Inside Queenstown Del Mar, a New Zealand-Inspired Escape in the Heart of the Village

The hospitality group behind Queenstown, Raglan Public House, and Dunedin has opened its first North County location, pairing New Zealand-inspired comfort food, coastal California flavors, and ocean-view dining in the heart of Del Mar Village.

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Photos courtesy Kimberly Motos

A longtime San Diego hospitality group has officially planted roots in North County.

Now open in the heart of Del Mar Village, Queenstown Del Mar marks the first North County location from Queenstown Hospitality Group, the team behind local favorites including Bare Back Grill, Raglan Public House, Dunedin, and several Queenstown concepts throughout San Diego County.

Located at 1435 Camino Del Mar, the new restaurant blends New Zealand-inspired hospitality, coastal California dining, and design-forward interiors into a space that feels equally suited for a casual lunch, sunset cocktail, or lingering dinner with friends.

A Greenhouse-Inspired Escape Above the Coast

Designed by Michael Soriano of Onairos Design, the 2,500-square-foot restaurant transforms a prominent corner of Del Mar Village into a greenhouse-style retreat filled with hanging greenery, natural textures, and ocean views.

The centerpiece is a standalone glass pavilion dining room with fully retractable windows that blur the line between indoor and outdoor dining. Nearby, a separate bar area offers a more intimate setting with a seven-seat bar and high-top seating, while additional outdoor patio seating is expected to debut later this summer.

The result feels transportive without being overly formal—a space designed to encourage guests to slow down, settle in, and stay awhile.

New Zealand Comfort Food Meets Coastal California

The menu draws inspiration from New Zealand comfort food while embracing the relaxed, seafood-forward rhythm of coastal Southern California. The kitchen is led by chef Yohalmo Rosales, a longtime member of the Queenstown team.

Many of the dishes that have earned the group’s restaurants a loyal following make an appearance here. Signature favorites include the Lamb Smash burger with New Zealand lamb patties, mint dressing, blue cheese, and beetroot; the Wagyu Smashburger topped with fried habanero onions, pickles, and house Thousand Island; and the Blazin Ahi sandwich featuring panko-crusted yellowfin ahi and wasabi aioli.

New Zealand staples remain central to the menu, including flaky meat pies, sausage rolls, and beer-battered Fish & Chips. Guests will also find larger-format dinner plates such as New Zealand Sea Bass served over saffron risotto, a seafood-packed Spicy Cioppino featuring New Zealand green mussels, and an NZ Rack of Lamb finished with mint chimichurri.

Additional menu highlights include Brussels sprouts with jalapeño, cranberries, and maple syrup, Prosciutto & Burrata with balsamic and toasted crostini, Lamb Skewers served with hummus and naan, and a selection of seasonal salads and shareable starters.

A Playful Beverage Program

Behind the bar, the beverage program leans approachable and celebratory, featuring a mix of New Zealand and California wines, local draft beers, sangrias, and seasonal cocktails.

Signature cocktails include the NZ #45 with gin, lavender, lemon, and prosecco; the Kelvin Heights with habanero-infused tequila and passion fruit; and the Biscotti Espresso Martini made with vodka, espresso, biscotti liqueur, and Averna.

Wine offerings highlight producers from both California and New Zealand, including Marlborough sauvignon blancs, New Zealand pinot noirs, Napa Valley cabernets, and a rotating selection of sparkling wines and rosés.

For those skipping alcohol, the menu also features non-alcoholic cocktails such as the Cucumber Gin Gimlet and wellness-inspired mocktails including the Strawberry Fields Forever and Key Lime Kava.

A New Chapter for a Familiar Hospitality Group

For co-founders Matt Baker and PJ Lamont, the Del Mar opening represents the next chapter in a hospitality story that began more than 20 years ago with Bare Back Grill in Pacific Beach. Since then, the pair has built a collection of neighborhood-focused restaurants centered around quality ingredients, immersive design, and a distinctly New Zealand-inspired approach to hospitality.

With ocean views, a greenhouse-inspired setting, and a menu that blends comfort food with coastal influences, Queenstown Del Mar brings that formula to North County for the first time.

Connect with Queenstown Del Mar

Open daily for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays). Weekend brunch begins at 9 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations are available via OpenTable.