50 Best Seafood Restaurants near La Mesa

“our waiter was amazing. food was top notch had crab stuffed shrimp with jalapeño cheese sauce. Get it!!“

“Anthony's is our family's choice whenever we want a special dinner, especially since there's so many wonderful seafood dishes on the menu. All of the staff was very friendly and helpful on our recent visit, and the food was delicious. We enjoyed salmon pasta and steak, and lovely burnt creme for dessert. Having a view of the roaring Spokane Falls just added to the ambiance.“

“Best bar in San Diego super nice staff and great food“

“This place is so good. The food is fresh and hot. Most of all delicious. I enjoy the salt and pepper nuggets and hit and sour soup but other family members enjoyed the orange tofu. Oh and the Thai tea was yummy too. I am so glad to have this spot in my neighborhood. Its a bit warm in the restaurant but that's cause the kitchen is open and very busy.“

“We have been coming here for a year now. Great service in fact before our family sits down they are already preparing our drinks for our family. Food is great especially the mole chicken enchiladas.“

“Excelente servicio esta buena la música con el mariachi muy rica la comida nos tocó de mesero el Sr Alfonso muy amable muy buen servicio.“

“A favorite for fresh coastal food. I’m a long time fan of the original Baja fish tacos. Lots of other choices and good fresh salsas. Good friendly service.“

“Great food and music. Owner and staff made us feel at home, gracias“

“I've only had take out from this place, but it was a good take out. They have good variety. Took shrimp, squid, fried rice, chicken, some broccoli, all good. They also have sushi among a lot other options. Will go to sit down and eat one day, but for now they are a good quickie solution for me.“

“On 12/29 at 4pm, we got married in Alcazar Garden! At 6pm, we had a reservation at Mabel's Gone Fishing for our party of 13, and it was the perfect first meal of the rest of our lives. The dinner was in the Fish Bowl, the private dining area next to the main one, and we had a prix fixe meal coordinated between us their event coordinator, Everything that came out was perfectly portioned. I never had a passionfruit mignonette, and I appreciate them opening my mind to a sweet thing with the savory brine of the oysters. Course after course, it just kept getting better. Our conservas platter with smoked and oil tinned mussels and mackerel, the roasted beets with the chili and goat cheese, the broiled cod in garum butter and sunflower...I can't believe we ate so much and still had space for cheesecake. This says nothing of the drinks we had, that we probably drank too much of, but they all went down so smoothly! Much praise for our two servers, one of whom was the coordinator we'd been chatting with via email for a month. When we come back to San Diego, The FIRST place we go to dinner will be Mabel's Gone Fishing...ok, maybe it will be Del Taco depending on when we land, but the SECOND place we go will definitely be Mabel's Gone Fishing.“

“Such a satisfying dinner at Sizzler Steakhouse, The lobster was fresh and perfectly buttery, the steak was cooked to a perfect medium-rare, and the cilantro lime rice was honestly the star of the meal! Sooo good. Shoutout to our thoughtful server, Jeaneen, for always checking on us. Loved everything!“

“Omg my smoked tuna and grilled fish tacos were SO GOOD that I forgot to take a photo 😂 SO much flavor, amazing seasoning, just go! And the girl that attended me was awesome, amazing customer service in both English and Spanish 😃🇺🇸🇲🇽“

“Their fries were amazing. There were 4 of us, 2 like seafood and 2 did not- perfect place to go with affordable prices. Burger was juicy and the secret sauce to go with burger- delicious. There service was friendly and gave great recommendations“

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

“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.“

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

“Best Mariscos Delivery service no cap !!“

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

“We have been HUGE a huge fan of a local crawfish restaurant for as long as they have been open, and have gone frequently over the years. Recently we have been looking to try some of the other crawfish places around. Not only did the Boxing Crab have flavorful sauces to choose from, top quality freshness, the best cooked crawfish we have had in a restaurant, (even better than our regular spot), and their service was wonderful! We now have a new GoTo! We will recommend them again and again!“

“When I tell you the shrimp tacos were so good!!! The green salsa added a nice flavor as well but I loved them!! The fish tacos were also good!! I came to visit San Diego from the Bay Area and was in the mood for some shrimp/fish tacos this place did not disappoint! A bit pricey but worth it for me!“

“TJ Oyster Bar in Bonita, CA, is an absolute gem! The seafood is exceptionally fresh, and the flavors are nothing short of spectacular. From the mouthwatering fish tacos to the delightful ceviche, every dish is a testament to their commitment to quality. The casual yet inviting atmosphere, paired with friendly service, makes it a standout dining experience. If you're a seafood lover, TJ Oyster Bar is a must-visit destination. Five stars without a doubt!“

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

“amazing fish stew better than any you'd find in La Jolla!“

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

“We walked into this restaurant around 6 pm on a Sunday. Didn't seem that busy, but that's hard to tell sometimes. When we walked in, the person running the desk just looked at us without saying anything. She wasn't otherwise occupied--just standing behind the desk waiting for people to come in. I said: "Hello. We're a party of 2." Her reply? "Do you have a reservation?" Her tone of voice was a bit condescending, as if we had some nerve to walk in without a reservation. When I told her we didn't, she said: "Well then you have to wait." I asked what the wait was and was told 10-15 minutes so they could get "caught up." Other guests received similar treatment. One guest noted several empty tables and suggested they increase staffing. She replied: "It's out of our control, sir." I think this person could benefit from coaching and training on being more hospitable. I noticed a few people walking out. For one, people who have reservations usually state that when they check-in. You don't have to grill people who did you the honor of choosing your restaurant. The greeter's first job is to make people feel welcome. They're the first point of contact and they set the tone for the restaurant. After we were seated, our dining experience turned around. The server, Carlos, was very friendly and efficient. He was also very knowledgeable about the menu and wines available. The food was delicious and presented well. It was also served hot. I'm glad we didn't walk out or let the sour greeting spoil our evening. I had to deduct a star for that. I should have deducted more than one, but the food was so good, they get four.“

“Service is great. Food is awesome, we even had to order more of the garlic noodles to go!“

“Looking for something to eat on Christmas Day and decided to try. Very glad we stopped in, food was excellent, great portions for the money. I tried the battered white fish and the garlic shrimp tacos with the chips and it was all very good. William was awesome, very friendly, attentive and excellent service. Highly recommended“

“Wow, such great food and awesome service! Had the lobster roll and it was quality lobster and overflowing with actual meat. Everything was delicious.“

“Everyone in our house used to like poke. After we found Poke Chop, we LOVE poke! They have so many options of fish and sauces and toppings. I’ve never found as big of a selection. My daughter would eat here every day if I’d let her. There aren’t many places in Hillcrest where a family of 3 can get dinner for around $30, and be totally stuffed, and not feel blah afterwards. The fish is always really fresh. The only thing that could make it better is if they added mango, mmmmm. We try to eat there as much as possible because it will be a very sad day if they close. (It’s a reality in the Hillcrest restaurant business ☹️).“

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

“The rockfish was fresh and grilled to perfection! I absolutely loved it, and the price didn't break the bank!! It was my 1st time and Illnbe back...“

“I stopped at AutoZone and saw this mariscos truck outside so I gave it a shot. Glad that I did. Had the smoked marlin taco, and it was amazing with the grilled veggies. Took the gobenador burrito (shrimp with veggies), a delicious ceviche and the oysters, which were surprisingly spicey!“

“If an Old Fashioned had a younger cousin who ditched the cigar lounge, took a red-eye to the tropics, and came back wearing linen with a little attitude Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar is where you’d meet them.

You walk in and the place is doing that effortless “vacation brain” thing: light, airy, calm—but not sleepy. It’s the kind of room that makes your shoulders drop an inch without asking permission. And then the live music hits and suddenly it’s not just “nice,” it’s a whole vibe—that rare sweet spot where you can actually talk, actually listen, and still feel like you’re somewhere worth putting your phone down for.

Now, the bar program here doesn’t feel like it’s chasing trends. It feels like it’s chasing precision. That became obvious the moment I came across Hells Kitchen an Top chef award winning Chef Lawless and yeah, the demeanor was strict. Not rude. Not performative. Just the posture of someone who doesn’t do “close enough.” The energy was: I will tolerate nothing that comes between me and a drink done right. Which, honestly? Respect.

What came out of that seriousness was a cocktail that didn’t have a name at first because some drinks aren’t born with names, they’re born with purpose. It landed somewhere between a mimosa’s bright optimism and bourbon’s grown-up gravity. Citrus forward. A whisper of sweetness. A snap of carbonation that makes the whole thing feel lifted like it’s floating a half inch above the glass. Refreshing. Light. But still with teeth.

I kept trying to pin it down Is this a hazy IPA situation? A beer cocktail? Some clever riff? and the answer was better than any category: it was the perfect collision of beer and Old Fashioned logic, like someone took the blueprint of a classic, opened a window, and let the air in. It tasted like “citrus dream meets Old Fashioned concept,” and the insane part is it didn’t feel like a gimmick. It felt inevitable like a cocktail that should’ve existed all along.

Then came the moment every good bar needs: the naming ceremony. Ask enough questions, show enough genuine curiosity, and you get let in on the lore. That drink? That little bright, fierce, carbonated flex? That was the Lauren Special confirmed with the calm confidence of someone who knows they just made something you’re going to talk about later.

And that’s the thing about Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar: it’s relaxed without being lazy. Polished without being precious. It can sit in the Fashion Valley orbit without feeling like it’s trying to impress Fashion Valley. It’s paradise, but with standards. A place where you can unwind and still be surprised.

If you go, don’t overthink it. Get the drink that tastes like sunshine grew up and learned how to fight. And if Chef Lawless is behind the bar, trust the process. She’s not there to make you a cocktail.

She’s there to make you the cocktail.“

“First time here since it’s been under new ownership. It’s the same owners as Purple Mint! Which is next door. Makes me wonder if they share the same kitchen because Purple Mint is vegetarian.I love how the new space is now bright, simple minimalist decor. The food was A++ and we will be back many more times. We love the traditional cơm phần (family style) meal.We ordered the 2-3 family meal ($55)-sweet and sour tamarind soup-catfish clay pot-fried pork cutlets-water spinach (rau muống)Also ordered:-salted fish chicken fried rice-1/4 pound roasted duckThe soup had the spongy plant (elephant ear), okra, bean sprouts, pineapple, tons of cat fish filets. The soup had the right amount of tamarind, sweet and sour.Fish clay pot also had lots of fish filet. We liked everything in this set. Only mistake was not ordering the next one up which had the clams!The chicken salted fish fried rice was the least favorite. It didn’t have the strong salted fish smell or taste. Had more chicken than salted fish.The parking lot is really small. Not many spaces and it’s one way in, one way out. It’s great that Paris bakery closes early. Leaving spaces for Maxim’s and Purple Mint. The area is also a little bit sketchy if you have to park on the street.“

“Delicious!!! Line was long but well worth the wait. First time but definitely not my last. Great Customer service as well.“

“Definitely surprised to see so many one star reviews. If you’re looking for succulent, juicy tacos on a taco Tuesday, THIS IS THE PLACE TO BE. All the staff was friendly and nice. But if I’m grading, I’m grading. It’s hard to maintain perfection in a dine in setting.
Juicy fish and shrimp tacos. Chowed down 4 big tacos with the delicious salsa that comes w the chips.
If I was paying. I would have definitely grabbed 6. Next time. Sigh….. next time.“

“rico consome. y burritos“

“This was the BEST sushi we have ever had. The entire experience was so wonderful. We left feeling relaxed and happy. Highly recommend this place and the staff were all fantastic and very attentive.“

“Very good service and great food. We are planing to go back for lunch or dinner. The prices are Awesome, my Salmon was delicious and the salad all our food was good.!!!♥️ Thank you Del & Dora Delgado 🥰“

“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 really enjoyed our meal here! We had the chimichanga, beef and bean burrito, and a couple of rolled tacos. The chimichanga was definitely our favourite! We also had the churros which had a fruit filling (strawberry?) and we're delicious.“

“The food was absolutely delicious, fresh, and full of flavor! The service was fast and friendly, and the staff made us feel very welcome. The atmosphere was clean, cozy, and perfect for a relaxing meal.
Highly recommend this place.“

“Wonderful ambiance and even our great VP of the US came to eat there. Compliments 👏 🙌 Sashimi and homemade ice cream 😊“

“The best tacos hands down! Visited in Chula Vista, CA! 🤤“

“The food is soooo good, big portions and excellent service.“

“For the freshness and menu options great. Be aware, the later you go (close to closing) some items may not be available. It is what it is. But there are other great options. FYI, Go in look over the menu, Order and then sit down. Seating is limited but adequate. Counter seating, indoor patio and outdoor patio. Great menu and daily specials. Did change two choices due to options. We were there one hour before closing, late choice of coming here due to other activities but not disappointed Ordered the ahi poke bowl, with rice delicious. Seared sea salt and cracked pepper ahi salad, large and delicious Interesting menu, most dishes can either be a salad, sandwich or plate. Unique and job well done. Fried calamari was delicious Track taco was big and delicious Seared salmon plate was great. If you want the freshest seafood and great option, then a must try. The India location, I believe is the original. Of course sea decor, very nice. Staff was friendly and the line moves fast. Prices were appropriate. Parking across the street.“

“I love it here. The service is fast, friendly. I’m a vet so I love the fact that it’s veteran owned. The house sauce is great I love it. I’ve been to this place three times since I’ve moved to the area and every time the food was great however the only thing I can say is that the crab legs get cold extremely fast and sometimes they’re hard to crack open, and once they become cold, I don’t want to eat it anymore; then it’s kind of a waste of money. And crab isn’t cheap. I think the crab getting cold fast has to do with it being in a bowl, so the air gets to it quicker or something .. I’m not sure. But other that that food is good and I still love coming here. And I met the owner once extremely nice guy.“

“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.“

“Legitimately the best food I’ve had in San Diego in a minute. Perfect tacos that balance acidity, spiciness, fat and salt. Everything on the menu is delicious, and there is a patio in the back of the parking lot to enjoy it all. Can’t recommend higher.“

“Hands down the best seafood in San Diego

I live in Riverside County, but I go and visit my family in San Diego and we have to hit the spot the big charola for $150 pack the seafood you can go wrong and they give you two big full bags of tostadas in each tostada is 7+ dollars to the math can go wrong 10 out of 10 highly guarantee this spot come check the spot down on the southeast San Diego“