Set along the secluded shores of Cooper Jack Bay at The Strand, The DelMar Restaurant & Beach Club has become known for its refined yet relaxed approach to beachfront dining. With two unique venues—the elegant Restaurant and the laid-back Lounge, each with their own unique menus—guests can enjoy everything from Mediterranean-inspired pizzas and pastas to fresh, locally caught seafood.
Now, with the arrival of Chef Alvaro Zepeda Lahud, the restaurant is embracing a fresh culinary direction that celebrates local ingredients and the soulful warmth of Latin American-inspired cuisine.
Chef Alvaro brings more than two decades of experience to the kitchen, including 10 years as an executive chef. His inspiration comes from watching his mother and grandmother cook with instinct and love—using their hands, their senses, and an unspoken understanding of flavor. “We prepare food that we want to eat,” he says.
The result is a menu that feels both elevated and heartfelt, where every dish is infused with care and connection. Here are three standouts from The DelMar’s new lineup that reflect Chef Alvaro’s passion for honest, flavorful cooking.
Mollete: A Morning Mexican Classic, Reimagined
Chef Alvaro believes that breakfast should be treated with the same reverence as any evening meal, and the Mollete is a perfect example of this philosophy. “Breakfast deserves the same love as lunch and dinner,” he says.
A toasted slice of sourdough forms the foundation—crisp on the edges, tender at the center—layered with creamy refried beans and melted cheese. The star, however, is the smoked brisket: rich, tender and deeply aromatic. It’s served open-faced and garnished with bright pico de gallo and a smooth avocado purée, adding freshness and balance to every bite.
This dish is more than an ordinary breakfast—it’s comfort elevated to an art form. Each layer builds on the next, blending smoky, savory and tangy notes that linger long after the last bite.
The Lobster Roll: A Coastal Classic with a Twist
At midday, few things capture the essence of island dining quite like a lobster roll, and The DelMar’s version takes this seaside staple to new heights.
Succulent chunks of freshly caught lobster are lightly tossed in a delicate herbed black garlic mayonnaise—just enough to enhance the natural sweetness of the meat without overpowering it. The lobster is then nestled into a buttery, toasted roll that adds a satisfying crunch and a touch of indulgence.
It’s both familiar and unexpected: a classic dish refined with Chef Alvaro’s thoughtful touch and his focus on locally sourced seafood. Pair it with a chilled white wine or a handcrafted cocktail, and you have the perfect oceanfront lunch—simple, elegant and full of flavor.
Guerrero-Style Ceviche: Fresh, Vibrant and Full of Soul
Inspired by the flavors of coastal Mexico, Chef Alvaro’s Guerrero-style ceviche is a vibrant showcase of freshness and technique.
Tender octopus and the day’s local catch are delicately marinated in lime and orange juice, allowing the acidity to “cook” the seafood while preserving its natural texture. The marinade is infused with oregano and combined with green tomato, red onion, cucumber, pickled radish, and cilantro for layers of crispness and color.
To finish, the ceviche is served with a homemade clamato-lime consommé—a bright, savory broth that ties the dish together. Every spoonful is a reflection of Chef Alvaro’s belief in feeding people with love, combining local ingredients with the soulful traditions of his heritage.
A New Chapter for The DelMar
Under Chef Alvaro’s direction, The DelMar is evolving into something special—a place where refined dining meets heartfelt cooking, where the warmth of Latin-American influence pairs seamlessly with the flavors of the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
Each dish, from breakfast through dinner, tells a story of care, connection and creativity. As Chef Alvaro puts it, “We add love to classic dishes.” At The DelMar, that love is unmistakable—in the food, the atmosphere, and the feeling that every meal is prepared just for you.
Ready to experience the new flavors of The DelMar for yourself? Reserve your table now, and discover your new favorite dish for every time of day.