Whether you are a local or you are in town on vacation, there is no denying that San Diego is an amazing place to dine on some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste. With the ocean practically in their backyards, local chefs have access to all sorts of delectable ingredients, and they are always coming up with new and creative ways to serve fish and shellfish to diners.
There are a lot of seafood joints to choose from throughout the San Diego area, but if you are looking for the best of the best, there are certain establishments that rise above the rest. If you aren’t sure where to enjoy the best coastal cuisine in San Diego, keep reading to discover a few popular options!
Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine
Located in San Diego’s popular Gaslamp Quarter, Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine is a cutting-edge dining establishment that serves up fresh seafood and delicious seasonal ingredients with innovative twists. It’s also a great place to go when you want to enjoy a delicious handcrafted cocktail with your meal.
Chef JoJo Ruiz grew up in San Diego and trained under Michelin star and celebrity chefs. Working with a network of local produce growers and fishermen, he ensures that the kitchen at Lionfish uses only fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu features both sustainable seafood dishes and prime meats, all of which are prepared with unique twists to tantalize guests’ tastebuds.
Serẽa Coastal Cuisine
Chef JoJo Ruiz is also responsible for the delectable menu at Serẽa Coastal Cuisine, which is located inside Hotel Del Coronado. Situated across the Bay from downtown San Diego in Coronado, a visit to this luxury hotel is a must if you want to experience some of the best coastal cuisines that California has to offer.
Following in the footsteps of 1500 Ocean, the newly rebranded Serẽa Coastal Cuisine is a San Diego seafood restaurant that provides diners with the ultimate sea-to-table experience by serving up fresh, sustainable seafood with a hint of Mediterranean flair. Dishes are also made using seasonal produce grown by Southern California farmers to ensure optimal quality and support the local community.
Serẽa offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and an upscale dining experience that cannot be missed. The expansive, environmentally friendly menu features a wide range of cooked and raw options ranging from whole fresh fish to seafood towers to artfully composed dishes. Serẽa also offers mouthwatering heritage meats from farms in California and the Baja Peninsula. No matter what you are in the mood for, Serẽa is an amazing place to enjoy some of the best seafood in san diego.
Blue Point Coastal Cuisine
Blue Point Coastal Cuisine has been serving up some of San Diego’s finest seafood since 1996. Located in the trendy Gaslight Quarter, this local favorite was actually the first seafood and oyster bar to open up in the area. It focuses on serving up traditional seafood classics in fresh and innovative ways. Other specialties include steaks and chops, and in many ways, Blue Point has the feel of an old-fashioned supper club with a nautical vibe.
When you step inside, you are enveloped in a rich cherry wood interior featuring brass railings and leather booths. The entire atmosphere exudes elegance. When you visit, you can expect first-class service and incredible food and beverages that will not disappoint. Enjoy your meal in the upscale dining room or, if you prefer, dine on the outdoor patio and take in the hustle and bustle of the Gaslamp Quarter.
The Marine Room
Few San Diego restaurants are as iconic as The Marine Room. Located north of the city in La Jolla, this dining establishment has been serving up exquisite cuisine in a thrilling environment for more than 75 years. It is one of San Diego’s best restaurants and has won numerous awards.
While many area restaurants offer beautiful ocean views, The Marine Room is literally right on the beach. Whether you are seated next to the window or in an elevated booth, you will feel like you could almost reach out and touch the waves. During especially high tides, the surf actually pounds against the window creating a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Executive chef Bernard Guillas and his team serve up mouth-watering dishes like Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna, Skuna Bay Salmon, and other coastal favorites along with Angus Beef Filet Mignon and Cervena Elk Loin to appeal to any palate. Dishes are prepared using fresh, local seafood, hand-selected seasonal produce, and other high-quality ingredients to ensure that each meal tastes absolutely incredible.
The Fishery
Located just three blocks from the Pacific Ocean, The Fishery has been a San Diego seafood favorite since opening its doors in 1997. This unique business features both a sit-down restaurant that serves up sustainable seafood dishes and a market that sells the freshest fish and shellfish along with gourmet food items, wines that pair well with fish, freshly baked bread, and apparel.
Chef Paul Arias creates menus that are driven by the market and change with the seasons. He creates dishes using fish straight from the sea and local seasonal produce to ensure all ingredients are at their peak of freshness. A California native, he is passionate about preparing delicious coastal cuisine that is adventurous, imaginative, and even has a touch of humor.
On Tasting Tuesdays, diners can enjoy fish straight from the sea and local, organic vegetables and fruit. The menu changes weekly and provides an opportunity for guests to sample fresh, unique dishes.
Conclusion
As a city by the sea, it should come as no surprise that San Diego is a great place to dine on incredible seafood. There are seafood restaurants spread throughout the area where you can enjoy everything from a simple fish taco to a gourmet meal. The five spots listed above are just a few of the best places to go when you are trying to figure out where to enjoy coastal cuisine in San Diego.
