50 Best Seafood Restaurants near Imperial Beach

“Our experience was superb! Food was amazing! So impressed with the delicious crab cake! And, we loved that our waiter made sure we celebrated our dear friend's birthday with a special ice cream treat at the end of our fabulous dining experience. Thank you for a wonderful evening!“

“Great burgers. Outstanding customer service“

“My family and I had a late flight in and came here at 1am and it was so good. Definitely hit the spot. We got the rolled tacos and the carne Asada fries. The rolled tacos were delicious classic rolled tacos. We got the combo so it came with rice and beans. Those friesss…… the Bees Knees! 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽 Nice to know these a 24 hour place that has Bomb food.“

“Freshly caught options. Minimal seating- but something opens up by the time your meal is done. Highly recommend.“

“On July 8, 2025 my family & I finally made it to Ironside. It was so much more than I could have imagined. Back story...My brother had been raving about this great restaurant called Ironside w/fresh oysters, great champagne, and incredible cocktails since Sept of 22. My family and I live in AK, and he was so excited to share it with us. We tried to visit each other often, but somehow by the end of every trip to CA, after cramming in as much as we could, my family would head back to AK and my brother and I would promise each other we would make it to Ironside on my next visit. For us though, sadly there wouldn't be a "next visit" with my brother. In the early morning hours of May 22, 2025, I lost my brother (and friends) in a plane crash in San Diego. When something like this happens, there is so much that goes through your head. Amongst thousands of other things, you constantly think about the memories you wont get to make, and the experiences you will never get to have w/your favorite person/people. You lose them daily, again, and again, and again w/each experience the person doesn't get to be a part of... and a visit to one of his favorite restaurants, would just be another example of something we wouldn't get to do with my brother... Fast forward to July of 2025. We traveled back to CA to attend his and several of our friends memorial services. Before heading back to AK, my husband, kids, my cousin, and I decided that we couldn't leave again without trying Ironside. It took hours to get us there emotionally, but we pulled ourselves together, and even came prepped with my brother's favorite menu and drink items to try. He had fantastic taste, so we knew we would enjoy his suggestions! We arrived, put our names on the list, and after about a 15 minute wait we were led us to our seats. We were quickly greeted by our server who gave us our menus/drink menus and said she would be back right away to take our order.... So far so good. We were holding ourselves together, but still wearing sunglasses indoors, much like someone does when they have been crying for a month and a half. Although we had rehearsed what we were ordering, the moment my cousin and I tried to order his favorite drinks water began pouring from our faces. It wasn't a loud dramatic cry, just grief bubbling up like a gieser that couldn't be stopped This was NOT what we wanted. We didn't want to explain ourselves, and we certainly weren't ready to use the words died, or plane crash.... but we did it. We told her why we were there, and she was nothing short of amazing. She and her coworker (a gentleman) treated my family with unwavering kindness and compassion. They listened to why we were there, gave us additional suggestions, wrote down my brothers favorite items, and checked on us often. They asked questions about us, about my brother, they listened, and we all laughed through our tears. They weren't uncomfortable with our grief or pain, and they didn't make US feel uncomfortable for feeling what we were feeling outloud, and in public. When we were ready to go, I asked them if I could buy one of each of the cups from my brother's two favorite drinks. The gentleman told me they didn't sell them, but after checking with a manager, they brought them back to me, boxed up, and told me they wanted us to have them. They also gave us one of their old plates that says "Ironside". It has a small chip over the letter d... and my brother's name starts with a D. I like to believe it was him, telling us he was with us for our dinner after all. We tried everything my brother loved! Just as he suggested, it was all amazing. The food was delicious, the drinks were complex and perfectly balanced, and the service... the service was nothing short of healing. I know this review isn't just about the food. This place is a triple threat. The food was great, the drinks were amazing, and the people are incredible. The people helped my family through one of the hardest days o“

“This is a great stop to make if you are looking for some awesome fish tacos. It is off the beaten path of downtown SD, but worth the trip. Very small seating area and you may have to wait, but worth it! Nice staff and service.“

“Best barbecue ribs in the city!!!!!!“

“we booked a table, but i didn't notice that something went wrong and i didn't book it, but the staff quickly resolved the issue. we were with children so they put us in a separate room, which was quite convenient. the food was delicious, the waiters did their job well“

“Great place, great food, service is excellent, everybody is having a good time and it shows, this place is a must in SD, whether you go as a couple or with friends, definitely recommended!!!“

“Super delicious we love everything there !! Great food great service!!💯⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“I was a bit taken aback when the server recommended the Beurre Blanc Noodles with crab. Who goes to a place that specializes in raw fish and orders noodles?!? Me, that's who, and I was not at all disappointed. That was seriously one of the best dishes I have had this year! And they have about 10 different types of ceviche, all a bit different. We only tried three of them and will definitely be back for more. I could not recommend this place any more highly--delicious!“

“Amidst the vibrant pulse of downtown San Diego, WaterGrill at 615 J St stands as a beacon of culinary excellence and undeniable charm. On a recent evening, my plans shifted from Italian discontent to the familiar embrace of WaterGrill, a venue that never ceases to impress. The transition was seamless and steeped in relief as we were greeted with the warmest of welcomes and guided to a cozy booth tucked away in the back—a perfect setting for what was to unfold. The service, led by the incomparable Nesha, was nothing short of spectacular. Her effortless candor and keen attention to our dining experience crafted an atmosphere that felt both intimate and celebratory. As a seasoned mortgage broker, I've developed a keen eye for detail and an appreciation for seamless execution—qualities that WaterGrill embodies with finesse. The culinary journey was highlighted by the sublime Chilean Sea Bass and a perfectly seared Filet Mignon, each dish speaking volumes of the skill behind the scenes. The surprise dessert, a sweet gesture orchestrated with style by Nesha, was the cherry on top of an already delightful evening. WaterGrill is not just a restaurant; it’s a study in class, atmosphere, and the art of hospitality. For anyone looking to create core memories around fine dining, this establishment comes highly recommended. The dedication to excellence here mirrors the precision we prize in the mortgage industry, making every visit a reaffirmation of why WaterGrill is a staple in our culinary repertoire.“

“I had the catfish and fries with cornbread it was simply amazing it was so good nice and hot fresh I'll definitely be back again and I will recommend this restaurant to all of my family and friends“

“I really liked their crab cocktail and their shrimp platter“

“I loved this taco spot! The birria tacos were delicious, and I enjoyed having an IPA with it. I absolutely loved the vibe in here with the walls painted in murals. Cool ambience. The service was great as well. Definitely a taco place to check out.“

“Awesome seafood and fantastic views of San Diego! Wait staff is very good!“

“The lobster 🦞 roll was great. My husband ordered that one.
I went for the fish and chips. The fis was crunchy and dry. Perfect in every bite.
They don't have any Aguas frescas without alcohol, but they looked great.
I do recommend this place.“

“Very good and excellent service in the food is great“

“George, the manager of top notch and very hospitable. The food is second to none with an amazing view at the bay. I highly recommend the calamari strips in the macadamia mahi. 🤤🐙🐟🐟“

“Great food and even better service. Everything we ordered was fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. What really stood out, though, was the service, Mel, the manager, went above and beyond to make sure we were taken care of and genuinely happy with our experience. You can tell they care about both the food and the customers. We’ll definitely be back and highly recommend this spot.“

“Good restaurant, delicious food. I recommend everyone to try it“

“As a professional DJ, photographer, and videographer, I love working at Tom Ham's Lighthouse. The panoramic views of San Diego Bay provide a stunning backdrop for wedding photos and videos, and the natural light enhances every image. DJs will appreciate the superior acoustics. The staff is always helpful and accommodating, making the experience seamless for vendors and bringing the couple’s vision to life effortlessly.“

“2nd visit and again food and service were great. only complaint was they cleared my dessert when I wasn't finished without asking. took that as hint to leave.“

“Had some for Takeout and it was The Best Menudo 😋EVER😋 Authentic Guadalajara Receipe 🇲🇽✏️📃🔪🥣🥄. Perfect Broth, Soft Hominy and the Meat Melts in your Mouth🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟, goin back there ASAP with Friends who love Menudo but we can never find anywhere decent 😔, Until Now 🌟🤪🌟 . Staff is very Friendly and Caring.“

“Dining and sight-seeing... Delicious and Beautiful“

“A hole in the wall serving affordable fish tacos, you can't beat that. Quick service, delicious menu items. Restaurant is small, if you prefer a larger setting they have a restaurant a block away. I prefer this location, food is delicious and the prices are lower. My go to are the fish tacos, campechana cocktail and the Tamarindo michelada.“

“Dog friendly with outside seating. We ordered two EPIC hot lobster rolls (Connecticut style, warm with butter) and although they were delicious, for the EPIC PRICE OF $39 PER ROLL, it was very skimpy compared to what you get for that price in New England. They stack it high in the middle and don’t fill the bun to the ends to make it look super full. It’s not. The New England clam chowder was great though.“

“We got fish tacos so tasty so crispy .
Agua Chile tasted like spicy fresh ceviche. Also got surf and turf taco which was really good. The food was so good. I will definitely come back worth it. Service good food good vibes good. Located in the parking lot of target North Park . No bathroom. Get free seafood soup while you wait for your order. Just ask.“

“Had lunch with my sister. Great food and portions. Kyle our waiter was friendly and attentive.“

“Celebrated good friends’ birthdays on Fish and Chips night! Fun times with good food and great friends! 👍🏼😊🌻“

“Finally made it to SeaTaco and didn’t disappoint. Great service and excellent food. I enjoyed the Chicharron de Pargo taco and Ahi Tuna Tostada. Great portions and sauces to compliment. I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in Chula Vista👍🏼“

“Best Mariscos Delivery service no cap !!“

“Stopped by Ferchaladas Birria & Mariscos and really enjoyed it. We tried the birria tacos and the octopus. The birria tacos were really good, but the octopus was definitely my favorite. It was cooked perfectly and full of flavor.

The place has a great local vibe, and the food was fresh and came out quickly. Just a heads up, they only accept cash or Venmo, so come prepared. Parking can be a little difficult depending on the time of day, but it's definitely worth it once you try the food.

We'll definitely be back to try more from the menu!“

“Beware! The restaurant adds 18% service charge to ALL checks. I checked after I got home and it does say that at the bottom of the menu, but who looks for that with just a party of four? So I tipped them on top of that, generously, and they ended up with a 49% tip. I consider a service charge on a party of four without a verbal warning to be a shady practice.“

“We love Bluewater Grill and their sourdough bread is to die for!“

“Good food I enjoy myself.“

“Outstanding food at a small local restaurant. Really enjoyed the crab boil with my wife. Great prices and great food. Give them a try you won’t regret it! Friendly service too. Overall great experience!“

“Made a work trip & birthday alone - amazing🤍Thank you! And food/drinks bomb!“

“Highly recommend this place, not only for the delicious food and varied menu, but for outstanding customer service. My wife left her glasses at the table,candy the staff made a point to find out phone number to let us know they had the glasses. We will definitely return when we're in town and recommend it to everyone.“

“Straight 🔥 and delicious recommend for everyone“

“Where good service is an essential ingredient, la corriente coronado, I had a delicious meal; the sushi is spectacular!!. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️“

“Delicious food and great atenttion“

“The entire staff was amazing, from the beginning to the end. We arrived a little early so we waited at the bar, staff immediately offered us a drink while we wait. Once we were ready to be seated our server Ronn was an absolute delight, gave us recommendations and just overall great! Constantly checking in on us. The food was great! Appetizers were delicious. And the meat was cooked to perfection. First time going to this location, can't wait to go back.“

“Excellent service and food! Stopped by and was promptly seated. Food and drinks came out quick. We ordered the Rolls Royce roll, grilled oysters and wagyu tacos and all were delicious. Ben, our server, was amazing! Was always there when we needed him and is very friendly. We came from out of town and visiting but will make sure to stop by again if we ever come by.“

“Very delicious my new favorite Mexican food“

“My family and I recently visited Joe's Crab Shack and had such an amazing experience! The Chef’s Choice Crab Boil is our absolute favorite, especially with the mild hot sauce. It has this perfect tangy flavor without being overly salty or spicy like some other crab boils, and the portion size is generous and super satisfying.
Their iced teas are also incredible, my personal favorite is the guava. So refreshing! Everything we tried just hit the spot.
I love this place because it really works for any mood or season (warm, comforting dishes for colder days, and lighter, filling options when it’s hot out). And if you’re into drinks, their tropical cocktails are absolutely refreshing.
The wait staff was on point, friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even better. It also looks like such a fun place to host a party.
We’ll definitely be coming back!“

“Service and food is exceptional. This is our to go place when we are in town from AZ.“

“I had a wonderful and amazing taste of all of the delicious food prepared at Serea Coastal Cuisine. I can’t wait to go back and have this delicious food.“

“It's a food truck with out door seating under a canopy on a busy street in front of the Auto Zone. Quick bites. Fish tacos were really good $3.50 each although I had to ask for the consome soup, they didn't offer it automatically as other spots fo when you order fish tacos . They didn't have a condiment fridge either, so whatever you get on your tacos is all you get, Mayo, cabbage and pico de gallo. The salsas they had were all flavorful and paired well with the tacos. My only complaint is when I approached they took a bit to attend to me as they were having a conversation. I placed my order with the man, and then the women came to the window asking what I ordered. Although the tacos were good, probably wouldn't come again and fonto my usual spot on 31st and Oceanview at Guilles Mariscos food truck which happened to be closed today where they give you a larger cup of the consome soup with your order and have the condiment bar at your disposal.“

“The Super breakfast burro was as big as my forearm !!! The best way to start your day!��“