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 a favorite of ours. The food and service are consistently good. The atmosphere puts you in a vacation state of mind. Because of this we held our daughter's wedding shower here. The room was perfect. Everyone had a beautiful view of their little lake. Will was our server. He was spot on. This is the best place to host a small event. There were several food options, plus you could choose a hosted or non-hosted bar, wine at tables, etc. We chose to have a hosted bar, which brought the price per person up.“

“Fast, Friendly, and Amazing. Don’t know how else to describe Golden Bay. Staff is kind and inviting. We received our appetizer and drinks fast. We ordered the Mongolian beef and Salt and Pepper chicken wings. The wings were moist, crunchy and packed with flavor. The Mongolian beef was soft but easy to tear. We order some fried rice on the side but we were so stuffed we decided to take it home. The portions were large and were more than enough for 2 people.“

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

“went on my birthday with family. great mexican food with fun mocktails as drinks. has great festive atmpsohere for any location and plenty of parking at grossmont area“

“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.“

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

“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.“

“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.“

“**ABSOLUTELY loved coming here!**

This summer, I’ve been on a mission to rediscover great happy hours around San Diego—especially those with amazing oyster deals. I randomly heard about **Mabel’s Gone Fishing** as a spot to check out, and on a whim, my little one and I decided to stop by right at 4 PM.

We didn’t have a reservation but arrived just in time to grab a seat outside. The outdoor setup immediately gave off a charming European vibe—reminiscent of a Paris café, with chairs facing the street, perfect for people-watching. (The decor, chairs, and tables instantly brought back Paris memories!)

**Big tip: Make a reservation**—this place fills up fast!

Even though only the happy hour menu was available (dinner service starts later), it didn’t disappoint. We ordered:

* A dozen oysters (half-price!)
* The Spanish tortilla
* And we got lucky—they happened to have caviar available!

I paired the oysters with a glass of bubbly Pinot Noir Brut from Catalonia, Spain—absolutely perfect. The gin and tonic cocktail was also refreshing and well-balanced.

Now for the surprise: my 5-year-old daughter, who has a funny and ever-evolving palate, *loved* the bread and butter... but even more shockingly, **devoured the caviar**! A first for her—and possibly a very expensive new habit for me, haha! She even tried an oyster but wasn’t quite ready for the texture—still, she gave it a go.

The oysters were fresh, with a great variety from three different regions. The service was excellent—friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. The sommelier (who was also working the host stand!) was fantastic and clearly passionate about the wine list. Bonus: many of their wine selections are available for purchase next door.

I’ll definitely be coming back before summer ends—this time for dinner!“

“First time coming here my family’s server was Jeaneen she was amazing super kind and made sure all our food was the way we ordered it before she walked away. Can’t wait to come back! Thank you for the great service and hospitality Jeaneen!“

“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!!💯⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

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

“Heading out to Convoy street, you know what I'm looking for.... solid Mexican cuisine, lol. But no joke, this is one of my new favorite spots in San Diego. Ensenada Fish Taco? it rivals the best spots in town. Quesa taco with fried cheese and shrimp? awesome. Their tortillas are great. Their guacamole is served in a molcajete and super fresh and citrusy. Frijoles, I'm ordering some to go for later. Been twice, will be again. Convoy is my Mexican Hot Spot (not Hot Pot=) They do a taco Tuesday but everything is worth the price all day.“

“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!“

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

“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!“

“Tried the Protein Roll and Beef Udon today!
🍣 The Protein Roll was so refreshing – the balance of sweetness and tanginess was perfect. It felt light yet filling, making it a great choice for anyone watching their diet. Highly recommend for health-conscious foodies!
🍜 The Beef Udon had a deep, rich kelp broth with generous portions. Flavorful, hearty, and totally worth it for the price.“

“Best Mariscos Delivery service no cap !!“

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

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

“Love the sushi here it’s the only place I get sushi from. Well worth the price, plate feels loaded. The flavor just melts away and brings me back to Hawaii (my happy place). The staff are always so polite and doesn’t take long to get your order. There is tables inside and outside, it’s really nice and the vibes are always great. Thank you for having the best sushi in town!!!“

“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.“

“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.“

“This truck has better tasting seafood than most seafood restaurants! Amazing grilled fish taco with fresh fish that melts in the mouth 😋😋😋 Fresh oysters with tasty sauces, bits of seafood and shrimp (they called them prepped). Also a great selection of salsas, complimentary lemons and marinated onions. Wasn't a huge fan of smoked tuna taco though. Decent amount of tables (standing and with the seats) with a tarp cover on top. Highly recommend!!!

Parking: Free parking lot in front of Target

Kid-friendliness: Kid and pet friendly“

“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.“

“This place was a pleasant surprise! My boyfriend and I ordered the combo meal with 3 tacos, fries and a drink. The tacos were so flavorful and delicious. He got 1 steak, 1 chicken, and 1 shrimp and was very satisfied. We even contemplated going again that night but we missed their closing time by 30 minutes. The only not so good thing were the fries but overall 10/10 highly recommend.“

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

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

“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.“

“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!“

“Came here on a Saturday night. Place was busy. Most of the dishes were good. Servers were overall great. Main issue is that food comes out a bit slowly so there can be a wait between dishes. We sat in the patio but somehow diners inside the restaurant who sat down 2-3 dishes after us, caught up and finished before us. Overall took 2.5 hours for the Soichi omakase. There was a heater on the patio if needed which was nice.“

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

“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.“

“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.“

“Ferchalada’s has some of the best ceviche in San Diego! The portions are huge and super fresh, so you definitely get your money’s worth. The Mango Wango ceviche is my favorite – the mix of mango sweetness with the tangy citrus and seafood is perfect. Friendly vibe, tasty food, and easy to recommend if you’re craving ceviche.“

“We went for Father's Day, reservations at 11. We were seated immediately and our server and service were fantastic. The food (Joe's Classic Sampler appetizer, Broiled Seafood Platter, Captains Plate, and Not Joe Mama's Chicken) were soooo good, but sooo much food that we all took at least half of our main courses home. We also had the apple crumble for dessert (which is why we took half of our food home because we wanted to leave room for dessert!). It was the BEST apple crumble we've ever had. And can't beat the view...right on the water. Highly, highly recommend Joe's Crab Shack!“

“Everything was great. Service and food. Wonderful environment. We throughly enjoyed our evening.“

“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.“

“Great time and great food as always!“

“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!“

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

“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...“

“This place is the best! We’re from Colorado and we found this place three years ago when we were visiting. We’ve dreamt about their fish and shrimp tacos ever since, so we make it a point to stop by whenever we’re in San Diego. This last trip was no different. We even went twice this year because they recommended their garlic and butter fish and shrimp tacos and they’re to die for (along with everything else we’ve had). While they do have outdoor seating available, we ate in our car because we had our pup with us. When we went back, they even said they remembered us. Everyone is super friendly and welcoming, the place is clean and the food is tasteful. We just wish they would bring their truck to Denver so we could have them more often!“

“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.“

“Came to San Diego for vacation with my family was recommended crab city Cajun seafood and bar exceeded a beyond expectations. Customer service was excellent service was excellent. I highly recommend you come and eat here. The bathrooms were very clean. Nubia did an amazing job keeping everything great thank. Liz was an exceptional sever“

“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.“

“Crab Pub is the best! I’ve spent years going to Crab Hut but it’s been getting so expensive. I found Crab Pub literally a few days after they opened and been going ever since. I recommend then to everyone. You won’t be disappointed. Only thing they don’t have is corn bread but it’s ok!“