Del Mar

Perfectly positioned by the sea, Del Mar Eatery and Beach Bar in Ōamaru takes full advantage of its waterside views. With a relaxed beachy vibe, this family-oriented restaurant is just the place to head to for a chilled afternoon or evening any day of the week.

Del Mar’s owners, Yanina and Pablo, are no strangers to the Ōamaru dining scene, with Del Mar’s sister restaurants, Cucina and Tees Street, among the best places to eat in town. Originally from Argentina, Yanina and Pablo are true ambassadors for Ōamaru, and when they noticed a lack of casual yet stylish family-friendly restaurants in town, Del Mar was born.

The restaurant itself is bright and breezy, just like the seafront outside, and floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of the spectacular views. The decor mirrors the environment from the outside with natural finishings, plenty of blue accents and gorgeous green plant life all around. This all comes together to create a laid-back yet polished look and has proven to be popular with both locals and visitors to the area.

Of course, the food menu has a large part to play in Del Mar’s popularity, with dishes celebrating the waterside location. Seafood lovers will be very happy here with squid, mussels and ceviche featuring prominently on the menu. But if fish isn’t quite your jam, never fear. There is plenty more to choose from, including stonebaked pizzas that might prove too hard to refuse. The kids are also well taken care of with their own menu, and all ages will be happy to see the housemade gelato cabinet, with up to 12 different flavours featuring each day.   

Del Mar Eatery and Beach Bar is one of those places that once you visit the first time, you know you’ll be back again and again. It’s a space that suits all occasions, family celebrations and get-togethers, pizza date nights followed by gelato or just a casual, impromptu Sunday afternoon by the sea.