Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
San Diego is an up-and-coming culinary destination, thanks to its stunning Pacific Ocean setting, proximity to Mexico, diverse population, and the area’s extraordinary farming community. Increasingly the city’s veteran top chefs are being joined by a new generation of talented chefs and restaurateurs who are adding stylish resta
San Diego is an up-and-coming culinary destination, thanks to its stunning Pacific Ocean setting, proximity to Mexico, diverse population, and the area’s extraordinary farming community. Increasingly the city’s veteran top chefs are being joined by a new generation of t
San Diego is an up-and-coming culinary destination, thanks to its stunning Pacific Ocean setting, proximity to Mexico, d
San Diego is an up-and-coming culinary destination, thanks to its stunning Pacific Ocean setting, proximity to Mexico, diverse population, and the area’s extraordinary farming community. Increasingly the city’s veteran top chefs are being joined by a new generation of talented chefs and restaurateurs who are adding stylish restaurants with innovative food and drink programs to the dining scene at a record pace. Yes, visitors still are drawn to the San Diego Zoo and miles of beaches, but now they come for memorable dining experiences as well.
The city’s culinary scene got a significant boost when San Diego emerged as one of the world’s top craft beer destinations, with artisan breweries and gastropubs now in almost every neighborhood. San Diego also was on the cutting edge of the farm-to-table, Slow Food movement. Local sourcing is possible for everything from seafood to just-picked produce from a host of nationally recognized producers like Chino Farms and Carlsbad Aquafarm. The city’s ethnically diverse neighborhoods with their modest eateries offering affordable authentic international cuisines add spice to the dining mix.
San Diego’s distinct neighborhoods have their own dining personalities with friendly restaurants and bistros catering to every craving in this sun-blessed city. The trendy Gaslamp Quarter delights visitors looking for a broad range of innovative and international dining and nightlife, while bustling Little Italy offers a mix of affordable Italian fare and posh new eateries. Modern restaurants and cafés thrive in East Village, amid the luxury condos near PETCO Park.
The Uptown neighborhoods centered on Hillcrest—an urbane district with San Francisco flavor—are a mix of bars and independent restaurants, many of which specialize in ethnic cuisine. North Park, in particular, has a happening restaurant and craft beer scene, with just about every kind of cuisine you can think of, and laid-back prices to boot. And scenic La Jolla offers some of the best fine dining in the city with dramatic water views as an added bonus.
An unexpected oasis of elegance among an often too casual Mission Beach, Moe's delivers an unpretentious but classic steak-house experience. Splurge-worthy treats such as Japanese A5 Wagyu or the Bone-In Ribeye are tempered by lighter and more wallet-friendly dishes marked as "Entree Alternatives." Classic cocktail fans will appreciate the extensive martini menu and other tried and true favorites. The impressive bar with its rich wood details and high-backed leather seating is an experience in itself. Be sure to save room for the decadent desserts.
3768 Mission Blvd., San Diego, California, 92109, USA
One fan called it “a notch above amazing”—an accolade not expected for a Japanese eatery wedged in a strip mall in Pacific Beach. But it’s a destination for lovers of high-quality, superfresh raw fish from around San Diego and abroad; reservations strongly encouraged. The front parking lot is very small, but there's additional parking behind the mall.
4529 Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, California, 92109, USA
Occupying a prime oceanfront lot just south of Crystal Pier, the views from the raised dining room are impressive. Throw in an excellent raw bar, a wide selection of shared plates, and a buzzy bar scene and you get Waterbar's "social seafood" concept.
4325 Ocean Blvd., San Diego, California, 92109, USA
The Asian poke bowls and fluffy steamed bao "tacos" offer a unique alternative to the typical beach boardwalk fare. With limited seating, this street food shop is best for a quick bite or take-out.
3735 Mission Blvd., San Diego, California, 92109, USA
While the panoramic ocean view is the star attraction at this rooftop restaurant next to Belmont Park, the tasty sushi and share plates are a pleasant surprise for such a touristy locale. Lunch and dinner service bookend a popular afternoon happy hour.
3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, California, 92109, USA
Patrons can have expansive seaside views and choose from over 68 craft beer selections, too, at this spacious Belmont Park bar and restaurant. The relaxed, boardwalk atmosphere—and giant wall-size television screen—makes it a perfect spot for lounging after riding some waves at Mission Beach, or to cool down after soaking in some sun.
3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, California, 92109, USA
This chic ocean-facing restaurant (pronounced Jordan), in the boutique TOWER23 Hotel, offers a diverse menu including a sushi and raw bar, and inspired California cuisine. Lunch and weekend brunch are very popular, and on Friday and Saturday the bar is jammed with under-thirty types eager to see and be seen.
723 Felspar St., San Diego, California, 92109, USA
Surfers, bicyclists, and sun worshippers visiting or living in Pacific Beach line up at the counter of this casual seaside café for hearty breakfasts and lunches. Some chow down inside surrounded by surfing decor, while others watch waves crash from the outdoor patio. Walk off your meal along the bustling boardwalk, which also offers prime people-watching.
704 Garnet Ave., San Diego, California, 92109, USA
On an iconic corner in the heart of Pacific Beach, this former Denny's site has been transformed into a multiconcept quick-serve food collective. Breakfast burritos, custom salad bowls, and churro waffles are just some of the tasty selections available at this highly anticipated spot with more in the pipeline. Walk-up windows and plentiful patio seating make this an easy stop any time of day.
4505 Mission Blvd., San Diego, California, 92109, USA
Also known as the Fish Shop, this is a favorite among locals. Peruse the customizable menu that lets diners select a type of fish, marinade, and preparation style (grilled or fried, and taco, sandwich, salad, or plate) that suits their tastes. You can dine-in on the heated patio, order your food to go, or buy the daily catch to cook at home.
1775 Garnet Ave., San Diego, California, 92109, USA
Credited with popularizing fish tacos in the United States, Ralph Rubio brought the Mexican staple to San Diego, opening his first restaurant in Pacific Beach where it still stands today. The original beer-battered fish tacos have fried pollock topped with white sauce, salsa, and cabbage atop a corn tortilla.
4504 E. Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, California, 92109, USA
This build-your-own ice-cream-sandwich shop a block from Pacific Beach is a local favorite thanks to its homemade cookies and diverse array of ice-cream flavors, from birthday cake to peanut butter fudge. Don't miss out on their hot pressed ice-cream sandwiches!
4516 Mission Blvd., San Diego, California, 92109, USA
Nestled in a quieter, less-touristy section of Pacific Beach, The Fishery is a local favorite for high-end, sustainable seafood. With a fish market incorporated into the restaurant's design, the freshness of their ingredients is proudly on display, and the extensive, albeit pricey, menu offers tartare, sushi rolls, and other raw bar favorites alongside excellently cooked preparations of spot prawns, crusted halibut, and a delicious bouillabaisse. The grand seafood tower is sure to make an impression. An engaging wine list and cocktail selection round out the exceptional offerings.
Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:
There are no results for {{ strDestName}} Restaurants in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:
Try increasing the mile radius or searching near one of these popular suggestions:
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Raglan Public House
Ambrogio by Acquerello
Morning Glory
Enter a sight, restaurant, hotel, or other place to find restaurants nearby.
Neighborhoods Some neighborhood filters have sub-neighborhoods that can be selected individually in a dropdown by clicking on the icon to the right of the name.
I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails.
Thank you for your interest!
Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers.
Sign up for Travel Tips & News
By signing up for the newsletter, I agree to the Privacy Policy. You must check the box to subscribe
Thank you for your interest!
Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers.
