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Where to Eat in Point Loma

The historic fishing neighborhood is home to old-school favorites and new wave gems

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The coastal community of Point Loma is home to some of San Diego’s most historic landmarks, including the Cabrillo National Monument and Old Point Loma Lighthouse. And with its proximity to San Diego Bay, plus the world’s largest sportfishing fleet, the cuisine here has traditionally centered on fresh-caught seafood. Today though, Italian, Thai, and Polynesian-inspired fare all have their chance to shine. From new-school neighborhood gems to old-time mom and pop classics, these 15 spots across the peninsula are well-worth a visit.

Note: map points are not ranked.

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A stellar option on the OB/Point Loma neighborhood cusp is retro style diner and cocktail bar, Royale. Catering to the happy hour (it starts at 4 p.m.), dinner, late-night (they’re open past 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturday nights) and brunch crowds, folks love the gourmet burgers, whose ingredients come from Nopalito Farm in North County, and the well-crafted “farm to shaker” cocktails here. 

Cesarina

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Italian-born executive chef Patrick Money presides over the weekly-changing menus at this indoor-outdoor trattoria also on the Point Loma–Ocean Beach border. Open daily for lunch and dinner, and brunch on the weekends, the fresh pasta (of which there are ten shapes to mix and match with sauces and toppings) are handmade to perfection. Dish highlights range from a crispy octopus antipasto and whole grilled Branzino entrée to the table side cannolis.

Officine Buona Forchetta

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With its beloved flagship in South Park, owner Matteo Cattaneo opened the second Buona Forchetta location at Liberty Station in 2017. Whether it’s folks stopping by for $15 prix fixe lunch or the after work crowd coming to sip sangria and enjoy a classic wood-fired Neapolitan or fresh pasta dish followed by fan-favorite panna cotta for dessert, this popular spot is always buzzing. 

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Liberty Public Market

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The Liberty Station food hall has been in the process of welcoming a handful of new tenants lateley, including Landini’s Pizzeria who specializes in thin-crust New York style pizza by the slice, and Peruvian eatery Latin Chef that turns out classic dishes like ceviche de pescado. Another new spot is BOPJO Seoul In A Bowl... Or Tortilla! which translates SoCal Mexican cuisine into rice bowls, tacos, and burritos featuring bulgogi, spicy pork, and tofu. While sushi chef Rob Ruiz’s eagerly anticipated new sustainable hand-roll concept Hold Fast is coming soon.

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Kakawa Coffee

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Kakawa (an Olmec word meaning cacao or chocolate) features a variety of coffee drinks, from Americanos and cortados to house, cold, and nitro brewed beverages. A series of mochas range from white to Mexican, Mayan, and Arabian. Food-wise there’s a selection of pastries and fresh sandwiches and desserts, including an affogato with gelato and Arabian mousse with cardamom.

Tea’s Moment

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This new boba tea spot (which boasts a Harry Potter themed bathroom) has garnered solid reviews since opening in mid-June. There are egg puff waffles on the menu and the drinks, which range from taro black milk tea to a strawberry smoothie and peach green tea with boba, can be customized to preferred sweetness levels. Stop by during happy hour (4 to 9 p.m.) for a 10% discount.

Specializing in seasonal Southern Italian cuisine, this Liberty Station fixture recently received a coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand nod. There’s live jazz every Thursday evening, and happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Sundays with select dishes and drinks all ringing in under $10 each.

Tender Greens

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The fast-casual farm to table favorite first expanded to San Diego in 2008 with the opening of its Liberty Station location. Appealing to the ‘food-savvy and budget-conscious,’ all dishes are made with just-picked produce, naturally raised meat, and line-caught fish. Wine, kombucha, and local craft beers also feature. 

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Charles + Dinorah

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Re-named in homage to the original owners of the 1950s-era Point Loma property, The Pearl hotel’s in-house restaurant and bar hosts dinner, an ever-popular weekend brunch, killer cocktails, plus weekly Dive-In movie nights. Its seasonal menu pulls from global cuisines with char siu pork bao buns, and yaki skewers with koshihikari rice and house ponzu. 

Mitch's Seafood

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Overlooking the Sportfishing Fleet on San Diego Bay there might not be a better spot to post up for some fish tacos and a cold one than this Point Loma institution. With photographs of local fishermen on the walls, the vibe is old-school California ‘mom and pop,’ the seafood mostly all fresh-caught in waters off San Diego and Northern Baja, and the beers locally crafted.

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Point Loma Seafoods

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First opened in 1963 this bustling seafood shop and casual eatery has a vast menu of salads, sandwiches, and sushi all made with fresh-off-the-boat local seafood. Order downstairs — the fish and chips, scallop sandwich, and wild grilled fish plate are all great options — then head upstairs to the second floor terrace for spectacular marina views.

Supannee House of Thai

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Owner Supannee uses vegetables and herbs grown in her own gardens across the top-rated classic Thai dishes cooked by her sister, chef Wan, at this family-friendly spot on Shelter Island. When in season, locally caught rockfish features on the menu, while Instagrammers will love the coconut seafood curry served in a whole coconut shell, and spring/summer tofu rolls that feature edible flowers.

Ketch Grill and Taps

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This modern tavern from the Brigantine family has some nice harbor views from its outdoor patio. Beer-wise there’s a German-style Kölsch, Celestial Navigation IPA, and Day Cruise Extra Pale Ale, among many others. While the all-day menu of beer-friendly fare has an emphasis on seafood dishes and includes a Baja fish ceviche, sake-miso wild salmon, and Portuguese seafood stew.

Bali Hai Restaurant

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Still family-owned and operated after more than 50 years, this iconic restaurant is well-loved for its potent tiki drinks and Polynesian-inspired fare. Located on the northern tip of Shelter Island, whether coming for lunch, brunch, or dinner, the San Diego bay and downtown skyline views are hard to beat. 

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Humphreys Restaurant

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With its waterfront setting that also plays home to Humphreys Concerts By the Bay, the dining and concert packages at this Shelter Island staple can make for a fun date night. Chef Jason Gethin’s modern SoCAL menu spans breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a popular Champagne brunch on weekends. There’s a solid cocktail list here too that favors rum-based and island-inspired creations.

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Fathom Bistro, Bait, and Tackle

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An only-in-San-Diego spot perched on a Shelter Island fishing pier, the locally-beloved eatery shares a wall with a bait and tackle shop and offers one of the city’s finest craft beer line-ups with an unbeatable view of the San Diego bay. Its menu includes burgers, sausages, and a popular weekend brunch.

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Royale

A stellar option on the OB/Point Loma neighborhood cusp is retro style diner and cocktail bar, Royale. Catering to the happy hour (it starts at 4 p.m.), dinner, late-night (they’re open past 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturday nights) and brunch crowds, folks love the gourmet burgers, whose ingredients come from Nopalito Farm in North County, and the well-crafted “farm to shaker” cocktails here. 

Cesarina

Italian-born executive chef Patrick Money presides over the weekly-changing menus at this indoor-outdoor trattoria also on the Point Loma–Ocean Beach border. Open daily for lunch and dinner, and brunch on the weekends, the fresh pasta (of which there are ten shapes to mix and match with sauces and toppings) are handmade to perfection. Dish highlights range from a crispy octopus antipasto and whole grilled Branzino entrée to the table side cannolis.

Officine Buona Forchetta

With its beloved flagship in South Park, owner Matteo Cattaneo opened the second Buona Forchetta location at Liberty Station in 2017. Whether it’s folks stopping by for $15 prix fixe lunch or the after work crowd coming to sip sangria and enjoy a classic wood-fired Neapolitan or fresh pasta dish followed by fan-favorite panna cotta for dessert, this popular spot is always buzzing. 

Courtesy Photo

Liberty Public Market

The Liberty Station food hall has been in the process of welcoming a handful of new tenants lateley, including Landini’s Pizzeria who specializes in thin-crust New York style pizza by the slice, and Peruvian eatery Latin Chef that turns out classic dishes like ceviche de pescado. Another new spot is BOPJO Seoul In A Bowl... Or Tortilla! which translates SoCal Mexican cuisine into rice bowls, tacos, and burritos featuring bulgogi, spicy pork, and tofu. While sushi chef Rob Ruiz’s eagerly anticipated new sustainable hand-roll concept Hold Fast is coming soon.

liberty public market Courtesy photo

Kakawa Coffee

Kakawa (an Olmec word meaning cacao or chocolate) features a variety of coffee drinks, from Americanos and cortados to house, cold, and nitro brewed beverages. A series of mochas range from white to Mexican, Mayan, and Arabian. Food-wise there’s a selection of pastries and fresh sandwiches and desserts, including an affogato with gelato and Arabian mousse with cardamom.

Tea’s Moment

This new boba tea spot (which boasts a Harry Potter themed bathroom) has garnered solid reviews since opening in mid-June. There are egg puff waffles on the menu and the drinks, which range from taro black milk tea to a strawberry smoothie and peach green tea with boba, can be customized to preferred sweetness levels. Stop by during happy hour (4 to 9 p.m.) for a 10% discount.

Solare

Specializing in seasonal Southern Italian cuisine, this Liberty Station fixture recently received a coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand nod. There’s live jazz every Thursday evening, and happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Sundays with select dishes and drinks all ringing in under $10 each.

Tender Greens

The fast-casual farm to table favorite first expanded to San Diego in 2008 with the opening of its Liberty Station location. Appealing to the ‘food-savvy and budget-conscious,’ all dishes are made with just-picked produce, naturally raised meat, and line-caught fish. Wine, kombucha, and local craft beers also feature. 

Courtesy Photo

Charles + Dinorah

Re-named in homage to the original owners of the 1950s-era Point Loma property, The Pearl hotel’s in-house restaurant and bar hosts dinner, an ever-popular weekend brunch, killer cocktails, plus weekly Dive-In movie nights. Its seasonal menu pulls from global cuisines with char siu pork bao buns, and yaki skewers with koshihikari rice and house ponzu. 

Mitch's Seafood

Overlooking the Sportfishing Fleet on San Diego Bay there might not be a better spot to post up for some fish tacos and a cold one than this Point Loma institution. With photographs of local fishermen on the walls, the vibe is old-school California ‘mom and pop,’ the seafood mostly all fresh-caught in waters off San Diego and Northern Baja, and the beers locally crafted.

Courtesy Photo

Point Loma Seafoods

First opened in 1963 this bustling seafood shop and casual eatery has a vast menu of salads, sandwiches, and sushi all made with fresh-off-the-boat local seafood. Order downstairs — the fish and chips, scallop sandwich, and wild grilled fish plate are all great options — then head upstairs to the second floor terrace for spectacular marina views.

Supannee House of Thai

Owner Supannee uses vegetables and herbs grown in her own gardens across the top-rated classic Thai dishes cooked by her sister, chef Wan, at this family-friendly spot on Shelter Island. When in season, locally caught rockfish features on the menu, while Instagrammers will love the coconut seafood curry served in a whole coconut shell, and spring/summer tofu rolls that feature edible flowers.

Ketch Grill and Taps

This modern tavern from the Brigantine family has some nice harbor views from its outdoor patio. Beer-wise there’s a German-style Kölsch, Celestial Navigation IPA, and Day Cruise Extra Pale Ale, among many others. While the all-day menu of beer-friendly fare has an emphasis on seafood dishes and includes a Baja fish ceviche, sake-miso wild salmon, and Portuguese seafood stew.

Bali Hai Restaurant

Still family-owned and operated after more than 50 years, this iconic restaurant is well-loved for its potent tiki drinks and Polynesian-inspired fare. Located on the northern tip of Shelter Island, whether coming for lunch, brunch, or dinner, the San Diego bay and downtown skyline views are hard to beat. 

Courtesy Photo

Humphreys Restaurant

With its waterfront setting that also plays home to Humphreys Concerts By the Bay, the dining and concert packages at this Shelter Island staple can make for a fun date night. Chef Jason Gethin’s modern SoCAL menu spans breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a popular Champagne brunch on weekends. There’s a solid cocktail list here too that favors rum-based and island-inspired creations.

Courtesy Photo

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Fathom Bistro, Bait, and Tackle

An only-in-San-Diego spot perched on a Shelter Island fishing pier, the locally-beloved eatery shares a wall with a bait and tackle shop and offers one of the city’s finest craft beer line-ups with an unbeatable view of the San Diego bay. Its menu includes burgers, sausages, and a popular weekend brunch.

fathom Courtesy photo

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