18 Waterfront Restaurants in San Diego

Fish and chips headlines the menu at this family-owned and operated Oceanside eatery with views of the harbor. For non-fried options, consider the grilled fish plate seasoned with butter, garlic or herb seasoning. Outdoor seating is first-come, first-served.

Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant’s most dramatic patio views come at sunset and can be enjoyed anytime of year, even during cooler temperatures, thanks to heat lamps. The menu spans seafood to steak as well as pasta.

Only Highway 101 separates this Cardiff restaurant from the beach. Equally impressive are the views of San Elijo Lagoon bordering the other side of the building. Like the other restaurants in this chain, the food focuses on Mexican dishes like fish tacos plus a wealth of healthy options.

Big windows frame views of the ocean for those dining inside but reserve a spot on the patio to get a closer view of the water. The menu is described as California coastal fare, meaning popular dishes like Baja fish tacos share the menu alongside avocado toast, burgers and BBQ ribs.

You’ll find this casual cafe tucked inside the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Open 8 a.m.-3 p.m., the spot serves familiar cafe classics with plenty of outdoor seating overlooking the water.

Originally constructed as a beach cottage in 1894, this historic building was later transformed into this restaurant that’s popular among the locals. The dramatic views of La Jolla’s shoreline is a big draw as well as its seasonal brunch, lunch and dinner menus.

Diners will be treated to three levels of Pacific Ocean views at this popular La Jolla mainstay. Helmed by chef Trey Foshee, the restaurant specializes New American cuisine and offers craft cocktails served on the middle level of the building at Level2.

Reserve a spot at this Pacific Beach restaurant’s patio for people watching plus views of the beach. The menu focuses on California cuisine but also offers an extensive sushi menu.

Head to Belmont Park for this restaurant offering bird’s eye views of the beach from its second floor perch. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. meaning you can dive into the Pacific Rim cuisine from lunch until it closes.

This Cohn Family restaurant specializing seafood and Mexican cuisine is a restaurant, lounge and floating event center combined into one impressive harborside location. The outside eating areas showcase panoramic views of the harbor, Coronado and beyond in one sweeping glance.

This restaurant is housed in a historic-but-still-functioning lighthouse at the tip of Harbor Island Drive. The menu reflects the setting with a seafood-driven menu available from brunch to dinner.

Lines are out the door during lunch and dinner for seafood dishes at this casual waterfront eatery. There’s plenty of indoor dining but the most coveted seats are found outside for the best views of the harbor.

This iconic restaurant on Shelter Island is equally known for its bay views as well as its strong mai tai cocktails. The restaurant’s Polynesian inspiration extends to its menu which includes coconut shrimp, crispy ahi tuna and wok-fried bass.

It’ll be hard to miss the shiny geodesic dome of this dining spot alongside North Harbor Drive. Portside Pier houses Brigantine Seafood and Oyster Bar, Miguel’s Cocina, Ketch Grill and Taps, and Portside Coffee and Gelato— all sharing a public viewing deck.

There are many eateries in Coronado but this one is found right at the Coronado Ferry Center. This modern Italian restaurant overlooks the harbor and provides stunning views of Downtown San Diego from across the bay.

Imperial Beach’s casual cafe specializes in sandwiches and salads but you’ll also want to come for the views of the beach located across the street.

Part of the Cohn group of restaurants, this Imperial Beach spot is located on the first floor of the Pier South Resort. Every indoor seat offers a glimpse of the beach but for unencumbered views, request a seat on their sunny patio.

This casual eatery specializing in seafood is found at the end of the pier, meaning you’re getting fresh air and unparalleled views of the water and Imperial Beach. Keep an eye out for wildlife in both the air and the sea.