These San Diego Restaurants Will Cure Your Seafood Cravings

You may be feeling shellfish, but San Diego’s got enough to go around when it comes to the art of seafood. Enjoy the city by the sea with the freshest it has to offer, from casual coastal to fine-dining delights. Get it grilled, taste it fried or try it raw; any way it’s served, it’s guaranteed to be fresh. Dive in to our list of the best seafood in San Diego and discover your next oceanic obsession.

 

Sally’s Waterfront Dining

The view at Sally’s Waterfront Dining might draw you in, but it’s the bold, coastal flavors that keep you coming back. Along the marina at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, Sally’s blends Baja flair with Mediterranean finesse, and a bold new identity. The atmosphere is breezy and sun-soaked, with a spacious terrace that overlooks the harbor. Chef Alvaro Garcia’s menu strikes a balance between the fresh and the flavorful—think smoky grilled octopus, market oysters, scallop ceviche, and rich seafood pasta. It’s the kind of place where a mezcal cocktail just feels right, especially during their Sunset Salute or relaxed Mini (happy) Hour. On weekends, Sally’s adds brunch to the lineup, serving lobster rolls, decadent French toast, and fresh catch specials under swaying palms and skyline views.

Local Insight: It’s pet-friendly, with a playful menu for dogs, too. Whether you’re sipping wine, slurping oysters, or catching the golden-hour glow, Sally’s makes every moment feel like a mini vacation.

Location: Downtown San Diego

 

Cannonball

Put your chopsticks together for…sushi rolls and sunsets! Dive head first into the delicacies of the deep sea at Cannonball, a rooftop dining experience specializing in fresh sushi and superior vibes. Located in the heart of Mission Beach is the largest rooftop in San Diego, serving innovative dishes around social fire pits for lunch and dinner every day of the week. Catch acoustic sets at sunset every Thursday from 5-8 p.m. to enjoy the sounds of local artists!

Location: Mission Beach

 

Pacific Catch

Hook, line and sinker: this ones a catch. Sustainable seafood is at the center of every dish at Pacific Catch, from fresh fish plates and bowls to saucy sandwiches and burgers. Their menu is driven by the spirit of adventure, and their taco bar is the best place to savor it all. Explore new flavors with their three-taco plate amidst beachy decor that’s includes a full bar and heated patio.

Location: La Jolla

 

Fish 101

Fish 101 carries a beach-town vibe to Leucadia and Cardiff. Here, the surf crowd feasts on baja fish tacos, fish n’ chips, and grilled salmon burritos. Not to mention, their poke bowls, loaded with sushi-grade tuna and avocado, are a beach day staple. It’s the kind of place where flip-flops are always in fashion.

Location: Leucadia and Cardiff

 

Tom Ham’s Lighthouse

From views to dishes and everything in between, Tom Ham’s is top tier. Adventurous amateur historian Tom Ham built his dream restaurant in 1971 that continues to serve San Diego daily. Pop in for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch for a breathtaking view and spectacular seafood, from oysters and shellfish to gorgeous platters and entrees. If you get the chance, hold your next special event in their beautiful banquet room — until then, take your time and pop in to dine.

Location: Harbor Island

 

Serẽa Coastal Cuisine

Hotel del Coronado cranks up the coastal vibes at Serẽa, a seafood dining experience specializing in sustainability with a focus on California cuisine. Each ingredient is carefully sourced to keep you feeling good from the inside out. Located just steps from the beach, this upscale oasis will tantalize your taste buds with elegant dishes. Chef JoJo Ruiz brings ocean-to-table to life with creative, sustainable seafood. Charcoal-grilled octopus and sashimi-grade tuna headline this must-visit San Diego sushi spot. Serẽa’s dessert menu doesn’t shy away from the spotlight either. The cheesecake on a shell, walnut-studded message in a bottle, and carrot cake cocktail will tease your sweet tooth. As if you needed another reason to go, the beachfront setting seals the deal!

Location: Coronado Island

 

Oceana Coastal Kitchen

Oceana Coastal Kitchen is the Catamaran Resort’s signature restaurant, packed with seafood options and beyond for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even their champagne Sunday brunch. Start with shareable plates, then move on to sushi or cold bar options like fresh oysters and ceviche. Popular items include the sea bass, diver scallops, and sushi rolls brimming with fresh-caught tuna. Catch weekly specials and live music every Sunday and Wednesday from 6-9 p.m.!

Location: Mission Beach

 

The Marine Room

Sophistication meets the sea at The Marine Room in La Jolla Shores, a dramatic, upscale restaurant that sits right at sea level. Dine in the elegant dining room or kick back at their new open-concept lounge. Wherever you’re seated, you’ll be one with the ocean as the waves roll in, splashing against the glass windows. Local bluefin tuna or Baja California swordfish are best served over high tide, and a full glass of red or white just takes it up one more notch.

Location: La Jolla Shores

 

Herb & Sea

Modern, bright, and just a few blocks from the beach, Herb & Sea serves coastal cuisine with serious style. Chef-driven and design-forward, the menu features hits like scallop crudo, shrimp linguini with preserved lemon, and a buttery broiled seafood platter. The raw bar shines with oysters and ceviche, and their happy hour is a local favorite—complete with frites, smash burgers, and craft cocktails. It’s the kind of place where the food is just as pretty as the people.

Location: Encinitas

 

Mabel’s Gone Fishing

This Iberian-inspired gem serves up seafood that blends Spanish influence with West Coast seafood. Think clams with jamón, mussels escabeche, Pacific petrale sole, and Spanish-style stuffed dates. It’s not traditional sushi, but it’s unforgettable. Stop in for the daily Oyster Hour from 4-5 p.m. for half off a dozen oysters.

Location: North Park

 

The Fishery

Explore the high seas at this Pacific Beach gem! The Fishery is filled with fine seafood in a cozy, classy setting. All of their menu items feature dishes packed with ingredients in peak season to provide the most flavorful fish options possible. Try the California King salmon or Opah ‘Smash’ Burger as you nose in on the action next to the open-concept kitchen. What’s cookin’? Cross your fingers that yours is up next.

Location: Pacific Beach

 

Ironside Fish & Oyster

Industrial chic meets maritime magic at Ironside. Their raw bar alone has locked in its spot as one of the most popular sushi restaurants in San Diego. You’ll find oysters from both coasts, seafood towers, and the bone marrow with bread is an unexpected indulgence! Ironside is hands down a seafood lover’s sanctuary. So sit back and enjoy a dramatic, nautical adventure in Little Italy.

Location: Little Italy

 

El Viejon Seafood

This Convoy District gem fuses Mexican flavors with bold Asian twists for a seafood lineup that pulls no punches. Their namesake taco, El Viejon, is a smoky, savory mix of tuna, shrimp, and octopus. Birria meets octopus in the spicy Manolarga taco, and their seafood fajitas arrive sizzling and stacked. Feeling brave? Try the massive 7 Seas Soup for a deep dive into flavor.

Location: Kearny Mesa

 

Pacific Beach Fish Shop

The Fish Shop is all about building your dream seafood plate. Here you’ll your fish, choose a marinade, and decide how you want it served. The options vary from tacos, a sandwich, salad or grilled plate. It’s fast-casual done right, featuring fresh ingredients and a beachy vibe to match. Favorites include the award-winning TKO Taco and their seasoned Fish Shop Shrimp.

Local Insight: Thursdays mean $1.25 oysters and an ice-cold beer on the patio.

Location: Pacific Beach

 

Mitch’s Seafood

Casual deserves a great view too! Mitch’s Seafood is the ultimate come-as-you-are setting while maintaining the highest quality of seafood. Located right on the docks of Point Loma, enjoy a fresh fish sandwich, taco plate or salad with the ability to mix and match sauces and choice of fish! Mitch’s also serves breakfast until 10:30 a.m. Don’t miss grabbing a breakfast burrito or crab cake to fuel the beach day. Watch the boats dock on the outdoor deck and make a seagull friend or two—if you’re lucky, you might even spot a seal.

Location: Point Loma

 

El Pescador Fish Market

A La Jolla institution for over 40 years, El Pescador Fish Market blends classic fish market charm with top-tier seafood dishes. It operates as both a market and grill, serving ultra-fresh catches prepared simply and deliciously. Go for the signature El Pescador sandwich, loaded with shrimp, crab, and smoked salmon, or order a grilled sea bass plate and watch it sizzle to your table. From sashimi to salads, everything here tastes like the ocean—bright, clean, and straight from the dock.

Location: La Jolla