50 Best Seafood Restaurants near Lemon Grove

“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.“

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

“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.“

“Love this place, I eat at El Rincocito Fruteria at least once a week or more. Food is freshly made when you order. The staff are really friendly and polite, and they accommodate you if you have any food restrictions, they have a big menu. Highly recommend.“

“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.“

“Awesome and friendly service and great food“

“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!“

“Just got back from a great meal at Eddie V's. We started by sharing a warm goat cheese salad that was amazing. My wife's scallops were beautifully prepared and my Norwegian salmon was absolutely scrumptious. The cheddar au gratin potatoes were amazing. Dessert was a warm Belgian chocolate cake with ice cream and chocolate sauce and berries—just awesome. Service was impeccable.“

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

“Kimberly was a great hostess and everyone was so kind to our group of 100+ people! We had a high school reunion luncheon at this Sizzler and the staff was nothing short of amazing! Kimberly was prompt, quick and served us with a smile. I think Dan was also working in our section and he also did wonderfully. \n\nThe prices were a little higher than I recall, but the food was good so it was worth it. The parking lot was busy but we had no trouble getting there and it was fairly accessible for our crowd. We didn’t have to wait too long for our food, we were playing games while waiting so the time went quickly. It was great for an older crowd and dependable.\n\nAll in all, it was a great place to host a large gathering and the service was top notch.“

“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!!💯⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar is a great spot. Welcoming & chill vibe, friendly & attentive service (Thank You Alonzo & team), solid wine list, and a delicious menu. Our favorite bites are their Salmon Otoro Tostada, and their Aguachile Campechano Ceviche.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“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!“

“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“

“We had not been to Vistal previously and definitely are planning a return trip!!! The Thanksgiving buffet was very scrumptious! All of us really enjoyed everything about the experience. The view is incredible too. Daisy was super at her position! Thank you for making our afternoon/evening enjoyable!!!“

“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!!!“

“Best Mariscos Delivery service no cap !!“

“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!“

“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!“

“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!“

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

“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.“

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

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

“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.“

“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.“

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

“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 ☹️).“

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

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

“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 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.“

“What a wonderful time we had. The only complaints was that our reservation was at 8:15pm and didnt get sat until about 8:45.

My 2 favorites were Yubadofu and the Toro. The ice cream was unreal as well. So delicious. The entire meal was pretty spectacular. We got the Omakase nigiri and it was definitely the right choice. We left full and satiated.“

“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.“

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

“Good protein options. I went at a not too busy time of day so I also got to quietly sit and enjoy the meal. I only had the PYOP so I can only say that I enjoyed that, but I am sure everything else on the menu is good as well“

“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!“

“rico consome. y burritos“

“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.“

“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.“

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