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.“

“Awesome everything was very fresh and delicious“

“Martha was are server on friday the 10th. She is AMAZING! I have not been to a sizzler for over 30 years and my husband wanted to go. We sat down and with out a sec our server greeted us with the most infectious energy! She came over with our food and checked on us a lot, like in a good way! Everytime something sat down in front of us she would make sure it was perfect! We definitely had some small talk but she would be the reason we return! She made my family and I feel welcome and want to come back for the great food but really to see Martha!!“

“Great view, service and breakfast!“

“Eddie V's Prime Seafood has become one of my favorite upscale seafood restaurants. What started as a single restaurant in Austin, Texas, has grown into a highly successful fine-dining chain with locations across the country, while still maintaining an elegant atmosphere and consistently high standards. Even so, it still feels far more like a boutique steak and seafood house than a typical chain.

The downtown San Diego location certainly doesn't disappoint. The menu features an impressive selection of fresh seafood and USDA Prime steaks, with favorites like Chilean sea bass, lobster, oysters, scallops, crab cakes, filet mignon, and beautifully prepared shellfish. Everything we ordered was excellent.

One thing I've learned is that the portions can be a bit smaller than you might expect, so the best strategy is to order several sides for the table. And don't bother bringing your diet—this is comfort food at its finest. Rich lobster mashed potatoes, crab fried rice, truffle mac and cheese, roasted vegetables, and other indulgent sides are meant to be shared and enjoyed.

The service was attentive, the atmosphere was refined without feeling stuffy, and the location near the San Diego waterfront makes it an excellent choice for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special celebration. If you're looking for an elegant seafood dinner with consistently great food and a lively upscale ambiance, Eddie V's is an easy recommendation.“

“Nico’s is the definition of San Diego. Food is absolute quality. And every single time I’ve been in there the owner is there, most of the time still with his fishing boots on. You can tell how hard that guy works - and the quality comes across in everything about this place. Could not recommend enough.“

“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!“

“Great casual dinning. Sat on the patio which is dog friendly, big plus for me and nice view of the beach/ocean. I had the tacos which were very big, filling and tasty. Great beers on tap. Prices were reasonable in today's crazy high restaurant pricing. Dinner for 2 with beers was about $50. Hard to beat with a ocean view.“

“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!!!“

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

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

“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🥰“

“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!“

“JTB. EXELENTE. DEL MAR A SUMESA“

“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.“

“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“

“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!!“

“We just got off the plane and wants some local fish tacos. This total hit the spot and checked all the boxes. The food was delicious. We wished we had something like this back home in NYC, Queens.

I think we have to go back on taco Tuesday and Thursday 1.25 oysters.“

“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“

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

“Excellent burrito, but for the price of $15 they really ought to include fries or a salad, too.
Thankfully they had a vegan burrito, because the other places I passed in Gaslamp had nothing vegan.
Not allowing customers to use the bathroom is ridiculous, though.“

“Just great, fresh, affordable seafood with a chill cafe atmosphere. We appreciate this place so much! My sons and I come here whenever we can. Really great job by the owner! The staff is amazing and the restaurant is clean. I will be back many times!

By the way… the happy hour is outstanding!“

“This was our 1st anniversary in November, 1991. This is the first booth inside the door, our favorite. In the several years before meeting Patti, I had taken more than a few dates to Baci’s. Why go there? The food, the service, the personal interaction with staff. Talking to the owner once, I discovered he was neighbors with my roommates brother. We left San Diego in 1992 but winter there since retiring and visit Baci’s every year. So happy they’re still going strong.“

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

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

“decent seafood views are qorth the prices“

“I’m from San Diego & I can’t believe I’ve never tried this spot sooner! Got the fish & chips and the fiesta fries. Soooo good! Perfect crunch to the fish, fries are thin the way I like it & it was just 10/10. Def recommend this place for anyone looking for quality fish & chips!“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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 time and great food as always!“

“Had lunch with my sister. Great food and portions. Kyle our waiter was friendly and attentive.“

“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.“

“I've had seafood boils before, but this meal really stood out. Everything was cooked perfectly, from the juicy lobster to the shrimp, clams, sausage, corn, and potatoes. The garlic butter seasoning had the perfect balance of flavor with just the right amount of spice, making every bite better than the last. The food arrived hot and fresh, the service was friendly and attentive, and the fun, laid back atmosphere made the whole experience even more enjoyable. If you're a seafood lover, The Boiling Crab is absolutely worth the visit. I'll definitely be back for another seafood feast! 😋 🦞“

“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.“

“Good restaurant, delicious food. I recommend everyone to try it“

“Wonderful ambiance and even our great VP of the US came to eat there. Compliments 👏 🙌 Sashimi and homemade ice cream 😊“

“First time here, loved coconut shrimp appetizer, really enjoyed smokehouse burger, and also liked chicken mango salad.\t The Mai Tai was very enjoyable as was the mojito. Service was friendly and timely. For desert had a snickers croffle and that was a miss for us (no crunch and waffle/croissant was very dense and hard to eat).“

“Excellent mariscos. This is my 2nd time here and I feel like every time I’m going to be in Barrio Logan that I have to stop by here. Not only because it’s family run from San Diego it because the food is just so fantastic. I highly recommend the shrimp cocktail. Parking can be iffy so just drive around the neighborhood until you can find something. It’s worth it.“