South African lobster tail at the La Jolla location of Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood & Crab
These San Diego restaurants are favorites for fresh, locally sourced seafood dishes.
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Website/ 1360 N Harbor Dr 92101
Serving upscale San Diegostyle surf and turf since the Morton family opened its first restaurant on Shelter Island in 1969, the Brigantine brand is known for high-quality seafood and service. Visit locations in Coronado, Del Mar, Escondido and the new Embarcadero branch launched in 2020 for hit dishes like fish tacos and marinated grilled swordfish. Multiple locations,
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Website/ 5040 Cass St 92109
Judd and Mary Anne Brown teamed up with loyal locals to open The Fishery just three blocks from the Pacific Ocean in 1997. Th s belovedrestaurant contains a seafood market at the center and an open kitchen off to the side—where chef Mike Reidy prepares seasonal lunch, dinner and weekend brunch dishes. Drop by for seafood towers, grilled oysters or locally caught whole fish.
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Website/ 1250 Prospect St 92037
Located in the heart of La Jolla overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this waterfront dining destination offers a choice of environments in which to dine and myriad menus showcasing fresh, delicious dishes. Eat outdoors at the Ocean Terrace rooft op to enjoy a bar; panoramic views of La Jolla Cove; and popular grilled fish tacos, salads, sandwiches, pastas and seafood. Level2 is an open-air space with a casual lunch and dinner menu, and the lower level is perfect for events.
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Website/ 131 W D St 92024
Chef Brian Malarkey’s coastal counterpart to Herb & Wood in Little Italy, Herb & Sea brings East Coast culinary traditions to Encinitas. Dishes—such as raw oysters on the half shell, crudo, smoked fish and ceviche—evoke the nostalgia of a seaside escape. Don’t miss new summer favorites like a rotating by-catch menu item—with profits benefiting WildCoast’s conservation eff orts—shrimp linguini; woodgrilled tuna; and sous-chef Marissa Williams’ award-winning Uni-der The Sea, an uni dish featuring whiskey barrel-aged shoyu, tamarind paste shoyu, sesame oil, sea moss, shisho, galangal root and masago.
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Website/ 1654 India St 92101
This Little Italy gem, housed in a historic auction house on India Street, is a modern reinterpretation of a classic fish house and oyster bar. Ironside’s extensive raw bar combination platters come in four size options, and the ever-evolving menu also features favorites like oysters Rockefeller, lobster rolls, ceviche and whole fish a la carte—plus creative cocktail options.
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Website/ 435 Fifth Ave 92101
This two-story seafood spot located at the Pendry San Diego hotel epitomizes modern coastal cuisine through fresh fish and fun twists by San Diego-bred chef JoJo Ruiz. The menu is stacked with specialty rolls, fresh catches, daily oyster selections and creative dishes—such as tuna pizza or the new specialty king salmon sashimi made with chile garlic, bubu arare, white truffle honey ponzu and market truffle.
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Website/ 2000 Spindrift Dr 92037
Executive chef Mike Minor’s newly revamped menu at this 80-yearold La Jolla fine dining favorite reflects his love for Latin flavors and local ingredients through dishes like Baja California swordfish and coconut miso king salmon. Special High Tide Dinner events July 11 to 13, Aug. 9 to 11 and Sept. 8 and 9 will feature a four-course prix fixe menu—alongside scenic ocean views.
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Website/ 2805 Emerson St 92106
Come for the scenic views of San Diego Bay and Downtown, and stay for the selection of fresh seafood, sushi, wine and beer. Established in 1963 when Kelly and Marie Christianson began selling fish from a single display case, Point Loma Seafoods serves—as well as sells—fresh fish brought in daily, relying on in-house sauces and simple, generational family recipes.
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Website/ 1 Market Pl 92101
A San Diego Bay staple, this waterfront dining experience at Manchester Grand Hyatt serves guests on the recently expanded deck with fire pits, or inside the elegant dining room and bar. Summer standouts on the coastal-inspired menu include the seafood tower and Sally’s famous oysters and steamed coconut mussels with truffle fries. Four-legged friends are not only welcome on the patio, but catered to with a specialty pup-friendly menu.
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Website/ 1500 Orange Ave 92118
Just steps from the beach at the famous Hotel del Coronado, this comfortable but sophisticated eatery honors its coastal setting with sustainable seafood by chef JoJo Ruiz. Enjoy freshly caught whole fish filleted tableside, seafood towers and other elegant Mediterranean-influenced dishes made with the bounty of the sea.
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Website/ 615 J St 92101
This hip national seafood eatery has SoCal locations in Downtown L.A., Santa Monica, Orange County and San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. For summer, try new dishes like wild Copper River salmon and soft-shell crab from Chesapeake Bay along with fish-focused appetizers, sushi and iced shellfish platters.
See also: 14 Best Margaritas In San Diego
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Website/ 1540 Camino Del Mar 92014
Fully embrace the magic of the Golden State at Adelaide. At the L’Auberge Del Mar restaurant, you can delight in oceanside views over a seafood meal that’ll surprise you with its elevated approach to coastal California fare. Be sure to check out the salmon, scallops, oysters and Spanish octopus.
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Website/ 3999 Mission Blvd 92109
Come to the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa and experience the beachfront dining with breathtaking views of Mission Bay. Here, guests can dine inside or outside on the patio and indulge in fresh seafood, such as caramelized scallops, seafood cioppino, crispy shrimp rolls and more.
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Website/ 789 West Harbor Drive Suite 158 92101
Right by Seaport Village, Eddie V promises seafood-forward fine dining whether you’re having a night out or getting ready to head over to Petco Park for a Padres game. Whatever the occasion, you’ll be satisfied by the array of raw bar offerings; cuisine classics like crab cakes and branzino and curated wine selection.
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Website/ 555 W. Beech Street 92101
Do you love seafood and Mexican food? Come to Fisher’s and see how the chefs blend those flavors together to craft delicious plates. Known for its seafood tacos, rice dishes, tostadas and much more, Fisher’s has something for everyone.
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Website/ 3772 30th Street 92104
Mabel’s Gone Fishing allows diners to enjoy Iberian coastal cuisine and relax in the alfresco dining area. Come and try its freshly made seafood and pair it with one of the many refreshing cocktails on the menu. Here, you won’t want to miss out on a round of oysters and gin and tonics.
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Website / 4575 La Jolla Village Drive Suite 1160 92122
Pacific Catch serves up sustainably sourced, delicious seafood. On your next visit, enjoy popular items like fish and chips, surf and turf platters and sushi bar selections.
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Website/ 2150 Harbor Island Dr 92101
Established in 1971, Tom Ham’s Lighthouse has been fueling San Diego residents with fresh seafood for over 50 years. Enjoy views while on Harbor Island while feasting on a shellfish platter, market-fresh fish, bouillabaisse and more.
Photography by: COURTESY OF TRULUCK’S OCEAN’S FINEST SEAFOOD & CRAB
