10 Best Waterfront Dining Spots In San Diego, California

waterfront dining in san diego
Rienz Althron
Rienz Althron 
Updated
| 4 min read

San Diego is the second largest city in California and is dubbed as the finest city in the US for several reasons, with its white-sand beaches and a lot of interesting activities and spots to be. It is also a haven for roller skaters, and this is the city where the famous American skateboarder, Tony Hawk grew up. But at the moment, we’re not here to talk about roller skating, the history of San Diego or the gazillion activities you can do here. We’ll focus on the best waterfront dining spots in San Diego, California. So if you are planning to bring your family or special someone here, you’ll have an idea where to take them that will leave them impressed the whole duration of your vacation. So, let’s not delay this any further and let’s scroll down to our list below!

1. C Level

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Loving the view

Posted by Island Prime / C Level on Wednesday, June 9, 2021

Owned by the Cohn family who are award-winning restaurateurs, C Level is situated right next to the pristine beach of Harbor Island. The ambiance in this five-star restaurant is elegant, yet rustic. It also has a great overlooking view of the beach, which can be romantic during certain times of the day, and is the perfect place to take your partner to. They serve sumptuous seafood dishes, and they cater to people in search for Happy Hour too!

C Level

Address: 880 Harbor Island Dr., San Diego, CA

Website: C Level

Opening hours: 11:30am - 10:00pm (daily)

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2. Mitch's Seafood

Unsure of what to try? Our Mixed Seafood platter can cure that dilemma! It’s a great day to be on the water ? #sandiegowinter

Posted by Mitch's Seafood on Monday, 29 January 2018

Mitch’s Seafood offers seafood caught on the same beach where the restaurant is standing on. It’s not just the breathtaking view that you’ll get to enjoy here, you can also be rest assured that the food they serve is always fresh. Interestingly, the restaurant is owned by a family of fishermen. What’s more, they promote sustainable food by supporting the local farms, vineyards, and breweries.

Mitch's Seafood

Address: 1403 Scott St, San Diego, California

Website: Mitch’s Seafood

Opening hours: 8:00am - 9:00pm (daily)

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3. Tom Ham’s Lighthouse

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Pouring up champagne this morning for our last brunch service for a few weeks as we close up the doors tomorrow due to...

Posted by Tom Ham's Lighthouse on Sunday, December 6, 2020

A waterfront restaurant can be a great venue for social and special events, such as weddings, birthdays, and even family reunions. Tom Ham’s Lighthouse caters to such occasions. They serve great-tasting paella, barbecue sandwich, and fresh iced shellfish platters. The restaurant isn’t only great for events, you can also dine in solo, or have a Happy Hour with your buds for no reason at all!

Tom Ham’s Lighthouse

Address: 2150 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA

Website: Tom Ham’s Lighthouse

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 9:00pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 10:00pm; Sun: 9:30am - 9:00pm

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4. Cannonball


If you love sushi, great music and the calming breeze of the seas, Cannonball is the place for you! If you’re just too tired from your work, this is the perfect spot to de-stress and drink some booze while waiting for the sun to show its beauty as it sets into the horizon. Bring your friends with you if you don’t want to be lonely and share the views offered by the beach!

Cannonball

Address: 3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA

Website: Cannonball

Opening hours: 11:00am - 9:00pm (daily)

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5. Oceana Coastal Kitchen

Posted by Laura Costello on Friday, 29 March 2019

Oceana Coastal Kitchen is on our list because of its overall ambiance. Everything is neatly organized and in sync with the panoramic views of the ocean. Inside the restaurant is a huge aquarium with glowing jellyfishes that makes it an attractive place to eat with your friends or your romantic interest. As with most bay-front eateries, Oceana Coastal Kitchen’s specialty is seafood, but they also serve beer and other Happy Hour beverages.

Oceana Coastal Kitchen

Address: 3999 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA

Website: Oceana Coastal Kitchen

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 6:30am - 10:00pm; Fri - Sat: 6:30am - 11:00pm

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6. Jimmy's Famous American Tavern

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Every seat and angle you’ll be positioned at in Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern has a great view of the marina. You’ll dine in next to the yachts and boats while being caressed by the gentle breeze of the blue ocean. Isn’t that an ideal set-up for the perfect date with the person you hold so dear? Worried she/he might not like the food? Well, they serve a wide variety of seafood dishes for a wide range of tastes, including vegan!

Jimmy's Famous American Tavern

Address: 4990 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA

Website: Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:00am - 9:00pm; Fri: 11:00am - 10:00pm; Sat: 10:00am - 10:00pm; Sun: 10:00am - 9:00pm

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7. The Fish Market San Diego


Crabs, tuna, lobster and most of the seafood wonders you’d love to fill your stomach with is available at this eatery. The Fish Market San Diego runs their own seafood processing and distribution center, so you’ll never go wrong when picking a spot for your family to dine in. About the site, it is next to the seas of San Diego, so you’ll enjoy watching boats as they come and go while enjoying the delicious meal served by their friendly staff.

The Fish Market San Diego

Address: 750 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA

Website: The Fish Market San Diego

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11:00am - 9:30pm; Fri - Sat: 11:00am - 10:00pm

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8. ODYSEA


Sipping a relaxing glass of an alcoholic beverage of your choice while looking at the comforting view of the beach with a matching seafood dish on your table. Imagine that. Now, make that a reality by visiting ODYSEA in the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. This restaurant is known for its wide range of cocktails and its outdoor terrace where you can gather with your friends and just chill all night long.

ODYSEA

Address: 1 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA

Website: ODYSEA

Opening hours: 2:00pm - 1:30pm (daily)

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9. Panorama Bar & Grill

Posted by Panorama Bar & Grill on Tuesday, 30 August 2016

Steak, cheese and, of course, seafood. These are what’s on the restaurant’s menu, plus more! What’s more? A great view of the marina is a given in Panorama Bar & Grill. Need more? They also have live music every Friday and Saturday night to complete your ‘Thank God it’s Friday (or Saturday) night’ out with your friends after a long week of great, but tiring work. Here’s a place to recharge your almost drained battery!

Panorama Bar & Grill

Address: 1960 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, California

Website: Panorama Bar & Grill

Opening hours: 6:00am - 11:00pm (daily)

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10. Waterbar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Look at the ocean from your table and say “Cheers!” That’s how much you’ll enjoy the ambiance that Waterbar offers its customers. They serve lunch and dinner, beer, wine and a lot of cocktails, and kids have their own menu too! Late night pigging outs are condoned here. If you or someone you know are planning a special event, they’ll be more than happy to cater for you.

Waterbar

Address: 4325 Ocean Blvd, San Diego, CA

Website: Waterbar

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:00am - 11:00pm; Sat - Sun: 9:00am - 11:00pm

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Let the ocean breeze take your breath away

Cover Wine White Wine
Source: Pixabay

That’s our list of the best waterfront dining spots in San Diego, California! If you’ve got accommodation ready, and an itinerary to follow, it wouldn’t hurt if you go out of your way to experience the most popular dining spots by the sea in San Diego. If you have often dreamed of places capable of taking your breath away, dining in a bayfront restaurant is a must try! Happy travels!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Rienz is a former office-based employee who entered the world of travel writing. His ultimate dream is to be able to travel the world and experience as much of it as he can. By pursuing his dreams,...Read more

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