The Top 12 Seafood Restaurants in San Diego CA

San Diego CA is known for its outstanding seafood restaurants – and we’ve identified seven of the best! Whether you’re looking to indulge in savory lobster rolls or satisfy your craving with an array of fresh fish dishes, these eateries are sure to deliver a top-tier dining experience.

Top 12 Places to Eat Seafood in San Diego CA

The Fish Market – San Diego

Address: 750 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.4 (6084)
Phone: +1 619-232-3474
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Reviews:

Visiting San Diego from the UK and recommended to come here, so made a reservation.

Very traditionally-styled restaurant in a great location. Bar seating is very limited if you’re waiting for your table, otherwise you’re seated on a couch nearby. Our table was outside the main restaurant but still in an enclosed area overlooking the sea.

Personally I think there is a fine line between ‘traditional’ and ‘old fashioned’. For example, I anticipated that the fish mains would be served on their own with the side dishes in separate bowls to share, rather than everything being served on one plate. For me, the portion size is then a little ‘over facing’, taking something away from the food itself. Just personal taste, I guess.

Nevertheless, the food was good and tasty, and the service was really friendly and attentive. A very nice but not great experience.

✭✭✭ By David Simkins (9 months ago)

I’m a bit surprised I didn’t know about this place. The food is really good, and they have an extensive menu with lots of fresh fish. The meals include your choice of 2 side dishes (the cauliflower was awesome—I highly recommend it.) Our waiter was a bit stiff, but he did a fine job taking care of us. Thanks!

✭✭✭✭✭ By The Japan Dude (3 weeks ago)

My Wife and I we’re celebrating our anniversary in SD and this restaurant was AMAZING! Food was delicious everything we had was delicious. Service was on point we never really had to wait for our server she was always around when we needed something. We sat at a table right next to the ocean and was totally worth it great views and super relaxing to say the least!
If I could give any criticism the Parking fills up fast but seems to be a common theme in San Diego!
100% recommend! We’ve considered taking a day trip just to go back! Haha. Will definitely be back when we go again!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Jeremy Packer (a month ago)

The food was phenomenal. Very short wait times. Great view, great food and even better service. I had the Seafood Ciopino and a snicker doddle ice cream brownie. The seafood dish was delicious to say the least. It had all the classic seafood items, as well as 2 pieces of toasted bread. The dessert wasn’t too sweet or too big of a portion it was enough for 2 but i had my own. Definitely coming back next time I’m in town.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Cush Arrue (8 months ago)

I went here after my mom’s glowing recommendation. She’s a San Diego native and a seafood fanatic who has VERY high expectations in terms of seafood quality.

The view is incredible – outdoor patio looks out over the sea. Especially cool during sunset. If you want a seat on the patio, you’ll likely need to make a reservation. We didn’t have a reservation, but they were still able to seat us in about 15 minutes. While we waited, we got a couple of fantastic cocktails at the bar.

The food was awesome – especially the cheese bread and Caesar salad. I also got a fish/pasta dish, but it wasn’t great. I hesitate to mention that though, because what I ordered wasn’t actually on the menu. I wanted some sort of Alfredo pasta with salmon instead of shrimp (I’m allergic to shrimp). The waitress was kind and said that the kitchen would be able to whip me up something like that. I didn’t care for what they came up with, but I don’t blame the restaurant for that – I should’ve just ordered something that was already crafted on the menu.

Staff are very polite and they come back to check on you often.

I’ll go again next time I’m in SD.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Taylor B (3 months ago)

Rockin’ Baja Lobster – Old Town

Address: 3890 Twiggs St, San Diego, CA 92110, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.4 (4265)
Phone: +1 619-260-0305
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Reviews:

I’ve come to this place a few times now and I feel like it’s got a ton of potential.. but has yet to really “wow” me.. The service good, the live music was great, however, the food is just not quite worth the asking price in my most sincere opinion.

We ordered some tacos, salad and lobster corn chowder soup, 7 seas soup and a lobster seafood skillet melt. All tasted OK but was priced around $16-$24. The chips, salsa and guacamole was on point and worth getting. The drinks are also good.. Overall, it’s an entertaining place to go hangout for some drinks and starters but it may not satisfy your appetite if you’re looking for some quality dining.

I’ll probably still stop in for some light items and drinks though! 😁👍

✭✭✭✭ By Tre Vucharatavintara (6 months ago)

We just happened upon this place, and it was happy hour. We both enjoyed our mango and raspberry margaritas.
Tried the mussels, soft shell crab taco and then did the chicken and steak street tacos.
Everything was so good. We would come back for all of it again!
The waitress was incredibly nice.
Also had the dog with so they do have dog friendly seating areas and we weren’t out in the elements away from everything either 🙂

✭✭✭✭✭ By Vanessa Troupe (4 months ago)

Excellent Food and Atmosphere! My wife and I went out for some seafood and tried this new spot for us! We got the Original Big Baja Bucket for 2 and it was more than enough, with bottomless beans, rice, and tortillas on the side! Shout out for the complementary chips and salsa and we walked out with a free post card with our picture on it! We will definitely be back!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Javier Cota (a month ago)

Amazing experience with live music! The decor in here is outstanding, the service is top notch, and the food is absolutely delicious. I got the lobster roll and it was very buttery and filling – the lobster was fresh and tasted great. The guacamole tasted freshly made and the drinks were a fantastic deal!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Sam Button (2 months ago)

Baja bucket, too much food for us. Said in a good way. Four lobster tails a dozen shrimp, chicken and steak. We added in the street corn on the cob. Super fast and really good. Only bad thing which was our doing, we sat in the bar area right next to the speaker during the ball game. Out for seating looked real nice!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Bruce Hendrix (2 months ago)

Mitch’s Seafood

Address: 1403 Scott St, San Diego, CA 92106, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.6 (3968)
Phone: +1 619-222-8787
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Reviews:

Excuse me, I’m looking for the best octopus tacos in San Diego. Well, Mitch’s Seafood is as good as it gets. They have a lot of delicious seafood options, but their octopus is the star – tasty and flavorful. The shrimp tacos were also great, cooked to perfection. Add the spectacular views and what more could you ask for? I guess you could ask for easier parking. There are paid parking spots, but it can fill up. There’s street parking, but be prepared to walk several blocks. The octopus is worth it though.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Hiep Le (5 months ago)

The food here was insanely good. Everyone in our party was impressed between the tacos, crab cakes, and shrimp salad – everything was amazing. We sat out back on the water and it was the most amazing experience. Beer selection was also pretty large. We were a little confused finding the place because the sign in front is not super well marked.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Darcie Jenkins (a month ago)

What a great find! This is a classic seafood shack – great sustainably source seafood at great prices. Absolutely the best of all worlds! Situated along a dock in San Diego not far from The Monsaraz hotel, Mitch’s rocks the menu. I had the shrimp tacos, street corn, and fries. Delicious! For all of the highly priced eateries in San Diego, this is a place where you can bring the entire family, enjoy the dockside life, and chow on some really great food. Keep up the great work because this is how seafood is done right!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Paul Hardersen (7 months ago)

Travel is all about trying the great local food. Dining recommendation time! We dined at Mitch’s Seafood last month as part finalizing our new San Diego group travel experience. A big part of group travel is choosing great local dining establishments that represents the quality and vibe of the area. Well … Mitch’s Seafood fills that role perfectly! Featuring sustainably-source seafood, Mitch’s offers a wide variety of seafood — from different tacos and fish entrees. They also excel at their side menu items, such as Mexican style corn and Cole slaw. If you enjoy seafood, you will enjoy the variety at Mitch’s.

In addition, the place has a real seafood shack vibe going on (it is along a Point Loma pier area), the staff are friendly and helpful, and it’s a great place to eat, chat, and hang out.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Seadog Travels (6 months ago)

Great spot in a marina with outdoor seating and beautiful views. It’s likely you’ll wait in line, but it moves fast. The fish tacos are a must, though I also enjoyed the ceviche. If you sit outside, watch out for the seagulls — they’ve gotten pretty fearless and will swoop down and steal your food if you’re not careful. Bring cash — it’s paid, cash-only parking.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Melissa Valliant (10 months ago)

Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill

Address: 3667 India St, San Diego, CA 92103, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.7 (3658)
Phone: +1 619-497-0914
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Thursday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Friday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Reviews:

Whoa!! I was told to come visit here for great seafood and nothing disappointed. The line was about 40 minutes long but it was worth it. Take a good look at the menu to find out what you’d like since it’s ordered in a specific way. From the chowder to the swordfish to the crab to the tuna, it was all incredible! We spent quite a bit but I’m glad to report that it was all well worth the money. Definitely stop in for some food here!

✭✭✭✭✭ By David A. (6 months ago)

Small and awesome business! Swordfish, Grouper, and Halibut plates. 2 appetizers and 3 drinks. $110. Not bad in today’s economy. Service is first come, seated as you order and it works out great in this small place. Staff is friendly and efficient. Quality is top!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Ray Wallace (stewwmann) (5 months ago)

The main reasons for the customer satisfaction of this place are friendly staff and fresh seafood. We stayed in line for about 20 minutes before ordering our sandwiches, but it was worth it. I think they have to add another cashier to speed things up. The Halibut sandwich was fresh and delicious, even for the ones who don’t like seafood. The criss cut fries were good, too.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Nazanin Rezaei (6 months ago)

Good, fresh seafood. The wait was longest to order than actually getting the food. We had the calamari, ahi tuna plate and swordfish sandwich. I also ordered a cup of clam chowder (not pictured) which was good. Overall good, the service so so. Both our fish entrees were cooked to perfection and melted in your mouth.

✭✭✭✭ By Dania Guerrero (7 months ago)

Usually, we just pick up fresh fish to grill at home when we swing by blue water. This is the first time we haven’t had to wait forever in line. So happy they got to keep their cute street dining area which was well built and shaded to provide the much needed extra tables to keep the lines short. Decided to dine in for some fish tacos and forgot how much I enjoyed them. Their track taco which won Tacotopia in 2016 is definitely worth it. I’ll have to see next time if we can sun the shrimp in it for the other fish because it was so much better than the regular tacos that’s it’s almost unfair.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Breana McGowan (5 months ago)

Ironside Fish & Oyster

Address: 1654 India St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.5 (3574)
Phone: +1 619-269-3033
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM

Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Reviews:

Cool atmosphere 💫 friendly service 🥰

Our server Rachel welcomed us with a smile and positive attitude and we instantly felt special. She was attentive till the end!✅

However I did have better tasting seafood.

My lobster sandwich was a bit too creamy for my taste. And my wife’s salads was over dressed. The clam chowder was an amazing start though! 🥰

Overall good place for lunch during our road trip.

✭✭✭✭ By JDark Fitness (5 months ago)

One of the restaurants owned by the same people that own Morning Glory and Fortunate Son, so the aesthetic of the restaurant is just fabulous! The food matches the vibe completely and is always delicious. I personally love sitting at the dessert counter. The bakers and pastry chefs are so friendly and are more than likely going to let you sample something delicious.
The drinks here are so much fun and come in insanely cute cups (not to take home sorry)
The chowder fries are to die for but the biscuits the normal chowder comes with…. amazing!
The fish they have in house is brought in daily so the menu is always changing to accommodate the freshness. Such a great place to eat if you’re in the area!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Maylani McGhee (8 months ago)

I read about the good reviews and have high expectations. The fresh shucked oysters, peel off shrimp and Caesar Bloody Mary is just unbelievable. I enjoyed my time pairing them all together by having an oyster, taking a sip of the drink, and move on to my next oyster.

The chowder fries are in huge portion, definitely only order if you have a large party. I think it’s a great twist on loaded fries, but it just are too filling and gets too greasy once it becomes cold. It’s a dish that I will not order if I have other things I want to try out.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Alex Ho (3 months ago)

First time visit and was not disappointed. Sampled a variety of oysters, crispy sweet potatoes and the house salad. All were fantastic. The crispy sweet potatoes were a nice surprise! We were looking for some good oysters specifically and Ironside hit the spot! Highly recommend!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Steven B (a month ago)

Incredibly tasting seafood with local catches. Ship/pirate/argh themed with just flat out amazing food. A place with food worth the money. Joel was our server and was wonderful which added to the experience. Great location, ambience, and an awesome looking bar. The bathrooms even add a unique experience.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Zach Freeman (4 months ago)

Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar

Address: 1360 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.4 (2316)

Joe’s Crab Shack

Address: 525 E Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.1 (2261)

Water Grill San Diego

Address: 615 J St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.4 (1918)

Crab Hut

Address: 1007 Fifth Ave #101, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.4 (1590)

King’s Fish House

Address: 825 Camino De La Reina, San Diego, CA 92108, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.3 (1504)

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

Address: 789 W Harbor Dr Suite 158, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.7 (1397)

Gaslamp Fish House

Address: 411 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.2 (1397)

Thank you for reading! We hope this list helps you find the best seafood restaurants in San Diego CA. If you have any additional information, please leave a comment below!