Dockside 1953

998 W Mission Bay Dr, San Diego
(858) 539-7634

Recent Reviews

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Daisy

It was great. We were there for breakfast with our 2 kids. And they had great options for us to choose from. The food was delicious. I will say food took a little while to come out. And with kids, that's not good. But server did check on us, made sure we were good. She was very friendly with our kids. Included them in the conversation, which was great. Overall, we enjoyed our dining experience.

Robert

The outdoor seating with amazing views was spot on. The Main courses and wine were excellent. The spicy corn appetizer was just ok.

Kristina

Great place to watch the sunset and enjoy the drinks. Food was just ok, but we really wanted a good sunset spot so it was nice for what we wanted it for!

Tim

The ambiance with the food and great service was a great exclamation point on our trip. A bit pricey, but worth every penny to me and my wife!

Stacy

Had an amazing evening at The Dockside! The fire pits created such a cozy atmosphere, and the view was absolutely stunning. Can't wait to come back for another night by the water.

Sharon

This is a great restaurant for both the view and the food. The view is of the bay with some sailboats and the Bahia Belle's docked in front of you, but there is also a beach front and unobstructed views of the bay as well. There is both inside and outside seating. There is also a bar as you enter. It is within the Bahia Hotel property and is open for lunch and dinner. We were there for lunch, but it looks like it would be a great place for evening cocktails as well as dinner. There are firepits and plenty of seating. The food was excellent and the service attentive. The prices were reasonable for a beachfront establishment. Not overpriced but not necessarily moderate. No cheap eats. However, as mentioned the food was delicious and plated elegantly. The only possible downside to consider was parking which was not plentiful and typically not close to the entrance. Don't know if they offer valet parking at night as we were there during the day, but even with a walk it is definitely worth it.

Penelope

We've always enjoyed Dockside 1953, but last night did not live up to expectations. Even though the restaurant was not particularly full, busboys and servers seemed distracted and we had to ask more than once for condiments etc. We had no complaints about the food at the time (although some might say it's overpriced for what it is), but unfortunately three out of the four members of our party had a restless night due to GI symptoms. The common denominator seems to have been either the chocolate mousse cake or the butterscotch pudding - you might want to think twice before ordering either of them. I notified the restaurant manager in the interests of public health, and received a lukewarm apology and a half-hearted offer to reimburse the cost of the desserts, which I declined. We very much enjoy the ambience of this restaurant and will undoubtedly go there again in the fullness of time, but this particular occasion has left a bad taste in my mouth (pun intended!). I think we'll give it a rest for a while . . .

Paola

Amazing!!! The views, the food, the service! Loved all of it! Especially that they are furry friendly!!

David

Fantastic view and the food was just as good. The Ahi tuna was one of the tastiest I had for a long time. Big bonus that they allow dogs so the whole family can dine together.

Silvia Reina

Great experience! Lovely place. We will be back! ❤️

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

JT Crepps

Great dinner. Beautiful views. Accommodating staff. Excellent love music.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Jeff Cooperhouse

Dockside 1953 is exactly what you imagine when you want a relaxing meal by the beach. Located in the Bahia Resort, the restaurant delivers excellence in terms of cuisine and service. The plating of our coconut snapper ceviche, pan seared petrale sole, and blackened tuna steak were incredible, and the flavor matched. We also really enjoyed the watermelon breeze and spring cleaning cocktails. We sat on the dog friendly patio. Safer to make a reservation. Recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Derrick Elkins

Honestly the environment and service were great. The food however was a very different story. The best way to describe it would be uninspired and bland. The best tasting thing we had was the bread on the shrimp role. The shrimp cocktail lacked sauce and flavor. Definitely wouldn’t recommend it for the price.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 4

Rene Alvarez

My son, his wife and daughter thought the food was pretty mediocre.
With a lunch bill of $300, we were expecting much more...
I was satisfied with my 3 sliders ($26). Would NOT recommend!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 3

FLASTI tv

Perched on the edge of Mission Bay at the Bahia Resort, Dockside 1953 offers a refreshed blend of mid‑century nautical charm and modern California cuisine. The moment you step in, you’re greeted by yacht‑club–inspired décor—think teak‑style tabletops, brass accents, and maritime artwork—that sets a relaxed yet sophisticated tone.

Whether you choose cozy indoor seating or the spacious patio with fire pits and panoramic bay views, the atmosphere invites lingering over sunrise mimosas or sunset cocktails. They operate all day, making it a versatile spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks.

The menu leans heavily on fresh, locally caught seafood and produce-forward dishes. Breakfast favorites include butterscotch banana French toast and a hearty beachside omelet. Lunch and dinner offer shareable options like rockfish ceviche, oysters Rockefeller, seafood towers, and prosciutto‑brie flatbread. Mains range from steak frites and chicken under a brick to forbidden‑rice risotto and daily‑catch fish entrees.

Cocktail lovers will appreciate the throwback drinks menu—try the Butterfly Champagne cocktail or a tropical mai tai—alongside craft beers and a curated wine list. Service is warm and attentive, creating a welcoming vibe whether you're on a casual brunch with friends or an upscale date night.

Dockside 1953 strikes a perfect balance: elevated coastal fare in a stylish, yet laid‑back waterfront setting. It’s a standout destination for anyone craving ambiance, quality, and a true San Diego bay‑front experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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