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The lounge bar area. — The Lounge.

22 Stellar Spots for Waterfront Dining in San Diego

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

by Helen I. Hwang Updated Aug 15, 2023, 9:15am PDT

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

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The Lounge.

| The Marine Room

by Helen I. Hwang Updated Aug 15, 2023, 9:15am 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, San Diegans are lucky enough to enjoy seaside dining year-round thanks to mild Southern California temperatures. It’s easy to find breathtaking views.

Spanning Imperial Beach to Oceanside and offering everything from beachside casual to elegant fine dining, these 22 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 13 Enticing Rooftops for Eating and Drinking in San Diego.

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If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Valle Restaurant

Recently, Valle won a Michelin star as the first Mexican restaurant in San Diego and the first Oceanside restaurant to achieve recognition. Executive chef Roberto Alcocer dazzles with his eight-course tasting menu, including favorites like his black bean bread, white corn chowder ice cream, and borrego birrioso made with lamb. Reserve a place at the chef’s table for an insider look at the bustling kitchen.

Open in Google Maps

201 N Myers St, Oceanside, CA 92054

Visit Website

Outdoor dining table with food at Valle Restaurant — Valle Restaurant.

Also featured in:

Seek Out These Outdoor Dining Spots in San Diego

Brine Box

Oceanside Pier now has its own “chippy,” offering fish and chips complete with mushy pea sauce, sea animal fries, and raw fish specials. The husband-wife team behind Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub and the Plot have taken over an outdoor kiosk to entice people to the end of the pier with their seafood specialties and panoramic views.

Open in Google Maps

1, Oceanside Pier, Oceanside, CA 92054

Visit Website

Sea animal fries at Brine Box.

Vaga Restaurant & Bar

Vaga’s dining patio provides sweeping views of a quiet shoreline. James Beard semifinalist and Top Chef alum Claudette Zepeda helms the kitchen with seasonal California dishes like surf and turf tartare and Brandt Farms ribeye. Sign up for the quarterly Elements of Nature dinners, showcasing how air and water can be interpreted with food.

2100 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

Visit Website

Outdoor dining tables overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

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Pacific Coast Grill

With stunning views overlooking Cardiff State Beach, diners get a great vantage point to watch surfers and sea life. The restaurant remains open while undergoing an expansion that will make it one of the largest beachfront restaurants in the area, nearing 10,000-square-feet. The smoky lobster and shrimp chowder and filet mignon sliders stuffed with crispy onion strings are must-tries.

2526 S Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff, CA 92007

Visit Website

Filet mignon sliders with truffle fries and lobster and shrimp chowder — Filet mignon sliders with truffle fries and lobster and shrimp chowder at Pacific Coast Grill.

Las Olas

This Mexican spot has been a mainstay along Highway 101 and Cardiff State Beach for three decades, serving made-to-order beachside tacos and cheerful margaritas with idyllic views of the shimmering Pacific and golden sunsets. Wash down the popular Baja-style battered fish tacos and carnitas tacos with the spicy Chile N’ Pina margarita.

2655 S Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff, CA 92007

Visit Website

Battered fish tacos — Las Olas.

Also featured in:

18 Waterfront Restaurants in San Diego

Jake's Del Mar

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

Open in Google Maps

1660 Coast Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014

Visit Website

Also featured in:

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.

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)

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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 at table during their High Tide dinners, coinciding with the full moon. Signature dishes include the dry-aged ora king salmon, perfect with a kelp martini. The Lounge offers a more casual a la carte menu with Moroccan lamb lollipops and bluefin tuna carpaccio.

2000 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Oceanfront views from the Lounge.

Also featured in:

Brockton Villa Restaurant

The historic former residence turned cafe overlooks La Jolla Cove. The Coast Toast is their version of French toast with a souffled center, flavored with orange curacao and Tahitian vanilla. The carnitas chilaquiles with steamed scrambled eggs and slow-cooked pork is another favorite.

1235 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Coast Toast - French toast with souffle in the center — Coast toast at Brockton Villa Restaurant.

Also featured in:

18 Waterfront Restaurants in San Diego

Blue Ocean / Harumama

The combination of Harumama’s cutesy character buns with Blue Ocean’s fresh sashimi makes this joint venture a winning combination. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer diners a 180-degree view of La Jolla’s shoreline, replete with seals and seabirds resting comfortably side by side. Try the vegetable pan-fried noodles, nine-course Blue Ocean omakase box, or Nutella-stuffed bunny buns for dessert.

Open in Google Maps

1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

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

Also featured in:

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

George's at the Cove

With multiple 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. Renowned chef Trey Foshee’s specialties include George’s Famous Soup with smoked chicken and black beans, mussels with white wine-mustard cream sauce, and Jidori airline chicken.

1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Cocktail on the rooftop terrace — George’s at the Cove.

Also featured in:

JRDN Restaurant

New chef Jerry Ranson is helming the kitchen at this sea-level restaurant, next to the Pacific Beach boardwalk with views of the ocean and Cape Cod-style cottages right on the historic Crystal Pier. Try the lobster tartine, steak, and sushi rolls. Don’t skip out on the desserts, like the Protege with pistachio mousseline bombe.

723 Felspar St, San Diego, CA 92109

Visit Website

Tomahawk steak.

Also featured in:

Covewood Restaurant

Looking out onto Mission Bay, Covewood has boosted its daytime menu with items like Kubota pork po’boy and squash tagine. Toast the sunset with shareable plates like coconut mussels and a refreshing cocktail.

Open in Google Maps

1775 E Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, CA 92109

Visit Website

Covewood Restaurant dining area. — Dining area.

Also featured in:

Where to Dine In or Get Takeout for Thanksgiving in San Diego

Dockside 1953

This waterside restaurant at the Bahia Resort Hotel gives guests a spectacular view of the beach and marina in Mission Bay. Highlights from chef Bryan Stuppy’s menu include butterscotch banana French toast, 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

Open in Google Maps

998 W Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109

Visit Website

Patio dining terrace.

Also featured in:

Cannonball

High above the Mission Beach boardwalk sits an outdoor rooftop restaurant with unparalleled views of the Pacific. Diners might spot dolphins frolicking in the glistening waters while delving into a robust sushi menu, including the popular lobster sushi roll. Wash it down with a Midway Margarita.

3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109

Visit Website

Lobster sushi roll — Lobster sushi roll at Cannonball.

Also featured in:

C Level Lounge

Looking out onto the city skyline and Coronado Island, this relaxed restaurant on stilts serves up dishes like chef Deborah’s pepita and sesame-crusted brie and lobster and fontina BLT made with whitefish salad, and an ahi, crab, and avocado stack. There’s also a dizzying array of cocktails with an emphasis on local distilleries.

880 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Lobster and Fontina BLT, poke bowl, black bramble cocktail, and ahi crab and avocado stack — Black bramble cocktail with lobster and fontina BLT, poke bowl, and ahi stack at C Level Lounge.

Mitch's Seafood

Located in a working fishing harbor, this friendly and relaxed restaurant features seafood caught in local waters off San Diego or Northern Baja. Customer favorites include grilled fish tacos, grilled octopus with Romesco sauce, and beer-battered fish and chips.

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 $25-million waterfront project that offers several few dining options under one roof. Visitors 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.

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. Favorite items include wok-fried sea bass, poke, and the mighty strong Bali Hai Mai Tai that’s so popular it merits its own electronic tally counter.

2230 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bali Hai Restaurant (@balihairestaurant)

Also featured in:

Garibaldi

Enjoy spectacular views of the USS Midway while sipping cocktails from their new beverage menu, including bottomless limoncello spritz. New chef de cuisine Ricardo Heredia has added more Sardinian and Sicilian dishes like braised lamb with artichokes.

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901 Bayfront Ct Suite 1, San Diego, CA 92101

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Oysters Arrostito — Oysters arrostini

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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 acclaimed chef Jojo Ruiz, standout specialties include wood-grilled whole fish deboned tableside and the Serea Mezze, a hummus platter with whipped cheese, and house-made pita bread. Seaside brunch is back with crab cakes and caviar benedict and cruffins.

1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118

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Brunch spread.

Also featured in:

SEA180

This seaside restaurant sits at the ground level of the Pier South Resort in Imperial Beach, the most southwesterly beach town in the U.S. where diners can enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Try the popular Sea180 Double Cheeseburger or short rib corn tamal while sipping on a pineapple margarita.

800 Seacoast Dr, Imperial Beach, CA 91932

Visit Website

Spicy mango tango margarita — Spicy mango tango margarita at SEA180.

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Valle Restaurant

201 N Myers St, Oceanside, CA 92054

Recently, Valle won a Michelin star as the first Mexican restaurant in San Diego and the first Oceanside restaurant to achieve recognition. Executive chef Roberto Alcocer dazzles with his eight-course tasting menu, including favorites like his black bean bread, white corn chowder ice cream, and borrego birrioso made with lamb. Reserve a place at the chef’s table for an insider look at the bustling kitchen.

Open in Google Maps

201 N Myers St, Oceanside, CA 92054

Visit Website

Outdoor dining table with food at Valle Restaurant — Valle Restaurant.

Brine Box

1, Oceanside Pier, Oceanside, CA 92054

Oceanside Pier now has its own “chippy,” offering fish and chips complete with mushy pea sauce, sea animal fries, and raw fish specials. The husband-wife team behind Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub and the Plot have taken over an outdoor kiosk to entice people to the end of the pier with their seafood specialties and panoramic views.

Open in Google Maps

1, Oceanside Pier, Oceanside, CA 92054

Visit Website

Sea animal fries at Brine Box.

Vaga Restaurant & Bar

2100 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

Vaga’s dining patio provides sweeping views of a quiet shoreline. James Beard semifinalist and Top Chef alum Claudette Zepeda helms the kitchen with seasonal California dishes like surf and turf tartare and Brandt Farms ribeye. Sign up for the quarterly Elements of Nature dinners, showcasing how air and water can be interpreted with food.

2100 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

Visit Website

Outdoor dining tables overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Pacific Coast Grill

2526 S Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff, CA 92007

With stunning views overlooking Cardiff State Beach, diners get a great vantage point to watch surfers and sea life. The restaurant remains open while undergoing an expansion that will make it one of the largest beachfront restaurants in the area, nearing 10,000-square-feet. The smoky lobster and shrimp chowder and filet mignon sliders stuffed with crispy onion strings are must-tries.

2526 S Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff, CA 92007

Visit Website

Filet mignon sliders with truffle fries and lobster and shrimp chowder — Filet mignon sliders with truffle fries and lobster and shrimp chowder at Pacific Coast Grill.

Las Olas

2655 S Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff, CA 92007

This Mexican spot has been a mainstay along Highway 101 and Cardiff State Beach for three decades, serving made-to-order beachside tacos and cheerful margaritas with idyllic views of the shimmering Pacific and golden sunsets. Wash down the popular Baja-style battered fish tacos and carnitas tacos with the spicy Chile N’ Pina margarita.

2655 S Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff, CA 92007

Visit Website

Battered fish tacos — Las Olas.

Jake's Del Mar

1660 Coast Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014

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

Open in Google Maps

1660 Coast Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014

Visit Website

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.

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

2000 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 at table during their High Tide dinners, coinciding with the full moon. Signature dishes include the dry-aged ora king salmon, perfect with a kelp martini. The Lounge offers a more casual a la carte menu with Moroccan lamb lollipops and bluefin tuna carpaccio.

2000 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Oceanfront views from the Lounge.

Brockton Villa Restaurant

1235 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037

The historic former residence turned cafe overlooks La Jolla Cove. The Coast Toast is their version of French toast with a souffled center, flavored with orange curacao and Tahitian vanilla. The carnitas chilaquiles with steamed scrambled eggs and slow-cooked pork is another favorite.

1235 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Coast Toast - French toast with souffle in the center — Coast toast at Brockton Villa Restaurant.

Blue Ocean / Harumama

1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

The combination of Harumama’s cutesy character buns with Blue Ocean’s fresh sashimi makes this joint venture a winning combination. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer diners a 180-degree view of La Jolla’s shoreline, replete with seals and seabirds resting comfortably side by side. Try the vegetable pan-fried noodles, nine-course Blue Ocean omakase box, or Nutella-stuffed bunny buns for dessert.

Open in Google Maps

1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

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

George's at the Cove

1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

With multiple 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. Renowned chef Trey Foshee’s specialties include George’s Famous Soup with smoked chicken and black beans, mussels with white wine-mustard cream sauce, and Jidori airline chicken.

1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Visit Website

Cocktail on the rooftop terrace — George’s at the Cove.

JRDN Restaurant

723 Felspar St, San Diego, CA 92109

New chef Jerry Ranson is helming the kitchen at this sea-level restaurant, next to the Pacific Beach boardwalk with views of the ocean and Cape Cod-style cottages right on the historic Crystal Pier. Try the lobster tartine, steak, and sushi rolls. Don’t skip out on the desserts, like the Protege with pistachio mousseline bombe.

723 Felspar St, San Diego, CA 92109

Visit Website

Tomahawk steak.

Covewood Restaurant

1775 E Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, CA 92109

Looking out onto Mission Bay, Covewood has boosted its daytime menu with items like Kubota pork po’boy and squash tagine. Toast the sunset with shareable plates like coconut mussels and a refreshing cocktail.

Open in Google Maps

1775 E Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, CA 92109

Visit Website

Covewood Restaurant dining area. — Dining area.

Dockside 1953

998 W Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109

This waterside restaurant at the Bahia Resort Hotel gives guests a spectacular view of the beach and marina in Mission Bay. Highlights from chef Bryan Stuppy’s menu include butterscotch banana French toast, 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

Open in Google Maps

998 W Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109

Visit Website

Patio dining terrace.

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 might spot dolphins frolicking in the glistening waters while delving into a robust sushi menu, including the popular lobster sushi roll. Wash it down with a Midway Margarita.

3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109

Visit Website

Lobster sushi roll — Lobster sushi roll at Cannonball.

Related Maps

C Level Lounge

880 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

Looking out onto the city skyline and Coronado Island, this relaxed restaurant on stilts serves up dishes like chef Deborah’s pepita and sesame-crusted brie and lobster and fontina BLT made with whitefish salad, and an ahi, crab, and avocado stack. There’s also a dizzying array of cocktails with an emphasis on local distilleries.

880 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Lobster and Fontina BLT, poke bowl, black bramble cocktail, and ahi crab and avocado stack — Black bramble cocktail with lobster and fontina BLT, poke bowl, and ahi stack at C Level Lounge.

Mitch's Seafood

1403 Scott St, San Diego, CA 92106

Located in a working fishing harbor, this friendly and relaxed restaurant features seafood caught in local waters off San Diego or Northern Baja. Customer favorites include grilled fish tacos, grilled octopus with Romesco sauce, and beer-battered fish and chips.

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 $25-million waterfront project that offers several few dining options under one roof. Visitors 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.

Bali Hai Restaurant

2230 Shelter Island Dr, 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. Favorite items include wok-fried sea bass, poke, and the mighty strong Bali Hai Mai Tai that’s so popular it merits its own electronic tally counter.

2230 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106

Visit Website