Top 7 Seafood Places in San Diego You Need to Visit

Treat Yourself to an Upscale Seafood Dinner During Your Next Night Out

As a popular port city, it should come as no surprise that San Diego serves some of the best seafood in the country. Situated just along the Pacific Ocean, this city offers a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. Are you tired of cooking at home? Treat yourself to a fine seafood dinner at one of San Diego’s many restaurants. If you’re looking for a new seafood spot, check out these popular restaurants we are featuring in our newest article! 

Seafood in San Diego

There’s nothing quite like a fine night out on the town. If you’re looking to treat a close friend or family member, consider surprising them with a virtual GiftYa card! GiftYa cards can be applied to different restaurants around the city, including the ones we featured below. Whether your friend wants a classic lobster roll or a bowl of seafood pasta, San Diego’s bustling restaurants have everything your friend could want for a fun dinner out. 

1. Sally’s Fish House & Bar

Waterside seafood restaurant offering an outdoor patio perfect for warm nights

Guests are treated to a gorgeous view of the water from the outdoor patio. Image courtesy of Yelp

1 Market Pl | Harbor Dr | sallyssandiego.com

Located by the San Diego Bay, Sally’s Fish House & Bar offers the enticing combination of a gorgeous waterside view and fresh seafood dishes. While the popular restaurant is temporarily closed, it doesn’t hurt to scope out its offerings in the meantime. 

Each of its dishes are made from locally-sourced ingredients to ensure their freshness and superior quality. During non-COVID times, the restaurant typically offers mouth-watering dishes like the Grilled All Natural Filet Mignon and the Seared Salmon. Whether you want to organize a dinner with friends or plan a special date night, you should make sure you keep Sally’s on your radar!

“I try to get the catch of the day at these places and here it was jumbo prawns. Soo good! And not to mention the restaurant oversees the harbor. If it's a nice day, eating on the patio would be nice.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Sally’s Fish House & Bar. 

2. Oscar’s Mexican Seafood

Popular Mexican seafood restaurant near Pacific Beach

It’s always a good time to enjoy a Surf & Turf Taco. Image courtesy of Yelp

703 Turquoise St | Pacific Beach | oscarsmexicanseafood.com

For years, Oscar’s Mexican Seafood has served as a top destination for delicious seafood dishes, savory tacos, and inventive drinks. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all available at this popular seafood spot, making it easy to fit in time to order a meal during your busy day! At the moment, Oscar’s is only open for take-out. So while you can’t enjoy a meal inside its laid back atmosphere, you can still try some of its delicious cuisine at home!

If you want to start your meal off with an appetizer, you can choose between the cucarachas, which are battered and fried shrimp, or the garden fish salad. As for the main dish, you have a wide variety of options to choose from including different types of ceviche, grilled fish, and tacos. 

“Super yummy tacos!! My favorite is the Shrimp & Chorizo taco, it's soooo good!! My kind of surf and turf on a taco! And one taco is pretty filling, I ordered two and couldn't even finish half of the second one. You can taste that their seafood is fresh, and their seasoning is just perfect.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Oscar’s Mexican Seafood. 

3. Azuki Sushi Lounge

Japanese restaurant known for its innovative dishes and fresh rolls

Sit down and enjoy some delicious sushi with a friend. Image courtesy of Yelp

2321 5th Ave | Banker’s Hill | azukisushi.com

In the mood for some fresh sushi? Stop by Azuki! Located in the heart of San Diego near the Gaslamp Quarter, you will find classic sushi options, a raw bar, specialty rolls, and even family platters! Shared plates such as the miso glazed eggplant and spicy albacore tataki are also great for couples or groups. In addition to its wide selection of sushi and entrees, Azuki also offers sake, wine, beer, Japanese whiskey, and cocktails. 

“This sushi is life changing. I sometimes think about the different salmon nigiris when I crave sushi. They use extremely fresh salmon and it just melts in your mouth. The prices are a little high but you are paying for high quality sushi at this restaurant so it is worth it in my opinion.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Azuki Sushi Lounge. 

4. Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill

Mexican-style seafood tacos await you at this bustling spot

The Salmon Sashimi makes a wonderful light lunch. Image courtesy of Yelp

3667 India St | Middletown, Mission Hills | bluewaterseafoodsandiego.com

At Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill, you will find delicious seafood dishes featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. All of their fish are wild and organic to ensure only the best food is served to your table. Whether you order the Scottish Salmon Sandwich or Beer-Battered Tacos, you are in for a treat! At the Mission Hills location, you can order bottled beer, craft beer, local craft cans, and wine with your meal! 

“Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill does not need my YELP Review--but I need their fresh, perfectly grilled swordfish/halibut/scallops! Generous portions with home-made sauces, tomatillo, tartar, thousand island, all pop w/flavor, not too salty.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill. 

5. Submarine Crab

Laidback eatery featuring Cajun-style seafood

Photo of Submarine Crab - San Diego, CA, United States. Grilled Oysters
Share a plate of the grilled oysters with some friends. Image courtesy of Yelp

4647 Convoy St | Kearny Mesa | submarinecrabsd.com

At the Submarine Crab, you can enjoy hearty servings of delicious seafood inside a casual eatery. This San Diego restaurant’s roots extend down to Louisiana and Texas, which is probably why its crawfish is so phenomenal. 

To start your meal off on the right foot, we recommend ordering an appetizer such as the Cajun Coconut Snails or Lemongrass Clams. For the main dish, you have a wide selection of choices to choose from, such as the Seafood Casserole and Cajun Fried Rice. If you managed to save enough room for dessert, you can try the Flan or share some Beignets with friends!

“From arriving to finishing I was very impressed with our server. Positive energy & vibe, I'm in love with this place & will definitely be back. Everything we ordered was delicious. Our food was hot, fresh & didn't take long to come out. Oysters were fresh & cold, gumbo was perfect, fried crabs was moist & delicious, fried calamari & fish was seasoned perfectly.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Submarine Crab. 

6. Water Grill

Top seafood destination located in the Gaslamp district

Photo of Water Grill - San Diego - San Diego, CA, United States. Shrimp and grits
One of their most popular dishes in the shrimp and grits. Image courtesy of Yelp

615 J St | Gaslamp, East Village | watergrill.com/sandiego

Since 2015, San Diego locals have flocked to the Water Grill to enjoy some of the freshest seafood in the city. Classic seafood dishes such as Clam Chowder and Crisp Calamari are perfect for starting off your meal. Specialty sushi rolls such as the Spicy Lobster Roll and King Crab California are also popular among guests. You can also select a dish from the restaurant’s raw bar or order some chilled shellfish. Inventive cocktails like the Castaway and Rosewood are perfect for enjoying alongside your meal. Whatever you get, you are sure to leave feeling filled and satisfied. 

“We started off with oysters and bread. The oysters were fabulous and our waiter, Gustavo, was so knowledgeable about the entire menu. He was super attentive and made our whole night great. We also had 3 drinks, the accidental crossing (bartender special), the rosewood, and an old fashioned and all were to die for.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Water Grill. 

7. Island Prime — C Level Lounge

Popular upscale restaurant offering stunning views of the San Diego skyline

Photo of C Level - San Diego, CA, United States. Salmon
The salmon is one of their most popular dishes. Image courtesy of Yelp

880 Harbor Island Dr | San Diego | cohnrestaurants.com

Looking to book a romantic evening out with your partner? Make a reservation at Island Prime! Located atop the San Diego Bay, Island Prime offers gorgeous views of the skyline and the water that borders it. As for the food itself, you will find fresh options such as Warm Tuna Nicoise and Seared Sea Scallops on the menu. Inventive cocktails like the Endless Summer and Isle of Zen are perfect for accompanying your meal. If you’re more of a beer person, Island Prime has a wide selection of that as well! 

“Went on a Friday around 12 for the first time and had a great experience. We sat outside next to the water. It was a perfect temperature. They also have heaters for later in the day. The  service was fast and they were on top of everything.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Island Prime — C Level Lounge. 

In a seaside city like San Diego, there’s no shortage of fine seafood restaurants to visit. Which restaurant do you want to try for your next night out? Let us know in the comments!

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Trae Bodge

Trae Bodge is the shopping expert here at GiftYa. Trae helps people find the best deals and ideas on popular new items to purchase.

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