Amazing fresh seafood abounds here in Del Mar, but few restaurants match the finesse and flourish of the balanced and daring dishes at Shimbashi Izakaya. The Japanese restaurant offers patrons authentic dishes and home-style cooking you can’t find elsewhere in North County.
Most guests are impressed by Shimbashi Izakaya’s substantial sake collection, while others appreciate the diverse dining areas and immersive atmosphere. However, what brings people back again and again and the incredible dishes. The restaurant celebrates local and seasonal ingredients, and although some menu items change frequently, these 10 dishes are our absolute favorites.
Fried Soft Shell Crab – Fresh, crispy, and utterly delicious. Need we say more?
Red Devil Roll – Hailed as one of the restaurant’s spiciest rolls, it’s also one of the most popular. (Though, those with a true palate for spice won’t find it intimidating at all.)
Lemon Albacore Roll – The heat of the spicy crab in this roll is balanced by the creaminess of the avocado and freshness of the albacore and lemon—making it a classic.
Del Mar Roll – While Shimbashi sticks to its authentic roots, this roll rolls into a more “fusion” territory; it’s made with garlic salted potatoes and asparagus inside, and topped with seared beef ribeye and friend onions.
La Fresca Roll – This is another fusion roll, honoring the many flavors of Southern California and our neighbors south of the border. The roll is made with yellowtail, spicy tuna, avocado, cilantro, and pica de galo.
Go-Go Roll – The Go-Go is the perfect combination of crunchy shrimp, spicy tuna, fresh cucumber, plus a spicy-sweet finish of spicy mayo and eel sauce.
Beef Dry Curry Rice – This dish packs true home-cooked meal flavor. The curry sits on a bed of rice and is topped with a fried egg, creating a balance of both flavors and texture.
Agedashi Tofu – A popular dish throughout Japan, Agedashi Tofu is deep fried and served in a savory tsuyu sauce along with grated radish, green onion, and bonito flakes as toppings—simple, but so flavorful!
Mentai Udon – If you’re willing to try something new, the Mentai (Cod Roe) Udon is a huge payoff!
Omakase – With the Omakase Course, Shimbashi Izakaya’s chefs create a personalized menu for you, based on your tastes and food allergies, as well as what’s freshest and most flavorful from the kitchen and sushi bar that day. They’ll even help you pair the perfect sake with your meal if you ask!
To make a reservation at Shimbashi Izakaya click here. And for a list of all the restaurants at Del Mar Plaza, click here.