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.“

“Martha was are server on friday the 10th. She is AMAZING! I have not been to a sizzler for over 30 years and my husband wanted to go. We sat down and with out a sec our server greeted us with the most infectious energy! She came over with our food and checked on us a lot, like in a good way! Everytime something sat down in front of us she would make sure it was perfect! We definitely had some small talk but she would be the reason we return! She made my family and I feel welcome and want to come back for the great food but really to see Martha!!“

“Eddie V's Prime Seafood has become one of my favorite upscale seafood restaurants. What started as a single restaurant in Austin, Texas, has grown into a highly successful fine-dining chain with locations across the country, while still maintaining an elegant atmosphere and consistently high standards. Even so, it still feels far more like a boutique steak and seafood house than a typical chain.

The downtown San Diego location certainly doesn't disappoint. The menu features an impressive selection of fresh seafood and USDA Prime steaks, with favorites like Chilean sea bass, lobster, oysters, scallops, crab cakes, filet mignon, and beautifully prepared shellfish. Everything we ordered was excellent.

One thing I've learned is that the portions can be a bit smaller than you might expect, so the best strategy is to order several sides for the table. And don't bother bringing your diet—this is comfort food at its finest. Rich lobster mashed potatoes, crab fried rice, truffle mac and cheese, roasted vegetables, and other indulgent sides are meant to be shared and enjoyed.

The service was attentive, the atmosphere was refined without feeling stuffy, and the location near the San Diego waterfront makes it an excellent choice for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special celebration. If you're looking for an elegant seafood dinner with consistently great food and a lively upscale ambiance, Eddie V's is an easy recommendation.“

“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!!💯⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“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.“

“We had the opportunity to dine at Crudo before a Padres game.

The food and service were outstanding. We grabbed seats at the counter during happy hour, and the happy hour menu offered great value for the price. We also ordered a few dishes from the regular menu, and everything that came out was absolutely mouthwatering. We ended up trying a variety of items, and every dish impressed us. We're already looking forward to coming back.

The only reason I'm giving Crudo 4 instead of 5 stars is because I watched someone open a Kirkland bag of shrimp in plain view of the dining area. I have nothing against Kirkland. I shop at Costco myself and think their products are great. It just seemed like the kind of thing that would be better done in the back of the restaurant rather than where guests can see it.“

“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!“

“I’m from San Diego & I can’t believe I’ve never tried this spot sooner! Got the fish & chips and the fiesta fries. Soooo good! Perfect crunch to the fish, fries are thin the way I like it & it was just 10/10. Def recommend this place for anyone looking for quality fish & chips!“

“We were a party of five at your Le Mesa location on 3/22/26 and I believe our server's name was Diana. Our experience was absolutely fantastic! The food was superb, the facility was spotless and every member of the staff that interacted with was professional, helpful and friendly. Diana was fantastic! She has the perfect balance of friendly efficiency, light humor to match our personalities and spot on timing to check in with us. We can't wait to visit again! Thank you.“

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

“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“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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! 👍🏼😊🌻“

“Best Mariscos Delivery service no cap !!“

“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.“

“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👍🏼“

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

“Excellent mariscos. This is my 2nd time here and I feel like every time I’m going to be in Barrio Logan that I have to stop by here. Not only because it’s family run from San Diego it because the food is just so fantastic. I highly recommend the shrimp cocktail. Parking can be iffy so just drive around the neighborhood until you can find something. It’s worth it.“

“Even for a quick, strictly-at-the-bar experience, Vistal Bar and Restaurant inside the InterContinental absolutely earned a 5-star review.
From the second we pulled up to the hotel, the hospitality was top-notch. The valet team was incredibly nice and gave us perfect directions on exactly how to find the restaurant upstairs. As soon as we sat down at the bar, we were greeted immediately and handed menus. We initially planned to order everything to-go, and the bartender could not have been more accommodating. He was super friendly and even offered us waters to-go while we waited.
We ended up ordering a slice of their cheesecake, which is a special partnership with Muse Cheesecakes. They serve a Burnt Basque style, and we tried the Dulce de Leche flavor—it is absolutely amazing and worth a visit just for that alone. In fact, do yourself a favor and just order two slices right off the bat because one isn't enough!
Instead of taking it to-go, we ended up eating it right there and then wandered outside to the patio. They have beautiful little fireplaces set up, and the view of San Diego at night is stunning. It was a fantastic, seamless experience from start to finish, and we will definitely be back to sit down for drinks and a full dinner next time!“

“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.“

“me encanto🥰mega recomendados kilos place..y rl servicio genial!“

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

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

“first time, won’t be the last, super delish and very good prices“

“Good food I enjoy myself.“

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

“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.“

“Loved the smooth flavors, quality ingredients, so attentive and kind staff, and comfortable and inviting atmosphere! The miso soup and sushi rolls have an excellent balance of texture, temperature, and flavor. We loved how each piece of sushi held together in a single, mouth-filling bite. Chef also provided us with a generous serving of edemame and ginger. Their hot green tea was brewed just right, and we could taste a pleasant sweetness with every sip. And their affogato carajillo was just the perfect balance of robust espresso, vanilla ice cream, and liicor, creating a rich, velvety aromatic drink. Thank you to all the Taka team!“

“Delicious food and great atenttion“

“Food was top tier, best lobster mac I've had. Steaks were perfectly cooked and seasoned just right. Brandon, our server, was attentive, helpful, and made us feel welcome. Waterfront location is another added charm. Only critique I have is the Brussels needed to be roasted, little crispy edges would elevate this dish tremendously.“

“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!“

“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.“

“rico consome. y burritos“

“1st time but not my last!!“