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 12/29 at 4pm, we got married in Alcazar Garden! At 6pm, we had a reservation at Mabel's Gone Fishing for our party of 13, and it was the perfect first meal of the rest of our lives. The dinner was in the Fish Bowl, the private dining area next to the main one, and we had a prix fixe meal coordinated between us their event coordinator, Everything that came out was perfectly portioned. I never had a passionfruit mignonette, and I appreciate them opening my mind to a sweet thing with the savory brine of the oysters. Course after course, it just kept getting better. Our conservas platter with smoked and oil tinned mussels and mackerel, the roasted beets with the chili and goat cheese, the broiled cod in garum butter and sunflower...I can't believe we ate so much and still had space for cheesecake. This says nothing of the drinks we had, that we probably drank too much of, but they all went down so smoothly! Much praise for our two servers, one of whom was the coordinator we'd been chatting with via email for a month. When we come back to San Diego, The FIRST place we go to dinner will be Mabel's Gone Fishing...ok, maybe it will be Del Taco depending on when we land, but the SECOND place we go will definitely be Mabel's Gone Fishing.“

“Great view, service and breakfast!“

“We chose to celebrate a milestone birthday here during our trip to San Diego, and it was an excellent decision. The service was impeccable, and our server was friendly and accommodating throughout the evening. They added rose petals and confetti to mark the birthday, which was a thoughtful touch.

For dinner, we ordered the filet with lobster tails and the ahi tuna. Both dishes were well-prepared, flavorful, and satisfying. The mac and cheese is also worth ordering.

I would skip the caviar potato. The portion of caviar did not justify the price.“

“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!“

“Such a satisfying dinner at Sizzler Steakhouse, The lobster was fresh and perfectly buttery, the steak was cooked to a perfect medium-rare, and the cilantro lime rice was honestly the star of the meal! Sooo good. Shoutout to our thoughtful server, Jeaneen, for always checking on us. Loved everything!“

“Freshest seafood in Ocean Beach! Order before you sit down. Happy Hour had great prices! Staff was very friendly. Nice benches outside for beautiful sunset dinner. Poke was so delicious that I forgot to take a photo! Will be returning again!“

“Awesome everything was very fresh and delicious“

“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“

“JTB. EXELENTE. DEL MAR A SUMESA“

“Omg my smoked tuna and grilled fish tacos were SO GOOD that I forgot to take a photo 😂 SO much flavor, amazing seasoning, just go! And the girl that attended me was awesome, amazing customer service in both English and Spanish 😃🇺🇸🇲🇽“

“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.“

“Hidden gem executes a classic flawlessly.

The dining room is no-frills; note that it's too small to have a public restroom.

Definitely some of the best fish and chips you'll get in San Diego.

Easy to believe that they've been rolling for 50+ years, mind-boggling that they aren't more widely known.“

“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“

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

“The service was above average. The recommended choices by the waiter were just ok. The red snapper ceviche was on point but the rest of the meal wasn't as good. Also they should be more fourth coming about the lack of a real liquor license Cool spot to try out, lots of fun bars in the area.“

“They offer great deals on oyster days, and the oysters were really fresh and delicious. We also liked the clam chowder and ceviche. The fish taco, fish & chips, and ahi poke were not my favorites.

However, I didn’t like the ordering style. The staff felt cold, and they didn’t provide utensils unless you asked several times.“

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

“such a lovely evening celebrating my fiancée's bday. we walked along the water and watched the sunset then our waiter ethan took care of us in the most friendly and kind way. we had a delicious meal i had the Caesar salad and my fiancée got the chicken entree, both were delicious!!! the patio area is lovely you can see the water and it's cozy since they have a firepit and also heaters. 10/10“

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

“Went to lunch here with our daughter, her hubby and the two adorable grandkids. The place was not busy and we had a nice, unhurried meal. Celina was our server and she was awesome. She was welcoming and tended to our every need with a great attitude. Food arrived quickly and we felt that each dish/bag was good and my daughter loves the juice in the bag. Everything was as expected and I do recommend this King Crab location.“

“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.“

“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.“

“We were the first costumers to try the Crispy Fish Cesar Wrap and it’s delicious, if you want you can even share it because it’s abundant, also the accompanying sauce is very tasty and it’s perfect for dipping the wrap. The value for money is excellent, we’ll absolutely come back from Italy. Good job guys🥰“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

“The seafood here is plentiful and enjoyable, but something is just not quite top-notch. The shrimp were overcooked and still had “poop lines” down their back, which are challenging to remove with plastic gloves on. The mussels still had the “hair” in them. The potatoes and corn were excellent, as were the fried scallops.

They serve their food with lots of lemon wedges, but even that can’t seem to add enough brightness to the overly buttery sauces.

Service was good, and the atmosphere feels homey. Nothing is trying to be over-the-top (no fishing nets and oars all over the place, just a nice hardwood interior).“

“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!“

“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“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

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

“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🥰“

“decent seafood views are qorth the prices“

“My wife and I had such a wonderful lunch experience! From the moment we walked in, the staff made us feel welcome and taken care of. The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented — every dish was a hit. We left full, happy, and already talking about when we'll be back. Highly recommend!“

“Delicious food! I ordered the Tilapia plate with the rosemary zucchini & side salad. It came with a good amount of fish so was happy with the protein portion size. In the picture I had already eaten one of the fish filets. 🙊 The service was excellent too. Was greeted right away, offered help to put my order in the kiosk but told them I could manage. I accidentally put in that I wanted Cajun sauce, thinking I was putting in no cajun sauce so the order came out wrong because of my mistake but they were more them happy to remake it for me. Thank you for a wonderful experience!“

“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 ☹️).“

“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.“