Beef and Broccoli with White Rice and Dumplings.

Restaurant Spotlight: What Makes Rendezvous a Del Mar Favorite

Many people think of Chinese food as their go-to, late-night, take-out option, but Del Mar Rendezvous elevates the cuisine and experience. The award-winning restaurant serves modern Chinese dishes for lunch and dinner and is a favorite eatery among Del Mar locals. We like to think Rendezvous’ location at the Del Mar Plaza is part of its appeal—after all, we do boast ocean views—but here are five other reasons people love Del Mar Rendezvous.

Awards & Accolades

We really do think Rendezvous is one of the best Chinese food restaurants in San Diego, if not the country. And you don’t have to take our word for it.

San Diego A-List diners continue to vote for Rendezvous as the Best Chinese, Best Asian Fusion, and Best Vegetarian. And the restaurant gained national attention when CNN Travel named it as one of the 50 best Chinese restaurants in the United States. (It was actually ranked in the top five!)

Inventive Dishes

It’s easy to guess that Rendezvous is award-winning, in large part, because of its delicious, inventive, fusion cuisine. You can always choose a traditional rice or noodle entrée or try one of Rendezvous’ signature dishes. Locals love the Pungent Crispy Chicken, Shrimp and Scallop Sauté, Duck Breast Shangri-la, and Buddha’s Treasure.

Their dishes start with an authentic foundation and are built with the freshest ingredients. The menu items are elevated with innovative twists that’ll make you want more.

The good news is that you can have more—with dessert. Chocolate lovers can indulge in the Chocolate Wipeout, a three-layer chocolate cake topped with chocolate ganache and chocolate sauce. For something a little more authentic, order the Xiangjiao (which is Chinese for banana); it’s a banana cheesecake-filled eggroll topped with caramel, powdered sugar, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream. And those with gluten intolerance don’t have to miss out on the sweets—Rendezvous has gluten-free Carrot Cake and Mango Sorbet for them to enjoy.

Options for Everyone

Gluten-free Carrot Cake isn’t the only alternative option available; Rendezvous’ menu is stacked with dishes that fit the needs of vegetarians, vegans, and those with celiac disease. Diet restrictions won’t stop you from enjoying your favorite foods—the restaurant has full menus for gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan items.

Daily Specials

Not only does Rendezvous have a “Happy Buddha Hour” every weekday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., but they have daily specials as well. During happy hour, though, you can enjoy half off all dim sum (with the purchase of two dinner entrees) and get your second glass of wine or draft beer for just $.88.

If you can’t make it for happy hour, Rendezvous’ daily specials are just as enticing.

  • For My Wine Mondays, the restaurant waves the corkage fee on your wine or beer.
  • Tap Tuesdays is when you can get your second beer for just $.88 all night long.
  • On Wine Wednesday, bottles of wine are $8 off.
  • On Thirsty Thursdays, your second glass of wine is just $.88.

An Impressive List of Libations

Rendezvous only serves beer and wine, but you’ll be impressed by their selections. You can choose from 11 amazing craft beers from local breweries like Alesmith and Modern Times on tap. They also have Tsingtao Lager (a Chinese beer) available in bottles, so you can have a more authentic experience, if that’s what you’re after. Rendezvous’ wine list is just as impressive; the restaurant garnered a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence with more than 100 wines (including Japanese sakes).

Next time you’re craving Chinese food, make a reservation at Del Mar Rendezvous. The restaurant is open daily at 11:30 a.m. (except on Sundays, when they solely serve dinner, beginning at 4:00 p.m.).

And when you’re in the mood for something else, visit Del Mar Plaza online for our full directory of restaurants.