With over 70 miles (112 kilometers) of beaches, there are more than a few restaurants with beautiful ocean views in San Diego, California. However, many of these involve white tablecloths and expensive wine lists.
For those who are looking for a more casual atmosphere and a budget-friendly menu that still has stunning views of San Diego’s top beaches, here are three local recommendations, ranging from a classy brunch spot to a perfect people-watching rooftop restaurant.
Caroline’s Seaside Café: A chic but laid-back brunch spot with a picture-perfect view
Caroline’s Seaside Café is a modern spot in beautiful La Jolla, tucked in between the UCSD Scripps Institute of Oceanography and the beach. Although this casual café features California-style brunch and lunch favorites made with organic, locally sourced ingredients, the view may distract you from what’s on your plate.
Students from the campus just behind the restaurant can be seen playing beach volleyball and surfing at all hours of the morning and afternoon, and crystal-blue waves break on the shore, which is framed with regal palm trees and a picturesque wooden pier. Off the beaten path of busy downtown La Jolla, Caroline’s is the perfect quiet, cozy place to enjoy this absolutely gorgeous view.
Contributing to the laid-back vibe is the ordering process, which involves one line and numbers that guests take to the table of their choice.
Tip: it’s totally worth it to wait till a table against the glass opens up, for the best view on the patio. Caroline’s also offers mimosas for a classic weekend brunch, as well as a selection of homemade baked goods that vary from day to day. This sleek, classy café is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed, scenic meal.
Wonderland Ocean Pub: a locals’ spot for great bar food and awe-inspiring sunset views
While Caroline’s is only open for brunch and lunch, Wonderland Ocean Pub is a restaurant and bar in Ocean Beach (OB) that stays open well into the evening. This means that sunsets are the main attraction of this venue’s view, and they are spectacular.
Wonderland even holds a contest on Instagram during the summer for the best sunset capture, #wonderlandsunsets, and the bartender rings a bell every night at the right time for all patrons to toast the setting sun. This bar and restaurant is a neighborhood favorite, boasting a diverse menu, an impressive craft cocktail and beer list, and a variety of weekly events including trivia nights and live music.
Tip: if you and a friend can’t decide what to order, ask for the nachos, and the pretzel balls with the molten beer cheese dip. Eat the pretzel balls first and then pour the rest of the beer cheese on your nachos for a taste of bar food heaven! With attentive wait staff and bench-style seating in front of the huge glass windows facing the ocean, Wonderland is the perfect casual spot to grab a bite and toast the sunset in a fun neighborhood atmosphere without breaking the bank.
Cannonball: fresh sushi with great people-watching from an open-air rooftop patio
Sandwiched between La Jolla and OB is the Mission / Pacific Beach area, which is home to Cannonball: a casual spot for great food and an even greater view. The ocean view at this venue is unique because of the walking and biking path called the Strand that runs for over three miles (4.8 kilometers) along the beach right in front of the building, which can be seen from almost any seat in the house because of the rooftop bar setup.
Cannonball’s food is delicious as well; although sushi is their speciality, there’s something for everyone on the menu. The perfect Cannonball experience would be to sip a beer or cocktail on their rooftop patio on a Saturday afternoon while watching bikers, joggers and skateboarders go by, set against the backdrop of the beautiful beach where surfers are making the most of the day’s waves and spontaneous volleyball games are popping up left and right.
Tip: ask your hostess to be seated on the pillow-covered benches against the glass. It’s the most comfortable spot and has a great view of all the beach activity below.
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Your choice of oceanfront food and libations for any mood
The city of San Diego has something for everyone: this even includes your pick of beachfront restaurants to suit you, whatever your mood. From a chic casual brunch, to a local spot with magnificent sunsets, to a perfect people-watching patio that turns into a nightlife hotspot, all located in some of the most famous beach areas of the city, these three San Diego restaurants are top choices for a scenic meal without the fine-dining price tag.
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