50 Best Seafood Restaurants in San Diego

“Freshly caught options. Minimal seating- but something opens up by the time your meal is done. Highly recommend.“

“Amazing food chef is incredible great drinks too“

“On July 8, 2025 my family & I finally made it to Ironside. It was so much more than I could have imagined. Back story...My brother had been raving about this great restaurant called Ironside w/fresh oysters, great champagne, and incredible cocktails since Sept of 22. My family and I live in AK, and he was so excited to share it with us. We tried to visit each other often, but somehow by the end of every trip to CA, after cramming in as much as we could, my family would head back to AK and my brother and I would promise each other we would make it to Ironside on my next visit. For us though, sadly there wouldn't be a "next visit" with my brother. In the early morning hours of May 22, 2025, I lost my brother (and friends) in a plane crash in San Diego. When something like this happens, there is so much that goes through your head. Amongst thousands of other things, you constantly think about the memories you wont get to make, and the experiences you will never get to have w/your favorite person/people. You lose them daily, again, and again, and again w/each experience the person doesn't get to be a part of... and a visit to one of his favorite restaurants, would just be another example of something we wouldn't get to do with my brother... Fast forward to July of 2025. We traveled back to CA to attend his and several of our friends memorial services. Before heading back to AK, my husband, kids, my cousin, and I decided that we couldn't leave again without trying Ironside. It took hours to get us there emotionally, but we pulled ourselves together, and even came prepped with my brother's favorite menu and drink items to try. He had fantastic taste, so we knew we would enjoy his suggestions! We arrived, put our names on the list, and after about a 15 minute wait we were led us to our seats. We were quickly greeted by our server who gave us our menus/drink menus and said she would be back right away to take our order.... So far so good. We were holding ourselves together, but still wearing sunglasses indoors, much like someone does when they have been crying for a month and a half. Although we had rehearsed what we were ordering, the moment my cousin and I tried to order his favorite drinks water began pouring from our faces. It wasn't a loud dramatic cry, just grief bubbling up like a gieser that couldn't be stopped This was NOT what we wanted. We didn't want to explain ourselves, and we certainly weren't ready to use the words died, or plane crash.... but we did it. We told her why we were there, and she was nothing short of amazing. She and her coworker (a gentleman) treated my family with unwavering kindness and compassion. They listened to why we were there, gave us additional suggestions, wrote down my brothers favorite items, and checked on us often. They asked questions about us, about my brother, they listened, and we all laughed through our tears. They weren't uncomfortable with our grief or pain, and they didn't make US feel uncomfortable for feeling what we were feeling outloud, and in public. When we were ready to go, I asked them if I could buy one of each of the cups from my brother's two favorite drinks. The gentleman told me they didn't sell them, but after checking with a manager, they brought them back to me, boxed up, and told me they wanted us to have them. They also gave us one of their old plates that says "Ironside". It has a small chip over the letter d... and my brother's name starts with a D. I like to believe it was him, telling us he was with us for our dinner after all. We tried everything my brother loved! Just as he suggested, it was all amazing. The food was delicious, the drinks were complex and perfectly balanced, and the service... the service was nothing short of healing. I know this review isn't just about the food. This place is a triple threat. The food was great, the drinks were amazing, and the people are incredible. The people helped my family through one of the hardest days o“

“We’ve been to Mabel’s twice now and both times we were so impressed by the quality of service and their willingness to accommodate some dietary restrictions. As a vegan, our server worked with the chef to see what they could make modifications to and their recommendations did not disappoint! My fiancé also loved his meal and said he would love to come back again for the oysters and Spanish G&T. Highly recommend if you’re in the North Park area!“

“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.“

“Great view, service and breakfast!“

“Honestly so happy i chose to bring my family here at sizzler the service was A1 the food was amazing and our server alondra takes her time with us take care of us and always checking in making sure we were good I was so happy with the service thank you so much !! Everyone did amazing“

“Awesome everything was very fresh and delicious“

“The seaport village location is the bomb.com. Service is excellent. We had reservations. Still had a little wait on a Sunday afternoon. The food is hot and very good. Not a fan of the LaJolla location. Although our server there was fantastic!! It was just to hot in there. Like they were afraid to run the AC? We will continue to patronize the Seaport village location only. The parking is always a challenge!!“

“My wife and I decided to hit this fun restaurant up for the last night of our honeymoon here in San Diego. It was busy and the hardest part of our experience was just the parking. We eventually found a spot and got it. We decided to sit at the bar instead of waiting for a table for two which was not a bad idea. The bar tender was super friendly and helpful. While we don’t drink alcohol or anything it was a nice place to sit for our dinner. We decided to order the Halibut fish and chips and the Pescado rolled tacos. They were great! The sauces for both the rolled tacos and the fish and chips were the bomb. Idk what the red sauce was for my rolled tacos but it was amazing. Over all we lover the place and would visit again if we come back to town. The only negative about the place is the fish smell but it’s worth it as A you get great fresh fish (seafood) and B you can’t smell it after 5 minutes of being in the restaurant anyways. Over all 5/5 for us!“

“Been here twice and will come back again. Definitely recommend“

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

“Fantastic little fish shop right off the beach. Get the Nico's Fish Burrito and don't forget to try the hot sauce, you won't regret it. Plus som of the best guacamole I've ever head.

Service was top notch - the young lady at the register was happy to provide recs and they were all amazing!“

“I really liked their crab cocktail and their shrimp platter“

“El Viejon Seafood in the Convoy area, and it was such a great experience! Even though we showed up about 20 minutes before closing, the staff was incredibly welcoming and didn’t rush us at all. The guy at the counter was especially friendly, he took the time to answer our questions and gave some awesome recommendations.

We ordered a variety of dishes, and everything was on point. The tuna tostada was super fresh topped with fried onions and avocado such a delicious combo. The coqueta tostada was a standout too, with both cooked and raw shrimp plus octopus… seriously an explosion of flavor. The kids loved their fish and chips, which were perfectly seasoned, and the birria tacos were absolutely to die for, the consommé tied it all together perfectly.

Everything came out fresh and hot, and you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. The only downside at this location is the limited seating, it might be tricky for larger groups. But overall, we’ll definitely be coming back!“

“Excellent service always. Staff is always friendly and helpful. Food is top notch but today was especially good. I usually get Leopard Grouper but today they had Broomtail Grouper so I tried it. It’s even better than Leopard Grouper. A little thicker and buttery fish. Try it while it lasts.“

“JTB. EXELENTE. DEL MAR A SUMESA“

“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.“

“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“

“Owner is a super nice guy, place really gives off a local casual dining feeling.

Real standout is the fried oysters, nicely fried and the side sauce is a hit. Hush puppies are nice too. Fish and chips are alright, crinkle cut fries not my favorite and it's a simple fried light batter fish, but definitely not bad for the price. Fried scallops are ok.“

“Me and my wife had a great time! Paulo was a great server.
All the food was good. We came for the oysters and they delivered, so good. They had Salsa Huichol, which was a pleasant surprise. Looking forward to coming back for happy hour!!“

“Delicious fish spot in PB. Menu feels a little overwhelming with potential options and combos... But just ask for some help if you are confused.

The staff was so friendly and also attentive keeping things clean.

Just a short walk from the ocean but much more reasonable prices than the closer restaurants plus delicious fresh fish! And even on a hot day they get a nice breeze blowing through.“

“Pricey but really decent on-resort diner for breakfast. Ordered the Strawberry French Toast which were THICK, delicious, and had plenty of strawberry chunks and compote. Good coffee to start your day. Also great breakfast options: eggs Benedict. Avoid the egg sandwich though, it was ok at best. The bloody Mary was really good and had a cocktail shrimp, bacon, and olives“

“Awesome seafood and fantastic views of San Diego! Wait staff is very good!“

“decent seafood views are qorth the prices“

“Delicious and affordable happy hour specials! Oysters for $1.50 a piece and a wide range of small plates averaging around $7, including calamari, fried oysters, nachos, soup plus more. Wine, beer and sake available as specials.

Fast casual type atmosphere.“

“We were a party of five at your Le Mesa location on 3/22/26 and I believe our server's name was Diana. Our experience was absolutely fantastic! The food was superb, the facility was spotless and every member of the staff that interacted with was professional, helpful and friendly. Diana was fantastic! She has the perfect balance of friendly efficiency, light humor to match our personalities and spot on timing to check in with us. We can't wait to visit again! Thank you.“

“Casual eatery, but the food is outstanding, I would say if u order the same food somewhere else will be double the price, off course depending what u r looking for, for me value, quality and taste. Don’t mind using plastic forks and paper napkins.
Ok let’s talk about the food, very good quality as u can see by the picture, taste is also good. I do suggest if the sharing plate comes with 2 Tacos and 2 Crab cakes, and less calamari, shrimp and fries and up the price a bit from $29.00 to $36.00 will still be worth it.“

“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“

“As a professional DJ, photographer, and videographer, I love working at Tom Ham's Lighthouse. The panoramic views of San Diego Bay provide a stunning backdrop for wedding photos and videos, and the natural light enhances every image. DJs will appreciate the superior acoustics. The staff is always helpful and accommodating, making the experience seamless for vendors and bringing the couple’s vision to life effortlessly.“

“The place was busy so naturally the wait was a little bit longer than usual. We got sat and served in a timely matter and the food was absolutely delicious! This was our second visit and the food hit just as good as the first time. Will be coming back when in the area again.“

“We got fish tacos so tasty so crispy .
Agua Chile tasted like spicy fresh ceviche. Also got surf and turf taco which was really good. The food was so good. I will definitely come back worth it. Service good food good vibes good. Located in the parking lot of target North Park . No bathroom. Get free seafood soup while you wait for your order. Just ask.“

“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.“

“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!“

“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 was expecting more. The calamari tasted bland. The muscles were good but my toast was burnt and bland. The desert with the coconut and lime was tasty. Our service was average.“

“★★★★★

Absolutely amazing experience at The Boiling Crab! The seafood was super fresh, perfectly seasoned, and full of flavor. The shrimp, crab, and sauces were all incredible. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made us feel welcome from the moment we walked in. The atmosphere was fun and lively, and everything came out hot and delicious. Definitely one of the best seafood spots in San Diego — highly recommend and will definitely be coming back!“

“What stood out to me wasn’t the food (even thought it was still spectacular). Rather; the service was simply outstanding. I had come here for my birthday and the staff were so sweet about it. They sang happy birthday to me and were super considerate when serving. I’ve dined here multiple tomes and it’s probably my favorite restaurant in UTC.“

“This restaurant is located in the Intercontinental. Since I stayed there this was a convenient location for me for a quick bite. I went a couple times during my stay. I went during a happy hour and then for dinner. I had the tuna tostadas , chilled michelada oysters and the baked oysters. All were delicious! The second time I had the tuna tostadas they were a little different and too salty for me but my server was really nice about it so I appreciated that. I will definitely return.“

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

“Fish District is much better than the Rubios and Fish Grill that are nearby. Their food is fresh, delicious, and healthy.

The cashier/server Paige provided excellent recommendations and outstanding customer service.

Will definitely return!“

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

“Great food and even better service. Everything we ordered was fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. What really stood out, though, was the service, Mel, the manager, went above and beyond to make sure we were taken care of and genuinely happy with our experience. You can tell they care about both the food and the customers. We’ll definitely be back and highly recommend this spot.“

“This is a must visit when in San Diego! The best food! Everyone is kind that works here and even with waiting once an hour and a half in line I was not disappointed. Highly recommend Oscar's of Emerald in SD🥰“

“My first time eating at World Famous PB was around 2001 on a business trip. I went back every year until 2007. Changed jobs and haven’t been back since. The fantastic food, atmosphere and wait staff were memorable and amazing. Returning to World Famous is on my bucket list!“

“Good food I enjoy myself.“

“Fresh seafood, friendly staff. Wyatt was outstanding in letting us know what came in off the docks!“

“Highly recommend this place, not only for the delicious food and varied menu, but for outstanding customer service. My wife left her glasses at the table,candy the staff made a point to find out phone number to let us know they had the glasses. We will definitely return when we're in town and recommend it to everyone.“

“We live in Philly & love Richard Blais so when visiting my brother in San Diego we always have to check out any new spots by Chef Blais. We were so happy our trip last week included California English! Right away the decor & atmosphere draw you in, being both chic & comfortable. Our server was absolutely fantastic & the food could not have been better. Try the ricotta toast, fish & chips & sticky toffee & date cake, you won’t be disappointed!“

“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 ☹️).“