San Diego is an amazing city with a lot to offer the adventurer in all of us, but what could possibly be better than fresh seafood? Seafood restaurants can be tricky to choose from, so we’ve put together this list of the top six San Diego seafood restaurants to assist you in your decision. Whether you’re looking for a juicy salmon fillet, butter-baked crab legs, or grilled shrimp, you’re sure to find it at one of these great restaurants.
1. Truluck’s Seafood, Steak, and Crab House
Continuously voted as one of the top seafood restaurants in the area, Truluck’s has gained quite the reputation for incredible dishes and service. Located on University Center Lane, the restaurant features upscale seafood, steak, and half-price happy hours.
Truluck’s boasts seafood direct from its own fisheries, which truly sets is apart from the competition. The food is always fresh, so you’ll never get that frozen-seafood taste you’ll find elsewhere or from the grocery store. The steak is cooked to perfection, the wine and drink list is impressive, and the service is top-notch.
Not mention, for being fresh, directly sourced seafood, the prices aren’t bad either. Entrees will range anywhere from $30-60, and with half-price happy hours, you can get your favorite drinks for a fraction of their full price.
2. The Fish Market
A seafood market and restaurant all in one, The Fish Market is yet another choice in our list of the best seafood restaurants. Located on N. Harbor Drive right on the coast, this authentic seafood experience is a must-see for first time San Diego visitors.
Since 1989, the restaurant has delighted its patrons with the freshest foods and a wonderful view of the ocean and downtown San Diego. This truly unique upscale seafood establishment has been around for thirty years, making it one of the oldest in the city.
The menu includes all your favorite seafood dishes, from crab legs to trout, an oyster bar, sushi, and calamari. The menu also includes soups and salads, as well as sandwiches and pastas. Delight the seafood lover in your life with a trip to The Fish Market in downtown San Diego and learn why it remains one of the most highly rated seafood establishments in the city.
3. Serea Costal Cuisine
Located in the famous Hotel de Coronado, this crafty San Diego seafood restaurant has a knack for creating classic seafood dishes that will leave your mouth watering. Prepared by Chef Jojo Ruiz, the menu is handcrafted from sustainable, locally sourced ingredients to give it a special flavor that can hardly be matched.
The restaurant focuses on sourcing only the highest-quality ingredients, straight from the fields of California and the bounty of the Pacific Ocean. The menu features favorites such as whole-catch fish expertly prepared with the best spices to raw options like sushi. Whatever you may prefer in terms of seafood you are sure to find at Serea.
4. El Pescador Fish Market
With over 40 years in the business, El Pescador Fish Market is another well-established seafood restaurant in San Diego; located on Pearl St. in La Jolla, San Diego. The restaurant’s seafood is sourced directly from local fishermen, so it’s always fresh and of the highest quality.
Just minutes from San Diego’s iconic beaches, this upscale restaurant has something for everyone. The market lets you take home your favorite seafood staples for later dining, after you’ve experienced the wonder of the restaurant’s dishes, of course! Indulge yourself in freshly caught salmon, king crab legs, and much more.
Seafood cocktails can help spice up your experience, with avocado, sesame seeds, and green onions and soy sauce all put together with sashimi quality tuna.
5. Ironside Fish and Oyster
This laid-back seafood restaurant boasts some impressive reviews among its patrons, some even referring to it as “the best seafood restaurant around”. Of course, we’ll leave that to you to decide.
Everything from fresh halibut, clams and oysters, octopus and calamari, and shrimp and crab are available on the Ironside menu. Don’t forget the whole lobster option for you crustacean lovers out there! Whatever your taste may be, you can satisfy it at Ironside without breaking the bank.
Outdoor seating is available, as well as a decent drinks list and happy hours to entice even the most frugal of spenders. Never been to Ironside? No problem! The staff are friendly and will help guide you in making the perfect choice of seafood to satisfy your palate.
6. The Fishery
The Fishery is one of the most highly rated and recommended seafood restaurants in the San Diego area, boasting an incredible list of locally sourced fresh fish and other ingredients, a friendly and courteous staff, and calming atmosphere to put you at ease while you feast on the amazing cuisine.
You’ll find no lack of options here; from sushi to Pacific Swordfish and everything in between, The Fishery stocks all manner of ocean-sourced dishes. Expertly prepared and seasoned to perfection, you’ll soon learn why this restaurant has such a dedicated following.
Located on Cass St. just minutes from the coastline, you’ll be close enough to the ocean to smell that fresh sea breeze while you enjoy locally sourced fish straight from the ocean itself. With better ingredients, excellent service, and a diverse menu, The Fishery makes our list, and although it’s last, it’s certainly not the least of the best seafood restaurants in San Diego.
