Amaya Delivers Elegance, Flavor And Excellent Service At Fairmont Grand Del Mar: Review

SAN DIEGO, CA — Situated at the stunning Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Amaya often lives in the shadow of its Michelin-starred neighbor, Addison, but this special restaurant should not be overlooked.

While Addison draws national attention with Chef William Bradley's seasonal tasting menus, Amaya offers its own refined charm with its ingredient-forward menu, incredible service and intimate garden setting.

Earlier this summer, I got to experience Amaya's dinner menu during a hosted stay at the luxurious five-star property.

What was supposed to be a romantic date night for two turned into an unexpected but unforgettable meal for one when we were unable to secure a babysitter for the evening.

The restaurant, which opened in 2007, offers both indoor and outdoor seating. It was a beautiful summer night, so I decided to sit outside.

My table overlooked the resort's Mediterranean-inspired architecture and immaculate golf course. With scenic views and a serene setting, it felt as if I was whisked away to a distant corner of the world rather than sitting at a San Diego restaurant.

Seems fitting. Amaya offers a French brasserie-inspired dining experience. The menu features a modern take on classic French brasserie dishes using local California ingredients. The restaurant partners with several local farms.

I started off my meal with Amaya's signature brioche. My server said it is one of the most popular items, and it truly was one of the standouts from the menu.

The mouth-watering bread was so buttery. It quite honestly melted in my mouth.

The bread was topped with everything spice and served with the restaurant's honey butter, which is made from honey produced at the resort.

I learned that Fairmont Grand Del Mar has rescued more than 120,000 bees. The property's special residents live near the fourth hole of the golf course and produce a natural, raw honey that is used in restaurants and for amenities throughout the resort.

Since it ended up being mom's night out, I had to try a cocktail, which was as refreshing as it was pretty.

I also tried the French onion soup. Admittedly, French onion soup isn't my favorite, but it was a must-try dish, according to online reviews.

The savory broth was incredibly rich and flavorful. It was loaded with Gruyère cheese. It was a great choice on a chilly summer night next to an outdoor fire pit.

My friendly server suggested I sample another item from the menu and I went with a side of Kennebec fries. You can never go wrong with fries, right? And these weren't your basic fries.

The fries were covered in Amaya's special seasoning, which he told me includes seaweed. They were perfectly seasoned and perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They were served with ketchup and garlic aioli.

The highlight of my meal? The entrée, of course.

I ordered the black angus filet, which was served with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted carrots from Sage Hill Ranch Gardens in Escondido. It was simply delicious.

I was absolutely full, but my server insisted I had to try dessert. I ordered the decadent baked Alaska that featured preserved cherry, pistachio dacquoise and vanilla ice cream. So yummy.

My meal was delicious. Every dish was thoughtfully crafted and full of flavor.

It was the top-notch service, however, that truly made my experience special.

As a busy mother of three wild and wonderful boys, I don't often get time to myself. Prior to this experience, I had actually never eaten alone at a full-service restaurant. I'm always with family or friends. I was completely uncomfortable with the idea of dining alone, especially at an upscale restaurant known for its elegant and romantic atmosphere.

After I was greeted and seated by my server, however, I was immediately put at ease. Ignacio's warmth and attentiveness almost made me forget I was dining solo.

It wasn't just me. He and the other staff members treated everyone with kindness. The service was excellent.

Amaya serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. The restaurant also offers savory appetizers and tasty drinks during happy hour from 5-6 p.m. daily.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, sharing a romantic dinner, or simply craving satisfying food with a stunning view, Amaya offers a picturesque setting to make every moment special.

When you go, tell them Patch sent you.

Amaya is located inside Fairmont Grand Del Mar at 5300 Grand Del Mar Court in San Diego. The restaurant is open for from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.