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Outdoor dining space with umbrellas, heat lamps, tables, and chairs overlooking the ocean. — Outdoor dining patio.

19 Stellar Spots for Waterfront Dining in San Diego

Relax at breezy ocean-view restaurants offering everything from fish and chips to fine dining.

by Helen I. Hwang Updated May 20, 2024, 8:01am PDT

If you book a reservation through an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

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Outdoor dining patio.

| George’s at the Cove

by Helen I. Hwang Updated May 20, 2024, 8:01am PDT

If you book a reservation through an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Waterfront restaurants abound all along the 70 miles of ocean coastline and a handful of harbors around the region. The reality is that San Diegans are lucky enough to enjoy seaside dining year-round thanks to mild Southern California temperatures and year-round sunny skies. It’s easy to find breathtaking views.

Spanning Coronado to Oceanside and offering everything from beachside casual to Michelin-starred dining, these 19 standout spots near the water are cooking up everything from tacos to seafood to steaks. If you’re looking for more suggestions on where to dine with a view, check out Eater’s guide to 12 Enticing Rooftops for Eating and Drinking in San Diego.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Valle

Valle is one of the few restaurants in the area honored with a Michelin star — and the first Mexican restaurant in San Diego to receive the accolade. Its sister restaurant, Malva, in Valle de Guadalupe, was recently recognized by the Michelin Guide for Mexico. Dining options include a tasting menu, a chef’s table 14-course menu, and a four-course tasting menu at the bar. A recent patio revamp adds stellar seaside views. Its summertime menu includes ikejime rock cod agua chile, sweetbreads, and a mango and chocolate dessert.

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222 North Pacific St, Oceanside, CA 92054

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Outdoor dining patio.

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Where to Eat and Drink in Oceanside

Vaga Restaurant & Bar

Vaga’s dining patio provides sweeping views of a quiet slice of Encinitas shoreline. Take a seat in the open-air lounge centered on a fire pit, or peek in the open kitchen. The coastal California menu features salt-baked beets and Kanaloa catch of the day.

2100 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

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Patio lounge with firepit.

Also featured in:

20 Romantic Restaurants in San Diego for Date Night

Jake's Del Mar

The enclosed patio terrace with views of Del Mar Beach lets guests enjoy the seaside scenery while diving into dishes like roasted fish, double lobster tail, or chef’s burger paired with Duke’s Mai Tai or guava daiquiri. Be sure to try their famous Hula pie.

1660 Coast Boulevard, Del Mar, California 92014

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Dining area with tables, plates, glasses, and chairs — Enclosed dining area.

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Caroline's Seaside Cafe by Giuseppe

The relaxed breakfast and brunch cafe is located at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where you can dine on favorites like curried chicken salad sandwiches and turkey apple sausage scramble. It’s a local favorite hangout, so be prepared for lines on the weekends.

8610 Charles F, Kennel Way, La Jolla, CA 92037

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A post shared by Caroline’s Seaside Cafe (@carolinesseasidecafe)

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The Marine Room

The establishment has an unparalleled view of La Jolla Shores. For a front-row seat of high tides splashing against the large windows, book a table during their High Tide dinners, coinciding with the full moon, where guests can opt for a four-course dinner or a chef’s table experience. This season, there’s also a new Rising Tide experience between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Guests can opt for a limited a la carte menu or a three-course dinner. Signature dishes include the king salmon or surf and turf, which are perfect with a kelp martini.

1950 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037

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High tide at the restaurant with waves crashing against the windows.

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Blue Ocean / Harumama

Harumama’s cutesy character buns and Blue Ocean’s fresh sashimi make this joint venture a winning combination. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer diners a 180-degree view of La Jolla’s shoreline. Try the character bao buns, sushi rolls, or Blue Ocean omakase box paired with sake from their robust drinks menu.

Open in Google Maps

1250 Prospect Street, La Jolla, California 92037

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Sashimi and sushi in an omakase box — Blue Ocean / Harumama - La Jolla.

Also featured in:

19 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in San Diego That Also Appeal to Adults

George's at the Cove

Celebrating 40 years in La Jolla, George’s hosts a monthly chef dinner series with notable alums. With three levels of dining available, all with equally arresting views, patrons can dive into California coastal cuisine from settings that range from more formal to rooftop casual. Specialties from renowned chef Trey Foshee include George’s Famous Soup with smoked chicken and black beans, spice-crusted yellowtail, or Niman Ranch flat iron steak. Reservations are recommended, especially at sunset.

1250 Prospect St (at Ivanhoe Ave), La Jolla, CA 92037

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Outdoor dining space with umbrellas, heat lamps, tables, and chairs overlooking the ocean. — Outdoor dining space.

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The Kitchen at MCASD

Adjacent to the Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla, the airy indoor-outdoor café overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The menu features churro French toast with crème Catalan and asparagus, and a mushroom omelet with goat cheese. The space is open Wednesday through Sunday for breakfast and lunch and is available for private dining.

700 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Outdoor patio at The Kitchen at MCSAD.

JRDN Restaurant

This sea-level restaurant is next to the Pacific Beach boardwalk, with ocean views and Cape Cod-style cottages right on the historic Crystal Pier. A new summer menu and wine series will launch in June. The sushi rolls and steak are musts, as are its well-crafted desserts.

723 Felspar Street, San Diego, California 92109

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Tomahawk steak.

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Oceana Coastal Kitchen

Anchoring the Catamaran Resort Hotel in Mission Bay, this breezy restaurant showcases sustainable seafood from the nearby shores of Baja and California. A cold bar features sushi while the regular menus include Hawaiian-style specials. On Wild Wednesdays, executive chef Paul Arias presents a four-course tasting menu featuring produce hand-selected from the Pacific Beach Farmers’ Market.

3999 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109

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Outdoor dining terrace.

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Dockside 1953

This waterside restaurant at the Bahia Resort Hotel offers guests a spectacular view of the beach and marina in Mission Bay. Highlights from chef Bryan Stuppy’s menu include chilaquiles, seafood tower, and favorites from the Evans Hotel’s sister restaurants at the Lodge at Torrey Pines like the drugstore hamburger and chicken under the brick.

998 West Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, California 92109

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Table with fire pit during golden hour by Mission Bay. — Table with fire pit overlooking Mission Bay.

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Cannonball

High above the Mission Beach boardwalk sits an outdoor rooftop restaurant with unparalleled views of the Pacific. Diners can explore a robust sushi menu, including the popular lobster sushi roll. Check out the wide selection of cocktails with favorites like the Sunset Collins (vodka and watermelon). Expect a new menu in June, but the favorites will remain.

3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109

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Outdoor dining terrace with 2 women eating sushi with chopsticks. — Outdoor dining terrace.

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C Level Lounge

Located on Harbor Island with views of the city skyline, this casual restaurant on stilts serves dishes like ahi, crab and avocado stack, lobster mac and cheese, and steak frites. It also offers a dizzying array of cocktails and emphasizes local distilleries.

880 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, California 92101

Visit Website

Dining area over water.

Mitch's Seafood

Three longstanding fishing families founded this friendly, relaxed café in a working fishing harbor. Customers can find seafood caught in nearby waters. Popular favorites include grilled fish tacos, beer-battered fish and chips, and campecchana, a Baja-style cocktail with a mix of seafood, salsa fresca, and clamato.

Open in Google Maps

1403 Scott St, San Diego, CA 92106

Visit Website

Mitch’s Seafood — Mitch’s Seafood.

Portside Pier

Downtown San Diego got a boost with this over-the-water 42,000-square-foot dining complex with harbor views. Customers will find a brewery, a rooftop cocktail bar, gelato, Mexican cuisine, and seafood. Brigantine Seafood and Oyster Bar is the most notable for Brig’s Famous Fish Tacos or oysters, raw or grilled, along with a draft beer from their very own Ketch Brewing.

1360 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

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Front of Brigantine at Portside Pier — Portside Pier.

Also featured in:

18 Waterfront Restaurants in San Diego

Bali Hai Restaurant

The iconic Shelter Island establishment sits in a Polynesian-style circular “hut” so patrons can enjoy panoramic views of the San Diego Bay. The menu is brimming with Hawaiian-inspired items, like crispy ahi tuna, poke, and the mighty strong Bali Hai Mai Tai that’s so popular it merits its own electronic tally counter (nearly 3 million sold).

2230 Shelter Island Dr (on Shelter Island), San Diego, CA 92106

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View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bali Hai Restaurant (@balihairestaurant)

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Garibaldi

Enjoy spectacular views of the USS Midway and harbor at sunset with happy hour specials, such as a $6 Amalfi Fizz, calamari fritto misto, and $1.50 oysters. Guests will find more Sardinian and Sicilian dishes like white sea bass and Sardinian gnocchetti.

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901 Bayfront Court, San Diego, California 92101

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Sunset happy hour cocktails and specials at Garibaldi.

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Sally's Fish House & Bar

With an expansive patio overlooking the downtown marina, Sally’s Fish House serves sustainable seafood dishes, such as the Baja seafood cobb salad and the daily fresh catch. Canines are welcome with a dedicated doggie menu. Saturday evenings feature live music from 5 to 8 p.m.

1 Market Pl (Manchester Grand Hyatt), San Diego, CA 92101

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Seafood dishes and cocktail on outdoor table.

Also featured in:

Where to Eat Seafood in San Diego

Serea Coastal Cuisine

The anchor restaurant of the legendary Hotel Del Coronado offers gorgeous views of palm trees lining the lively esplanade next to Coronado Beach. Helmed by James Beard Fresh Catch leader chef Jojo Ruiz, standout specialties include wood-grilled whole fish deboned tableside. Check out the seasonal menu, which features seafood “kakavia” with swordfish, scallops, and clams and mushroom kofta with pomegranate, tahini, and flatbread.

1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118

Visit Website

Brunch spread.

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Valle

222 North Pacific St, Oceanside, CA 92054

Valle is one of the few restaurants in the area honored with a Michelin star — and the first Mexican restaurant in San Diego to receive the accolade. Its sister restaurant, Malva, in Valle de Guadalupe, was recently recognized by the Michelin Guide for Mexico. Dining options include a tasting menu, a chef’s table 14-course menu, and a four-course tasting menu at the bar. A recent patio revamp adds stellar seaside views. Its summertime menu includes ikejime rock cod agua chile, sweetbreads, and a mango and chocolate dessert.

Open in Google Maps

222 North Pacific St, Oceanside, CA 92054

Visit Website

Outdoor dining patio.

Vaga Restaurant & Bar

2100 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

Vaga’s dining patio provides sweeping views of a quiet slice of Encinitas shoreline. Take a seat in the open-air lounge centered on a fire pit, or peek in the open kitchen. The coastal California menu features salt-baked beets and Kanaloa catch of the day.

2100 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

Visit Website

Patio lounge with firepit.

Jake's Del Mar

1660 Coast Boulevard, Del Mar, California 92014

The enclosed patio terrace with views of Del Mar Beach lets guests enjoy the seaside scenery while diving into dishes like roasted fish, double lobster tail, or chef’s burger paired with Duke’s Mai Tai or guava daiquiri. Be sure to try their famous Hula pie.

1660 Coast Boulevard, Del Mar, California 92014

Visit Website

Dining area with tables, plates, glasses, and chairs — Enclosed dining area.

Caroline's Seaside Cafe by Giuseppe

8610 Charles F, Kennel Way, La Jolla, CA 92037

The relaxed breakfast and brunch cafe is located at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where you can dine on favorites like curried chicken salad sandwiches and turkey apple sausage scramble. It’s a local favorite hangout, so be prepared for lines on the weekends.

8610 Charles F, Kennel Way, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Caroline’s Seaside Cafe (@carolinesseasidecafe)

The Marine Room

1950 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037

The establishment has an unparalleled view of La Jolla Shores. For a front-row seat of high tides splashing against the large windows, book a table during their High Tide dinners, coinciding with the full moon, where guests can opt for a four-course dinner or a chef’s table experience. This season, there’s also a new Rising Tide experience between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Guests can opt for a limited a la carte menu or a three-course dinner. Signature dishes include the king salmon or surf and turf, which are perfect with a kelp martini.

1950 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

High tide at the restaurant with waves crashing against the windows.

Blue Ocean / Harumama

1250 Prospect Street, La Jolla, California 92037

Harumama’s cutesy character buns and Blue Ocean’s fresh sashimi make this joint venture a winning combination. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer diners a 180-degree view of La Jolla’s shoreline. Try the character bao buns, sushi rolls, or Blue Ocean omakase box paired with sake from their robust drinks menu.

Open in Google Maps

1250 Prospect Street, La Jolla, California 92037

Visit Website

Sashimi and sushi in an omakase box — Blue Ocean / Harumama - La Jolla.

George's at the Cove

1250 Prospect St (at Ivanhoe Ave), La Jolla, CA 92037

Celebrating 40 years in La Jolla, George’s hosts a monthly chef dinner series with notable alums. With three levels of dining available, all with equally arresting views, patrons can dive into California coastal cuisine from settings that range from more formal to rooftop casual. Specialties from renowned chef Trey Foshee include George’s Famous Soup with smoked chicken and black beans, spice-crusted yellowtail, or Niman Ranch flat iron steak. Reservations are recommended, especially at sunset.

1250 Prospect St (at Ivanhoe Ave), La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Outdoor dining space with umbrellas, heat lamps, tables, and chairs overlooking the ocean. — Outdoor dining space.

The Kitchen at MCASD

700 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Adjacent to the Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla, the airy indoor-outdoor café overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The menu features churro French toast with crème Catalan and asparagus, and a mushroom omelet with goat cheese. The space is open Wednesday through Sunday for breakfast and lunch and is available for private dining.

700 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Outdoor patio at The Kitchen at MCSAD.

JRDN Restaurant

723 Felspar Street, San Diego, California 92109

This sea-level restaurant is next to the Pacific Beach boardwalk, with ocean views and Cape Cod-style cottages right on the historic Crystal Pier. A new summer menu and wine series will launch in June. The sushi rolls and steak are musts, as are its well-crafted desserts.

723 Felspar Street, San Diego, California 92109

Visit Website

Tomahawk steak.

Oceana Coastal Kitchen

3999 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109

Anchoring the Catamaran Resort Hotel in Mission Bay, this breezy restaurant showcases sustainable seafood from the nearby shores of Baja and California. A cold bar features sushi while the regular menus include Hawaiian-style specials. On Wild Wednesdays, executive chef Paul Arias presents a four-course tasting menu featuring produce hand-selected from the Pacific Beach Farmers’ Market.

3999 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109

Visit Website

Outdoor dining terrace.

Dockside 1953

998 West Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, California 92109

This waterside restaurant at the Bahia Resort Hotel offers guests a spectacular view of the beach and marina in Mission Bay. Highlights from chef Bryan Stuppy’s menu include chilaquiles, seafood tower, and favorites from the Evans Hotel’s sister restaurants at the Lodge at Torrey Pines like the drugstore hamburger and chicken under the brick.

998 West Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, California 92109

Visit Website

Table with fire pit during golden hour by Mission Bay. — Table with fire pit overlooking Mission Bay.

Cannonball

3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109

High above the Mission Beach boardwalk sits an outdoor rooftop restaurant with unparalleled views of the Pacific. Diners can explore a robust sushi menu, including the popular lobster sushi roll. Check out the wide selection of cocktails with favorites like the Sunset Collins (vodka and watermelon). Expect a new menu in June, but the favorites will remain.

3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109

Visit Website

Outdoor dining terrace with 2 women eating sushi with chopsticks. — Outdoor dining terrace.

C Level Lounge

880 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, California 92101

Located on Harbor Island with views of the city skyline, this casual restaurant on stilts serves dishes like ahi, crab and avocado stack, lobster mac and cheese, and steak frites. It also offers a dizzying array of cocktails and emphasizes local distilleries.

880 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, California 92101

Visit Website

Dining area over water.

Mitch's Seafood

1403 Scott St, San Diego, CA 92106

Three longstanding fishing families founded this friendly, relaxed café in a working fishing harbor. Customers can find seafood caught in nearby waters. Popular favorites include grilled fish tacos, beer-battered fish and chips, and campecchana, a Baja-style cocktail with a mix of seafood, salsa fresca, and clamato.

Open in Google Maps

1403 Scott St, San Diego, CA 92106

Visit Website

Mitch’s Seafood — Mitch’s Seafood.

Portside Pier

1360 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

Downtown San Diego got a boost with this over-the-water 42,000-square-foot dining complex with harbor views. Customers will find a brewery, a rooftop cocktail bar, gelato, Mexican cuisine, and seafood. Brigantine Seafood and Oyster Bar is the most notable for Brig’s Famous Fish Tacos or oysters, raw or grilled, along with a draft beer from their very own Ketch Brewing.

1360 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Front of Brigantine at Portside Pier — Portside Pier.

Related Maps

Bali Hai Restaurant

2230 Shelter Island Dr (on Shelter Island), San Diego, CA 92106

The iconic Shelter Island establishment sits in a Polynesian-style circular “hut” so patrons can enjoy panoramic views of the San Diego Bay. The menu is brimming with Hawaiian-inspired items, like crispy ahi tuna, poke, and the mighty strong Bali Hai Mai Tai that’s so popular it merits its own electronic tally counter (nearly 3 million sold).

2230 Shelter Island Dr (on Shelter Island), San Diego, CA 92106

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bali Hai Restaurant (@balihairestaurant)

Garibaldi

901 Bayfront Court, San Diego, California 92101

Enjoy spectacular views of the USS Midway and harbor at sunset with happy hour specials, such as a $6 Amalfi Fizz, calamari fritto misto, and $1.50 oysters. Guests will find more Sardinian and Sicilian dishes like white sea bass and Sardinian gnocchetti.

Open in Google Maps

901 Bayfront Court, San Diego, California 92101

Visit Website

Sunset happy hour cocktails and specials at Garibaldi.

Sally's Fish House & Bar

1 Market Pl (Manchester Grand Hyatt), San Diego, CA 92101

With an expansive patio overlooking the downtown marina, Sally’s Fish House serves sustainable seafood dishes, such as the Baja seafood cobb salad and the daily fresh catch. Canines are welcome with a dedicated doggie menu. Saturday evenings feature live music from 5 to 8 p.m.

1 Market Pl (Manchester Grand Hyatt), San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Seafood dishes and cocktail on outdoor table.

Serea Coastal Cuisine

1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118

The anchor restaurant of the legendary Hotel Del Coronado offers gorgeous views of palm trees lining the lively esplanade next to Coronado Beach. Helmed by James Beard Fresh Catch leader chef Jojo Ruiz, standout specialties include wood-grilled whole fish deboned tableside. Check out the seasonal menu, which features seafood “kakavia” with swordfish, scallops, and clams and mushroom kofta with pomegranate, tahini, and flatbread.

1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118

Visit Website

Brunch spread.

Related Maps