Food & Drink

Shore Thing: 9 Must-Try Beach Restaurants in San Diego

San Diego is known for its beautiful beaches and warm weather year-round, making it the perfect destination for beach-goers and foodies alike.

Whether you're looking for a casual spot to grab a quick bite or a fine-dining experience with ocean views, San Diego's beach restaurants have something for everyone.

From fresh seafood to international cuisine, San Diego's beach restaurants offer a diverse range of dining options.

Whether you're in the mood for tacos and margaritas or sushi and sake, there's a beach restaurant in San Diego that will satisfy your cravings.

In addition to the delicious food, many of San Diego's beach restaurants offer stunning views of the ocean and the beach.

Imagine enjoying a sunset dinner with the sound of the waves crashing in the background or a relaxing lunch with a view of the surfers catching waves.

Whether you're a local looking for a new spot to try or a tourist visiting San Diego for the first time, you won't want to miss out on the best beach restaurants in the city.

So grab your sunscreen and your appetite and get ready to discover the best beach restaurants in San Diego.

1. Portside Pier

Portside Pier
1360 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 (Google Maps)

Portside Pier is a new addition to the San Diego beach scene. With stunning views of the ocean and the bay, it's the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a casual hangout with friends.

The menu offers a variety of tasty treats, including Wagu burgers, salmon, and swordfish tacos.

The drinks are also a must-try, with a nice selection of wines by the glass and creative cocktails.

The atmosphere is upscale and inviting, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. With different restaurants to choose from, there's something for everyone at Portside Pier.

2. JRDN Restaurant

Jrdn Restaurant
723 Felspar St, San Diego, CA 92109 (Google Maps)

JRDN Restaurant offers high-end dining with a gorgeous view of the beach. The menu offers interesting and tasty options, such as ahi tuna nachos and lobster sushi rolls.

The staff is knowledgeable and attentive, making for a pleasant dining experience.

The outdoor patio offers a beautiful setting to enjoy drinks and meals while watching the sunset. Prices are reasonable for the location and quality of food.

JRDN Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience by the beach.

3. OB Surf Lodge

Ob Surf Lodge
5083 Santa Monica Ave #1f, San Diego, CA 92107 (Google Maps)

OB Surf Lodge is a must-try beach restaurant for those who love good food and a great view.

This laid-back spot offers creative American bites and refreshing cocktails in a modern space just steps away from the beach. The customer service is excellent, making you feel welcome from the moment you walk in.

Whether you're in the mood for brunch or lunch, this restaurant has got you covered with their delicious menu options. Don't miss out on the quinoa salmon salad or the Porto Bello Mushroom Burger.

The outdoor seating area is dog-friendly, so bring your furry friend along for a relaxing meal with a view. OB Surf Lodge is perfect for a casual hangout with friends or a romantic evening with your loved one.

4. Brockton Villa

Brockton Villa
1235 Coast Blvd, San Diego, CA 92037 (Google Maps)

Brockton Villa is a must-visit beach restaurant with incredible ocean views. The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the ambiance is perfect for any meal.

Although some dishes were slightly overcooked, the food overall tasted great and was reasonably priced.

The menu offers a variety of options, including the delicious coast toast and Baja shrimp salad.

The restaurant's unique beach cottage setting and patio overlooking the ocean make it a perfect spot for brunch or dinner. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Brockton Villa is definitely worth checking out.

5. Wonderland Ocean Pub

Wonderland Ocean Pub
5083 Santa Monica Ave Suite 2B, San Diego, CA 92107 (Google Maps)

Wonderland Ocean Pub is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with a view. The restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes and tasty tap beers.

The staff is friendly and the service is excellent. While the background music can be a bit loud, the atmosphere is lively and fun.

The outdoor seating area is a great place to relax and take in the beautiful scenery.

If you're looking for a beachy hangout with sports on TV and ocean views, Wonderland Ocean Pub is the place to be.

6. Pacific Beach Alehouse

Pacific Beach Alehouse
721 Grand Ave, San Diego, CA 92109 (Google Maps)

Pacific Beach Alehouse is a 2-story beachfront pub that offers house-brewed beers and pub grub.

This laid-back spot overlooks the beach and is a popular spot for locals. The rooftop terrace offers great ocean views and a relaxing atmosphere.

The food is good, with a decent selection of local beer specialties. The service is friendly and attentive.

It's a great place to watch sports with loads of TVs inside and out. Prices are a bit on the high side, but the quality of the food and the view make it worth the visit.

7. Miss B's Coconut Club

Miss B's Coconut Club
3704 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109 (Google Maps)

Miss B's Coconut Club is a laid-back beach restaurant that serves Caribbean-inspired dishes and tropical cocktails. The atmosphere is fun and hip, with open-air seating and good music.

The menu offers a variety of unique items to choose from, such as the Jumbo Jerk Shrimp and the Coconut Club Burger with blue cheese.

The drinks are creative and fun, especially the rum cocktails. The service is prompt and friendly, making for an enjoyable dining experience.

Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal with friends, Miss B's Coconut Club is a great spot to check out.

8. Waterbar

Waterbar
4325 Ocean Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109 (Google Maps)

Waterbar is a beachfront restaurant that offers a wide range of food and drinks. From burgers to seafood, they have it all.

The menu is a bit limited for vegetarians, but the food is fresh and tasty. The staff is attentive and the bar area has a great view of the ocean.

Prices are a bit high, but not unreasonable for a beachfront restaurant. The clam chowder in the bread bowl is a must-try.

The atmosphere is upbeat and the decor fits in nicely with the beach setting. Waterbar is a solid choice for those looking for a fancy dining experience with a great view.

9. Edgewater Grill

Edgewater Grill
861 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 (Google Maps)

The Edgewater Grill is a seafood-centric American restaurant located on the waterfront. With indoor and outdoor seating, guests can enjoy a casual and welcoming atmosphere while savoring delicious seafood dishes.

The restaurant offers a variety of well-prepared food and drinks, with notable options such as crabcakes, ahi tuna risotto, and fish and chips.

The ambience is perfect for people watching and taking in the stunning bay views. Service is attentive and friendly, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.

For those looking to enjoy good food and a great view, the Edgewater Grill is definitely worth checking out.