DEL MAR | columbus, oh

WineCheeseScallops
2 days ago
4 min read

A Birthday Celebration at Del Mar

Restaurant facade of "Del Mar" with open windows, plants, and patrons visible. Silver sports car parked in front, lively atmosphere.

Our recent trip to Columbus, Ohio gave us the perfect excuse to check another Cameron Mitchell gem off our list: Del Mar. If you’ve followed us for any amount of time, you already know we’re big fans of Chef Cameron Mitchell and his incredible restaurant group. Celebrating Tara’s birthday felt like the ideal occasion to indulge in this beautiful seafood-forward concept, and Del Mar did not disappoint.

The Vision of Cameron Mitchell

Chef Cameron Mitchell has become a culinary icon not only in Columbus but across the country. With over 40 restaurants under the Cameron Mitchell Restaurants umbrella, he has created dining experiences that range from approachable neighborhood favorites to elegant fine dining destinations. His philosophy of hospitality—where every guest is treated with genuine warmth—has been the hallmark of his success. Del Mar is a shining example of this vision, offering coastal-inspired cuisine with creative flair, a lively atmosphere, and impeccable service.

Portrait from: cameronmitchell.com

Address: 4089 The Strand E, Columbus, OH 43219

Phone: (614) 918-9298

Menu: delmarmediterranean.com

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People sit at a stylish bar with hanging plants and warm lights. Bottles line shelves, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere.

The Setting: Easton Town Center

Del Mar is located in Easton Town Center, the beating heart of shopping, dining, and entertainment in Columbus. Easton is more than a mall—it’s a carefully designed lifestyle hub with tree-lined walkways, fountains, boutiques, and top-tier restaurants. Every visit feels like stepping into a little city of its own. With its chic storefront and lively patio, Del Mar fits perfectly into Easton’s vibrant scene.

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Restaurant scene with people dining under soft lighting. Green decor, bar in background, hanging plants, and spherical lamps create a cozy vibe.

First Impressions

Our visit was part of Tara’s birthday celebration, a weekend that also included memorable meals at Mitchell’s Ocean Club and The Slurping Turtle. When we arrived at Del Mar, we were about 20 minutes early for our reservation, and the restaurant was bustling with energy. Despite the crowd, the staff seated us promptly, a testament to their polished service.

Elegant dining setup with a wine glass, water glass, menu, and patterned plate. Silverware on a striped napkin. Cozy, inviting atmosphere.

The restaurant’s interior is stunning. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a coastal Mediterranean vibe—airy spaces, hanging greenery, glowing lanterns, and a sophisticated yet approachable energy. The bar was packed with guests enjoying cocktails, while the dining room had an open, lively flow. It struck the perfect balance between elegant and fun, the kind of place that makes you want to linger long after the plates are cleared.

Settling In

We began the evening with a glass of wine as we browsed the menu. The offerings were filled with seafood-forward dishes and Mediterranean flavors, making it tough to choose. Ultimately, we decided on a lineup that showcased the kitchen’s creativity and flair.

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Ceviche with radish, herbs, and citrus on a blue pattern plate. Two sesame flatbreads on the side. Wooden table background.

Red Snapper Ceviche

Our first bite of the evening was the Red Snapper Ceviche, a refreshing and vibrant dish. The snapper was silky and fresh, balanced by the brightness of orange and the crunch of radish. Pickled red onions added a tangy punch, while fresh cilantro gave a herbaceous lift. Each bite was light yet bold, the kind of dish that wakes up your palate and sets the tone for the meal ahead.

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Grilled octopus tentacles with herbs on yellow sauce in a white dish, set on a light wooden table. Vibrant and appetizing presentation.

Charred Octopus

Next came the Charred Octopus, and this dish was a visual masterpiece. Thick, meaty pieces of octopus were beautifully charred, offering a smoky depth of flavor without sacrificing tenderness. The bell pepper vinaigrette provided a sweet-tart brightness, while the onion and cilantro pesto added layers of freshness and herbaceousness. A dusting of espelette pepper gave a subtle heat, making each bite as dynamic as it was delicious. This was one of those plates that you pause to admire before diving in.

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Scallops

The Scallops dish arrived as a picture of refinement. Perfectly seared with a delicate golden crust, the scallops were buttery and tender inside. They were paired with Romanesco, whose nutty crunch contrasted beautifully with the scallops’ softness. Fluffy couscous added substance, while the roasted pepper purée brought a smoky sweetness to the dish. A touch of preserved lemon tied it all together with a citrusy brightness. Every element on the plate had a purpose, making this a standout course.

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Grilled fish topped with olives and pine nuts on tomato sauce with herbs on a white plate. Warm, inviting dining setting.

Swordfish

For the second entrée, we chose the Swordfish, and it was a showstopper. The fish was firm, juicy, and expertly cooked, its meaty texture perfectly complemented by the Mediterranean-inspired accompaniments. Marinated olives lent a briny richness, while toasted pine nuts added a delicate crunch. The confit potatoes were melt-in-your-mouth tender, soaking up the flavors of the saffron tomato sauce. The sauce itself was vibrant, aromatic, and layered, elevating the dish into something extraordinary.

Cake with whipped cream and peaches on a patterned blue plate, a blue candle beside it, set on a wooden table.

Olive Oil Cake with Peaches

To cap off the birthday celebration, we indulged in the Olive Oil Cake with Peaches. Light yet rich, the cake was moist and flavorful with the subtle fruitiness of olive oil. The peaches added a natural sweetness and summery freshness, creating a dessert that was elegant in its simplicity. It was the perfect sweet note to end a festive evening.

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A restaurant menu titled "Del Mar" on a wooden table. It lists starters, salads, mains, and vegetables with prices and decorative fish drawings.

A Memorable Evening | Del Mar Easton Town Center

Our night at Del Mar was everything we could have hoped for—delicious food, a lively and fun atmosphere, flawless service, and a perfect place to celebrate Tara’s birthday. Each dish was carefully crafted and bursting with flavor, making it a meal we’ll be talking about for a long time. We are so thankful to have discovered Del Mar, and we highly recommend it to anyone visiting Columbus or looking for a special dining experience.

Address: 4089 The Strand E, Columbus, OH 43219

Phone: (614) 918-9298

Menu: delmarmediterranean.com