San Diego has several factors that make it a prime spot for seafood restaurants. San Diego boasts a thriving fishing industry with a large local fishing fleet. This means restaurants can get their hands on various fresh, seasonal seafood. From yellowtail to California halibut, there’s a bounty from the Pacific at their doorstep. Many San Diego restaurants pride themselves on sourcing their seafood sustainably. This means supporting local fishermen and practices that ensure healthy fish populations for the future. best seafood restaurant in san diego ca capitalize on their gorgeous coastal location. Enjoy your fresh catch with a stunning ocean view, or dine outdoors with the perfect Southern California climate.
Mitch’s
Mitch’s prides itself on using sustainable, locally caught seafood. This means you’re getting the best seafood restaurant in san diego ca freshest possible catch, with minimal travel time between boat and plate, maximizing flavor and quality.
Mitch’s offers a casual, down-to-earth atmosphere, perfect for enjoying fresh seafood on the marina. Whether you sit indoors or outdoors, you’ll likely have a fantastic view of the Point Loma waterfront, with docking fishing boats and the San Diego skyline in the background.
Mitch’s offers a kid’s menu, making it a good option for families. With its popularity, Mitch’s can have long lines and limited indoor seating, especially during peak hours. If you want a fine dining experience, Mitch’s might not be the best choice. It’s a casual, counter-service restaurant.
Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill
They prioritize the quality and freshness of their catch. They reportedly source locally and directly from fishermen whenever possible and even catch some themselves. This dedication to freshness shines through in the flavor of the dishes [4].
They offer various seafood options, allowing you to pick your fish and choose how it’s prepared. This lets you get precisely what you’re craving. While they have creative options, Blue Water offers classic dishes like fish and chips and cioppino alongside their Mexican-style fish tacos.
The restaurant boasts a high rating (4.7 stars on Google Maps), with many reviews praising the quality of the food and service. Even after being featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, they seem to have focused on fresh, delicious seafood.
Address: 3667 India St, San Diego, CA 92103, United States.
Water Grill
Water Grill boasts a very impressive rating of 4.7 stars on OpenTable with over 3,400 reviews, indicating consistent positive experiences for diners. They highlight fresh, seasonal catches and offer a daily menu, ensuring you get the best available seafood.
They highlight fresh, seasonal catches and provide a daily menu, ensuring you get the best seafood restaurant in san diego ca. Their menu boasts extensive options, including raw bar selections and a wide variety of fish, lobsters, crabs, oysters, and shellfish. Reviews mention a pleasant atmosphere, sometimes described as sophisticated or rustic-nautical.
Be prepared for a potentially higher-priced meal, as Water Grill is considered a finer dining establishment. Situated in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, it offers a vibrant location for some, while others might prefer a quieter setting.
Ultimately, the “best” seafood restaurant depends on your individual preferences. If fresh, high-quality seafood, variety, and a pleasant ambiance are vital to you, then Water Grill San Diego is a strong contender.
Tom Ham’s Lighthouse
Here, Diners consistently rave about the restaurant’s location and ambiance. According to sources, it sits right on Harbor Island and offers stunning views of San Diego Bay, the city skyline, and the Coronado Bridge [4, 2]. Whether you choose outdoor seating or enjoy the view through the windows, diners seem impressed. The menu focuses on seafood and delivers fresh catches [4].
While there have been mixed reviews on specific dishes, overall, the quality of the ingredients is a strong point. Many reviewers mention friendly and professional service that improves the overall positive experience.
Tom Ham’s Lighthouse is considered upscale, so expect to pay more for your meal. While some reviewers rave about the food, there have also been mentions of uninspired dishes or inconsistencies in temperature. It might be best to check the menu beforehand to see if the offerings align with your tastes.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Eddie V’s is known for sourcing its seafood from pristine waters worldwide. This focus on freshness is a significant plus for seafood lovers. They don’t just offer seafood but also prime-cut steaks for those who want an alternative.
They also have a frequently changing seasonal menu to keep things interesting. Eddie V’s offers a fine dining experience with a stylish atmosphere. This creates a unique occasion vibe for a night out. Reviews frequently mention the attentive and knowledgeable waitstaff, which can make a big difference in your dining experience.
For those who enjoy wine pairings, Eddie V’s boasts a wine list recognized by Wine Spectator, with selections curated by an expert sommelier. Eddie V’s might not be the best fit if you’re looking for a more casual and affordable option. If you prefer a relaxed and casual atmosphere, Eddie V’s might be a bit too formal. There are Eddie V’s locations across the United States, so check their website to see if there’s one near you.
Ultimately, the “best” seafood restaurant depends on your individual preferences. However, Eddie V’s gets high marks for quality, service, and ambiance, making it a strong contender for a memorable seafood dining experience.
Ironside Fish & Oyster
Reviewers consistently praise the quality and taste of the fish dishes. They highlight the freshness of the ingredients and the skilled preparation, whether it’s grilled fish or a more creative dish. Ironside offers a broader selection than just fish.
They have a well-regarded oyster bar, and their menu includes items like lobster rolls, scallops, and even a pork belly dish. The restaurant is known for its industrial-chic vibe with a nautical theme. It gets positive reviews for its buzzing energy and friendly service.
Diners enjoy the exciting and well-crafted cocktails alongside their seafood. Many reviewers find Ironside a fun dining experience, offering good value for the quality of the food and service.
The Fishery
They are known for their incredibly fresh seafood. They even have their fish market on-site, and some reviewers say they supply fish to other top seafood restaurants in San Diego. Diners rave about the quality of the cuisine, with reviewers mentioning everything from perfectly cooked fish to delicious appetizers.
Some reviewers have particular favorites, like the ahi tuna poke or the macadamia-crusted halibut. The Fishery has a solid overall rating, with 4.6 stars on OpenTable. Reviewers frequently use words like “excellent” and “outstanding” to describe the food. The Fishery is located in a restored warehouse and has a casual atmosphere.
While some reviewers find the value excellent, others have mentioned that the portion sizes are small or the cost is high. The Fishery is an excellent choice for fresh, high-quality seafood in a casual setting. However, it’s always a good idea to check out reviews and menus before you go to see if they align with your budget and preferences.
Saltwater Seafood & Steak
This restaurant gets positive mentions for being a strong contender for the best seafood in San Diego, but there might be a better top, depending on what you’re looking for. They highlight fresh catches and allow you to choose your fish from a display.
They offer a good mix of seafood and steak options, catering to different preferences. The reviews mention a luxurious, yacht-inspired setting for a special occasion. Several reviewers commend the attentive and professional service.
Based on its white tablecloth description, Saltwater leans more towards fine dining, so expect a higher price point. While reviews are generally positive, Saltwater has a rating of around 4.2 stars on various platforms, which is good but not necessarily the highest.
If you’re looking for a luxurious and romantic dinner with excellent service and fresh seafood, Saltwater Seafood & Steak sounds like a great option. However, you prioritize a more casual vibe or top-rated seafood. In that case, you should explore other options like The Fish Market or Mitch’s Seafood, which boast even higher ratings.
Candour by Giuseppe
Candour by Giuseppe gets high marks for a few reasons, making it a strong contender for the best seafood in San Diego. They focus on using fresh, local ingredients, emphasizing getting seafood straight from local fishermen.
This translates to dishes bursting with flavor and that “straight from the sea” taste. The owner, Giuseppe Ciuffa, has a strong background in Italian cuisine and fresh ingredients. He uses his skills to create unique dishes that showcase the seafood but with exciting flavor combinations.
Reviewers rave about the Fisherman’s Stew, praising the perfectly balanced flavors and generous portions of fresh fish. Other popular dishes include the salmon salad and daily fresh fish specials. The restaurant has a chic and modern ambiance yet feels inviting and comfortable. This makes it an excellent spot for a special occasion or a casual night out.
Boxing Crab
The restaurant’s reviews mention dishes featuring remarkably fresh seafood, especially their crabs. This is a significant selling point for a seafood restaurant. Some reviewers highlight their exciting flavor combinations, like the Salted Egg Crab with Pumpkin or the seafood dishes with flavorful broths.
The best seafood restaurant in san diego ca provides utensils and gloves for a messy yet enjoyable way to eat the crab, adding to the experience. It appears Boxing Crab has locations in Singapore, so if you’re not in that area, it wouldn’t be an option.
Seafood restaurants can be expensive, and Boxing Crab likely reflects that. The restaurant’s ambiance is based on the descriptions; it seems casual and lively.
