50 Best Seafood Restaurants near Lemon Grove

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

“Awesome and friendly service and great food“

“Pleasantly surprised by this place. First time trying it as I’m looking to make 2023 a year I explore new food places. This was my first new place of the year and I’m glad I found them! Friendly people and don’t be fooled by the small frontage. Hole in the wall places are the best. I also liked their happy hour menu….I was there for lunch but will be going back for happy hours and dinners😃“

“me fascina el pozole y aquí en este lugar esta súper bien 150% bueno y claro que lo recomiendo.. muy buen servicio.“

“Best fish and chips I’ve had in San Diego. Clean and friendly but don’t order too much as their fish is very big. Best french fries ever! If I just wanted french fries that would be my stop.“

“Love this place!
Everything I’ve tried has been delicious. The service is always great and the staff is super friendly. Definitely a spot I’ll keep coming back to. Highly recommend! Also, you must try their Aguachile Negro. It's so good! 😋 I always ask for it to not be too spicy and they make it just right every time.“

“Fun!! Oysters were the bomb!!“

“**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!“

“It was our first time, and the experience was better than expected. The Easter brunch, a three-course meal, was excellent. Table service was friendly, timely, and the food arrived as ordered. The GM visited to check on us, which was greatly appreciated. They also have an incredible wine selection. We will be back. If I had to offer feedback for improvement, brunch should have more egg options, and more of the wine list should be available by the glass. Cheers.“

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

“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“

“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.“

“My fav little spot to visit for lunch whenever I get into SD. The loaded oysters, I had both styles, and Catch of the day was delish and filling.

Side note: If you are on GLP-1 user or have a smaller stomach, this is a perfect spot to fill up and not feel over-stuffed. Catch of the Day is my recommendation.“

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

“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!“

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

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

“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.“

“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“

“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!!!“

“I split the fish and chips, and the crab cakes with a friend. Both dishes are SO good! We had a great front row view to the bay in a nice, clean, shaded dining area. The girl who took my order was kind. The wait for the food wasn’t long. Great place to eat!“

“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.“

“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.“

“Vistal is the perfect mix of amazing food, gorgeous views, and warm hospitality. From the moment we sat down, the staff made us feel welcome and genuinely taken care of — friendly, attentive, and quick with great recommendations. The food was just as impressive: fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented, with standouts like the seafood dishes that really showcase San Diego's coastal flavors. And the views? Absolutely stunning. Overlooking the bay with the city skyline in the distance, it made the whole dining experience feel extra special. If you're looking for a spot that delivers both on atmosphere and cuisine, Vistal is a must-visit.“

“Love the short rib and saffron risotto!“

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

“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 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.“

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

“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!!!“

“This is a hidden gem behind the Lisa’s nail store on Broadway. The dining area and truck are very clean , reflecting pride in ownership. The tacos were freshly made and delicious. The staff were polite and attentive. I am going to explore the rest of the menu on my next visit.“

“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.“

“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“

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

“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...“

“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.“

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

“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 ☹️).“

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

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“I had shared before arriving that we were celebrating our 20th in the notes and had called weeks ahead of time requesting nothing special other than a nice seat with a view. Being at the 5 o'clock hour when it's actually scarce lots of open tables. My wife had to sit underneath the lower portion of the roof as I'm too tall. I get the view of the harbor she gets the view of the corner. Our table leaned along with needed leveling support because it rocked back& forth. It's not rocket science, fix it!! Service actually sub par never asked if my wife would like more coffee. Did ask how the food was. The food was excellent. The table next to us which featured a view for both of us was occupied by a single person working on their computer. Thankfully my original backup plan came through the night before where we were able to dine at Lelia's. At the end after being dessert & we declined. Our server can't back with a bowl of ice cream a lit candle a nicely wished us a happy 20th. They didn't have to do that it wasn't expected but we were $$ thankful. We'll return again like I said the food is awesome. But they seriously need to do some maintenance.“

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