Enjoy a Sea Breeze at These Scenic San Diego Hotspots
Summer’s comin’, which means the weather’s getting warmer, the cocktails are getting colder and the season for alfresco dining is here! Whether you’re looking to grab an après-surf bite on the sand or you prefer a clifftop view of the coast, San Diego is a mecca for dining destinations on the coast. With sweeping coastal vistas and deftly curated seafood menus, these San Diego restaurants with ocean views are as dreamy as they come.
Piper at The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa
Oceanside has experienced quite the renaissance over the past few years, with new restaurants, shops and waterfront hotels popping up along its coastline. This once-sleepy surfer town is now a coastal paradise that attracts vacationers from all over, and much of this buzz can be credited to sumptuous staycation spots like The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa.
This stunning beachside property sits just steps from the Oceanside Pier and boasts multiple restaurants and bars, a destination spa and a breezy oceanfront pool. One of the main highlights of the hotel is its signature restaurant, Piper—a globally-inspired, family-friendly restaurant with—you guessed it—an incredible ocean view. Guests can expect a bounty of exquisite breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes and delicious dinner entrees. These all incorporate the freshest ingredients sourced from up and down SoCal’s coastline. For a morning bite, try the brioche French toast with Grand Marnier custard, summer berry compote and whipped chantilly cream. Or, stop in for a midday bite and savor dishes like the fish n’ chips or Salanova green salad. The patio is perfect for a round of golden hour cocktails or a sunset dinner, which undoubtedly should include a round of Koala Juice cocktails and oven-roasted mussels for the table.
Location: Oceanside
Cody’s La Jolla
The quintessential spot for a meal with a view, Cody’s La Jolla will have you diving fork-first into their Chicken Biscuit Sandy faster than you can say “brunch.” Perched above La Jolla Cove’s sandy shores, scalloped umbrellas, wicker barstools and indoor palms make dining at this seaside cottage feel just like breakfast at home—but with an ocean view!
Speaking of views, you can bliss out to live music on their rooftop patio while you sip and savor a spicy mango margarita or two. Their Awesome French Toast needs no further introduction, made from griddled, pillowy slices of challah bread. It’s hard not to be happy with these sparkling vistas, but just in case you have a touch of the midweek blues, this La Jolla restaurant hosts happy hour every Friday and Saturday from 4-7 p.m. Don’t tempt us with the Baja shrimp ceviche or mini lobster rolls because we simply can’t resist.
8/18
Marina Kitchen
Just last year, the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina completed a multimillion-dollar renovation, upgrading everything from its guest rooms and suites to its dining concepts. Part of this project included a refresh of the waterfront hotel’s award-winning signature restaurant, Marina Kitchen. This bayside venue features panoramic views of San Diego Bay along with a menu of reinvented American comfort food. Grab a seat at the bar, on the breezy patio or in a cozy booth and indulge in shareable plates like the housemade potato chips, honey walnut shrimp or Brussels and burrata. If seafood is your jam, keep things fresh with the pan-seared scallops or market fish. Pair your meal with a glass of wine or a craft cocktail like the Orange Inferno.
Local Insight: While the views from Marina Kitchen are unbeatable at sunset, the restaurant also features a stellar daily breakfast buffet. Indulge in made-to-order omelets, fresh pastries, seasonal fruit, hot-off-the-griddle pancakes and more!
Cannonball
For all our seafood and sushi connoisseurs out there, we’d like to introduce you to Cannonball— one of the largest oceanfront rooftops in San Diego! Perched high above the Mission Beach boardwalk, Cannonball at Belmont Park is the quintessential sushi and sunset dinner-date spot, featuring local San Diego musicians every Tuesday and Thursday from 5-8 p.m. Snag a spot around one of the fire pits during golden hour at this all-outdoor restaurant and enjoy fresh sushi selections like the lobster roll with spicy lobster, yamagobo, tempura, avocado, jalapeños, spicy aioli and eel sauce.
Local Insight: Cannonball also offers a wide selection of beverages, including wine, sake, draft beer, seltzers, cocktails and over 10 different Japanese whiskies. To view the full menu, click here!
Location: Mission Beach
Oceana Coastal Kitchen at the Catamaran Resort Hotel
One of the best things about San Diego is that no matter what time of year it is, you can almost always dine outside. That’s why at Oceana Coastal Kitchen, outdoor seating is an unequivocal no-brainer! With a salty breeze and the shore only a few steps away, this waterfront San Diego restaurant is perfect for any occasion.
Oceana doesn’t just serve lunch and dinner. If you come on Sunday, indulge in their brunch offerings with highlights like rosemary prime rib, Island Shrimp Salad and tangy mimosas. Oceana Coastal Kitchen also has weekly specials, including $15 sushi, craft cocktails and flatbreads on Monday and Tuesday (5:30-7 p.m.), half-priced bottles of wine on Thursday (5:30-9 p.m.) and live entertainment on Wednesdays and Thursdays (6-9 p.m.)! It’s the ideal spot for a first date, girls’ night out and everything in between.
Location: Mission Bay
9/6
The Marine Room
For a front-row seat to the crashing waves in La Jolla, reserve a table at The Marine Room. This coastal restaurant in San Diego is known for its fine-dining atmosphere, exquisite seafood creations and floor-to-ceiling windows that give way to breathtaking sunset views. With their seafood, produce and meat all sourced locally, The Marine Room serves up a dining experience truly worth every penny. Feast on local bluefin tuna and Peruvian crudo as the coastal views take your breath away.
Local Insight: Don’t miss The Marine Room’s High Tide Dinner Series! You’ll get a front-row seat to the waves illuminated by a full moon.
Location: La Jolla
Tom Ham’s Lighthouse
Tom Ham’s Lighthouse, perched on San Diego’s harbor, is a picturesque dining spot that upholds family heritage and serves high-quality seafood selections. Established in 1971 by founder Tom Ham, this waterfront restaurant in San Diego is a well-known favorite. Ham’s family still runs the restaurant, and their renowned seafood brunch on Sundays is a must when in San Diego. Grab a table by the window for epic views of San Diego Bay! Try eggs Benedict with cured ham and buttermilk biscuits. Or, get your fill at the made-to-order pasta station or a raw seafood bar.
Location: Harbor Island
George’s at the Cove
If panoramic views of La Jolla Cove and hand-crafted cocktails are up your alley, you need to check out George’s at the Cove. Perched high on the cliffs overlooking the ocean, this multi-level restaurant is the epitome of dinner with a view. With a mind-blowing craft cocktail menu (we love the Citrus Spritz with aperitivo, gin, prosecco and citrus!) and a variety of fresh seafood dishes, George’s at the Cove is well worth a visit.
Local Insight: If you want one of the best seats in the house, book online and choose the Premium Seating option.
Location: La Jolla
Dockside 1953 at Bahia Resort
Looking for brunch bites and an unobstructed view of Mission Bay? Snag a table at Bahia Resort’s Dockside 1953. This nautical-inspired restaurant sits practically on the sand and features a beautiful patio with cozy fire pits. Menu highlights include fresh seafood creations like hamachi crudo, Rockfish ceviche and the butter-seared jumbo crab cake. Pair your sea-to-table bites with an imported beer or craft cocktail. We suggest the Bahia Mai Tai for a tropical twist to your evening. With live music, weekly specials and seating just steps from the shore, this waterfront San Diego restaurant offers a true taste of the good life.
Location: Mission Bay
Serea Coastal Cuisine
For a true ocean-to-table dining experience, Serea Coastal Cuisine, anchored at the famous Hotel del Coronado, is your best bet. Soak in unparalleled views of Coronado Beach from the two-tiered patio and feast on Chef JoJo Ruiz’s sustainable seafood creations. Start with a round of Kalamata Dirty Martinis, followed by the house focaccia and charcoal grilled octopus. Then, savor a delicious spread of oysters, tuna tartare and caviar (if you’re feeling fancy).
Local Insight: Chef JoJo Ruiz has earned Serea an “Ocean Friendly” certification from the Surfrider Foundation due to his persistence in using eco-friendly supplies. These include biodegradable paper straws and compostable silverware and to-go containers.
Location: Coronado Island
VAGA Restaurant & Bar
With dramatic views of the surf and a menu centered around Spanish-style cooking, Encinitas’ VAGA Restaurant & Bar is the escape you’ve been craving. Executive Chef Ananda Bareño’s masterful and meticulously curated menu features an adventurous assortment of shareable starters, steak and seafood entrees, inventive sides and decadent desserts. A window seat here will grant you epic views, but the chef’s counter offers a glimpse into the exhibition kitchen.
Location: Encinitas
Bali Hai Restaurant
Bali Hai is a top-tier choice for authentic Polynesian food and mai tais with a clear view of San Diego Bay and its vibrant skyline. The decor here leans on the kitchy side, with tiki accents and tropical touches. However, we love the island soul of this Shelter Island haunt. And with small bites like their OG Bali Hali tuna poke, ginger lime coconut shrimp and spicy seasoned Bali fries, Bali Hai will surely set your watch to island time.
Local Insight: Bali Hai has sold over 2.8 million mai tais since it opened in 1954!
Location: Shelter Island
JRDN Restaurant
On the ground floor of Pacific Beach’s Tower23 Hotel lies JRDN. This open-air restaurant features an expansive outdoor patio just steps from the sand. In addition, it has a cocktail bar that faces the crashing waves. Diners are spoiled with a prime view of the coastline, along with chili mango margaritas and a mouthwatering menu of sushi rolls, steaks and more. The restaurant also offers a stellar happy hour, Monday-Thursday from 2 to 6 p.m. Come enjoy $15 glasses of Veuve Clicquot, $2 oysters and $4 off wine, mixed drinks and draft beer.
Location: Pacific Beach
Wonderland Ocean Pub
Fall down the rabbit hole into Wonderland Ocean Pub! With a laid-back bar setting paired with California classic cocktails, this tavern is a genuine wonderland. On the menu you’ll find traditional bar bites, seafood specials and a variety of craft and imported beer. The views here are easy on the eyes. This restaurant sits in a breezy upstairs space that overlooks the Ocean Beach Pier.
Location: Ocean Beach
