying culinary experience. The standout Soft Shell Crab appetizer and the highly praised vegetarian options like the eggplant stir fry and diverse vegetable tempura demonstrate a dedication to catering to a range of tastes and dietary preferences. Despite occasional busyness, the attentive and hardworking staff contribute to a welcoming environment that locals appreciate. Whether you're looking for a casual midday meal, a delightful evening of sharing small plates with friends, or simply a taste of authentic Japanese flavors in a picturesque setting, Shimbashi Izakaya offers a reliable and enjoyable option right here in your neighborhood. It's a place where the community can gather, savor good food, and enjoy the unique charm of Del Mar.

Shimbashi Izakaya

1555 Camino Del Mar #201, Del Mar, CA 92014, USA